News

Stocks lose 1,490 points on panic-selling

Despite an ample flow of positive economic data, including a sixth straight cut in the interest rate, the Pakistani shares witnessed a broad-based bloodbath as nervous investors continued unloading their positions following the confirmation of the suspension of US aid to Pakistan, pushing the benchmark index further lower below 112,000 intraday on Tuesday. The index hit an intraday low of 111,4

The clamour rises

HOURS after the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced its monetary policy decision cutting the key policy rate by one percentage point, the business community was in an uproar. They wanted more. Taking the lead in this clamour for faster rate cuts is the apex chamber of the country, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. In a testy statement issued immediately after the

Pakistan to tap global funding for three $580m projects

Pakistan will present three high-impact projects worth $580 million in hydropower and communication sectors to secure funding at the fourth international conference on financing for development in Spain in June. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has completed feasibility studies of the three SDG-aligned projects, which include $38.4m for a 10.96MW Mehar hydropower project in Kasur

Commerce Minister Jam vows adherence to treaties for GSP+

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan assures the European Union of adhering to 27 international conventions to avail of the trade benefits under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme. On Tuesday, the minister gave the assurance at a meeting with EU Special Representative for Human Rights Ambassador Olaf Skoog to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership through trade and economi

Govt hints at cheaper industrial power, tax relief for the salaried

While state-owned power distribution companies have sought an over 400 per cent increase in security deposits from consumers, two federal ministers advocated for cheaper electricity rates for industrial consumers and the rationalisation of the ‘disproportionate tax burden’ on the salaried class in the coming months. At an event organised by the Pakistan Business Council, Finance Minister Muhamm