ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has reported a marginal rise of 0.31% in weekly inflation, taking the annualized rate to 2.21%.
Fresh PBS data shows that prices of 17 key household items went up during the week, 9 saw a decline, while 25 remained unchanged.
Among the biggest increases, sugar rose by Rs0.52 per kg, tomatoes jumped by Rs11.42 per kg, and broiler chicken prices spiked by Rs19.67 per kg. Eggs became costlier by Rs6.19 per dozen, onions by Rs1.29 per kg, garlic by Rs6.03 per kg, and a 20kg wheat flour bag by Rs21.18. Prices of mash pulse climbed by Rs2.32 per kg, while mutton saw an increase of Rs6.68 per kg.
On the flip side, bananas became cheaper by Rs4.03 per dozen, potatoes by Rs1.37 per kg, channa pulse by Rs2.60 per kg, and an LPG cylinder by Rs10.39. PBS noted that a large basket of 25 monitored commodities remained stable over the week.
Meanwhile, in a surprising turn, business confidence in Pakistan’s private sector has surged to its highest point in nearly four years, according to Gallup Pakistan’s latest survey.
The poll, conducted between July 23 and 27, 2025, gathered responses from 524 businesses across manufacturing, services, and trade. The findings reveal a notable rebound in optimism, with the “Direction of the Country Score” improving to -2% — the best reading since the fourth quarter of 2021.
While still in negative territory, analysts say the uptick signals a gradual easing of political and economic uncertainty, even as inflation, high utility costs, and power shortages continue to challenge businesses nationwide.
