Business
Monetary assets swell to Rs69tr since 1970s | The Express Tribune
Gallup analysis finds bank deposits surged but reserves showed notable volatility
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s banking sector has expanded dramatically in size and reach over the past five decades, with strong growth in monetary assets, bank deposits and foreign exchange reserves, according to a new analysis based on legacy financial records from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The report, titled “Long-Run Pakistan Analysis on Financial Development Structure (1970-2021)” released by Gallup Pakistan, examines how the country’s financial system evolved from a small, relatively simple structure and largely cash-based economy into a much larger banking and financial network.
Pakistan’s total monetary assets increased from less than Rs25 billion in the early 1970s to more than Rs69 trillion by 2021. The rise reflects long-term financial deepening, expansion of banking services and higher economic activity over the decades. Currency in circulation also recorded strong growth during the same period. The amount of cash in the economy increased from around Rs5.4 billion in 1972 to more than Rs7.3 trillion by 2021. The increase reflects both economic expansion and continued reliance on cash transactions in different parts of the country.
Bank deposits grew even more sharply during the period. Total deposits with scheduled banks increased from Rs19.2 billion in 1972 to more than Rs13 trillion by 2021. Deposit growth accelerated after the early 2000s. Banking reforms, technological changes and wider access to financial services encouraged more individuals and businesses to use formal banking channels.
The rise in deposits also reflects stronger savings mobilisation within the banking system and a gradual increase in the use of institutional financial services. Foreign exchange reserves, including gold, also expanded significantly during the period. Pakistan’s reserves increased from about Rs3.1 billion in 1972 to roughly Rs3.9 trillion by 2021.
However, the level of reserves showed notable volatility – influenced by external economic conditions, trade flows and international financial movements. “The expansion in Pakistan’s monetary aggregates over the past five decades reflects a clear trend of financial deepening and economic growth,” Arif Habib Limited (AHL) Economist Sana Tawfik told The Express Tribune.
Currency in circulation has increased significantly, indicating greater transactional demand and the overall expansion of economic activity, she said. Similarly, the sharp rise in bank deposits highlights stronger financial intermediation within the banking system.
However, part of the increase in deposits may also be attributed to higher inflows of workers’ remittances and periods of relatively elevated interest rates that incentivised savings within the formal banking system, she added.
Commenting on foreign exchange reserves, Tawfik said Pakistan recorded substantial long-term expansion despite experiencing periodic volatility linked to external sector pressures.
These fluctuations were often influenced by shifts in trade balances, capital inflows and broader global economic conditions. Overall, these developments illustrate the evolution of Pakistan’s financial system from a relatively narrow and less developed framework into a more expansive and mature structure. They also reflect changing drivers behind deposit growth and financial participation within the economy, the economist noted.
The time-series data also highlights a structural shift within the banking sector. Bank deposits and credit have become increasingly concentrated in larger account sizes, particularly accounts holding more than Rs1 million.
This trend became more visible after 2010 as high-value accounts represented a growing share of overall deposits and lending within the financial system.
The shift indicates a gradual move towards larger institutional accounts and higher-value banking activity within the formal financial sector. However, the data also points to several challenges within the financial system. The increasing concentration of deposits and credit in large accounts suggests that wealthier individuals and large firms dominate formal banking activity.
Many small savers and borrowers remain outside the formal financial system. The continued high level of currency in circulation also indicates that cash remains widely used across the economy. This reflects limits in financial inclusion and digital adoption in some parts of the country.
Business
Stock Market Updates: Sensex Tanks 1,100 Points, Nifty Tests 24,450; India VIX Jumps Over 11%
Last Updated:
The Nifty50 and the Sensex declined at open amid weak global cues.
Sensex Today
Indian benchmark equity indices extended their losses in a volatile trading session on Friday as investors remained cautious amid escalating tensions in West Asia linked to the US-Iran conflict.
As of 3:19 PM, the Nifty50 was trading 1.21 per cent or 300 points down at 24,465, and the Sensex was trading 1,136 points or 1.42 per cent down at 78.879.
Market volatility spiked during the session, with the India VIX rising as much as 11.31% to 19.88.
Among Nifty50 constituents, InterGlobe Aviation, ICICI Bank, and Max Healthcare Institute were the top losers. On the other hand, Bharat Electronics Limited, Reliance Industries, and NTPC Limited were among the top gainers.
Broader markets also traded lower, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 declining 0.47% and 0.06%, respectively.
On the sectoral front, the Nifty IT Index was the only major gainer, rising 0.34% on the back of gains in Persistent Systems and Infosys.
Meanwhile, the Nifty Realty Index emerged as the worst-performing sector, falling nearly 2%, dragged down by losses in Godrej Properties, The Phoenix Mills, and Prestige Estates Projects.
The Nifty Private Bank Index and Nifty Financial Services Index were also among the major laggards during the session.
Global cues
Most markets across the Asia-Pacific region traded in the red as crude oil prices climbed amid rising concerns over supply disruptions linked to the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In Asia, mainland China’s CSI 300 Index slipped around 0.1%, while South Korea’s Kospi Index declined 1.6%.
Overnight on Wall Street, the S&P 500 fell 0.57%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.61%. The Nasdaq Composite ended 0.26% lower.
Market uncertainty also intensified after Letitia James and attorneys general from 23 US states reportedly filed another lawsuit seeking to block tariff measures announced by Donald Trump.
Oil and gold prices
Oil prices surged as traders remained concerned about potential supply disruptions. According to a Reuters report, Brent crude futures rose nearly 5% to $85.41 per barrel in the previous session.
During the Asian trading session, Brent Crude Oil was trading 0.15% higher at $84.16 per barrel.
Meanwhile, safe-haven demand pushed Gold Futures up 1.34% to $5,146.39, supported by ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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March 06, 2026, 09:20 IST
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund held virtual discussions during which the IMF reportedly urged the government to increase petrol and diesel prices immediately, according to official sources.
No Subsidy on Fuel
Sources said the IMF advised Pakistan not to provide any subsidy on petroleum products and instead pass the full impact of global price increases on to consumers.
The lender also emphasised that the government must ensure the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) target of Rs1,468 billion by June 30 remains unaffected.
Revenue Collection Update
Officials revealed that Rs822 billion has already been collected through the petroleum levy during the first six months of the fiscal year, achieving more than 60% of the annual target between July and December.
Measures to Control Current Account Deficit
The talks also focused on potential steps to manage Pakistan’s current account deficit.
Proposals under consideration include:
Shifting schools and colleges to online classes
Introducing smart working arrangements in government offices and universities
Adjusting market and shop timings
Promoting online delivery services for groceries and restaurants
Officials said a comprehensive implementation plan will be prepared based on these recommendations.
Petroleum Supply Situation
Despite discussions on fuel pricing, sources confirmed that Pakistan’s petroleum reserves remain at satisfactory levels, ensuring stable fuel availability in the country.
Business
Asian stocks today: Kospi drops 1.6% as Middle East tensions weigh on markets – The Times of India
Asian stocks mostly fell on Friday as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to unsettle global markets, while oil prices remained elevated despite some efforts to ease supply concerns.After a difficult week on trading floors, investors are heading into the weekend uncertain about when the US-Israel war on Iran and Tehran’s attacks across the Gulf region might end.Global equities have been battered by the crisis, which has pushed crude prices sharply higher and raised fears of renewed inflation that could weigh on the global economy. Oil prices have surged by about a fifth since last Friday, the day before the attacks began.Although markets saw a rebound in the middle of the week, analysts warned that the longer the conflict continues, the more pressure it will put on financial markets.“It is too soon to suggest that stocks have bottomed,” wrote IG chief market analyst Chris Beauchamp, as quoted by AFP.“Unless the war ends soon- and if anything a more intense conflict seems more likely- markets will struggle. Volatility remains elevated, which means we should expect plenty of two-way price action, but a continued decline for the moment seems likely, even with short-term bounces along the way.”The conflict also appears unlikely to ease soon. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that Iran was neither seeking a ceasefire nor negotiations with the United States.Asian markets largely followed losses on Wall Street, where all three main indexes ended lower despite staging late rallies.Seoul again saw sharp movement. The Kospi index, which plunged nearly 19 percent on Tuesday and Wednesday before rebounding more than nine percent on Thursday, fell another 1.5 per cent.Sydney, Singapore, Wellington, Manila and Jakarta were also down, while Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei managed gains.Concerns about rising crude prices have also intensified fears that inflation could climb again, potentially forcing central banks to reconsider plans to cut interest rates, with some analysts warning that rate hikes could even return.While Iran has not officially shut off the Strait of Hormuz, shipping through the key waterway has all but dried up. Around a fifth of the world’s crude supply and large volumes of gas normally pass through the strait.There was some relief in oil markets after US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said officials were considering measures to ease the surge in prices.The White House also temporarily eased sanctions against Russia on Thursday, allowing Russian oil currently stranded at sea to be sold to India until April 3.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the waiver was issued “to enable oil to keep flowing into the global market.”Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump pledged to protect ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.Other countries have also taken steps to secure supplies. According to Bloomberg News, China has asked its largest oil refiners to suspend exports of diesel and gasoline amid fears of shortages.Despite the small pullback, oil prices remain high. By the end of trading Thursday, Brent crude had risen about 19 percent since last Friday, while West Texas Intermediate had climbed more than 22 percent, briefly crossing $80 a barrel for the first time since January last year.Investors are also watching the release of US jobs data later on Friday for clues about the strength of the world’s largest economy.At around 0230 GMT, oil prices were higher, with West Texas Intermediate rising 2.0 percent to $79.38 per barrel and Brent North Sea Crude up 1.5 percent at $84.10 per barrel. In equity markets, Seoul’s Kospi fell 1.6 percent to 5,497.51, while Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.4 percent to 55,490.04. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.9 percent to 25,557.59 and Shanghai’s Composite edged up 0.1 percent to 4,111.86. In currency trading, the euro strengthened to $1.1617 from $1.1604 on Thursday, while the pound rose slightly to $1.3367 from $1.3357. The dollar slipped to 157.51 yen from 157.55 yen, and the euro rose to 86.91 pence from 86.87 pence.
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