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Digital payments drive Pakistan’s shift away from a cash-based economy

As digital payments reshape financial systems across emerging markets, Pakistan is undergoing one of the most significant transitions in its financial landscape. Speaking to The Express Tribune, JazzCash International Chairman and Veon Group Executive Committee Member Aamir Ibrahim said fintech solutions have become essential in countries where traditional banking has historically struggled to

Gold, silver prices rise on global gains

Gold prices in Pakistan rose on Monday, tracking gains in the international market, where spot gold hovered near a seven-week high, supported by a softer dollar and expectations of US interest rate cuts ahead of key economic data. In the domestic market, gold per tola surged to Rs454,862, gaining Rs2,600 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs389,970, up Rs2,229, according to the

Surprise move: SBP lowers policy rate to 10.5% with 50bps reduction

Contrary to market expectations, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) decided to reduce the policy rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 10.5% on Monday. The market expected the central bank to maintain the status quo. “The MPC has decided to decrease the policy rate by 50bps to 10.5% w.e.f. December 16, 2025,” the central bank said. The latest reduction takes t

Business community not happy with ‘minor’ cut in policy rate

The business community has expressed dissatisfaction over minor reduction in policy rate and termed it like a drop in the ocean and urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to bring policy rate in single digit. They were of the opinion that there is no relief for industry, trade or any other sector due to this minor cut and urged the government to review the decision immediately in the large inte

Petroleum sector: Pakistan, Kuwait explore ways to boost cooperation

Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Petroleum, held a meeting with Tariq Sulaiman Al-Roumi, Minister of Oil of the State of Kuwait, to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the petroleum sector. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), along with his senior management team. The Paki