LCCI calls for easier finance, policy consistency as number of SME borrowers grows LAHORE: Small and medium enterprise (SME) financing in Pakistan surged 46% to Rs853.94 billion in the year ending March 31, 2026, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), as the government marked World MSME Day on June 27. The…
People stand in the street following an earthquake in Peshawar. Photo: REUTERS QUETTA/ISLAMABAD: A strong earthquake struck Hindu Kush region on Saturday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said, sending out tremors that could be felt in a large part of the country and across the border into neighbouring Afghanistan. A series of moderate earthquakes continued to…
KARACHI: Security personnel foiled an attack on a Pakistan Rangers transport work-shop near Mausamiyat Chowrangi in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area on Saturday night. Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard during the ensuing operation as Rangers and police launched a search and clearance operation inside the workshop. No official statement was issued until late Saturday regarding casualties,…
ISLAMABAD/ CHILAS: A powerful cloudburst unleashed devastating flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Thor Valley in Diamer district, sweeping away homes, orchards, standing crops, bridges and vehicles, severing road links and leaving affected communities stranded as national disaster authorities warned of an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs) across the country’s northern mountainous regions. The…
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has increased the petroleum levy on petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) despite maintaining fuel prices at existing levels for another week instead of passing on the benefit of declining international oil prices to consumers. According to figures released by the Petroleum Division, the petroleum levy on HSD increased by Rs6.57 per…
Says Pakistan stands proud as peacemaker Lauds forces for foiling cross-border terror Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif interacts with newly graduated cadets during a visit to the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. PHOTO: ONLINE ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that India was trying hard to avenge the humiliating setback of last year’s war…
NOTTINGHAM: Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten fifty revived New Zealand after Jofra Archer’s double strike had given England renewed hope of victory in the third and deciding Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday. New Zealand, with the three-match series up for grabs at 1-1, were faltering at 12-2 in their second innings following fast bowler Archer’s two…
LOS ANGELES: Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored second-half goals as England got the job done against Panama at the World Cup on Saturday, a 2-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium taking Thomas Tuchel’s team into the last 32 as Group L winners. Real Madrid star Bellingham got on the end of a Bukayo Saka…
LONDON: England hammered New Zealand by nine wickets on Saturday to end the defending champions’ involvement at this year’s Women’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand knew they had to beat England, already into the semi-finals, to reach the knockout phase after being handed a lifeline by Ireland ending their long wait for a T20 World…
DUBAI: A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain’s maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed an interim peace deal. The warring sides each accused the other of violating the agreement reached two weeks…