News

Costly energy deepens consumers’ economic pain

The cost of living has gone up significantly amid surging utility bills and transportation expenses as consumers witnessed a mixed trend in prices of food items over the last Ramazan. As per data from the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), the average national price of a 20kg flour bag currently stands at Rs2,500-2,960 as compared to Rs1,295-3,000 prevailing on 1st Ramazan in 2023. Wheat 10kg bag

Aurangzeb emphasises digitalisation of tax system

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday stressed the urgent need for digitalisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to enhance transparency and efficiency in tax collection. During an introductory meeting with tax officials at the FBR headquarters, the minister deliberated on a range of proposals, a key one being the inclusion of retailers’ and wholesalers’ incomes in

Socio-economic imbalances persist

ISLAMABAD: Though the country has formulated 12 socio-economic development plans since 1955, still it faces socio-economic imbalances and structural bottlenecks as the centre has failed to take provinces on board in the plan execution process. The previous caretaker government, before its departure, approved the 13th socio-economic development plan with particular focus on 15 key areas of the e

Pakistani firms showcase textile expertise

SHANGHAI: Eighteen Pakistani textile companies made a strong impression at the Yarn Expo Spring 2024 and Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics-Spring Edition 2024, two of the world’s most influential textile and apparel exhibitions, held from March 6 to 8 March in Shanghai, China. The Pakistani contingent, representing a diverse range of textile manufacturers and suppliers, showcased their late

Car sales drop 8% amid economic strain

KARACHI: Car sales dropped to 9,709 units, marking an 8% decline on a month-on-month basis due to factors such as rising car prices, expensive auto financing, and consumers’ low purchasing power, according to data reported by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), compiled and shared by Topline Securities on Tuesday. Moreover, there was a significant 57% year-on-year incre