Shocking Claims on Food Quality in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Senator Aimal Wali Khan made alarming claims about food safety during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on National Food Security. The Awami National Party (ANP) senator alleged that plastic rice and meat from donkeys, dogs, and frogs were being sold in Pakistan. He also cited a report stating that only 22% of milk sold …

Rupee Appreciates by 0.1% in Inter-Bank Market on Thursday

The Pakistani rupee strengthened marginally against the US dollar on Thursday, appreciating by 0.1% during the early hours of trading. At 10am, the rupee was trading at 278.45, gaining Re0.27 from its previous close of 278.72 on Wednesday, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Pressure on Major Currencies Meanwhile, the US …

Cement Prices Drop in Pakistan

Cement prices in Pakistan’s northern cities dropped slightly during the week ending January 2. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the average retail price of a 50-kg cement bag in northern cities stood at Rs. 1,415, reflecting a 0.45% decline from the previous week’s price of Rs. 1,422. The price decrease marks a …

KSE-100 Index Recovers After 2 Days of Losses

The capital market started Wednesday’s session on a positive note, making a strong recovery after two days of consecutive losses. The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 Index rose by 1,697.54 points, or 1.46%, reaching an intraday high of 117,750.22 points. This upward correction follows a sharp drop of 2,500 points the day before, providing …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Day-Long Visit to Karachi

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Karachi on Wednesday for a day-long visit. During his time in the port city, he will attend several important meetings and inaugurate significant projects. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori warmly received the Prime Minister upon his arrival. The Prime Minister’s schedule includes a …

Oil Prices Dip as Market Faces Technical Correction and Supply Concerns

Oil prices fell on Tuesday, extending losses from the previous session. This marks a second consecutive day of decline following last week’s rally. While concerns over tightening Russian and Iranian supply amid Western sanctions helped limit the losses, broader market factors weighed on prices. Brent futures dropped by 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $76.22 per …

Malaysia Lifts Lab Testing for Pakistani Oranges

Pakistan’s citrus industry has received a major boost with the removal of laboratory testing requirements for the export of oranges to Malaysia. This development is seen as a significant breakthrough, which will ease the challenges faced by Pakistani exporters. The decision follows efforts by the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and government officials …

KSE-100 Index Drops Amid Profit-Taking and Economic Concerns

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) began the week on a negative note as the KSE-100 index plunged by 1,332 points. Investors booked profit-taking amid worries in the gas and cement sectors. The index fell by 1.13% to close at 116,255.13 points, down from the previous session’s 117,586.98 points. Analyst Ahsan Mehanti from Arif Habib Corp …

Saudi Riyal Stable Against Pakistani Rupee: Buying Rate at Rs 74.18

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) remains stable against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in the open market, with a buying rate of Rs 74.18 on Monday, January 6, 2025. According to a currency website, the selling rate for Saudi Riyal SAR stands at Rs 74.58 in the open market. The economic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia …

Gold Rate Drops in Saudi Arabia: 24-Karat Gold Now at SAR 3,708 Per Tola

The rate of 24-karat gold in Saudi Arabia fell to SAR 3,708 per tola on Monday, January 6, 2025. According to Forex.pk, the price for 10 grams of 24-karat gold is SAR 3,183. An ounce of gold is priced at SAR 9,900. Gold prices remain subject to global market trends. The last update was recorded …

Govt Unveils Plan to Double GDP and Slash Poverty by 2029

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has introduced the National Economic Transformation Plan to boost Pakistan’s economy. The plan aims to double GDP growth and reduce poverty by half within five years. It includes a projected investment of $29 billion, overseen by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Key investors include $10 billion from the UAE, …

Blast Targets Bus in Turbat, Balochistan: 4 Killed, 32 Injured

A blast targeted a passenger bus in Balochistan’s Turbat on Saturday, leaving four people dead and 32 injured. Police confirmed the incident occurred in the New Bahman area. The bus was en route from Karachi to Turbat when the explosion struck. Rabia Tariq, spokesperson for the Balochistan inspector general of police’s office, confirmed the death …

Turkish Company Bids for Islamabad Airport Outsourcing

The financial bid for outsourcing the operations of New Islamabad Airport has officially been opened. The opening ceremony took place today in Karachi at the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) headquarters. During the ceremony, only one company, a Turkish firm, was shortlisted to participate in the bidding process. This company’s offer has now been revealed as …

Exchange Companies Handle $7 Billion in 2024

Karachi: Mr. Zafar Paracha, Secretary General of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP), announced that exchange companies handled a total volume of approximately USD 7.0 billion in 2024, significantly contributing to Pakistan’s economic progress and prosperity. This achievement reflects the pivotal role of exchange companies in stabilizing Pakistan’s foreign exchange market. Strengthening Foreign Reserves …

Mashreq Becomes First Bank to Launch Pilot Operations

Karachi: Mashreq Pakistan, a part of Mashreq Group, has received a restricted license from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to begin pilot operations as the first digital retail bank in the country. This significant development marks a key milestone for Mashreq and underscores its commitment to driving financial inclusion and providing innovative digital banking …

Foreign Reserves Decrease, Total Reserves Show Modest Growth

Karachi: Pakistan’s official foreign reserves have decreased, while the country’s total reserves saw a slight increase. According to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan, total reserves rose by $3.72 million by the week ending December 27, reaching $16.4 billion, compared to $16.37 billion in the previous week. The central bank reported a …

Veon Group Invests USD 15m in Mobilink Bank

Karachi: Veon Group, a global digital operator, has injected USD 15 million into Mobilink Bank. The investment aims to boost Mobilink Bank’s strategic growth, focusing on microfinance, Islamic banking, and technological advancements. The fresh capital will enable the bank to expand its offerings in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) financing. The funds will also …

Gold Prices Hit Record High in Pakistan on Friday

Gold prices in Pakistan have risen sharply, continuing their upward trajectory. The rate of one tola gold increased by Rs. 2,200, reaching Rs. 276,900 in local markets. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold climbed by Rs. 1,886, now standing at Rs. 237,397. This surge mirrors international market trends, where gold prices rose by …

Punjab Govt Adopts PFVA Plan, Allocates Rs 1.5bn for Citrus Industry Revival

The Punjab government, in collaboration with PFVA, has unveiled a Rs. 1.5 billion investment plan to modernize the citrus industry, aiming to secure its status as Pakistan’s leading horticultural export. This transformative initiative addresses key challenges, including the impact of climate change and outdated farming practices. PFVA’s Role in Shaping the Project The Pakistan Fruit …

PSX Starts 2025 with Record 1,900-Point Surge

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) started the new year with a record-breaking rally. The KSE-100 Index closed above the 117,000 mark after gaining nearly 1,900-point surge on Wednesday. The KSE-100 Index gained 1,881.18 points, closing at 117,008.08, marking a 1.63% increase. The index hit an intra-day high of 117,341.03, supported by strong local buying …

Pakistan Meets IMF’s Tax Target Amid Economic Challenges

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Pakistan successfully met its December tax target set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), despite political unrest and economic challenges. This milestone highlights Pakistan’s commitment to fiscal stability and economic resilience, achieved through coordinated governance and strategic measures. Achieving Fiscal Targets During a federal cabinet meeting, PM …

Gold Prices Soar to Historic Highs in 2024

Gold prices in 2024 hit historic highs, with international rates reaching $2,790 per ounce and local prices in Pakistan surging to Rs287,900 per tola. The rise in prices was driven by central bank purchases, especially from emerging markets, as well as escalating geopolitical tensions around the world. Key drivers behind the price surge included intensified …

Hajj 2025: 300 Seats Allocated for Low-Income Workers

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced the Hajj Labour Quota for 2025, reserving 300 seats for low-income workers. Nominations have been invited from public and corporate sector organisations for workers in grades equivalent to Scale 1 to 9, including labourers, industrial workers, and miners. The ministry’s spokesperson, Muhammad Umar Butt, …

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