September 21, 2026 (MLN): This morning’s brief highlights key developments from the previous day, providing readers with a concise overview ahead of the trading session.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has cleared its adjudication backlog by deciding 573 cases and imposing penalties exceeding Rs4.73 billion on violators of the Companies Act and other applicable laws.
SE Fruits and Vegetable Limited reported a net profit of PKR303.82 million for the year ended June 30, 2026, but generated only PKR3.74 million from core operations. The sharp difference was driven by trade receivables rising to nearly PKR1 billion as mango shipments were completed near the year-end. Management said cash was collected subsequently, with more than 97% recovered by September 18.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index ended the week at 170,884.59 points, gaining 372.73 points, or 0.22%, from 170,511.86 points on September 11, 2026.
The Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division reduced the ex-depot prices of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) by Rs0.88 per litre and Motor Spirit (petrol) by Rs1.65 per litre, effective from September 19 to September 21, 2026.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised Rs181.12 billion in face value through an auction of Fixed Rate Pakistan Investment Bonds. Competitive, non-competitive and short-selling acceptances attracted total bids of Rs343.58 billion across five tenors.
Returns on bank deposits increased by 20 basis points to 4.17% in August 2026, from 3.97% in July, according to the latest official data.
Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 Index extended its recovery on Friday, rising 1,841.39 points, or 1.09%, to close at 170,884.58. Strong buying in banks, cement, fertilizer and exploration stocks supported investor sentiment.
Nishat (Chunian) Limited (PSX: NCL) reported a 108% increase in consolidated net profit for the year ended June 30, 2026, reaching Rs1.56 billion compared with Rs751.45 million in the previous year.
Foreign investors repatriated $296.2 million in profits and dividends during August 2026, up 13.31% from $261.4 million in July but down 15.07% from $348.7 million a year earlier, according to data released by the SBP.
On September 21, 2026, the SBP conducted reverse repo and Shariah-compliant modarabah-based open market operations, injecting a combined Rs2.64 trillion into the market. The reverse repo operation accounted for Rs2.31 trillion.
Gold prices in Pakistan rose on Friday, with 24-karat gold reaching Rs460,336 per tola, an increase of Rs6,900.
The board of National Foods Limited (PSX: NATF) approved a subdivision of its share capital. Each existing Rs5 ordinary share will be divided into five Rs1 ordinary shares, leaving paid-up capital unchanged.
Pakistan’s commercial banking sector remained resilient during the first half of 2026, maintaining stable performance despite shifting interest-rate conditions and pressure on operating costs.
The Pakistani rupee edged higher against the US dollar in Friday’s interbank trading, settling at PKR277.25 per dollar compared with PKR277.26 in the previous session.
National Foods Limited (PSX: NATF) posted strong year-end results, with consolidated profit increasing more than sixfold to Rs26.39 billion for the year ended June 30, 2026, from Rs4.42 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Murree Brewery Company Limited (PSX: MUREB) recorded a 16% rise in net profit for the year ended June 30, 2026, as earnings increased to Rs3.79 billion from Rs3.26 billion in the prior year.
Shareholders of Citi Pharma Limited (PSX: CPHL) approved a special resolution amending the company’s Memorandum of Association to permit entry into the cannabis and industrial hemp businesses.
LSE Capital Limited (PSX: LSECL) signed a memorandum of understanding with an unlisted financial services company regarding the proposed disposal of its stake in subsidiary Digital Custodian Company Limited (DCCL).
Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration and production sector delivered robust net profit growth in FY26. Higher revenue and broadly lower tax payments offset rising exploration and operating costs across the industry.
Cotton arrivals at ginning factories nationwide increased 19.17% to 2,388,682 bales by September 15, compared with 2,004,384 bales during the same period last year, according to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Association (PCGA).
Pakistan’s short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), rose 0.49% for the week ended September 17, 2026, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The SECP has approved Shariah-compliant digital financing options for small businesses.
Pakistan’s trade deficit narrowed 16.24% in August 2026 to $3.31 billion (Rs920.10 billion), compared with $3.95 billion (Rs1,099.72 billion) in July, according to revised PBS data.
Pakistan is shifting its economic priorities from stabilization toward investment, capital formation, exports and private sector-led growth. GDP growth recovered to 3.7% in FY26, while the fiscal deficit narrowed to 2.6% of GDP—a multi-year low—as the country recorded a primary surplus for the third consecutive year.
Gold prices rose globally on Friday, supported by lower oil prices and a subdued US dollar. Investors also continued to monitor developments in the Middle East and expectations for global monetary policy.
Oil prices declined on Friday as expectations of additional Saudi crude reaching international markets helped ease renewed concerns over escalating attacks involving Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces.
Karachi Port achieved a record liner shipping connectivity score, with its Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (PLSCI) rising to 343.02 in the second quarter of 2026 from 309.81 in the preceding quarter. The increase reflects deeper integration between Pakistan’s principal port and international shipping networks.
The Bank of Japan raised its uncollateralized overnight call rate to approximately 1.25% from around 1%, reaching its highest level in 31 years.
