Stories by Shahid Iqbal

Shahid Iqbal is a reporter for Dawn based in Karachi with 38 years of experience covering politics and economics. His career includes seven years with the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, as well as roles at United Press International (UPI) and AFP.

Swelling trade gap hurting balance of payments

Experts say the "managed exchange rate" has produced negative results as it allowed importers of luxury items like costly new vehicles to exceed all limits. Published 07 May, 2026 07:39am

Banking sector expands 17.8pc during calendar year 2025

SBP report says growth mainly driven by investment in govt securities. Updated 06 May, 2026 07:41am

Foreign investors exit T-bills

Mideast war drives 94pc outflow from treasury bills. Updated 03 May, 2026 08:11am

Banks favour govt papers over loans

Investments hit Rs39.1tr, IDR at 104.3pc as private lending stays weak. Published 03 May, 2026 07:19am

Bond, Saudi inflows lift SBP reserves

Eurobond insurance marks country’s return to international debt markets after a prolonged absence. Published 01 May, 2026 07:03am

T-bill yields raised by up to 83bps

Govt exceeds borrowing target, accepting Rs1.048tr against Rs650bn. Published 30 Apr, 2026 07:00am

Mideast situation, inflation necessitate interest rate hike

Central bank says Gulf conflict has intensified macroeconomic risks; governor calls it ‘pre-emptive move’ Published 28 Apr, 2026 06:54am

Iran war jitters to influence policy rate decision

Experts see 100bps hike in SBP committee’s meeting on Monday. Updated 26 Apr, 2026 08:16am

SBP buys back Rs309.5bn PIBs in second auction

Government has been borrowing aggressively from banks while cutting development spending. Updated 24 Apr, 2026 09:48am

SBP curbs fail to dent appetite for dollars

Greenback deposits rose to Rs87bn in 9MFY26. Published 23 Apr, 2026 07:57am

Saudi deposit completes $3bn support package

Final $1bn inflow shores up reserves after UAE withdrawal Published 22 Apr, 2026 05:38am

Profit outflows rise to $1.83bn

Profits for the United States and the UAE decline compared to last year. Updated 21 Apr, 2026 08:23am

Economy can weather Iran war risks: SBP chief

Jameel Ahmad says macroeconomic indicators improved faster than expected at start of fiscal year. Updated 19 Apr, 2026 07:53am

Pakistan pays $2bn to UAE: State Bank

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Saturday that the government had paid $2 billion to the United ... Published 19 Apr, 2026 07:04am

SBP says govt has paid $2bn to UAE

Abu Dhabi had sought the immediate return of a $3.5bn loan; the funds were part of external financing support extended in 2019 to help stabilise Pakistan’s balance of payments. Published 18 Apr, 2026 09:42pm

Robust March turns current account positive

$1.07bn surplus reverses trend Published 17 Apr, 2026 05:54am

T-bill yields cut for short tenors

Govt raises Rs1.5tr amid Rs4.2tr bids. Published 16 Apr, 2026 06:43am

Pakistan legalises virtual assets

SBP says strict AML/CFT rules apply for banks, VASPs. Updated 15 Apr, 2026 08:24am

War strengthens Iranian rial

Trade of food, diesel rises amid ongoing conflict. Updated 14 Apr, 2026 09:18am

Non-bank sector invests Rs11tr in govt papers

Total securities rise to Rs49.17tr by end-Dec 2025. Updated 12 Apr, 2026 10:20am