News

China becomes Pakistan’s largest creditor with $29bn loans

With almost $29 billion in loans, China has become Pakistan’s largest creditor. The nation, home to 240 million people, also ranks among the top three loan recipients from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this year, according to a World Bank report. The World Bank’s International Debt Report released on Tuesday notes that Pakistan’s high debt-to-export and debt-to-revenue ratios indicat

No slowing down PSX as 100 Index continues bullish momentum even after surpassing 100,000 milestone

Bulls continued to maintain their control over the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as shares climbed over 1,900 points on Monday as investors expected a dip in the inflation reading for the month of November. The benchmark KSE-100 index climbed 1,248.84 points, or 1.23 per cent, to stand at 102,606.16 points from the previous close of 101,357.32 points at 11:06am. Finally, the index closed at 103

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

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

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