PIA to Hire Engineers, Technicians on Daily Wages Amid Mass Resignations

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is facing a major staffing crisis following the resignation of 110 engineers and technicians. The departures come amidst the government’s move to privatize the national flag carrier. In response to the resignations, PIA’s administration has decided to fill the vacant positions on a daily-wage basis. According to sources, the engineering …

SECP Seeks Feedback on Research Analyst Regulations, 2015

Islamabad: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has released a Consultation Paper seeking public feedback on potential changes to the Research Analyst Regulations, 2015. The aim is to improve the quality of research available to investors and align the regulations with both local and international standards. Enhancing Research Quality Research analysts play a …

SBP Cuts Policy Rate by 100 Basis Points to 12%

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday reduced the policy rate by 100 basis points, bringing it to 12%, during the first monetary policy announcement of 2025. The new rate will take effect from December 17, 2024, according to a statement released by the central bank. Inflation Declining Gradually SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, who …

Gas Prices Increased for Captive Power Plants, Domestic Consumers Unaffected

Islamabad: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced an increase in the price of gas for captive power plants. However, gas prices for domestic consumers, as well as other sectors, will remain unchanged. Gas Price Hike for Captive Power Plants OGRA has raised the gas price for captive power plants by 500 rupees …

PTA Reports Poor QoS Performance by Mobile Operators in Survey

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has highlighted the poor quality of service (QoS) provided by mobile operators in Pakistan. The results of a QoS survey conducted in Q4 2024 reveal substandard performance in network coverage, broadband, voice, and SMS services. Key players like Zong and Jazz showed strength in specific areas, while Telenor consistently underperformed. …

Gold Prices Drop After Record Highs

Gold prices, after reaching record highs, have slightly dropped in both international and local markets. The recent fluctuation in gold prices has drawn significant attention, particularly after the surge to historic levels just a day earlier. International Gold Prices Slip In the global bullion market, the price of gold per ounce decreased by $2, settling …

PSX Surges as KSE-100 Index Gains 1.43% Amid Optimism

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a remarkable surge on Friday, with the KSE-100 Index climbing 1.43% during intra-day trading. The index reached 115,662.87 points by midday, reflecting renewed investor confidence and strong market activity. Robust Gains and Market Activity The KSE-100 Index recorded a sharp increase of 1,625.08 points before trading paused for Friday …

Pakistan’s Inflation Hits Lowest Levels in Over a Decade

Amid ongoing economic reforms, Pakistan’s inflation rate is expected to drop significantly, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2025 forecasted to dip below 3%, marking the lowest level since November 2015. According to a report by JS Global, January’s CPI inflation could fall to 2.8%, driven by a high base effect, despite a …

PSX Surges on Optimism Over Rate Cut and Foreign Buying

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its upward momentum on Friday, buoyed by expectations of a rate cut in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and increased foreign interest, particularly in the cement sector. The benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 1,741.26 points, or 1.53%, reaching an intraday high of 115,779.05 before closing near its peak. …

World Bank Commits $20 Billion to Pakistan’s Development

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the World Bank’s $20 billion commitment under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan. This strategic partnership focuses on sustainable development, private sector growth, and building human capital, promising to address the nation’s long-standing economic challenges. Strengthening Pakistan-World Bank Relations Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz …

Oil Prices Stagnate Amid Tariff Uncertainty Under Trump Policies

Oil prices remain under pressure as uncertainty grows over the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs and energy policies on global economic growth and oil demand. Despite recent losses, Brent crude futures edged up 18 cents to $79.18 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 14 cents to $75.58. Analysts highlight …

K-Electric Faces Scrutiny Over Load Shedding

The National Assembly has revealed that high line losses and rampant electricity theft are the primary causes of prolonged load shedding in Karachi. Areas with 25-30% losses experience up to 6 hours of load shedding daily, while those with more than 30% losses suffer up to 10 hours. The government has claimed that the winter …

KSE-100 Index Declines Amid Economic, Regulatory Concerns

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) faced another tough session on Wednesday as the KSE-100 Index plummeted by 1,598.82 points, or 1.39%. The index closed at 113,443.43, reflecting weak investor confidence due to economic uncertainty and regulatory concerns. During the session, the index reached an intraday high of 115,256.16 before falling to a low of 113,359.37. …

Oracle Surges as Trump Unveils $500 Billion AI Investment Plan

Oracle’s shares soared nearly 9% on Wednesday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a $500 billion artificial intelligence (AI) investment plan. The initiative, known as “Stargate,” aims to solidify the United States’ leadership in AI technology and infrastructure, with Oracle playing a central role alongside partners OpenAI and SoftBank. Massive Investment to Boost AI Leadership …

KE Staff Injured in Attack During Anti-Theft Drive in Karachi

KARACHI: Residents of Lines Area attacked K-Electric (KE) staff during an operation to disconnect illegal power connections, according to a KE press release. The attack occurred in Abysinia Lines (Lines Area) as KE teams worked to remove illegal electricity connections (kunda). Injured staff members were immediately taken to a nearby private hospital for medical treatment. …

IMF Recommends Mini-Budget, Pakistan Opts for Alternative Measures

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Pakistan to present a mini-budget following a revenue shortfall of Rs385 billion recorded between July and December 2024, according to sources. Prime Minister rejected the IMF’s recommendation, instructing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to address the deficit through alternative measures. The FBR has already shared a …

Crackdown on Non-Custom Paid Vehicles Begins in Balochistan

The Excise Department has launched an operation targeting non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles across Balochistan. The operation, which began on January 21, is being conducted in collaboration with local district administrations, Customs, and Police. The operation initially focuses on Quetta, Mastung, Sorab, Khuzdar, Kalat, Nushki, Turbat, and Nasirabad. Authorities plan to expand the campaign to other …

Reko Diq Set to Generate $74 Billion Over 37 Years

The Reko Diq copper and gold project in Pakistan is expected to generate an impressive $74 billion in free cash flow over 37 years, according to Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow. Project Overview Reko Diq, located in Balochistan, is a joint venture between Barrick Gold (holding a 50% stake) and the governments of Pakistan and …

FBR Chairman Admits Corruption in Department

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Langrial acknowledged ongoing corruption within the department on Tuesday. He made the admission during a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance. Langrial also shared details about new reforms to expand the tax base and curb illegal practices. FBR Implements Reforms to Tackle Tax Evasion Rashid …

Pakistan Emerges as a Premier Mining Destination at FMF 2025

Pakistan made waves at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh on January 17, presenting itself as a global mining powerhouse. The event showcased the country’s untapped mineral wealth through a captivating film, Beneath the Surface: Pakistan’s Mining Renaissance. The documentary highlighted Pakistan’s rich reserves of gemstones, non-metallic minerals, industrial minerals, metals, and rare-earth elements, …

SBP to Announce Monetary Policy on January 27

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to reveal its much-anticipated monetary policy decision on Monday, January 27, 2025. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will convene earlier in the day to deliberate on the policy direction. Governor SBP, Jameel Ahmad, will address a press conference after the meeting to announce the decision. This announcement …

Markets React as Second Trump Term Begins: Dollar Falls

The dollar dipped, and global markets remained cautious as Donald Trump began his second term as U.S. President. Investors anticipate significant policy announcements in the coming hours, potentially shaping global economic directions. Meanwhile, Bitcoin hit a record high near $109,000, signaling growing optimism in the cryptocurrency market. Stocks Show Mixed Movements Global stocks opened the …

Pakistani Pilgrims to Spend Rs9.94 Billion on Sacrificial Animals for Hajj 2025

Pakistani pilgrims performing Hajj in 2025 will collectively spend approximately Rs9.94 billion on sacrificial animals, according to sources within the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA). Each pilgrim under the government Hajj scheme is contributing Rs55,500 for this religious obligation. Over 35,000 pilgrims have already deposited Rs1.94 billion for the sacrifice, demonstrating the organized efforts to …

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