China's economy is showing unmistakable signs of slowing in 2025, and the ripple effects are being felt across Asia. Its third-quarter GDP growth slipped to 4.8% from 5.2% in the previous quarter, marking the weakest pace in a year. Much of the drag stems from persistent structural weaknesses, particularly in the property market. Real estate investment has declined 13.9% year-to-date as of Sept
No economy can grow while half its population remains unsafe, unseen, or silenced. Women's protection is not just a moral or legal concern; it is an economic necessity. Pakistan's ongoing challenge in ensuring women's dignity translates directly into lost productivity, declining labour force participation, and weakened competitiveness. The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace
Two key developments in recent weeks highlight the predicament facing trade policymakers. First, the rising trade deficit is putting pressure on the already fragile external accounts, driven by a surge in imports and weakening export growth. Exports in the first four months of FY26 were 4% lower than in the same period of last year, while imports were 16% higher. Given that the recent plans to
The long-pending merger of Telenor Pakistan and Ufone is finally entering its closing phase and is likely to be formally concluded in the first week of December. After a year of deliberations and procedural completion from competition and op efficiency perspective, it has been learnt that all major milestones have been cleared and the final approvals are now underway. According to the proces
Gold prices dropped for a third consecutive session on Monday, as the dollar firmed near six-month highs, while investors awaited more clarity on the US interest rate trajectory. Spot gold was down 0.4% at $4,045.58 per ounce, as of 0536 GMT. US gold futures for December delivery fell 0.9% to $4,042.50 per ounce. “The dollar index is up near six-month highs, it’s above 100 and if it continue