Insights
Pakistan Macro Outlook – Easing provides Opportunity
The recent 250 basis point (bps) policy rate cut by Pakistan's central bank to 15% marks a substantial shift in the country’s economic strategy, going beyond the market’s expected cut of 120-150 bps. This bold move aims to lower the government’s borrowing costs...
Pakistan Startup Landscape Q3 2024: Revival Amid Cautious Optimism
Despite recent challenges, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has shown resilience, hinting at opportunities with gradual recovery and growth. While the first half of 2024 was marked by subdued investment activity due to global VC funding slowdowns and domestic economic...
Building Momentum: Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem in H1 2024 and Outlook
The first half of 2024 presented a challenging environment for Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, mirroring global trends. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, global VC funding declined in Q2 2024, an 8.3% drop from the previous year in deal value, and the...
From Rituals to Riches: Eid-ul-Adha’s Untapped Economic Potential in Pakistan
Pakistan’s religious tourism, animal sacrifice and related exports collectively make up for at least $7.8 billion worth of economics, annually, where spending include estimated $3.5bn on outward religious tourism, and $3.0bn of sacrificial spend, while earnings...
Pakistan’s Branchless Banking Transactions Cross 1Bn Mark in 2QFY24
For the first time in Pakistan, the total number of Branchless Banking (BB) transactions crossed 1 billion mark in a single quarter in 2QFY24 (Oct-Dec23). This achievement signals a shift towards digital finance and highlights the changing dynamics of financial...
Charting the Course: What Lies Ahead for Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem in 2024
The year 2024 started with a slow pace for startups in Pakistan after reaching $72 million in 2023 and $347 million in 2022. The trend mirrored the global VC slowdown, with a 35% year-over-year decline from the investment levels of 2022, and remaining flat...
Pakistan Elections 2024: Outlook & Challenges
In the wake of Pakistan's 2024 general elections, key findings suggest possibility of a hung parliament, with independent candidates leading the tally at 38% of National Assembly seats. PML-N follows with 28%, and PPPP with 20%, fueling speculation of coalition...
Revitalized Momentum: Pakistan’s Startup Funding 2023 – Review & Outlook
Pakistan’s startup funding experienced a rebound, surging by 553% QoQ in 4Q23
Challenges and Opportunities: Pakistan Startups raised $34 Mn in 9MCY23
Amidst the persistent challenges of the ongoing funding winter, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem managed to secure $5.8 million