News

Federal govt punctures claims of stronger provincial tax performance

Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister of Pakistan, has challenged claims that Pakistan’s provinces are outperforming the centre in tax collection, presenting Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) data that shows provincial revenues remain far below their potential, despite having large constitutionally assigned tax bases. “There’s a claim circulating that provincial tax performance has bee

Gold price per tola remains stable in Pakistan

Gold prices in Pakistan remained stable on Friday. In the local market, gold price per tola remained at Rs482,462 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs413,633, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Thursday, gold price per tola reached Rs482,462 after a decline of Rs3,700 during the day. The international rate of gold a

Nothing political: Pakistan not singled out in US visa curbs, says ex-envoy

Former Pakistan’s envoy to the United States, Hussain Haqqani, has said that Pakistan has not been singled out in the recent US restrictions on immigrant visas, stressing that the move is administrative in nature rather than politically motivated. “Pakistan is not the only country on that list,” said Haqqani on Thursday, during an interview on the Aaj News programme News Insight with Amir Zia.

Pakistan’s seafood export jumps to $253mn in 1HFY26, up 22%

The marine fisheries sector posted strong growth in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, with seafood exports rising to 122,629.11 metric tons valued at $253.24 million between July and December 2025. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry shared the figures on Friday. Commenting on data released by the Marine Fisheries Department, the minister said the perfor

Cherat Cement to invest Rs1.85bn in battery storage, solar capacity

n a move to curb escalating electricity costs and expand renewable energy use, Cherat Cement Company Limited (CHCC) has decided to install a 25 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system alongside a 5.4MW solar power plant at its Nowshera manufacturing facility. The listed company engaged in the manufacturing of cement disclosed the development in its notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX