PSX gains 2,248 points in mixed week

KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended gains during the outgoing week, when the benchmark KSE-100 index rose over 2,248 points amid easing geopolitical concerns linked to expected progress in US-Iran negotiations and improving investor confidence. On a day-on-day basis, the bourse commenced the week with a plunge of nearly 3,800 points, triggered by stalled US-Iran…

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Govt sticks to coal despite solar growth

Research says Pakistan on ‘front line’ of global struggle to exit coal agreements LAHORE: Pakistan’s rapid shift towards solar power is undermining the economics of coal-fired electricity generation, even as the government continues to back coal as a pillar of energy security, according to a new global report. The report, Boom and Bust 2026, released…

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Tola budget proposes rupee at 250 per dollar

Rs10 remittance bonus could boost inflows, reduce inflation by up to 6%, economist says KARACHI: Reducing the value of the rupee to 250 per dollar could lower inflation by up to 6%, while offering a bonus of Rs10 per dollar for remittances sent through banking channels instead of hawala/informal hundi systems could increase inflows. These…

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Red tape, not bad luck, hits capital

LAHORE: Imagine a country sitting at the crossroads of South Asia and Central Asia, with a population of 250 million, abundant natural resources, and a GDP exceeding $450 billion, yet struggling to convince even its own businesspeople to invest at home. That is Pakistan’s continued uncomfortable reality in 2026, and the way things are going,…

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Retailers propose 10pm business closure time

Eid shopping at Jinnah Super Market, Islamabad. Photo: Online (file) LAHORE: The Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP) – a retailers’ lobby – has welcomed the temporary extension in retail business hours granted ahead of Eidul Azha and has urged the prime minister and federal cabinet to adopt a permanent, nationwide retail closing time of 10…

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Oil prices rise on investor doubt

By helping the world reduce oil prices from the $150-$200 range and saving hundreds of billions in import bills and high interest expense, Pakistan has earned its seat at the table. photo: REUTERS HOUSTON: Oil prices rose on Friday as investors doubted the prospect of a breakthrough in US-Iran peace talks, but prices remained on…

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Pakistan honoured at Drone Congress

PVARA chairman says blockchain integration with drone tech can boost logistics, transparency ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was designated as the Country of Honour at the 10th anniversary of the World Drone Congress in Shenzhen, where Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Bilal Bin Saqib represented the country, according to a statement issued on Friday….

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Gold steady despiteglobal slide

At current prices, the looted gold is worth around $70 million. PHOTO: PIXABAY KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan remained unchanged on Friday despite a decline in international bullion markets, where stronger oil prices and a firmer US dollar weighed on investor sentiment and increased expectations of another US interest rate hike. In the local market,…

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NEV policy dispute intensifies

With millions of combustion vehicles plying across the province, a small official electric fleet will not reduce air pollution levels. PHOTO: PIXABAY LAHORE: Pakistan’s proposed New Energy Vehicle (NEV) policy, designed to accelerate the shift towards cleaner mobility by reducing emissions and oil imports, promoting transport electrification and developing a local EV ecosystem, is rapidly…

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Weekly inflation rate stands above 14%

Market analysts caution that IMF-related measures in the upcoming FY2026 budget—particularly new taxes and adjustments in energy prices—may lead to a renewed spike in inflation. PHOTO: FILE KARACHI: Pakistan’s weekly inflation rose 14.47% year-on-year for the period ended May 21, 2026, as spillover effects from the US-Israel conflict with Iran continued to drive up fuel,…

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