News

Loan scheme for affordable housing

The federal government has introduced a subsidised housing financing scheme aimed at helping Pakistanis from middle and lower-income groups build or purchase affordable homes. The initiative, named “Mera Ghar — Mera Ashiana,” was outlined in a circular sent by the State Bank to banks, Housing Building Finance Corporation (HBFCL), and microfinance banks (MFBs) on Wednesday. The scheme seeks t

NAB starts online transfer of recovered money into victims’ accounts

Taking a step towards digitalisation and facilitate victims of fraud cases, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has devised a system for disbursing their recovered money from the fraudulent through online. “Addressing difficulties faced by victims of various financial scams in receiving their amounts, NAB has decided to transfer recovered funds to victims online,” says an official press re

Pharma exports surge to highest $457m in two decades: Gilani

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports had reached a record $457 million in the last fiscal year, registering a 34pc growth - the highest increase in over two decades. He was speaking to participants of the 8th Pharma Summit, which was organised by Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA). The event brought together leading ph

Buying spree lifts PSX amid optimism on circular debt measures

Buying rally continued at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), amid optimism over government measures to address the crippling circular debt, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining over 500 points during the opening minutes of trading on Thursday. At 10:05am, the benchmark index was hovering at 158,758.04, a gain of 521.37 points or 0.33%. Buying momentum was observed in key sectors includin

Asian stock rally pauses for breath, yen struggles against crosses

Asian shares took a breather from their recent rally on Thursday as investors positioned for month- and quarter-end flows, while the Japanese yen tested fresh lows against the euro and a surging Swiss franc. Oil prices slipped, after surging over 2% overnight to seven-week peaks as a surprise drop in US crude inventories added to supply worries amid export issues in Iraq, Venezuela and Russia.