KSE-100 index surges 2,238 points; FFC leads rally after signing $1.1b China deal Karachi stocks. PHOTO: FILE KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday witnessed a positive session as the KSE-100 index rose nearly 2,240 points, driven by renewed investor optimism over progress in US-Iran negotiations and easing global oil prices. Broad-based buying was…
Despite institutional strengths and supportive policies, the food ministry said Pakistan had yet to fully capitalise on the opportunities offered by agricultural biotechnology, the primary reason for which was the absence of a clear and unified strategic direction. photo:file ISLAMABAD: Following a historic slump in cotton harvest, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research…
KARACHI: Pakistan’s mutual fund industry has expanded nearly 6.8 times since 2019, crossing Rs4 trillion in assets under management (AUM) by late 2025. However, the sector’s heavy concentration in low?risk money market instruments is raising concerns about market depth, investor behaviour and systemic liquidity pressures. According to a post by the Overseas Investors Chamber of…
Analysts see tighter policy with focus on revenue mobilisation, structural adjustments Brokerage houses warn that if global oil prices remain near $100 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions, growth could slow to 3‑3.5%, while inflation risks may re‑emerge. photo: file KARACHI: Pakistan’s upcoming federal budget for FY27 is shaping up to be less about headline?grabbing…
Objects to new mills, backs phased reform over 5-10 years casting doubt on IMF deadline ISLAMABAD: The Sindh government has rejected immediate deregulation of the sugar sector. It also opposes abolishing crop zoning and a ban on new mills, bringing into question the federal government’s commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve the…
ISLAMABAD: The government is considering proposals either seeking imposition of a windfall gain tax to take a pie out of the estimated Rs130 billion profit being earned by oil sector companies during war time or a mechanism to pay back to consumers after recovering the money from these entities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted…
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched inquiries into the issuance and renewal of oil storage licences, misreporting and illegal price differential claims (PDCs). At present, the FIA Karachi Circle is investigating two scams. In a scandal, the role of director general oil of the Petroleum Division is being investigated. In the second case,…
Proposes 4?5% FBR revenue increase, 10?12% defence rise, and removal of infrastructure cess LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has presented its shadow budget for fiscal year 2026?27 and urged the government to design a balanced, business?friendly federal budget, according to a statement issued on Monday. LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said…
Assess regional developments, economic and humanitarian implications Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb speaks during an interview at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group’s annual spring meetings in Washington DC, US, April 13, 2026, PHOTO: REUTERS ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday held a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott…
KARACHI: Gold prices on Monday registered an increase in Pakistan, mirroring gains in the international market, where the precious metal rose more than 1% amid hopes of a peace deal to end the US-Iran war. The development eased pressure on the dollar and oil prices, reducing fears of higher inflation and interest rates for an…