News

Stocks scale new peak despite political, security concerns

Dominant bulls managed to navigate the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through turbulent paths to an unprecedented level above 100,000 despite economic, political, and security concerns during the outgoing week. The unending political instability, rising costs, and deteriorating law and order situation were key worries of big businesses and multinational companies, warning that these issues force

Navigating the cost of instability

The economic impact of PTI’s protest in Islamabad, coupled with administrative measures to limit participation, counter its message, disperse the crowd, and clear the venue, extends beyond the huge financial toll, estimated at Rs950 billion, on the country. The projected losses, amounting to Rs190bn per day over five days, are attributed to disruptions to transport, supply chains, and economic

A tangled mess of transmission & distribution losses

Tangled wires crisscross the streets in many parts of Karachi, forming a chaotic web overhead. It’s almost impossible to discern the purpose of each cable as they hang carelessly, draping over trees, poles, and buildings, contributing to the city’s already overwhelming visual clutter. Amid this disorder, countless kundas — illegal connections used to steal electricity — are common. In a country

Trump’s oil tariffs and their global impact

Among the executive orders to be signed on day one of his incoming presidency, the maverick US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico. The tariff would also be levied on crude oil until these countries stop the inflow of illegal “immigrants and drugs fentanyl into the US”. Canada and Mexico are the two top sources of US c

Exports to North America rise 9pc

Pakis­tan’s merchandise exports to North America witnessed nearly nine per cent growth in the first four months of the current fiscal year compared to the previous year, mainly due to a surge in exports to the United States. According to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan, the increase in exports to the region is mainly attributed to the rise in textile and clothing exports to the US.