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📉 Weekly Forex Update: #SBPReserves Edge Up as Commercial Holdings Decline
According to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan for the week ending October 16, 2026:
🟢 Central Bank Reserves: Rose slightly by $19.1 million (+0.09% WoW) to stand at $21.49 billion.
🔴 Commercial Bank Holdings: Scaled back by $49.4 million (-0.92% WoW) to $5.34 billion.
📉 National Total: Overall forex reserves experienced a minor dip of $30.3 million (-0.11% WoW), settling at $26.83 billion.
💡 The Bigger Picture: Despite short-term fluctuations, central bank reserves show remarkable momentum—gaining 16.34% ($3.02B) in the current fiscal year and surging 33.70% ($5.43B) since the start of the calendar year.
Islamabad to Modernize Water Supply Infrastructure with Smart Tech 🚰⚡
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is exploring plans to introduce a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to automate and digitize Islamabad’s water distribution network.
In partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the proposed initiative aims to evaluate and upgrade key infrastructure, including:
🔹 ~200 tube wells
🔹 40 overhead water tanks
🔹 Associated pumping stations
Key Objectives:
✅ Real-Time Monitoring: Instant tracking of water pressure, distribution, and operational metrics.
✅ Energy & Cost Savings: Identifying opportunities to curb rising electricity expenses and maintenance costs.
✅ Sustainability: Reducing water loss and improving service reliability across the federal capital.
If approved, the project will undergo technical and financial feasibility studies before moving to an international competitive bidding phase.
#Islamabad #SmartCity #WaterManagement #CDA #Sustainability #Infrastructure #TechInGov
#Pakistan’s Strategy to Scale Its Role in Global Critical Minerals
Pakistan sits on an estimated $8 trillion in mineral wealth, yet the sector currently accounts for less than 3% of national GDP. Strategic efforts are now underway to tap into this immense potential.
The Current Landscape & Road Ahead:
92 minerals identified nationwide | 52 commercially extracted.
Export revenues could potentially soar from $3 billion to $8 billion through enhanced infrastructure and favorable investment policies.
Reko Diq Project, Pakistan’s largest foreign investment initiative, is progressing towards its Phase 1 production target by late 2028.
By optimizing regulatory frameworks and attracting global investors, Pakistan aims to strengthen its footprint in critical mineral supply chains worldwide.
#MiningIndustry #SupplyChain #EconomicGrowth #ForeignInvestment #EmergingMarkets
Under the Murree Development Plan initiated by Punjab Chief Minister #MaryamNawaz Sharif, the work of shifting electricity cables underground in #Murree’s #Barrian Bazaar has been completed.
This project has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the bazaar and provided a better environment for both citizens and traders. Local residents have expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for this facility.
Karachi Port Trust has successfully handled a major shipment of 179 electric buses arriving from Yingkou, China, aboard the MV RUINING 6. Delivered via the Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML) for Margalla Heavy Industries Limited, this arrival highlights the port’s capability in managing specialized modern cargo.
This accomplishment marks a significant step forward in modernizing Pakistan’s public transport infrastructure and accelerating the nation's transition toward clean, sustainable mobility. ⚡🚌
#SustainableTransport #ElectricVehicles #GreenMobility #KarachiPort #Logistics #CleanEnergy #Pakistan
🚧 Motorway Chowk Underpass: Construction Work Moves Ahead
Construction activity is continuing at the Motorway Chowk underpass project in Islamabad. According to the shared update, a hotel located along the route is being demolished as work progresses.
The project is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion for motorists using this busy junction.
#Islamabad #MotorwayChowk #RoadDevelopment
🚧 Motorway Chowk Underpass: Construction Work Moves Ahead
Construction activity is continuing at the Motorway Chowk underpass project in Islamabad. According to the shared update, a hotel located along the route is being demolished as work progresses.
The project is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion for motorists using this busy junction.
#Islamabad #MotorwayChowk #RoadDevelopment
#Türkiye, #Qatar, #Pakistan & #Indonesia sign #defence industry pact “BADR” in #Doha.
BADR means full moon also the site of the first major battle in Islamic history.
The deal covers joint production, research and development, and technical military training.
Each country will contribute its own Military production strengths. 🇵🇰🇹🇷🇶🇦🇮🇩
Major Cabin Upgrade Announced for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)!
PIA is embarking on a significant long-haul fleet modernization project across its Boeing 777 aircraft.
In partnership with aviation solutions provider Aerotec Group (via aviationscouts), the initial phase will transform five Boeing 777 cabins, with options to extend the upgrades to four additional aircraft.
Key features of the cabin refresh include:
🔹 Full-flat lie-flat seats in Business Class
🔹 Complete refurbishment of EconomyClass seating
🔹 High-speed 60W in-seat charging ports and updated Passenger Service Systems
🔹 Upgraded interior aesthetics, including new carpeting and modern branding elements
This initiative reflects PIA’s broader strategy following its recent restructuring to elevate passenger comfort, align with international long-haul standards, and modernize its operational fleet.
#Aviation #PIA #Airlines #Boeing777 #PassengerExperience #AviationNews #TravelTech
Construction started on #Estoria Tech Vista Tower
It's a 28-floor, 430-foot office and retail tower under construction at Nawaz Sharif #IT City, #Lahore.
#NSITCity#NSIT
🚧 Kashmir Chowk Underpass is taking shape as construction continues in Islamabad.
Heavy machinery and workers are busy at the site as work moves ahead on the Rs1.4 billion project. The underpass has been given a one-month completion target.
Once completed, the project is expected to improve traffic movement around Kashmir Chowk and make daily travel easier for commuters.
#KashmirChowk #Islamabad
Update in Laiba Ejaz Case: Main Suspect Dies after being shot by accomplices: police
Muhammad Nauman, the chief suspect linked to the tragic death of former IIUI student Laiba Ejaz, has died after sustaining gunshot wounds during a police operation in Islamabad.
Key Details:
The Incident: According to Islamabad police, officers were escorting Nauman for evidence recovery when four armed accomplices on motorbikes ambushed the transport team in a bid to free him.
Outcome: Nauman was fatally wounded by crossfire from his own associates. Police officers were unharmed due to protective gear. Nauman later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Ongoing Search: Authorities have launched a manhunt to capture the fleeing attackers.
Background:
Laiba Ejaz, an ambitious student aspiring to study in the United States, was tragically found dead on October 9 after her family was allegedly defrauded of roughly Rs7 million by a fraudulent education consultant promising a university scholarship. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had previously ordered swift action into the high-profile case.
Tauqeer Nazir, the prime suspect in the murder of 15-year-old orphan Waseem Abbas, has died in an encounter with #Punjab’s Crime Control Department (#CCD) near #Bahawalpur.
According to police, Nazir—who had recently escaped custody while on remand—was fatally shot by an fleeing accomplice during a shootout after refusing to stop at a checkpoint.
The investigation remains ongoing regarding both the shooting incident and how Nazir managed to flee police custody. Waseem Abbas was killed after being run over by a vehicle in Multan's Royal Orchard housing society.