News

Finance: Between costs and credit

In just over two weeks, Pakistan has endured a dual economic shock — sharply rising fuel prices and sweeping tax enforcement measures — deepening stress for citizens and businesses alike. On July 1, petrol prices rose by Rs8.36 to Rs266.79 per litre, while diesel jumped Rs10.39 to Rs272.98. Quietly embedded in the hike was a Rs2.5 per litre “climate support levy” layered atop existing petroleum

Economic resilience — the Chinese way

Pakistan’s most significant ally China has sprung another surprise on those who thought that US President Donald Trump’s tariff wars, leading to global trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, could slow down its economic rise. The 5.3 per cent year-on-year expansion in China’s economy during the first half of 2025 defies expectations and reinforces Beijing’s recovery momentum amid a volatil

Equities sustain bullish spell for another week

Buoyed by improving macroeconomic indicators and renewed investor confidence, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its bullish spell during the outgoing week, with the KSE-100 index gaining 3.2 per cent week-on-week to close at a record 138,597.36. This rally, driven by strong corporate earnings expectations, foreign interest, and local mutual fund activity, reflects growing optimism in t

Soaring again

BRITAIN’S decision to lift its nearly five-year-old ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to apply for permits to resume flight operations to and from the UK, is a boost to Pakistan’s aviation industry, particularly the debt-ridden national flag carrier PIA. The UK Air Safety Committee’s move to reverse the restrictions follows aviation safety improvements in this country. The British High C

Soaring again

BRITAIN’S decision to lift its nearly five-year-old ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to apply for permits to resume flight operations to and from the UK, is a boost to Pakistan’s aviation industry, particularly the debt-ridden national flag carrier PIA. The UK Air Safety Committee’s move to reverse the restrictions follows aviation safety improvements in this country. The British High C