Pakistan raised its benchmark interest rate on Monday as mounting inflation risks from the Middle East conflict forced policymakers to tighten policy even at the risk of further slowing economic growth.

Pakistan’s economy grew less than expected in the last quarter of the financial year to June, signaling a loss of momentum in the recovery as the conflict in the Middle East poses fresh risks to the outlook.

Pakistan suspended its only provincial government ruled by the jailed opposition leader Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party, which may lead to increased tension in the South Asian country already struggling to bring political and economic stability.

Pakistan reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund that could unlock another $1.2 billion in financing, offering fresh support to an economy grappling with elevated inflation and the fallout from the Middle East conflict.

Khaadi Pakistan Ltd., an iconic fashion retail company, is planning a record initial public offer next month to fund its outlet expansion.

Pakistan’s inflation remained elevated in September as the Middle East conflict kept energy costs high and disrupted supplies from the Gulf, complicating the outlook for the central bank.

Pakistan is turning its capital into a garrison, deploying thousands of security personnel, blocking roads with shipping containers and banning public gatherings to prevent supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from marching on Parliament to demand his release.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni in Tehran to discuss regional peace and stability, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry said, as Islamabad continues diplomatic efforts to revive stalled talks between Iran and the US.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of attacking civilian areas in the country, raising the risk of renewed cross-border hostilities, while Islamabad said it had struck militant hideouts and training camps along the Afghan border.

Pakistan kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged for a third straight meeting as policymakers balance the need to support growth against mounting inflation risks from the Middle East conflict.

Pakistan kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged for a third straight meeting as policymakers balance the need to support growth against mounting inflation risks from the Middle East conflict.

Pakistan is seeking other funding sources after the UAE declined to roll over a $3 billion loan earlier this year, exposing the risks of its reliance on bilateral financing.

Pakistan’s inflation rose faster than expected last month, keeping policymakers on guard as the Middle East conflict threatens to add to cost pressures and complicate the economic outlook.

A court in Pakistan directed prison authorities to allow former Prime Minister Imran Khan to meet his jailed wife and other family members and speak to his sons by phone, according to a statement from his party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged a complaint with Sky Sports after the broadcaster ran an interview with the sons of former captain Imran Khan, in which they criticized authorities in Islamabad over the treatment of their father, various media reported.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s life is at risk due to the conditions of his prison confinement, his sons said during an emotional news conference on Tuesday, adding that efforts to visit their jailed father have hit a wall.

Pakistan said it has asked the US for a $10 billion facility and expects a response from Washington within a couple of months, as it seeks to capitalize on improved ties with the Trump administration.

Pakistan said it has asked the US for a $10 billion facility and expects a response from Washington within a couple of months, as it seeks to capitalize on improved ties with the Trump administration.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded a one-day visit to Iran as part of efforts to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington and end their conflict.

Pakistan’s government will challenge part of a court ruling allowing former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be transferred to a private hospital from prison, where he’s been held for more than three years without much public visibility.