Aurangzeb pitches 4% growth to EU

EIB returns to Pakistan after decade with €160m loans for housing, water projects ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that the government would stay on the path of fiscal stabilisation and Pakistan’s economy is poised to grow 4% this fiscal year despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, as he urged Europeans to invest in…

Read More

Oil pares gains but stays firm

Brent crude futures for June climbed $2.93, or 2.7%, to $111.16 a barrel at 1532 GMT NEW YORK: Oil prices pared earlier gains after the United Arab Emirates said it would leave OPEC and OPEC+, easing some supply concerns, though prices held near the upper end of a nearly 3% rally as stalled efforts to…

Read More

MoU opens Norwegian ships to Pakistani seafarers

Minister says deal opens avenues for employment, aligns local certifications with international standards ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norway that will allow Pakistani seafarers to serve aboard Norwegian-flagged vessels, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday. Hailing the…

Read More

SBP raises Rs512b amid strong demand

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised over Rs512 billion through the auction of Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs), reflecting strong participation from banks amid increased interest rates. According to the auction result released on Tuesday, the central bank received total bids worth Rs906.4 billion across multiple tenors, against which it accepted Rs499.4 billion in…

Read More

SECP approves ETF reform roadmap

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has granted in-principle approval for the implementation of a comprehensive exchange-traded fund (ETF) reform roadmap, based on the recommendations of the working committee on ETFs, according to a statement issued on Tuesday. The roadmap will be implemented in phases following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including…

Read More

Rate hike undermines investor confidence

KSE-100 loses 1,085 points on worries higher borrowing costs may hit corporate profits KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended Tuesday’s session on a negative note as a 100-basis-point policy rate hike weighed on investor sentiment, who were worried that the central bank’s monetary tightening would dent business activities. During the trading session, the benchmark…

Read More

IMF okays 60% cut in gas levy

Sources said that the IMF observed the CPP levy should be seen as a punitive tool to discourage the use of gas in inefficient in-house plants. photo: file ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has allowed Pakistan to modify the price formula used to determine the captive gas levy, which will reduce gas prices for…

Read More

FPCCI urges withdrawal of 0.9% infrastructure cess

FPCCI Regional Chairman Zaki Aijaz said cargo transported by rail is considerably more economical LAHORE: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh has urged the Punjab government to immediately withdraw the 0.9% Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess (PIDC) imposed in the province, according to a statement issued on Monday. Sheikh…

Read More

Gold steady in range as global pressure persists

KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan posted a modest increase on Monday, defying a decline in the international bullion market amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, the price of gold per tola rose by Rs800 to settle at Rs493,962. The rate for 10 grams of gold increased by Rs686…

Read More