ADB to advise on airport outsourcing

Airport to be outsourced to private operator under long-term concession framework The ADB listed Pakistan among 60 nations that may face 10% to 12.5% additional US tariffs from July 24. It said recent policy developments indicate US trade restrictions are likely to remain broad despite the Supreme Court’s invalidation. photo:REUTERS ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission Board…

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FM Dar calls for improved port connectivity to maximise Pakistan’s economic benefits

DPM Dar leads high-level review of port connectivity, trade facilitation. Photo: X Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday emphasised the need to improve port connectivity to maximise the benefits of Pakistan’s strategic geographical location. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), FM Dar chaired a high-level meeting on improving port connectivity,…

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PM calls on stakeholders to recognize urgency of population rise, promote sustainable development

Says responsible, prudent population planning and management form the foundation of a welfare-oriented society PM calls on stakeholders to recognize urgency of population rise, promote sustainable development Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all stakeholders, including the federal and provincial governments, members of parliament, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, religious scholars, the media,…

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Pakistan, US cite ‘significant progress’ in Washington trade talks

Andrabi says both sides ironing out differences, building convergence, with view to early conclusion of agreement Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, who led the Pakistan delegation, characterised the talks as positive and appreciated the significant progress made during the negotiations. PHOTO: Tahir Andrabi on X Pakistan and the United States have made significant progress towards a…

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NDC claims Qureshi unhappy with PTI leadership

LAHORE: Claims by the National Dialogue Committee (NDC) that jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s current leadership and the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) have triggered sharp denials from both organisations. However, senior PTI leaders privately acknowledged that concerns over the party’s engagement with imprisoned leaders remain genuine…

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PM pins growth hopes on easier SME credit

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday underscored that providing easy financial facilities to various sectors is essential for sustainable economic development. He emphasized that banks should significantly increase the provision of loans to priority sectors, especially the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, which is the backbone of the country’s economy. The prime minister…

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PSX reports record Rs3.5tr Sukuk issuance

Finance ministry says debt-to-GDP ratio improves to 68.5% as govt advances reforms KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), in collaboration with the finance ministry, hosted an investor briefing to discuss the country’s debt management strategy, Sukuk issuance and fiscal reforms, according to a statement on Friday. The session brought together senior ministry officials, PSX leadership,…

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New Zealand, India elevate ties to strategic partnership during Modi’s visit

India and New Zealand elevated ties to a strategic partnership on Saturday, according to officials. It came as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in New Zealand, held “wide-ranging and productive talks” with his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, said Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal, adding that talks included trade and…

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Rain, windstorms likely in upper parts

Rain-windstorms and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are likely in Kashmir ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecast rain-windstorms and thundershowers in the upper parts of the country during the weekend as moist currents from the Arabian Sea and a westerly wave are expected to influence weather conditions from Saturday. Also, the Emergency…

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PTA issues 47 district-level internet licences

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued 47 district-level Class Licences for internet services this year as part of its efforts to expand broadband infrastructure across the country. According to PTA documents, the first district-level internet licence was issued in February this year. During March, the authority granted 12 new district-level licences, followed by…

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