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T&D losses & no recoveries: Nepra slaps Rs25m fine on LESCO

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed Rs 25 million fine on Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) due to its failure pertaining to improvement in T&D losses and recovery in FY 2023-24 as compared to FY 2022-23. According to background information, Nepra received a Circular Debt (CD) Report for June 2024, from CPPA-G through an email on July 30, 2024. The report r

PAAPAM raises alarm over rampant misuse of used car import schemes

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) has raised alarm over the rampant misuse of used car import schemes —originally intended for overseas Pakistanis — which now fuel a Rs 200 billion black market and threaten the survival of Pakistan’s auto parts industry. Introduced under the Gift, Transfer of Residence, and Baggage schemes, these provisions were m

IMF urges Asia to cut trade barriers to beat US tariffs

The International Monetary Fund on Friday urged Asia to lower non-tariff barriers and integrate regional trade to reduce its vulnerability to U.S. tariffs and global financial shocks. Trade has been central to Asia’s economic growth with China serving as the supply chain hub for goods production across the globe, which makes it vulnerable to the hit from U.S.-China trade tensions and President

Gold set to snap nine-week winning streak as US inflation test looms

Gold prices eased on Friday and were on track for their first weekly drop in 10, weighed down a stronger dollar and as market participants squared positions ahead of a key U.S. inflation report due later in the day. Spot gold was down 0.2% at $4,118.68 per ounce, as of 0315 GMT. Bullion has fallen 3% so far this week, heading for its biggest weekly percentage drop since mid-May. U.S. gold fu

Reversal of weak dollar may test Asia’s resilience to tariffs, IMF says

Asia may see its resilience to U.S. tariffs challenged if a rally in the dollar and a rebound in low interest rates lead to tighter financial conditions, a senior International Monetary Fund official told Reuters. If the US Federal Reserve continues to cut interest rates, a subsequent dollar decline could allow Asian central banks to loosen monetary policy and support their economies without wo