News

The ongoing internet folly

Better internet access has opened doors to new possibilities for Pakistan’s youth. Young freelancers use these opportunities to earn a livelihood for their families. From technology companies in major cities to remote workers using their 4G internet in villages, Pakistanis are excelling and competing with global talent. As of 2024, our freelancers rank 4th globally with over 400 million annual rem

Europe’s industry braces for gas price shock

Europe’s struggling industries are bracing for a new gas price shock over the coming winter months, as colder weather depletes stocks, competition with Asia for liquefied natural gas intensifies, and the prospect of reduced Russian supplies looms. Since the energy crisis of 2022, when gas prices peaked at nearly 350 euros per megawatt hour (MWh), dozens of firms across Europe have closed factor

Trade gap widens with Mideast on rising energy imports

Pakistan’s trade deficit with the Middle East widened 10.87 per cent to $4.781 billion in the first four months of 2024-25 from $4.312bn owing to the rise in petroleum imports from the region. According to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan, the soaring trade deficit would concern policymakers mainly because of rising petroleum products from the region in the current fiscal year. Pe

Minister takes action on low prices of sugarcane

Minister for Industries, Production and National Food Secu­rity Rana Tanveer has taken notice of farmers’ complaints regarding the low prices of sugarcane offered by sugar mills and sought a report from provincial cane commissioners on sugar prices. Chairing a meeting of the Sugar Advisory Board on Saturday, the minister emphasised that the exploitation of farmers would not be tolerated and str

Public companies incur Rs6tr losses in 10 years: Aurangzeb

Finance Minister Muha­mmad Aurangzeb said on Saturday that the growing burden of state-owned entities (SOEs) has cost the country Rs6 trillion in the last 10 years, making it ext­remely difficult to live with. Speaking at the Overseas Investors Chambers of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), the minister insisted on privatising these SOEs but did not explain why the government could not move in this