KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is poised to reveal its first monetary policy for the ongoing fiscal year today (Monday).
Given recent economic data, analysts anticipate that the central bank might reduce the interest rate by as much as 1 percent.
After the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) convenes, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed will address a press conference to announce the new policy measures.
According to a recent survey, 80 percent of respondents expect a decrease in the policy rate. Among them, 56.4 percent predict a 0.5 percent reduction, while 15.4 percent believe the rate will drop by a full 1 percent. Additionally, 5 percent foresee a 25-basis-point cut, and 3 percent expect a 75-basis-point decrease.
On the other hand, 20 percent of respondents think the policy rate will remain steady at its current level of 10.5 percent.
Historically, on December 15, 2025, the State Bank had already reduced the interest rate by 50 basis points, lowering the benchmark rate to its present 10.5 percent.
