Morning News: IMF-govt talks conclude – By Darson Research

Nov 18 2024


Darson Securities


  • The IMF team, the sources said, stressed the need to implement tax targets and the National Fiscal Pact. The talks covered a wide range of economic issues, including provincial budgets, tax reforms, and foreign financing arrangements, where the Fund was convinced by provincial budget surplus. IMF stressed upon accelerating tax revenue collection to meet the tax target of Rs12,970 billion for the current financial year. The IMF team also urged for the collection of taxes on agricultural income starting January 2025.
  • The IMF shared its "preliminary findings" through the press release and stated that the detailed findings in the shape of the report would be presented before the Executive Board. The IMF's mission chief stated that Pakistan and the IMF staff "agreed with the need to continue prudent fiscal and monetary policies, revenue mobilization from untapped tax bases, while transferring greater social and development responsibilities to provinces". The issues that Nathan mentioned after the emergency visit are the ones where Pakistan is lagging behind the commitments, said the sources.
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to decrease State intervention in the economy and enhance competition, which will help foster the development of a dynamic private sector. After conclusion, the Fund issued a statement which noted that based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
Pakistan Economy: Aug’25 CPI likely to clock in at 4.1% - By Insight Research

Aug 29 2025


Insight Securities


  • Headline inflation is estimated at ~4.1% for Aug’25, compared to ~9.6% in SPLY and ~4.1% in preceding month. On MoM basis, inflation is expected to inch up by ~0.4%, amid increase in prices of food items the impact of which has been negated by lower electricity charges and decline in LPG price.
  • Within the SPI basket, items that recorded significant increase in prices during the period are as follows, Tomato (38.8↑%), Onions (21.5↑%), Eggs (9.9%↑), Fresh vegetables (4.0%↑) & Wheat (4.0%↑). On the flip side, prices of the following items eased off during the month, Fresh fruits (9.9%↓), LPG (9.8%↓), Potato (5.1%↓), Pulse moong (4.6%↓) & Sugar (4.1%↓).
  • We anticipate that the SBP will keep the policy rate unchanged in upcoming MPC, as the full impact of cumulative 1,100bps reduction in policy rate is still unfolding. The real sector remains in recovery mode following the strain of elevated inflation and sharp currency depreciation, both of which eroded purchasing power of masses. Furthermore, central bank’s tone in the last MPC suggested a pause for now, which will provide clarity to the market and encourage credit offtake in the coming months, given that no immediate cut in borrowing costs is expected. Hence, it appears prudent to maintain the policy rate at its current level and wait for the steep decline in interest rates to translate into real economic activity.
Bank Islami Pakistan Limited (BIPL): 2QCY25 Corporate Briefing – By Taurus Research

Aug 29 2025


Taurus Securities


  • BIPL is currently operating with 544 branches across Pakistan. Number of accounts as of Jun’25 are ~1.7Mn.
  • During CY25, the Bank launched AIK Digital App, which is one of its kind Islamic digital app, offering complete digital banking experience. The Bank is also planning to relocate its head-office, for which it has acquired a 32-storey building. Moreover, the Bank has also upgraded its core banking system to R-14 to enhance operational efficiencies and services.
Engro Holdings Limited (ENGROH): 1HCY25 Analyst Briefing Takeaways – By Foundation Research

Aug 29 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Engro Holdings Limited (ENGROH PA) held its Analyst Briefing to discuss the company’s financial/operational performance during 1HCY25 and prospects. The following are key takeaways of the session.
  • To recall, ENGROH’s PAT underwent a jump of 11.3x YoY in 2Q to PKR 69.3Bn due to thermal asset adjustments and re-measurements. However, excluding thermal asset adjustments, normalized PAT stood at only ~PKR 1.3Bn, reflecting the true underlying business performance. During 1HCY25, PAT reached PKR 73.3Bn versus PKR 13.8Bn in SPLY, recording a 5.3x YoY increase.
Morning News: ADB pledges $410m for Reko Diq project – By IIS Research

Aug 29 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Out of the total $6 billion funding committed by all international lenders for Reko Diq, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed to provide financing of $410 million.
  • Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday welcomed the interest of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in Pakistan’s landmark Reqo Diq mining project, terming it a pivotal moment for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and energy sectors.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100 targeting the 30-DMA; stay cautious – By JS Research

Aug 29 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index witnessed range bound activity to close at 147,344, down 151 points DoD. Volumes stood at 935mn shares compared to 857mn shares traded in the previous session. The index is expected to test support between 146,700 and 147,210 levels as a fall below, will extend the decline towards 146,057, followed by the 30-DMA at 143,859 level. However, any upside will face resistance in the range of 148,040-148,370 levels. The RSI and the MACD are moving down, supporting a corrective view. We recommend investors to stay cautious at current levels. The support and resistance are at 147,021 and 147,854 levels, respectively.
Morning News: SBP forex reserves rise by USD 18mn to USD 14.27bn – By Alpha-Akseer Research

Aug 29 2025


Alpha Capital


  • Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank rose for a third straight week and stood at USD 14.27bn as of August 22, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday.
  • Following the ongoing sugar crisis, Pakistan may now face a potential wheat flour crisis, as national wheat stocks stand at 33.47mn tons, slightly below the country’s annual consumption requirement of 33.58mn tons.
Morning News: RLNG arrears recovery: PD-private sector ‘alliance’ takes on Ogra – By HMFS Research

Aug 29 2025


HMFS Research


  • The Power Division and the private sector on Thursday appeared to have formed an undeclared alliance against the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) over the recovery of RLNG arrears from 2015 to 2024 — a move that, if enforced, would impact both industry and power plants, with the ultimate burden shifting to electricity consumers. The joint position was evident during a public hearing at the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) regarding uniform Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) for July 2025 across the country, including K-Electric’s service area.
  • Pakistan’s economic stability faces renewed challenges as the Finance Division warns that flood-related damages could intensify fiscal pressures and disrupt food supplies across affected areas as well as pose a risk in achieving agriculture sector’s targeted growth. The monthly economic update and outlook August 2025 noted that adverse climatic events (heavy rainfall and floods) pose a risk in achieving agriculture sector’s targeted growth.
D.G. Khan Cement Company Limited (DGKC): Result Review — Earnings rise on surging margins – By AKD Research

Aug 28 2025


AKD Securities


  • D.G. Khan Cement Company Ltd. (DGKC) announced its 4QFY25 financial results, reporting earnings of PkR3.2bn (EPS: PkR7.2), compared to a loss of PkR1.7bn (LPS: PkR3.9) in SPLY. The result is above our expectations, mainly due to im proved margins and lower ETR during the quarter. Additionally, company an nounced a final cash payout of PkR2.0/sh.
  • Revenue declined by 1%YoY to PkR16.8bn, compared to PkR17.0bn in SPLY, driven by 1.2%YoY decline in total offtakes to 1.28mn tons.
  • Gross margins improved to 31.8% from 7.9% in SPLY, supported by decline in coal prices and grid tariffs.
Pakistan Floods: Historical Impact – By CHASE Research

Aug 28 2025



  • Pakistan is currently at the cusp of widespread floods due to its eastern rivers overflowing as a result of monsoon rains and release of water from Indian dams. As such, we believe it is important to assess the impact of past floods to determine whether equity markets will be impacted.
  • In this report, we look over the KSE100 index performance and impact on different sectors during flooding years to determine whether these floods will impact broader market sentiment and growth in fertilizer and cement demand.
Archroma Pakistan Limited (ARPL): 9MSY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Aug 28 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Archroma Pakistan Limited is primarily engaged in the manufacture, import, and sale of dyes and other specialty chemical solutions. It is a subsidiary of the Switzerland-based company, Archroma Textiles GmbH. ARPL has two business divisions: textile effects and packaging technologies with a combined portfolio of between 300-400 products. APRL’s products are used in the pre-treatment, dyeing, printing, and finishing of textiles, and coloration and coatings of packaging materials. The Company’s products help enhance both the optical as well as the functional properties of its clients’ end products.
  • The textile effects division has four markets with several segments within each. These are: apparel (denim, casual wear, performance apparel, and formal war), home textiles (home and institutional, automotive), specialized textiles (technical textiles, protection textiles), and home care (personal care, plastics, and leather). This division serves customers from a wide range of industries such as textile, healthcare, cosmetics (anti-perspirant agents), construction (protective clothing), and producers of household care products such as detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other cleaning products.
Morning News: Govt to stay firm on IMF commitments: Aurangzeb - By Darson Research

Jan 29 2025


Darson Securities


  • Minister for Finance Mohammad Aurangzeb made it clear on Tuesday that the government would stick to the commitments made with the IMF under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). He also hinted that the tax burden on salaried class might be rationalised in the coming budget.
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday advised Pakistan to stay on course and show some patience amid growing demand from the private sector to open up the economy to create jobs and reduce unemployment.
  • The World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, emphasised on Tuesday that the $20 billion lending will be insufficient to achieve the 10 years' development goals, and Pakistan will have to mobilise more resources to overcome its challenges.
Technical Outlook: KSE 100 Hourly Chart - By Darson Research

Jan 28 2025


Darson Securities


  • The chart shows a symmetrical triangle pattern that recently saw a breakdown. Price has moved below the lower trendline, signaling a possible bearish continuation.
  • Pivotal point around 115,345 is acting as a major resistance, CPR resistance at upper band around 114410. On the flip side CPR support at lower band around 113250. If it fails to honor, then it may retest Support around 112675 or even 111625.
Morning News: Bulk of Pakistan’s foreign debt repayment for FY25 already repaid: SBP chief - By Darson Research

Jan 28 2025


Darson Securities


  • In a press conference held to announce the key interest rate, the SBP chief also said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided on a cut of 100 basis points, keeping in mind the inflation outlook and other developments. Meanwhile, responding to a query after the briefing, the SBP governor said Pakistan’s foreign debt that was due to be repaid during the current fiscal year was $26.1 billion. Out of this, an amount to the tune of $16 billion in loans will either be rolled or repaid. “An amount of $12.3 billion is rollovers agreed with the lenders, whereas $3.7 billion are commercial loans, which will also be repaid and refinanced,” he said.
  • Pakistan’s central bank is progressing with the issuance of new design currency notes, with the first new banknote expected to be released by the end of this year. The release of the new notes would occur in phases but did not disclose which specific denomination would be released first. “All currency notes will be issued gradually, but we are still in the final stages of approval,” he stated.
  • The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has facilitated the energy sector by opening gas market for the private sector, which is expected to contribute Rs71 billion per year to circular debt reduction. Additionally, the government will collect Rs13 billion annually on account of sales tax. Circular debt, which has plagued the energy sector for decades, has now crossed Rs1.6 trillion. Exploration and production (E&P) companies are owed $700 million owing to delay in payments by clients and gas curtailment. The recent decision of selling 35% gas, found by exploration firms, to a third party will help to resolve such non-payment issues. Earlier, oil and gas exploration companies were allowed to sell 10% of gas to third parties, which the current government increased to 35% in a bid to open the market and improve cash flow for energy firms.
Morning News: Policy rate cut hopes rise as weekly inflation hits decade’s low - By Darson Research

Jan 27 2025


Darson Securities


  • Pakistan’s inflationary pressures appear to be easing at a fast pace, as the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) recorded a year-on-year increase of just 0.52 percent for the week ending January 23, raising hopes of a possible policy rate cut by the State Bank of Pakistan next week.
  • Pakistan must simplify regulations and make its economic outlook predictable to attract more investment and significantly spur growth, according to a senior official from the World Bank quoted by Bloomberg. The South Asian country can see its annual growth rate accelerate to as much as 8pc if it doubles investment and better utilizes its assets and human capital, Martin Raiser, the bank’s vice president for South Asia, said in an interview in Islamabad on Friday.
  • Currency market experts have warned that the absence of channels for attracting dollar inflows could pressure the rupee as the government may need to borrow from commercial banks at higher interest rates to meet its debt repayment obligations. They also noted that the US dollar is gaining strength against major Asian and European currencies following Donald Trump’s taking over as the 47th president of the world’s largest economy. This could further contribute to weakening the rupee, which has remained stable against the greenback for over a year thanks to some stringent measures, including restricting outflows and a crackdown against smuggling.
Technical Outlook: KSE 100 Daily Chart 27 January 2025, Monday - By Darson Research

Jan 27 2025


Darson Securities


  • Index is currently trading around 114880 after making high of 115779 within strong rejection, and Failed to re-enter into Ascending channel on Hourly chart, mentioned in previous post.
  • Now it’s moving in a Symmetrical triangle on daily time frame in which Breakout trajectory (BT) is Between 114990 and 115870. The market is currently in a range-bound phase within CPR levels, Upper Band (UB) 114720, Middle Band (MB) 114300 and Lower Band (LB) 113660.
Technical Outlook: KSE 100 Hourly Chart 23 January 2025, Thursday - By Darson Research

Jan 23 2025


Darson Securities


  • Index has broken the ascending trendline, after a strong rejection around 115040 at Pivotal point, led to a sharp decline. Short-term bearish pressure is dominant after breaking CPR support around 114725, Indicating a potential short-term bearish move.
  • Currently, it is testing trendline support near CPR support around 113,640. Support Levels:(Trendline Support) around 113,060 (Lower Support) 111,600 (Pivotal Point) RSI at 31.68, approaching the oversold zone, suggesting a possible pull back.
Technical Outlook: KSE 100 Hourly Chart 16 January 2025, Thursday - By Darson Research

Jan 16 2025


Darson Securities


  • Index remains in a consolidation phase, and hovering around the CPR levels Upper Band (UB) around 114,680, Middle band (MB) around 113935 and Lower Band (LB) around 113190. A sustained move below these levels could trigger further downside.
  • Index is still facing rejection from the descending trendline resistance at 115,820, indicating strong selling pressure near this level, while 114300 is a decisive level for further upside or more downside.
  • Support levels at 113,935 (marked by yellow dotted lines) may act as key levels to watch for potential reversals. Volume: Declining volume indicates reduced participation, signaling caution.
Morning News: World Bank approves $20 billion loan – By Darson Research

Jan 16 2025


Darson Securities


  • The World Bank board has approved a $20 billion loan package for Pakistan, but the framework document stated there will be challenges in its successful implementation due to political divisions and a worsening security situation in two provinces. The Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the 2025-2035 period lists the political divide in Pakistan and the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as "critical" risks to the successful implementation of the $20 billion official lending package.
  • Saudi Development Fund (SDF) could invest over $100 million in Pakistan's mining infrastructure, said kingdom Mining Minister Bandar Alkhorayef on Wednesday. He also confirmed that Saudi mining company Manara Minerals was looking at investing in Pakistan's Reko Diq mine.
  • Pakistan’s model of growth — dominated by (public) consumption, high levels of debt, low productivity and poor capital accumulation — is increasingly unsustainable and requires measures to increase investment and productivity, while heavily investing in human capital accumulation to increase the country’s long-term growth potential, says the World Bank.
Automobile Assemblers: Auto Industry Showing Signs Of Recovery – By Darson Research

Jan 15 2025


Darson Securities


  • Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) released latest production and sales data for the month of Dec-24. The passenger car sales enhanced by 60% on YoY for Dec-24 (not including Jeeps, IMV’s, Pickups) as 7,864 units were sold as compared to 6,410 units in Dec-23. Further on MoM basis there was a decline seen of 1% as 7,864 cars were sold against 7,909 cars in the previous month. The incline on (YoY) sales was due to higher consumer demand amid declining interest rates.
  • Honda Atlas Cars posted stable figures on MoM for Dec-24 as the company sold 1,110 units as compared to 1,112 units in previous month. The company grew by an impressive 23% on YoY basis as 1,110 cars were sold in Dec-24 as compared to 901 in the SPLY. This growth was due to the increase in Civic/City category and BR-V and HR-V variants which both grew by 23%.
  • Indus Motors showed a decline of 25% on YoY basis as the company sold 1,655 units as compared to 2,194 units in the previous period of Dec-23. The company posted an impressive growth of 142% on YoY basis as 1,655 units were sold as compared to 684 in the SPLY. This was driven by the Corolla, Yaris Cross category which went ↑109% and by the Fortuner category ↑ 284%. This impressive growth was due to the reasons mentioned above plus Corolla Cross has had a positive response from the market which should provide support to the company's sales moving forward.
Morning News: WB pledges $40bn to Pakistan under 10-year framework – By Darson Research

Jan 15 2025


Darson Securities


  • The World Bank (WB) has pledged to provide $40 billion to Pakistan under the 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF), according to sources in the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Out of the total $40 billion, $20 billion would be provided through International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
  • Saudi Arabian mining company Manara Minerals could invest in Pakistan’s Reko Diq mine in the next two quarters. Manara, a joint venture between state-controlled miner Ma’aden and the $925-billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), was set up as part of the kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil, including by buying minority stakes in assets overseas.
  • Pakistan plans to issue Yuan-denominated Panda Bonds by June 2025 to enhance its capital market integration with China, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb said.