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Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sick units' debt reduction delayed
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has termed judicial process slow and time consuming that delays debt restructuring and further plunges industries into financial distress. In the SBP Guidelines 2025 for the revival of sick industrial units submitted to the federal government, the central bank has said that for industrial units in financial stress, debt restructuring is hindered by several critical issues. The judicial process, as the first course of action, is slow and time consuming, "further pushing industries into distress," and secondly, lending to distressed debtors largely depends on the ability of lenders to find uncollateralised assets – an uncommon and discouraged practice, it said. "Banks remain reluctant to offer new financing to struggling borrowers," the guidelines said, adding that banks face an upfront charge on new funding extended to revive non-performing/stressed units. Furthermore, public sector banks are restricted from independently writing off debt linked with principal amounts, contributing to hesitancy in balance sheet cleanup. A leading indicator of financial stress for companies is the ratio and amount of non-performing loans (NPLs). While the NPL ratio slightly improved in 2024, the amount of bad loans remained at a historic level. Between 2006 and 2015, Pakistan's NPLs showed a rising trend – both in absolute terms and as a percentage of total advances. NPLs increased from Rs177 billion in 2006 to a peak of Rs618 billion in 2012, before slightly declining and stabilising at Rs605 billion in 2014 and 2015. The NPL ratio rose from 7% in 2006 to a high of 16% in 2011, reflecting the deteriorating credit quality. Meanwhile, the Karachi Inter-bank Offered Rate (Kibor) fluctuated during the period, peaking at 14.2% in 2008 and declining to 6.8% by 2015, which indicated a shift in monetary policy. The financing for sick units will be applicable to all scheduled banks and development finance institutions (DFIs) operating in Pakistan, with special emphasis on government-owned financial institutions. The proposed SBP guidelines are projected to eliminate ambiguity by providing a formal and accountable structure. This framework allows government-owned financial institutions to conduct debt restructuring and offer principal haircuts with audit protection, thereby enabling them to support revival of sick industrial units effectively. These guidelines are consistent with the legal provisions contained in Section 296 of the Companies Ordinance 1984, Section 43 of the Companies Act 1997 and Companies Rules 1999 (for out-of-court rehabilitation forwarded by the bankers' committee) to enable the restructuring and revival of non-performing, sick or dormant industrial units through targeted loan settlements (including principal haircuts where necessary) and structured rescheduling or resumption of debt servicing based on viability. This is also aimed at establishing a formal mechanism to encourage government-owned financial institutions to participate in debt resolution and cleanup of bank balance sheets, improvement of lending ecosystem and reactivation of idle capacity in the real economy. A significant proportion of Pakistan's industrial capacity remains underutilised due to financial distress and prolonged loan defaults. While private banks have undertaken loan settlements and haircuts to clean up their balance sheets, government-owned banks have remained risk averse due to audit fears, the lack of enabling guidelines and rigid accountability structures. These guidelines are envisaged to correct the imbalance by providing clear, accountable and transparent criteria for debt settlement and revival of such accounts. To become eligible, the borrowing entity must be engaged in a registered industrial or commercial activity (eg manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics, energy and services). It must be assessed as a "sick industrial unit," which is a manufacturing concern that has defaulted on repayments of outstanding debt to banking companies and/or non-banking financial institutions for four consecutive quarters immediately prior to the date of consideration. The entity's loan accounts must be classified as NPLs for a minimum of 12 months. The unit must have remained closed, idle or operated at less than 30% of its designed capacity for at least one year. Borrowers adjudicated as fraudsters are excluded. A detailed revival and business viability plan, supported by financial projections, demand analysis and working capital requirements, must be submitted by the borrower, the SBP said.
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Govt denies high interest on EV financing
Listen to article Commercial banks are demanding higher interest rates on financing for electric two and three-wheelers but the government has turned down their request. At present, the interest rate is 11% but they are demanding 5% additional interest to cover insurance and operational expenses. The Steering Committee on the Electric Vehicle Policy has decided to hold a meeting with banks to negotiate the provision of financing at fair rates for electric two and three-wheelers. The government has announced a Rs9 billion subsidy in the federal budget and plans to give a total subsidy of Rs100 billion for two and three-wheelers over five years. Experts say bank financing should ideally not exceed Karachi Inter-bank Offered Rate (Kibor) plus 1% or 2%. Fifth meeting of the Steering Committee on the Electric Vehicle Policy was held on Thursday, headed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan. The meeting brought together representatives from key federal ministries, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and coordinators from the Prime Minister's Office to review progress on the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-2030. It was discussed that two-wheeler prices should not be above Rs200,000 as the government would provide a subsidy of Rs60,000 whereas the remaining amount would be given as bank loan. Meeting participants said that companies engaged in manufacturing electric two and three-wheelers would be bound to use lithium batteries. Moreover, the option to swap batteries in two-wheelers should not be available to mitigate chances of battery theft. China has also banned battery swaps and meeting participants suggested that the same should be done in Pakistan. They noted that a single battery charge should provide a range of 60 kilometres for two wheelers and 180 kilometres for three wheelers. They held detailed discussions on the first phase of the proposed subsidy scheme for electric vehicles. A technical briefing was also given regarding battery performance and specifications, specifically considering Pakistan's unique climatic conditions and their impact on electric vehicle performance. Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan said that the Ministry of Industries and Production was engaged in consultations with provincial governments regarding the policy and emphasised that this intergovernmental cooperation would continue to ensure effective and consistent implementation across the country. He highlighted that the policy's environmental impact would be assessed using international standards to measure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and to explore opportunities for carbon credits. He reiterated the government's commitment to promoting eco-friendly technologies under the guidance of the prime minister. According to Haroon Akhtar, the NEV policy is aligned with the vision of steering Pakistan toward a greener, cleaner and more sustainable transportation system. He emphasised that electric vehicles would not only reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported fuel but would also contribute significantly to lowering environmental pollution. The PM aide concluded by stating that the government was fully committed to developing green transport infrastructure and the new policy aimed to achieve integrated progress in technology, economy and environmental sustainability.
Business Recorder
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs1.275trn loan deal finalised with banks
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved a long-anticipated agreement between the Government of Pakistan (GoP) and approximately 18 commercial banks for a landmark Rs 1.275 trillion loan, following intense negotiations over each clause. Sources in Power Division told Business Recorder, the loan aims to address a portion of the country's ballooning circular debt, currently estimated at around Rs 2.4 trillion. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already endorsed the government's circular debt reduction plan, which includes borrowing from commercial banks. Of the total circular debt, about Rs 700 billion is already carried on the books of the Power Holding Company Limited (PHL), on behalf of the power distribution companies (Discos). Rs1.275trn loan to tackle circular debt: CPPA-G likely to sign term sheets with 18 banks Under the agreement, commercial banks will provide fresh loans amounting to Rs 683 billion at an interest rate of 10.5%–11%, pegged to the Karachi Inter-bank Offered Rate (KIBOR) minus 0.90 basis points. Repayment will be made over six years via the Debt Service Surcharge (DSS), which is currently charged to electricity consumers at Rs 3.23 per unit. Notably, this mechanism ensures there will be no additional burden on the national treasury. According to the approved plan, the Rs 683 billion in financing will be used to clear PHL's outstanding liabilities. Repayment will occur in 24 semi-annual installments, with an annual ceiling of Rs 323 billion. In the event of rising interest rates, the total repayment cap has been set at Rs 1.938 trillion. Earlier reports suggested that banks had requested a guarantee from the State Bank of Pakistan in case the government defaulted. Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that government representatives reminded the banks of the potential risks to their investments should the power sector collapse—an implicit warning aimed at expediting the deal. However, an official denied that any threats were made, stating that banks were simply asked to appreciate the seriousness of the situation. In response to concerns about delays in finalizing the term sheets, one key stakeholder dismissed such claims. 'There's no delay—we're just ironing out final details. This is a massive, unprecedented transaction in Pakistan, so it's natural that many elements require careful attention,' the official said. Official documents confirm that the government has committed to the IMF to borrow Rs 1.252 trillion from banks—Rs 683 billion to settle existing PHL loans, and Rs 569 billion to clear remaining interest-bearing arrears owed to power producers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
M-12 motorway cost swells six times to Rs71b
Listen to article The delay in land acquisition for motorway project M-12 (Sialkot-Kharian) and an unprecedented increase in inflation and Karachi Inter-bank Offered Rate (Kibor) have caused a massive rise of six times in the cost of the project to Rs71 billion. Sources in the National Highway Authority (NHA) told The Express Tribune that construction cost of the project stood at Rs22.5 billion initially in 2021 that jumped up to Rs71 billion for six lanes by December 2024. They said that NHA chairman, in a recent high-level meeting, informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that due to the realignment of road from the original Request for Proposal (RFP), prompted by the hydraulic model study for a bridge at the Chenab River, there was a delay in land acquisition for the realigned portion. He said that additional delays were caused by changes in scope and an unprecedented increase in inflation and Kibor. As a result, the concessionaire submitted a request to NHA for renegotiation of the public-private partnership (PPP) agreement in November 2023. The P3A board referred the matter to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in October 2024, he said, adding that due to the aforementioned factors, the construction cost of the project increased from the initial Rs22.5 billion in 2021 to Rs61.529 billion for four lanes and Rs71 billion for six lanes by December 2024. The working group had recommended on December 12, 2024 that the Sialkot-Kharian motorway be constructed as a six-lane facility from the outset. They directed NHA to submit a position paper through the Ministry of Communications to the Planning Commission for approval from the relevant forums. In pursuance of the working group's decision, a study was conducted to assess the traffic volume. It concluded that two additional lanes would be required by 2027, with extra expenditure of Rs20.7 billion. However, the construction of six lanes from the outset would cost an additional Rs9.5 billion, resulting in approximate savings of Rs11 billion. Accordingly, the NHA and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) deliberated on three options on February 21, 2025 including the six-lane option proposed by NHA, with a base construction cost of Rs71 billion and a total project cost of Rs81.97 billion. Sources said that the prime minister and the bodies concerned endorsed the proposal for the construction of six lanes from the outset. It was decided in a recent meeting that the Ministry of Communications and NHA would submit a position paper involving the six-lane option for M-12 (Sialkot-Kharian) and other scope changes for approval from the relevant forums. It was also decided that NHA would submit a revised financing structure and seek the P3A board approval within two weeks. Additionally, the NHA will submit a revised PC-1 of the project for approval from the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) within one month, by April 10, 2025. NHA and FWO shall execute an amendment to the PPP agreement in line with the approved financing structure by April 30, 2025. It was further decided that in future, any technical study that may impact the execution of a project should be included as part of the feasibility study to ensure comprehensive planning and avoid delays. NHA shall deliver a comprehensive presentation to the minister for planning, development and special initiatives on its priority Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects within one week. Also, the NHA shall develop a holistic master plan for planned motorways and highways, ensuring end-to-end connectivity rather than isolated, fragmented development. Considering the strategic and socio-economic importance of N-25, it was agreed that NHA should undertake fast-track construction of the Karachi-Quetta section, followed by the Quetta-Chaman section, with a targeted completion timeline of three years. Additionally, the NHA should ensure the establishment of service and rest areas at suitable locations to enhance the safety and convenience for road commuters.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Stocks slump on profit-taking
Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday took a deep dive after hitting record highs last week as the KSE-100 index plunged over 2,000 points primarily due to institutional profit-taking across various sectors. Market jitters were compounded by reports of the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) disapproval of policy changes including a reduction in property transaction rates, lowering March 2025 tax target and slashing industrial power tariffs, which weighed heavily on investor sentiment. Additionally, the negative impact of rising Karachi Inter-bank Offered Rate (Kibor) and an increase in royalty on cement manufacturers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) further contributed to the market's downturn. According to Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corp, stocks closed sharply lower amid institutional profit-taking. Reports of IMF's disapproval of reduction in property transaction rates and lowering of March tax target amid revenue collection shortfall further contributed to the downturn, he said. Mehanti added that higher Kibor as well as reports of no agreement with the IMF on reduction in industrial power tariffs played the role of catalysts in bearish close at the PSX. At the end of trading, the benchmark KSE-100 index recorded a slump of 2,002.56 points, or 1.69%, and settled at 116,439.62. In its review, Topline Securities commented that the KSE-100 index ended in the red with a loss of 2,003 points. The market faced downward pressure due to IMF's concerns over the lack of adjustments to electricity tariffs and no reduction in property taxes, as reported in the media, it said. Additionally, the proposed increase in royalty on cement manufacturers in K-P contributed to the negative sentiment. The decline was primarily driven by Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), Engro Corporation, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Pakistan Petroleum and Mari Petroleum, which pulled the index down by 811 points, Topline noted. Arif Habib Limited (AHL), in its report, stated that selling pressure hit the KSE-100 near the all-time high levels. Some 16 shares rose while 79 fell with TRG Pakistan (+2.92%), Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans (+5.5%) and Atlas Honda (+3.34%) contributing the most to the index gains. On the flip side, OGDC (-4.04%), Pakistan Petroleum (-3.59%) and Mari Petroleum (-2.5%) were the biggest index drags, it said. Systems Limited announced CY24 earnings per share (EPS) of Rs25.6, down 14% year-on-year. The EPS for 4QCY24 came in at Rs6.9, up 32% year-on-year. In addition, the company announced a final cash dividend of Rs6 per share and a stock split of 5:1, reducing the face value of each share from Rs10 to Rs2. As a result, the total number of ordinary shares would increase from 292.9 million to 1.46 billion, AHL pointed out. "We are looking forward to the KSE-100 finding support between 115k and 116k this week," it added. JS Global analyst Muhammad Hasan Ather remarked that profit-taking continued at the start of the week, with the benchmark KSE-100 closing 2,003 points lower at 116,440. Selling was primarily led by stocks of oil and fertiliser sectors, he said. The most active stocks of the day were Pak Elektron, Cnergyico PK and TRG Pakistan with trading in 28.6 million, 19.2 million and 15.7 million shares, respectively. "Moving forward, while profit-taking is expected to continue, we advise investors to view any dip as a buying opportunity, particularly in oil & gas, cement and technology sectors," Ather added. Overall trading volumes decreased to 312 million shares compared with Friday's tally of 369.1 million. Shares of 468 companies were traded. Of these, 124 stocks closed higher, 266 fell and 78 remained unchanged. The value of shares traded during the day was Rs21 billion. Pak Elektron was the volume leader with trading in 28.6 million shares, falling Rs2.31 to close at Rs45.87. It was followed by Cnergyico PK with 19.2 million shares, falling Rs0.04 to close at Rs7.94 and TRG Pakistan with 15.7 million shares, gaining Rs1.99 to close at Rs70.20. During the day, foreign investors bought shares worth Rs498.1 million, the National Clearing Company of Pakistan reported.
