Economy

A fruit vendor waits for customers in front of a makeshift Pakistan People's Party office in Karachi on Feb. 1. The country's economic crisis, including high inflation, is sure to challenge the next government.
Pakistan elections

Pakistan's economic crisis looms over last days of election campaign

Next government faces billions in debt bills, fallout from crackdown on Imran Khan

5 February 2024
A customer checks flags to be used for election campaigns at a shop in Karachi on Jan. 18.
Pakistan elections

Pakistan election battle focuses on fairness, security: 5 things to know

Economy on back burner as campaign puts a new spin on old problems

20 January 2024
Pakistan's caretaker government is pushing a plan to turn the IT sector into a bigger source of revenue. (Nikkei montage/Source photo by Reuters)
Economy

Pakistan faces hurdles on path to India-style tech takeoff

IT pros cite talent retention, internet shutdowns and payment limitations

15 January 2024
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar in Beijing on Oct. 19, during the Belt and Road Forum.
Belt and Road

Pakistan puts 'blind trust' in China as Belt and Road enters new phase

Countries agree to start major railway project but obstacles remain

23 October 2023
Pakistan International Airlines has racked up billions of dollars in losses, making it a burden the government is keen to unload.
Economy

Pakistan's new push to privatize national airline faces headwinds

Government aims to fast-track sale but experts say bankruptcy may be only option

14 October 2023
Soldiers patrol a corporate farming project in Pakistan's Punjab province on July 23 (EPA)
Economy

Pakistan army trades tanks for tractors in food-security push

Sprawling military-run farms stoke backlash over armed forces' pervasive presence

24 September 2023
Women supporters of Pakistan's Jamaat-e-Islami party protest against power price hikes in Karachi on Aug. 31.
Economy

Pakistan's inflated electricity rates spark public uproar

Citizens burn bills and protest but IMF terms leave government few options

4 September 2023
A shipping container yard in Karachi: The EU is Pakistan's primary export market.
Politics

Pakistan blasphemy law and violence risk EU trade status

Recent legislation, church attacks could have economic consequences, experts say

26 August 2023
A ship carrying Russian crude anchored in Karachi in June: Pakistan's refinery says the oil was processed successfully, but experts and officials have cast doubt on the viability of the imports.
Economy

Pakistan eyes deeper discounts as Russian oil imports hit snag

Current deal economically infeasible despite official denials, insiders say

19 August 2023
Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Pakistan's investment chief, speaks with Nikkei. (Photo by Takumi Kobayashi)
Economy

Pakistan needs to diversify its partners: top investment official

Chaudhry Salik Hussain seeks Japanese tech to help reduce reliance on imports

8 August 2023
Crew members check the deck of a ship delivering Russian crude oil to Pakistan at the port of Karachi in June.
Economy

Pakistan lines up Saudi-backed refinery as it eyes more Russian oil

$10bn project in Gwadar draws skepticism but some experts see long game

1 August 2023
Motorcyclists drive through a flooded road during heavy monsoon rains in Lahore, Pakistan, on July 5. Experts and residents fear a repeat of last year's massive flooding, compounded by unrepaired infrastructure.
Climate Change

Pakistan's flood-wrecked infrastructure faces deadly monsoons

Country fears last year's damage could compound this year's climate toll

11 July 2023
Truckers wait near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan during a temporary closure in February. Islamabad authorized formal barter trade in June, aiming to ease pressure on foreign reserves.
Economy

Pakistani barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran, Russia stuck in neutral

Plan to ease forex pressure met with disinterest amid strained Taliban ties

6 July 2023
A stock broker monitors the Pakistani market in Karachi on July 3, when share prices surged in reaction to the country's agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
Economy

Pakistan's IMF deal gives economy quick boost as next storm brews

Bailout agreement will push up tax and gas bills for citizens

5 July 2023
Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he would strengthen the country's democratic system and institutions if he were to become prime minister.
Interview

Pakistan foreign minister says country not in China 'debt trap'

Bhutto Zardari hints at hopes to follow mother's footsteps as premier

4 July 2023
A dome is installed over a Hualong One nuclear reactor in China in 2018 -- the same type being exported to Pakistan.
Energy

China positions Pakistan as nuclear power export springboard

Experts say Beijing has something to prove with $4.8bn project in struggling nation

2 July 2023
A currency exchange in Karachi: Islamabad agreed to raise taxes, cut government spending and hike interest rates to meet the IMF's terms for releasing more funds.
Economy

Pakistan, IMF reach $3bn bailout deal after months of delays

Crucial last-minute agreement offers respite for nation on brink of default

30 June 2023
Part of Karachi's port will be controlled and developed by a UAE group under a new lease agreement, as Pakistan scrambles to scrape together foreign funds.
Economy

Pakistan shifts gears to avoid default with port lease, FDI drive

Experts doubt Islamabad's ability to lure much investment without IMF support

23 June 2023
The Port of Karachi is Pakistan's largest port, located across the Arabian Sea from the United Arab Emirates. (Karachi Port Trust handout via Reuters)
International relations

Cash-strapped Pakistan in talks to transfer largest port to UAE

Deepening economic crisis has government scrambling for money

22 June 2023
This fishing vessel was packed with migrants from Pakistan, Syria and Egypt. It capsized off the southern Greek coast on June 14.  (Photo by Hellenic Coast Guard via Reuters)
International relations

Greece shipwreck highlights Pakistan human smuggling woes

Hundreds still missing after migrant vessel capsizes in Mediterranean Sea

20 June 2023
Workers check the deck of the Russian oil tanker Pure Point, carrying crude oil for delivery to Pakistan, sits at anchor in Karachi on June 13.
Economy

Pakistan pins hopes on Russian energy imports shrouded in secrecy

Government says deals in yuan will bring economic relief; experts aren't so sure

16 June 2023
A lifeguard patrols Juhu beach in Mumbai during a red flag alert due to approaching cyclone Biparjoy.
14 June 2023
A TV salesman watches Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar present the budget for the next fiscal year on June 9. 
Explainer

Pakistan eyes China debt help in post-budget fog: 5 things to know

Islamabad's spending and borrowing plans draw skepticism as IMF hopes dim

13 June 2023
People wait to receive food handouts in Karachi on March 30: Pakistan is caught in an economic crisis and faces a tight window to strike a deal with the IMF.
Economy

Pakistan enters crucial month for IMF talks to avoid default

Islamabad chafes at fund official's remarks on adhering to constitution

1 June 2023
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, left, meets with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on May 18 in Pishin on the two countries' border.
Energy

Militant attacks threaten cash-strapped Pakistan's energy plans

Forex crisis pushes Islamabad to eye local currency imports from neighbor Iran

29 May 2023