News

Digital push: Ministry proposes two major initiatives

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has proposed two major technology initiatives set to launch in 2026 — a USD1 billion National AI Ecosystem Development Program (NAIEDP) and a Rs70 billion Pakistan Digital Infrastructure Connectivity Plan including mobile broadband, fiberization and regional corridor — signalling an ambitious push to transform the country’s digital lands

Gold bounces back from near one-week low; US inflation data in focus

Gold rebounded on Friday, recovering from a nearly one-week low in the previous session, as investors awaited key US inflation figures for guidance on interest rate direction following robust jobs data that reduced expectations of rate cuts. Spot gold was up 1.3% at $4,982.59 per ounce, as of 0311 GMT, and has gained 0.4% so far this week. US gold futures for April delivery climbed 1.1% to $

Oil set for weekly drop as Iran risks recede, oversupply concerns

Oil prices were little changed on Friday after falling in the previous session, and are set for their second weekly decline, on receding concerns of an Iranian conflict that could affect supply and on forecasts supply will exceed demand this year. Brent crude oil futures were up 3 cents, or 0.04%, at $67.55 a barrel at 0205 GMT after falling 2.7% in the previous session. US West Texas Interm

Habib Metropolitan Bank approves capital increase for subsidiaries

Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited has approved an increase in the capital of its 100% owned subsidiaries, HabibMetro Exchange Services Limited and Habib Metropolitan Financial Services Limited to ensure smooth operations. The HabibMetro Exchange Services’ capital is being raised from Rs1 billion to Rs1.5 billion, a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) read. The decision was taken by the

UAE agrees to rollover $2bn loan for two months: report

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has agreed to roll over $2 billion deposits for two months, reported The News. According to the report, the assurance came after Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar contacted the UAE’s top officials earlier this week. Citing top Pakistani officials, the report said the UAE has granted a rollover until April 17 at an interest rate of 6.5% Earlier, reports i