June 1, 2026 (MLN): This daily digest curates essential updates to help readers navigate the Pakistani financial landscape.
Arif Habib Limited secured a comprehensive victory at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026, marking a significant achievement in Pakistan’s financial sector.
Pakistan’s equity market continued its upward trajectory during the week ending May 29, 2026, with the KSE-100 Index reaching 173,962.82, up from 167,844.25 the previous week.
The State Bank of Pakistan maintained the Special Cash Reserve Account (US$) rate at 2.62% for June 2026, a slight decrease from May’s 2.65% and April’s 2.66%.
Foreign exchange reserves rose by $66 million, or 0.39%, reaching $17.15 billion by May 22, 2026, according to SBP data.
The government announced a reduction in fuel prices, cutting petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs22 per litre, as stated by the Prime Minister’s Office.
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the critical need for completing water infrastructure projects to address the city’s growing demands.
The KSE-100 Index climbed 1.30% on Friday, closing at 173,962.81, buoyed by easing geopolitical tensions and a sharp drop in global oil prices.
RNG imports to Pakistan faced disruptions in May 2026, resulting in higher prices and reduced volumes on the SNGPL network.
iTANZ Technologies Limited (PSX:ITANZ) signed MoUs with three Chinese tech firms during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s China visit, targeting collaborations valued at approximately $45 million.
Authorities project Rs1.73 trillion in Petroleum Development Levy collections for FY27, representing a 17.8% year-on-year increase, per Arif Habib Limited.
The SBP injected Rs664 billion into the market via reverse repo and Shariah-compliant Modarabah-based Open Market Operations.
The Pakistani rupee strengthened against the US dollar, appreciating 0.95 paisa to settle at PKR 278.50 per USD on Friday.
Gold prices dipped in Pakistan, with 24-karat gold falling to Rs474,862 per tola, down Rs500.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange completed the recomposition of the PSX-KMI All Share Islamic Index, expanding it to 309 companies following the addition of 42 new constituents and removal of 19 others.
Trading in GoP Ijarah Sukuk (GIS) instruments will resume on June 1, 2026, after a suspension since May 20, with trading on May 30 and 31 postponed due to weekends.
The SBP purchased $933 million from the interbank market in February 2026, according to official data.
Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar conducted diplomatic meetings in New York during the UNSC Open Briefing, including talks with Czech and Chinese foreign ministers, and announced a forthcoming visit to Washington, D.C.
Gold prices edged higher on Friday as markets reacted to reports of a US-Iran ceasefire, amid persistent inflation concerns and expectations of elevated US interest rates.
JS Bank Limited expanded its stake in TRG Pakistan Limited (TRGP) to 14.92% through enforcement actions.
The federal government will present the annual budget on June 5, following parliamentary session approval.
Systems Limited (PSX:SYS) reported a 21% increase in net profit for Q1 2026, earning Rs3.03 billion compared to Rs2.50 billion in the same period last year.
The Lahore High Court approved the merger scheme between Confiz Limited and Systems Limited (PSX:SYS), reinforcing corporate governance principles.
NBP’s treasury division released interbank exchange rates on Friday.
Oil prices declined on Friday, marking a potential weekly low amid tentative US-Iran ceasefire reports.
Asian markets closed higher on Friday as investors monitored Iran’s conflict and hopes for a temporary truce between Tehran and Washington.
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