News

China urges more aid for people in need as economic woes persist

The Chinese government urged local officials to provide more financial relief or step up one-time allowances to people in need ahead of major holidays over the next month, as China’s economic difficulties are set to extend into 2025. China’s economy has struggled to gather steam this year, mainly due to a protracted property crisis and weak domestic demand. Securing employment, particularly for

Difference in market, official rate of flour, other food items exposes govt failure in Karachi

The commissioner of Karachi has reduced the prices of various varieties of flour but retailers, instead of implementing the new rates, are charging more from consumers. On December 26, the wholesale and retail prices of flour No2.5 were reduced from Rs90 and Rs94 to Rs85 and Rs89 per kg. The flour No2.5 is the one which is mostly used by tandoor operators. The price reduction was Rs5 per kg.

NA panel seeks roadmap to boost exports

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Commerce has recommended a sectoral roadmap and measures to promote exports. The committee meeting, chaired by MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, reviewed the implementation status of previous recommendations. The committee also evaluated the Trading Corporation of Pakistan’s (TCP) performance. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul informed the committee

Pakistan Business Forum opposes unconstitutional curbs, seeks simplified tax return

The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has opposed restricting public facilities to ineligible citizens for not filing tax returns, saying the proposed law appeared to be against fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution. In a statement, the PBF — a non-profit association of country-wide trade and industry — instead proposed that tax returns should be simplified to a one-pager as was the case

UBL arranges $300m loan for Pakistan

Amid the growing need for financing to meet external debt repayment obligations, the government has arranged a $300 million loan from United Bank Ltd (UBL). According to a press release issued on Monday, UBL had arranged and financed a $300m short-term loan for the government of Pakistan through its UAE and Bahrain branches. While the government is trying to arrange more financing for its de