Pakistan Economy: Could the disbursement be delayed? - By Taurus Research

Mar 24 2025


Taurus Securities


  • According to the IMF’s End-of-Mission Statement on the 1st EFF Review, significant progress has been made towards reaching the Staff Level Agreement (SLA). Moreover, the IMF has also termed the program implementation so far as ’strong’. However, it seems that the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) is yet to be finalized as virtual talks continue.
  • The longer it takes for the MEFP to be agreed to (basic requirement for the SLA we believe), the longer it may take for the next tranche to be disbursed as the final approval has to come from the IMF Executive Board. In fact, Pakistan’s case may be subject to prior actions once again—some traction on this end is evident.
  • For instance, the SBP has paused the easing cycle despite significantly positive real-interest rates on a forward-looking basis, in order to reinforce the external sector. In addition, the Government has also agreed to a 43% reduction in trade related tariffs as per the IMF directives over the next five years in order to completely open the economy to foreign competition.

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Textiles: Pause-period for US tariffs ending today - By JS Research

Jul 8 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The 90-day pause period for the implementation of reciprocal tariffs expires today. Meanwhile, US govt plans to issue letters to all countries which have not struck a deal yet and are likely to face higher than previously announced tariffs effective 1st August, 2025.
  • Countries having completed successful round of bilateral trade agreements including Pakistan, are expected to face a lower tariff, however, a minimum baseline tariff of 10% is likely to remain. A formal notification of the same is likely to be announced along with other trading partners with negotiated contracts.
  • With softening of US stance towards Pakistan since the cease-fire between India and Pakistan and a potential successful round of dialogues between the two, optimism towards Pak Textile sector has gained strength, with an upside of 38% from its low seen in May-2025 and 21% from the pre-tariff announcement levels.
Cement: Capacity Utilization at Record Low, Huge Growth Potential - By Sherman Research

Jul 8 2025


Sherman Securities


  • Currently, cement sector is running on historical low utilization level of 55% versus last 30-year average utilization of 76%. The main reason for this significant decline is that although capacity has increased sharply, demand has remained subdued over the past few years. To note, cement capacity in Pakistan has increased to 84.6mn tons as compared to 9mn tons in FY92, (up 9x) during the years.
  • Historically, we have observed that capacity expansions have only been undertaken when utilization surpasses 80%, therefore, we do not expect any capacity expansion in the near term. Furthermore, the pause in expansion is expected to enhance the liquidity of companies, which could enable them to increase their payout going forward.
  • During FY25, local dispatches arrived at 37mn tons compared to 38.2mn tons during FY24. Thus, during last 4 years, cement sales posted consistent decline on annualized basis reaching at 8 – year low level in FY25.
Morning News: Reserves up: SBP eyes global bond market - By Next Research

Jul 8 2025


Next Capital


  • According to the central bank, reserves reached $14.5 billion by the end of June, surpassing the IMF’s target of $13.9 billion and exceeding even the Governor’s own projections. The hard work is paying off. SBP has been persistent in buying dollars from the interbank market, and now, finally, the international commercial financing channel has reopened. The next move is to tap into the international bond market — starting with the Panda bond, followed by a Eurobond issuance.
  • In a significant economic achievement, the government of Pakistan has demonstrated its firm commitment to fiscal discipline and long-term stability by retiring Rs 1.5 trillion in public debt ahead of schedule in FY25. This substantial early repayment has contributed to a notable improvement in Pakistan’s fiscal indicators, bringing the debt-to-GDP ratio down from 75 percent in FY23 to 69 percent in FY25.
  • The government has repaid a debt of Rs500 billion to the central bank ahead of its scheduled maturity in 2029, resulting in an early retirement of Rs1.5 trillion in public debt, a senior finance official said on Monday.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Upside likely - By JS Research

Jul 8 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index witnessed a positive session to close at 133,370, up 1,421 points DoD. Volumes stood at 920mn shares compared to 733mn shares traded in the previous session. The index is likely to retest yesterday’s high of 133,862; a break above this level could target 135,232, with potential to rise further towards 137,549 level. Meanwhile, any downside will be tested between 132,460 and 132,610 levels, respectively. The RSI and MACD continue to rise, reinforcing the positive outlook. We advise investors to ‘Buy on dips,’ with risk defined below 130,716. The support and resistance are placed at 132,604 and 133,999, respectively.
Morning News: SBP governor speaks of policy mix: - By HMFS Research

Jul 8 2025


HMFS Research


  • Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad has said that unlike in the previous episodes of boom-bust cycles, the current policy mix remains conducive to a lasting increase in economic activity rather than a short-sighted, fragile, and populist ‘sugar rush’. Governor SBP also assured that SBP is fully committed to undertake structural reforms and lay the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Both SBP and the government remain steadfast in their approach to transitioning from recently hard-earned economic stability to a medium-term economic transformation. This resolve is reflected in our prudent and cautious monetary policy stance, and fundamentals aligned exchange rate, and ongoing fiscal consolidation and improving debt dynamics.
  • The government has repaid a debt of Rs500 billion to the central bank ahead of its scheduled maturity in 2029, resulting in an early retirement of Rs1.5 trillion in public debt, a senior finance official said. Pakistan’s debtto-GDP ratio decreased from 75 percent in FY23 to 69 percent in FY25 due to early debt repayments. The successful buyback of Rs1 trillion in market debt, completed by December 2024, marked the first such operation in Pakistan’s history. Alongside this, the early repayment of the SBP Rs500 billion debt has collectively led to the early retirement of Rs1.5 trillion in public debt during FY25, said Khurram Schehzad, an advisor to the finance minister. The early retirement of central bank debt, executed by the Debt Management Office (DMO), marks a breakthrough in Pakistan’s debt management strategy. Early debt retirement while converting shorter tenure with longer-tenure debt significantly reduces concentration risk, lowers future liabilities, and strengthens the country’s macroeconomic foundations by curbing reliance on borrowings.
  • The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified businesses, including importers, suppliers, and manufacturers, of tightened restrictions under Section 21 of the Income Tax Ordinance for FY26, aimed at discouraging excessive cash dealings and broadening the tax net. Under the directive, any cash transaction exceeding PKR 200,000 will not be treated as an allowable business expense. Consequently: 50% of such expenditure will be recognized for tax purposes. The disallowed portion will attract an additional tax burden, effectively raising the cost by 20.5%.For completely disallowed transactions, the effective impact could surge to 79.5%. Businesses are urged to ensure all supplier and client payments are processed through proper banking channels to avoid heavy penalties and additional scrutiny by FBR
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day July 7, 2025 - By JS Research

Jul 7 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 Index surged 1.4% to an all-time intraday high of 133,862.01, driven by optimism over trade negotiations, macroeconomic stability, and a strong corporate earnings outlook. Falling inflation, strengthening FX reserves, and capital inflows are enhancing investor confidence, while higher taxes on alternative assets are redirecting capital into equities. With earnings season ahead and technical indicators breaking new ground, we expect the bullish momentum to persist in the near term, supported by favorable macro trends and reallocation from fixed-income instruments.
Market Wrap: Bullish Momentum Carries KSE-100 Beyond 133,000 - By HMFS Research

Jul 7 2025


HMFS Research


  • The market continued its unrelenting bullish streak, surging past the 133,862 mark for the first time in history. This milestone rally was fueled by renewed investor confidence, driven by key trade developments and sector-specific momentum. Investor sentiment received a notable boost as Pakistan and the U.S. concluded a critical round of trade talks ahead of the July 9 deadline. While an official announcement is still awaited, early signs point to a favorable deal for Pakistan’s export sectors. Adding to the positive momentum, OGDC reported a production uplift following the successful installation of an ESP at Rajian-05, where it holds full ownership—further reinforcing its operational strength. The rally was led by the banking and fertilizer sectors, supported by expectations of strong upcoming results and favorable sectoral tailwinds. The KSE-100 index closed at 133,370 level, up 1,421 points in a robust session. Market activity remained upbeat, with 344 million shares traded on the KSE100 and total market volume reaching 915 million shares. Volume leaders included IMAGE (48mn), BOP (43mn), and WTL (37mn). While a short-term breather cannot be ruled out given the sharp upward trajectory, overall sentiment is expected to remain strong amid continued macroeconomic improvement. Investors are advised to stay focused on fundamentally sound stocks with long-term value.
Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC): OGDC enhances production at Rajian-05 well - By AKD Research

Jul 7 2025


AKD Securities


  • Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC) has enhanced production in Rajian-05 through installation of electrical submersible pumps (ESP). Following the workover, production has increased to 3.1kbpd of oil and 1.0mmcfd of gas, compared to 1.1k bpd/0.5mmcfd of oil/gas during 3QFY25. Notably, OGDC is the wholly-owned operator of the Rajian heavy oil field, where several workovers and artificial lift systems have been implemented at previous wells to expedite revival. We anticipate the aforementioned development to have an annualized EPS impact of ~PkR1.3 per sh for OGDC, respectively.
Pakistan Power: Base tariff cut and circular debt overhaul to reshape energy sector outlook - By AKD Research

Jul 7 2025


AKD Securities


  • The national base tariff is determined at PkR34.0/kwh for FY26, down by 4%YoY compared to PkR35.5/kwh in FY25.
  • GoP has accelerated its power sector reform agenda, with the PkR1.25tn commercial bank borrowing facility to reduce the mounting circular
  • Continued resolution of the circular debt would be beneficial for companies under our coverage space, namely: OGDC (Dec’25 TP: PkR371/sh), PPL (Dec’25 TP: PkR281/sh) and PSO (Dec’25 TP: PkR729/sh).
Autos: Marking FY25 as a year of recovery - By JS Research

Jul 7 2025


JS Global Capital


  • We preview automobile sales volumes for Jun-2025, expecting the three major players including Indus Motors Company Ltd (INDU), Honda Atlas Cars Ltd (HCAR), and Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd to post combined growth of 33%/9% YoY/MoM, reaching ~14.5k units – highest since Dec-2022.
  • All three companies are projected to post strong YoY volume growth, with HCAR leading peers with 65% YoY growth in Jun2025, followed by PSMC (+31% YoY), and INDU (+25% YoY), helped by pre-budget buying ahead of anticipated negative budgetary measures. Meanwhile, Sazgar Engineering Works Ltd (SAZEW) volumes also rose 55% YoY in Jun-2025.
  • For FY25 cumulatively, the auto sector witnessed a strong recovery, with volumes expected to grow by 37% to ~121k units, supported by improving macroeconomic stability and a rebound in consumer confidence amid stable car prices.
Cement: June’25 dispatches down 26%MoM - By Taurus Research

Jul 3 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Total Cement dispatches in June’25 down 26%MoM on the back of lower construction demand and rise in geo-political conflict, declining exports i.e. domestic and export sales dropped by 29% MoM and 13%MoM, respectively. On a YoY basis, total domestic sales were down 16% in June’25 as higher taxes along with higher FED and increase in the cost of construction materials has reduced construction demand compared to the SPLY. However, exports during June’25 surged massively by 82%YoY on account of increase in clinker and cement demand from the regional/exporting countries during the period.
  • North-based domestic sales decreased 26%MoM in June’25 due to decline in the construction activities amid bad weather conditions and lower construction demand. Wherein, export sales were down 14%MoM amid escalation of war in the MiddleEast. South-based domestic sales dropped significantly by 44% MoM in June’25. On the export front, South-based exports were down 13%MoM, respectively.
  • On a YoY basis, North-based domestic sales down 14%YoY in June’25 due to lower construction demand i.e. impact of higher taxes and surge in construction material cost. However, Northbased exports were up significantly by 91%YoY, reflecting higher demand from the export regions. On the South front, domestic sales during June’25 decreased by 23%YoY. However, export sales surged by 79%YoY to 0.65Mn tons, respectively.
Economy: Jun’25 Volumes surge 2%MoM, up 8%YoY - By Taurus Research

Jul 2 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Petroleum products off-take for Jun’25 stood at approximately 1.56Mn tons, reflecting a monthly growth of 2%. Similarly, on a yearly basis, sales were up 8%YoY. The increase in volumes on a MoM basis was primarily driven by lower POL prices along with controlled smuggling activities.
  • Specifically, volumes for MS increased 5%MoM and 5%YoY. HSD volumes grew 9%YoY growth but declined 8%MoM. However, FO sales increased 62%MoM but increased 22%YoY, primarily due to low RLNG consumption and excess of LNG supply and heightened electricity demand.
  • Moreover, FY25 saw a surge in POL sales which were up 7%YoY primarily due to higher demand for MS, HSD, HOBC and KERO, up 6%, 10%, 1.7x and 19%YoY, respectively.
Attock Cement Pakistan Limited (ACPL): Strong interest from potential buyers… Dec’25 TP of PKR 352, warrants a ‘BUY’ - By Taurus Research

Jun 30 2025


Taurus Securities


  • We reiterate our ’BUY’ rating for Attock Cement Pakistan Limited (ACPL) with a Dec’25 target price of PKR 352/sh. offering an upside of 26% over the last day’s close. Our investment thesis primarily focuses on the Company’s strategic business advantages like: i) Presence in the South (2nd largest producer in the South) and the export market (15% share of Pakistan’s cement exports); and ii) Cost advantages (low dependence on the National Grid); coupled with an attractive valuation.
  • In addition, the location of the Company’s plant offers it immense strategic advantages like proximity to major projects like CPEC-Phase-II, Reko Diq and other mining & highway projects etc.; specially in the context of Balochistan, along with access to sea ports like Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar. Other triggers also include savings due to lower finance costs, going forward.
  • Moreover, recently the Company has also attracted strong interest from potential buyers in light of its sponsor’s intentions of a potential sale of the Company. The latter can be a strong catalyst for the current share price of the Company as it continues to trade at a massive discount on a replacement cost basis. Hence, a potential acquisition offer may be well above the current price.
TRG Pakistan Limited (TRG): 9MFY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaways - By Taurus Research

Jun 25 2025


Taurus Securities


  • The principal activity of TRG Pakistan is to manage a portfolio of investments in the business process outsourcing sector through its associate, The Resource Group International Limited (TRGIL). TRG Pakistan invests in the Technology, IT enabled services, and medicare insurance sectors. Its clients include companies from The Global 100. Through TRGIL, TRG Pakistan owns a 13% stake in both Afiniti and IBEX. Afiniti focuses on AI-based contact center optimization and IBEX specializes in outsourced customer interactions. Afiniti is controlled by Vista Lend Consortium. IBEX was listed on NASDAQ in 2020.
  • IBEX recorded 3QFY25 topline growth of 11%YoY at USD 540Mn, while 1QFY25 and 2QFY25 toplines recorded a growth of 4%YoY and 6%YoY, respectively. IBEX continues to outperform its peers with a 75% increase in its share price during the LTM, breaking the USD 30 level. Afiniti halved its senior debt by converting 50% of it into convertible preferred stock.
  • During 9MFY25, TRG recorded interest income of PKR 1.7Mn compared to PKR 1.8Mn during the SPLY. The Company recorded administrative and other expenses of PKR 456Mn compared to PKR 199Mn during the SPLY. This resulted in an operating loss of PKR 454Mn during 9MFY25 compared to PKR 196Mn during the SPLY.
Pakistan Economy: Jun’25 NCPI to arrive at 3.4%YoY/0.4%MoM - By Taurus Research

Jun 24 2025


Taurus Securities


  • We expect headline inflation for the month of Jun’25 to clock-in at 3.4%YoY owing to the base effect primarily, along with the sequential increase in food inflation and elevated core inflation. Hence, average inflation for FY25 is expected to touch-down at 4.7%YoY (down 19.3ppts over FY24).
  • During the month, we anticipate food prices to drive the general price level on the back of significant surge in prices of vegetables like Potatoes (up 20%MoM), Onions (up 8%MoM) & Tomatoes (up 30%MoM), mainly. This is expected to be offset by ~17% MoM fall in the price of Chicken (possibly due to lower consumption because of Eid) and stagnant or muted increase in the prices of other food items for the month.
  • However, Chicken prices are likely to increase in the coming months as the Government has proposed to impose a PKR 10 FED on one-day old chicks, as part of the Budget FY26.
Morning News: In another twist, Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire - By Taurus Research

Jun 24 2025


Taurus Securities


  • US President Donald Trump said late on Monday that a ceasefire has been agreed between Israel and Iran.
  • Pakistan has announced to extend its airspace restrictions on Indian aircraft for another month until July 23, 2025.
  • The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints —could deal a devastating blow to Pakistan’s already fragile economy, with soaring production, shipping, and insurance costs threatening industrial output, exports, and employment.
Janana De Malucho Textile Mills Limited (JDMT): 9MFY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaways - By Taurus Research

Jun 20 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Janana De Malucho Textile Mills Ltd was incorporated in Pakistan as a Public Company in 1960. The Company is mainly engaged in the business of manufacturing and sale of yarn.
  • In 9MFY25, sales clocked in at PKR 1.5Bn as compared to PKR 4.5Bn, down 67% over the SPLY mainly due to the suspension of production activities, weak demand, limited availability of cheaper imported yarn and inability to pass on price impact. The Company recorded gross loss of 29ppts arriving at -26% compared to 3% in the SPLY driven by the significant increase in its fuel & power costs from 18% to 20% during the period.
  • Finance costs arrived at PKR 218Mn compared to PKR 266Mn, down 18% over the SPLY driven by lower interest rate. Loss after tax arrived in at PKR 595Mn as compared to PKR 150Mn, up 3.0x over the SPLY primarily attributable to lower sale price of yarn and higher energy prices.
Economy: May’25 CAB posts a deficit of USD 103Mn - By Taurus Research

Jun 18 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Trade deficit continues to widen (up 16%MoM and 22% over the SPLY) as Pakistan’s CA posted a deficit of USD 103Mn during May’25. Goods exports fell 6% on a sequential basis. Whereas, goods imports increased 5%MoM. Services deficit recorded a contraction of 8% during the month to arrive at USD 2.7Bn in 11MFY25, up 1% over the corresponding period last year.
  • Remittances were the savior yet again, reflecting a growth of 16% over the previous month and 29% overall FYTD, clocking-in at USD 34.9Bn during 11MFY25. Consequently, 11MFY25 current account remains in a surplus of ~USD 1.8Bn. State Bank of Pakistan expects overall CAB for FY25 to post a sizeable surplus.
  • A dissection of the surge in imports shows that while petroleum imports posted a 7%MoM drop, machinery and transport group imports were up 17%MoM and 30%MoM, respectively. The latter is a strong indicator of uptick in economic activity. However, the situation poses a serious risk in case petroleum imports also surge on the back of soaring oil prices due to the evolving geopolitical situation. Resultantly, trade deficit is likely to widen further over the next few months, driving an even higher deficit.
Cement : Lahore High Court upholds 6% Royalty on Punjab Manufacturers - By Taurus Research

Jun 17 2025


Taurus Securities


  • In a recent development, the Lahore High Court has upheld its decision, to maintain the higher royalty charge i.e. 6% of the ex-factory cement price (PKR 1,250-1,350 per ton) – previously PKR 250/ton in FY24 for Punjab based manufacturers - ruling against the cement companies. We believe the affected Companies are likely to file on appeal against the judgment in the Supreme Court.
  • Hence, the decision cannot be considered final as yet. Nevertheless, cement companies operating out of Punjab are already providing for the higher royalty charge. However, encashment of bank guarantees for securing on earlier stay order may have slight impact on cash flows for these companies.
  • In contrast, KPK based cement producers are already enjoying high margins on selling cement bags at the discounted prices in Punjab. To recall, the KPK government announced provisional budget where they increased royalty charge from PKR 250/ton to PKR 350/ton. Resultantly, the disparity remains huge in the royalty charges of KPK and Punjab cement manufacturers i.e. PKR 950-1,050 per ton difference.
Economy: Jun’25 Monetary Policy Review - By Taurus Research

Jun 16 2025


Taurus Securities


  • State Bank of Pakistan’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in its meeting today kept the benchmark policy rate unchanged at 11.00%, in line with expectations. The MPC highlighted the marginal decline in core inflation in May’25, with expectations of NCPI trending upwards going forward – albeit remaining within the SBP’s target range of 5%-7%. Wherein, recent budgetary measures are likely to have limited impact on inflation, although upside risks to this outlook remain very high.
  • Economic growth is picking-up gradually, likely to gain more traction next year with the impact of earlier rate cuts still unfolding. The MPC also noted potential risks to the external sector in the form of: i) widening trade deficit; and ii) weak financials inflows. Additionally, certain proposed FY26 budgetary measures are also likely to widen the trade deficit more.
  • Moreover, the MPC also pointed towards the recent sharp increase in oil prices as a result of the evolving geo-political situation in the Middle-East. Accordingly, the MPC has flagged Pakistan’s external outlook as susceptible to multiple risks like heightened geopolitical tensions, volatility in international oil prices, possible adverse impact of proposed budgetary measures, and potential shortfalls in planned financial inflows.