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Ports, logistics, blue economy initiatives: Maritime sector offers investment opportunities: minister

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry here on Wednesday said Pakistan’s maritime sector offered significant investment opportunities in ports, logistics, blue economy initiatives and related infrastructure, citing the country’s strategic location and expanding trade connectivity. The minister made the remarks during an online meeting with Chairman of the Pakistan-

Cotton pledged with banks: APTMA flags lack of interim benchmark rate

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has raised concerns over the absence of an interim benchmark rate for cotton pledged with banks following the closure of the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) office. In a letter to the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the association identified a discrepancy between the benchmark rate used by banks and the prevailing market price o

Attacks on cargo vehicles and disruptions to legal trade: Balochistan traders seek centre’s intervention

Representatives of Balochistan’s business community, transporters, importers, exporters, mine owners, traders, farmers and other stakeholders have demanded an immediate government intervention to address the growing attacks on cargo vehicles and disruptions to legal trade and transportation activities. The demand was made during a consultative meeting chaired by Quetta Chamber of Commerce and I

Talks with business tycoons on budget: PM outlines plans to spur industry, create jobs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an export-led growth strategy, tax reforms and enhanced collaboration with the private sector, describing these measures as central to the country’s economic recovery and investor confidence. Addressing business and policy priorities for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, Sharif outlined initiatives aimed at exp

Oil prices rise on fragile Mideast peace hopes

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, edging closer to USD100 a barrel while stocks fell as further attacks between the United States and Iran dented hopes of an imminent peace deal. During the day in Asia trading, oil prices jumped more than two percent on Wednesday as Middle East peace talks stuttered. “Oil prices continue to make headway after the overnight strikes on Kuwait, and once more it is