News

Equities clinch yet another milestone in bullish week

The Pakistani stock market showed impressive growth this week, with the KSE-100 index rising by 3.08 per cent on a week-on-week basis. This upward trend was largely driven by strong buying activity from local mutual funds, as investors turned to equities, which continue to outperform other asset classes. The rally in the stock market coincided with a series of significant developments in the ec

External economy woes

The crackdown launched late last month against the smuggling of hard currencies out of Pakistan has checked speculative demand for dollars. However, the dollar shortage in the market appears to be driven primarily by imports and debt repayments, as evidenced by the decline in foreign exchange reserves and a significant rise in the merchandise import bill. Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reser

Nai Gaj dam’s eye-watering cost escalation

The unending cost escalation — 405 per cent (from Rs16.92 billion to Rs85.57bn) as per the unapproved third revised project cost (PC-I), as well as the prolonged delay in the Nai Gaj dam project’s completion, perhaps merit prime ministerial-level intervention to fix responsibility for why a project of vital importance remains incomplete even after 13 years. Nai Gaj dam is primarily a rainwater

ADB to provide Punjab with project readiness financing

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide the Punjab government with ‘project readiness financing’ to support the development of project pipelines and review government’s priority projects. This financing aims to ensure projects are well-prepared for ADB funding and implementation, potentially speeding up the process and disbursement of funds, according to the ADB. The $8.32 million fund

Govt expects investment in mines, export of refined copper to US

The government is expecting significant investment in Pakistan’s mines and mineral sector and export of copper following the recent bilateral tariff deal with the United States, it emerged on Sunday. During negotiations of the Pakistani team with the US authorities on reciprocal tariffs, the US side has showed interest to invest in the mines and minerals, including copper, Commerce Minister Jam