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Chicago grains rise with crop weather and Iran war in focus
April 22, 2026 2:36
Chicago grains rise with crop weather and Iran war in focus

Chicago wheat, corn and soybean futures edged higher on Wednesday, underpinned by weather risks for U.S. crops and uncertainty over talks to end the Iran war, analysts said. Ample global supply, including large South American corn and soybean crops, was keeping prices in check. Showers in the coming days could hamper soybean and corn planting, while drought persists in some hard red winter (HRW) wheat areas ahead of possible rain relief next week. Crude oil prices rose as reports of gunfire attacks on several container ships in the Strait of Hormuz tempered reaction to Washington’s announcement that it would indefinitely extend a ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks. READ MORE: Chicago wheat extends gains on adverse US weather “While the situation in the Middle East is still very uncertain, U.S. drought and cold weather continue to threaten U.S. HRW wheat,” Carlos Mera, head of agricultural commodities research at Rabobank, said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday rated 30% of the nation’s winter wheat in good-to-excellent condition, down from 34% the previous week and below a range of analyst estimates, as drought and weekend frost stressed crops. For spring crops, a surge in fertiliser prices driven by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has added uncertainty over harvest prospects, with farmers weighing high input costs for corn against the crop’s strong yields in recent years. The Middle East conflict is also influencing crop prices as commodities like corn and soybean-derived soyoil are used for biofuel. The most-active soybean contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) was up 0.7% at $11.98-1/2 a bushel, as of 1030 GMT. CBOT wheat added 0.3% to $6.14-3/4 a bushel, while CBOT corn was 0.6% higher at $4.64-3/4 a bushel. Brisk export demand has also underpinned U.S. corn prices. The USDA on Tuesday confirmed private sales of 100,000 metric tons of U.S. corn to Colombia and 195,000 tons to undisclosed buyers for shipment in the 2025/26 marketing year. [...]

Iran war conflict could create systemic gas demand destruction, says top sector official
April 22, 2026 2:35
Iran war conflict could create systemic gas demand destruction, says top sector official

PARIS: The natural gas demand destruction currently resulting from the Iran war as governments implement measures to mitigate the crisis risks becoming structural if the conflict persists, the head of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum said on Wednesday. Since the Middle East crisis began at the end of February, more than 500 million barrels of crude and condensate have been knocked out of the global market, according to Kpler data – the largest energy supply disruption in modern history. Countries dependent upon Gulf supplies have reacted by switching to burning coal and accelerating the switch to renewables. Speaking at the Invest in African Energy conference in Paris, Philip Mshelbila - secretary general of the body representing a dozen countries holding 70% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves - said such measures are currently a short-term response to the crisis. READ MORE: US official says gas prices have peaked despite Iran war “If the conflict ended today, the world would recover in six months to a year. But if it lasts six months, those knee-jerk changes we are seeing could become structural,” he said. He said that 2026 had been meant to be a pivotal year for the sector, with a tight global gas market flipping into oversupply. “Clearly this conflict has done something to that, and it’s not yet clear whether it’s just a delay, or whether in fact that glut will ever come,” Mshelbila said. Gulf crisis a missed opportunity for Africa Addressing an audience including African energy ministers, Mshelbila said African gas producers were missing an opportunity to step in and fill the supply gap caused by Middle East outages and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. “Sadly while some African countries have excess capacity in both LNG and pipeline gas, the majority of them if not all are not producing at full capacity,” he said. “If you look at the export pipelines to Europe, from Algeria or from Libya, not one of them is full.” As a result, North American producers are instead capturing the European and Asian gas markets, Mshelbila said. “Normally in a situation of crisis this is an opportunity: Fill it up! Seize the market! Unfortunately we are missing out, because we don’t have the upstream molecules to fill the infrastructure,” he said. “The reserves are there, but they are still in the ground.” [...]

Sterling steady with focus on inflation data, Iran ceasefire uncertainty
April 22, 2026 2:33
Sterling steady with focus on inflation data, Iran ceasefire uncertainty

The British pound was little changed on Wednesday as markets grappled with continued uncertainty over the Middle East conflict, even after U.S. President Donald Trump indefinitely extended a ceasefire with Iran. It was unclear whether Iran or Israel - Washington’s ally in the two-month conflict - agreed with the extension, and the prospect of peace talks was uncertain as the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route remained blocked. Meanwhile, British inflation data showed early price pressures linked to the conflict. Consumer price inflation rose to an annual rate of 3.3% in March from 3.0% in February, in line with expectations. READ MORE: Sterling dips as US-Iran peace talks falter “In aggregate, inflation was a little bit higher than previously, but nothing aggressive,” said Dominic Bunning, head of G10 FX strategy at Nomura, adding that inflation readings were likely to climb further later in the year. “I think sterling’s going to look at this like, it could be better, it could be worse,” he said. The pound was last marginally higher at $1.3516, while the euro was little changed against sterling at 86.88 pence. Markets have also been closely focused on interest-rate expectations after the Iran war pushed up inflation forecasts. Money markets were last pricing in one Bank of England rate hike this year, with some chance of a second. The BoE is, however, widely expected to leave rates unchanged when it meets later this month, with markets assigning only about a 10% chance of a hike. Policymakers face “an unenviable balancing act,” said Zara Nokes, global market analyst at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. “There are clear upside risks to inflation, particularly if households – who have become accustomed to persistent price pressures for some time – demand higher wages to restore their eroded purchasing power,” she said, while noting that a weakening labour market and falling vacancies could hit consumption and amplify downside risks to growth. The BoE will want to assess which of those risks dominates, Nokes added. [...]

Palm extends gains to highest closing in nearly three-weeks
April 22, 2026 2:32
Palm extends gains to highest closing in nearly three-weeks

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains to a third consecutive session on Wednesday to end at their highest closing price in nearly three weeks, propped up by stronger related oils, although expectations of higher production may limit upside movements. The benchmark palm oil contract for July delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained 67 ringgit, or 1.47%, to 4,626 ringgit ($1,171.14) a metric ton at closing. The contract extended the 2.45% gain recorded over the previous two sessions. “Market sentiment is likely to remain firm, underpinned by strength in Dalian RBD palm olein and Chicago soybean oil futures. However, price movements may stay volatile amid uncertainty surrounding U.S.–Iran peace talks,” a Kuala Lumpur-based trader said. READ MORE: Palm oil rises on firmer rival oils Oil prices jumped on Wednesday with Brent trading above $100 a barrel, erasing earlier losses following reports of gunfire attacks on at least three container ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Higher crude oil prices made palm oil a more attractive option for biodiesel. As of April 13, Indonesia consumed 3.9 million kilolitres of palm-based biodiesel year-to-date under its biodiesel blending mandate, an energy ministry official said, as preparations got underway to increase the blending rate further. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract rose 2.07%, while its palm oil contract surged 1.2%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were trading slightly higher 0.63%. Palm oil tracks the price movements of rival edible oils, as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. Palm oil is expected to test a resistance at 4,639 ringgit per metric ton. A break above could lead to a gain into the 4,693-4,760 ringgit range, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said. [...]

India 10-year yield rises most in 2 weeks as oil gains on ceasefire doubts
April 22, 2026 2:29
India 10-year yield rises most in 2 weeks as oil gains on ceasefire doubts

MUMBAI: Indian government bonds weakened on Wednesday, with the 10-year yield jumping the most in about two weeks, as doubts over an indefinitely extended U.S.-Iran ceasefire pushed oil prices higher and weighed on India’s macro outlook. U.S. President Donald Trump called off attacks on Iran indefinitely, but the Strait of Hormuz remained blocked on Wednesday, and neither side showed up for peace talks in Pakistan. Brent crude hovered near $100 a barrel, battering the rupee, bonds and stocks, underscoring India’s vulnerability as it imports nearly 90% of its oil needs, constituting a fourth of its total import bill. India’s benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond yield rose over 3 bps to 6.9225%, snapping a two-day winning streak and posting its biggest jump in two weeks. It shut at 6.8894% on Tuesday. READ MORE: India bonds tick up tracking oil, market focus on US-Iran talks Yields move inversely to prices. “The 10-year yield may head toward 6.95%-7% again this week,” a private bank trader said. The rupee closed at 93.7950, down 0.3% from the previous close and hovering near its weakest level in three weeks. The benchmark Nifty 50 fell 0.81% to 24,378.10. “In response to the US-Iran conflict, we think New Delhi will introduce policies to redirect critical inputs to key industries, restrain business costs and improve financial support for firms,” BMI, a Fitch company, said in a note. “We maintain our forecast that the central government will register a fiscal deficit worth 4.5% of gross domestic product in FY2026-27.” New Delhi had budgeted a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP. Rates India’s overnight index swap rates surged tracking higher oil prices and bond yields. The one-year OIS rate was up 4.25 bps at 5.8275%, while the two-year swap rate rose 5.5 bps to 6.04%. The liquid five-year OIS rate was higher by 7.25 bps at 6.43%. [...]

Oil prices rise after reports container ships in Hormuz hit by gunfire
April 22, 2026 1:07
Oil prices rise after reports container ships in Hormuz hit by gunfire

LONDON: Oil prices rose on Wednesday, erasing earlier losses after reports of gunfire attacks on at least three container ships in the Strait of Hormuz and a lack of progress in peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. Brent crude futures were up 73 cents, or 0.7%, at $99.21 a barrel at 1049 GMT. West Texas Intermediate futures were up 59 cents, or 0.7%, to $90.26. Both benchmarks climbed about 3% on Tuesday. At least three container ships were hit by gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy seized two vessels for what it described as maritime violations and transferred them to Iranian shores, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. Also read: At Pakistan’s request, Trump extends ceasefire until Iran submits new proposal Iran and the U.S. have imposed restrictions on ships using the strait, which until the Iran war began at the end of February had carried about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran, hours before it was due to expire. Neither side showed up for peace talks in Pakistan. US crude, products stockpile data in focus The ceasefire announcement appeared to be unilateral, and it was not immediately clear whether Iran, or U.S. ally Israel, would agree to extend the truce, which began two weeks ago. In Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil was ready to resume operations. Three industry sources, however, said Russia was set to stop oil exports from Kazakhstan to Germany via the pipeline from May 1. Later on Wednesday, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is due to publish weekly inventory data. Also read: Vessel reports Iranian gunboat attack near Oman, crew safe, UKMTO says Crude stocks fell by 4.5 million barrels last week, while gasoline and distillate stocks also declined, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Analysts estimated a 1.2 million-barrel draw of crude for the week ended April 17. “If the EIA confirms the draws and U.S. weekly exports of both crude oil and refined products remain robust, this will be taken as confirmation that consumers in Europe and the Far East are scrambling to secure oil supplies wherever, whenever, and however they can,” PVM analysts said. [...]

Selling pressure at bourse, KSE-100 settles nearly 1% lower
April 22, 2026 1:02
Selling pressure at bourse, KSE-100 settles nearly 1% lower

Negative sentiments were observed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) amid uncertainty over the US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The benchmark KSE-100 Index settled with a loss of nearly 1% on Wednesday. The index showed sharp volatility in the opening hours, with an early spike followed by a steep drop—suggesting aggressive selling pressure. A partial recovery phase was observed, where the market attempted to regain lost ground and hit an intra-day high of 173,452.66. However, the market failed to sustain the upward momentum, and it entered a persistent downtrend in the final hours of trading. At close, the benchmark index settled at 171,579.30, down by 1,576.49 points or 0.91%. Key index constituents, including UBL, LUCK, PPL, HBL, and OGDC, remained under sustained selling pressure, collectively eroding 762 points from the benchmark, Topline Securities said. On Tuesday, PSX witnessed a volatile session but managed to close in positive territory amid cautious investor sentiment. The benchmark KSE-100 Index demonstrated strong resilience, gaining 959 points, or 0.56%, to close at 173,155.79 points. Internationally, US stock futures rose, and the dollar wavered on Wednesday after President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the Iran ceasefire, ​keeping sentiment buoyed, although with the Strait of Hormuz still ‌closed, oil held onto its recent gains. Trump’s announcement appeared to be unilateral, and it was not immediately clear whether Iran, or US ally Israel, would agree to ​extend the ceasefire, which began two weeks ago. Markets, though, took ​the news in stride with risk momentum intact. S&P futures ⁠rose 0.5% while Nasdaq futures gained 0.6% in early Asian hours. MSCI’s ​broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan eased 0.14% after hitting a ​seven-week high in the previous session. Japan’s Nikkei was down 0.2% as traders consolidated their recent gains. After a sharp selloff in March due to war in the Middle ​East, markets across the globe have swiftly rebounded this month and ​are back at pre-war levels as the prospect of a peace deal and the ‌ceasefire ⁠have helped risk sentiment. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain, appreciating 0.01% against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 278.87, a gain of Re0.03, against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index declined to 1,054.06 million from 1,165.25 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares decreased to Rs37.29 billion from Rs54.94 billion in the previous session. Unity Foods Ltd was the volume leader with 133.36 million shares, followed by Cnergyico PK with 77.18 million shares, and WorldCall Telecom with 56.32 million shares. Shares of 486 companies were traded on Wednesday, of which 141 registered an increase, 303 recorded a fall, and 42 remained unchanged. [...]

Indian rupee extends losing streak as Iran war jitters lift oil to $100
April 22, 2026 12:47
Indian rupee extends losing streak as Iran war jitters lift oil to $100

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee fell for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, as optimism about an end to the Iran war remained muted despite the U.S. indefinitely extending a ceasefire. With reports of gunfire attacks on container ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Brent crude oil prices rose above $100 a barrel and pegged back regional stocks, including a 0.9% drop in India’s benchmark Nifty 50 index. The rupee closed at 93.7950, down 0.3% from the previous close and hovering near its weakest level in three weeks. The rupee managed to avoid steeper losses on the day on account of likely intervention by the central bank, traders said. READ MORE: Indian rupee falls, tracking Asian peers; partial rollback of RBI FX curbs weighs Oil-sensitive Asian currencies were on the defensive with the Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah enduring losses, while the Chinese yuan, an overall outperformer in the region, held steady. “For now, the financial markets remain in limbo, awaiting news on whether there will be progress or whether another wave of military attacks lies ahead,” MUFG said in a note. “We are surely on the cusp of another surge in crude oil prices if this ceasefire does not hold, and that will most likely have a more notable knock-on impact on risk assets.” The future trajectory of the rupee, though, traders and analysts say, will depend on how high oil prices remain and for how long. An extended energy shock is likely to keep the rupee under strain, and it “wouldn’t be a surprise,” if the central bank takes additional measures to support the currency, a trader at a Singapore-based hedge fund said. Despite weakness in the local currency, dollar-rupee forward premiums retreated in afternoon trading from intraday highs, with traders pointing to forward dollar sales from both foreign and state-run lenders. [...]

IT stocks weigh on India’s Sensex, Nifty after HCLTech forecasts slower growth
April 22, 2026 12:45
IT stocks weigh on India’s Sensex, Nifty after HCLTech forecasts slower growth

India’s equity benchmarks fell on Wednesday, dragged by IT stocks after HCLTech forecast weak annual revenue growth, while investors assessed the outlook for U.S.-Iran talks after a ceasefire extension. The Nifty 50 fell 0.81% to 24,378.10, and the BSE Sensex shed 0.95% to 78,516.49, after both indexes gained 1.6% over the previous three sessions. Information technology, the benchmarks’ third-heaviest sector, slumped 3.9% after HCLTech reported subdued earnings and forecast weaker-than-expected growth for fiscal 2027. HCLTech fell 10.8%, its worst session in over 10 years, dragging peers Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services down 3.4% and 2.8%, respectively. READ MORE: Indian shares end at 6-week high as banks gain, Iran peace hopes aid sentiment “Weaker commentary on demand and near-term growth visibility by HCLTech triggered concerns around IT sector’s earnings trajectory, leading to a sharp decline in the sector and dragging markets,” said Shashwat Singh, fundamental analyst at Bajaj Broking. Tech Mahindra, which fell as much as 6.4% intraday, recouped some losses to end 2.6% lower after its own March quarter revenue topped expectations. Overall, nine of the 16 major sectors rose. The small-caps and mid-caps gained 1.1% and 0.2%, respectively. ABB India jumped 4.6% after parent ABB’s March quarter earnings showed a 26% increase in India orders. Heavyweight financials fell 0.8% after rising about 2% in the last three sessions. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks, although it was not clear on Wednesday if Iran or Israel, the U.S. ally in the war, would agree. Trump also said he would continue the U.S. Navy’s blockade of Iran’s trade by sea. Other Asian markets lost 0.6%, while Brent crude traded below $100 a barrel. “With U.S. and Iran engaging in war of words ahead of the peace talks, investors are playing safe by cutting their equity exposure,” said Ankur Punj, managing director and business head at Equirus Wealth. [...]

Rupee gains ground against US dollar
April 22, 2026 11:54
Rupee gains ground against US dollar

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279.35, 279.32, 279.31, 279.30, 279.27, 279.26, 279.25, 279.22, 279.21, 279.20, 279.17, 279.16, 279.15, 279.12, 279.11, 279.10, 279.07, 279.06, 279.05, 279.02, 279.01, 279.00, 278.97, 278.96, 278.95, 278.92, 278.91, 278.90, 278.87 ], borderColor: 'black', borderWidth: 1, fill: false, pointRadius: 3 }] }, options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { display: false } }, scales: { x: { title: { display: true, text: 'Date' } }, y: { title: { display: true, text: 'Closing Rate' } } } } }); The Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain, appreciating 0.01% against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 278.87, a gain of Re0.03, against the greenback. On Tuesday, the local unit closed at 278.90. The dollar steadied in early Asian trade on Wednesday, as scepticism over US ​President Donald Trump’s announcement of an indefinite extension of a ceasefire with Iran lifted demand for the safe-haven ‌currency, pushing it to a one-week high. The US dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a ​basket of six currencies, was steady at 98.415, its highest level since April 13. “There was a modest risk-off tone overnight ​amid renewed uncertainty around US–Iran peace talks,” analysts from Westpac wrote in a research report. Most other ⁠currencies were unchanged after the ceasefire extension. The euro was steady at $1.1739 and was up 0.1% at $1.3519. The Australian dollar was little ​changed at $0.7152 while the New Zealand dollar held steady at $0.5894. Against the yen, the U.S. dollar nudged down 0.1% to 159.26 yen as ​data earlier showed Japan’s exports rose for a seventh straight month, defying any major impact from disruptions caused by the Gulf conflict. Meanwhile, oil prices were largely flat on Wednesday after rising about $1 at the start of Asian trading. Brent crude futures were up 3 cents, or 0.02%, at $98.51 a barrel at 0438 GMT, after touching $99.38 per barrel earlier in the session. West Texas Intermediate futures were down 13 cents, or 0.14%, to $89.53 after climbing as high as $90.71 at the open. Both benchmark contracts rose about 3% on Tuesday. [...]

Pakistan to renew GMTN, Sukuk programmes to tap global markets
April 22, 2026 8:18
Pakistan to renew GMTN, Sukuk programmes to tap global markets

The government plans to renew its Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) and Sukuk TCI programmes for three years to raise funds from international markets. As per documents shared by the Finance Division’s debt management office, the government aims to tap multiple international instruments, including Eurobonds, international Sukuk and PKR-denominated international bonds settled in USD. “The timing of the issuance of instruments shall be dependent on prevailing market conditions as so advised by the selected transaction advisors,” read the document. Pakistan gets second $1bn tranche from Saudi Arabia: SBP The Finance Division plans to engage three consortia comprising: (i) for the issuance of Eurobonds and/or other international bonds under the GMTN Program; (ii) for international Sukuk issuances under the Sukuk TCI Program; and (iii) for PKR-denominated, USD-settled international bonds. It said that the engagement is subject to the Government of Pakistan’s funding requirements, and the size of each issuance will depend on market conditions at the time of execution. “The selected consortia are expected to structure, advise, manage, coordinate and execute the whole range of activities associated with the programs,” it said. As per details, consortium-1 shall comprise up to five conventional international financial institutions appointed as joint lead managers/underwriters and bookrunners for the issuance of Eurobonds. Pakistan says all options on table for funding, weighs strategic fuel reserve The consortium shall be jointly responsible for structuring, pricing, underwriting, syndicate management, investor outreach, roadshows, book- building, and allocation, ensuring broad international distribution and high-quality order books. Meanwhile, consortium-2 shall comprise up to five international financial institutions, including at least one international Islamic financial institution, appointed as joint lead managers/underwriters and bookrunners for the issuance of international Sukuk. The consortium shall be jointly responsible for structuring, pricing, underwriting, syndicate management, investor outreach, roadshows, book-building, and allocation, ensuring broad international distribution and high-quality order books, it added. The International Monetary Fund, in its report released in December 2025, following the second review of the ongoing External Financing Facility (EFF), projected Pakistan’s gross external financing requirements at USD19.398 billion (4.6% of GDP) for fiscal year 2025-26, followed by USD19.123 billion in fiscal year 2026-27. [...]

Diet Coke loses its fizz in India as Iran war hits cans supply
April 22, 2026 8:11
Diet Coke loses its fizz in India as Iran war hits cans supply

NEW DELHI: The Iran war has caused a shortage of Diet ​Coke in India, where it is sold only in aluminium cans that ‌have run short because of delayed shipments from the Gulf caused by the Iran war. The Gulf accounts for around 9% of global aluminium production, which has been trapped since the end of February by Iran’s de ​facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. While most soft drinks are sold in India ​both in plastic bottles and cans, Diet Coke is only sold in ⁠cans. Two Coca-Cola distributors told Reuters on Wednesday the company had notified them it ​was rationing supplies or not fulfilling some orders due to a can shortage caused by ​the war. “We’ve been placing orders but have been told there is a shortage due to war,” said Sanjay, one of the distributors, who declined to give his last name. Coca-Cola declined to comment. Rationing diet coke The drinks ​giant counts India as a major growth market. It reported sales of 50 billion ​rupees ($533 million) in 2024-25, its highest since at least 2021. Sugar-free products are a growth category: India’s ‌reduced-sugar food ⁠and beverage market will be worth $4.7 billion by 2030, more than double its size from 2023, Grand View Research says. An industry executive said the Diet Coke shortage was due to some consignments of imported cans being delayed. Production of cans and bottles in India has ​also become more expensive ​because of an ⁠energy shortage. “There is some production happening, but it’s being rationed as the company can’t meet all the demand,” the executive said. In northern Uttar ​Pradesh state, grocer Ashish Saxena said orders for Diet Coke had ​been delayed. Coca-Cola receives two awards at 15th International Summit “Earlier, ⁠orders were delivered within five-six hours. The company is now pushing for Coke Zero which comes in a plastic bottle and is very reasonable if compared with other products,” he said. Some ⁠social media ​users have been posting memes on Instagram to share ​their disappointment over Diet Coke shortages. One video post by user Devanshu Saran shows a man running to an ​Indian supermarket and buying more than a dozen cans. [...]

Gold price drops by Rs1,200 per tola in Pakistan
April 22, 2026 7:58
Gold price drops by Rs1,200 per tola in Pakistan

Gold prices in Pakistan decreased on Wednesday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs498,962 after a decline of Rs1,200 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs427,779 after it fell by Rs1,029, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Tuesday, gold price per tola reached Rs500,162 after a decline of Rs1,000 during the day. The international rate of gold declined by $12 to reach $4,766 per ounce (with a premium of $20). Meanwhile, the price of silver also decreased by Rs34 to reach Rs8,324 per tola. [...]

Europe readies response to second energy crisis in four years
April 22, 2026 7:39
Europe readies response to second energy crisis in four years

BRUSSELS: The European Commission will set out plans on Wednesday to cut electricity taxes and coordinate the summer refill of countries’ gas storage, as it seeks to cushion the energy fallout from the Iran war. Draft proposals seen by Reuters show the EU will, for now, avoid major market interventions such as capping gas prices or taxing energy companies’ windfall profits - measures it used in 2022 when Russia cut gas supplies and prices hit record highs. Instead, the Commission plans to curb EU tax rules to favour electricity over oil and gas, and make it easier for governments to cut industries’ electricity taxes to zero, according to the drafts, which could still change before publication. The EU would also step in to coordinate countries’ efforts to fill gas storage in the coming months, and provide guidanceon how governments should handle potential jet fuel shortages. Europe’s heavy reliance on oil and gas imports has left it exposed to spiralling prices since the Strait of Hormuz, a vital fuel shipping route, was effectively closed and Iran started attacking energy infrastructure in the Middle East. EU lawmakers vote for tougher AI rules as draft moves to final stage Europe’s benchmark gas price on Tuesday was roughly a third higher than before the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28. However, the EU’s biggest oil and gas suppliers - the US and Norway - are outside the Middle East, and the Iran crisis has not yet triggered fuel shortages in Europe. Airlines have warned, though, that jet fuel shortages could emerge in weeks. EU officials told Reuters the bloc’s relatively restrained response reflects the fact that national governments, rather than Brussels, control many crisis-management levers, including subsidies and cutting national taxes and levies. The Commission’s plans outline non-binding ways for governments to provide “immediate relief”, including requiring businesses to avoid air travel where possible. Some officials said the response also reflects an assessment that the war-driven energy shock could last for months, making it prudent to hold back more extreme measures for now. Elisabetta Cornago, assistant director at the Centre for European Reform think tank, said continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz “may lead us to a worse shock regarding oil than in 2022, a similar gas shock, but I think a smaller shock on electricity prices”. That’s because countries have significantly expanded renewable electricity since 2022, she said. The EU produced 71% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, including renewables and nuclear, last year, up from around 60% in 2022, data from think tank Ember showed. [...]

Copper little changed as investors assess Trump’s ceasefire extension
April 22, 2026 7:30
Copper little changed as investors assess Trump’s ceasefire extension

Copper was little changed on Wednesday as the U.S. dollar hovered just below a week’s high, with investors weighing a US extension of a ceasefire with Iran and comments from Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh on interest rates. The benchmark-three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange ticked 0.14% higher to $13,249 a metric ton as of 0321 GMT. The most-active copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose only 0.05% to 102,390 yuan ($15,005.06) a ton. The U.S. dollar index retreated slightly but was holding below a one-week high of 98.566 touched on Tuesday. It was unclear whether Iran would agree to the extension of the ceasefire, which, according to Trump was requested by mediator Pakistan. Trump also added that the U.S. Navy would continue blockading Iran’s ports, raising scepticism over the extension. Meanwhile, Warsh told the Senate confirmation hearing that he made no promise to Trump to cut the interest rate, while saying monetary policy independence was essential, though he promised robust reform of the central bank. The market reads Warsh’s comments as slightly hawkish, as Trump, who nominated him, had been criticizing a Fed led by the sitting chair Jerome Powell for failing to cut the rate sooner and more aggressively. Uncertainties in the Middle East and Fed policy directions are weighing on broader market risk appetite, traders said. Goldman Sachs, meanwhile, kept its outlook for the 2026 copper price, averaging $12,650 a ton while maintaining a surplus forecast, and flagged risks of reduced production due to sulphuric acid shortage. Elsewhere, nickel rose after the SHFE opened its nickel futures and options trading to overseas investors from Tuesday’s evening session. The most-active nickel contract gained 0.74% to 141,830 yuan a ton, while the benchmark London nickel gained 0.52% to $18,320. Among other LME metals, aluminium dipped 0.11%, zinc dropped 0.17%, lead shed 0.59% and tin gained 0.78%.Elsewhere on SHFE, aluminium gained 0.26%, zinc rose 0.12%, lead lost 0.74% and tin dropped 0.70%. [...]

PTA mandates domestic routing for all local internet traffic, bans international gateways
April 22, 2026 2:40
PTA mandates domestic routing for all local internet traffic, bans international gateways

In a sweeping regulatory shift aimed at overhauling Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has mandated telecom operators to route all local internet traffic domestically, effectively outlawing the long-standing practice of sending in-country data through costly international gateways. The move, notified through the newly issued Local Peering and Internet Exchange Points Regulations, 2026, signals a decisive push toward building a sovereign, cost-efficient, and secure internet ecosystem. Industry stakeholders say the regulations could transform how data flows within Pakistan, slashing bandwidth costs while improving service quality—but not without posing significant compliance challenges for operators. READ MORE: PTA continues to curb illegal internet services Under the new framework, all licensed telecom operators are now required to exchange local internet traffic either through direct local peering arrangements or via Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)—physical hubs where networks interconnect and share data. The regulations explicitly prohibit routing domestic traffic through international routes, a practice that has historically inflated costs and exposed data to external vulnerabilities. Cost, Control, and Cybersecurity at the Core At the heart of the policy lies a strategic objective: reducing reliance on international bandwidth while tightening control over data flows. PTA has underscored that local routing will not only cut operational expenses for telecom companies but also mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with offshore data handling. “Local internet traffic shall not be routed on upstream bandwidth or international gateways,” the notification states, leaving little room for ambiguity. IXPs take centre stage The regulations place strong emphasis on the establishment and expansion of IXPs, encouraging telecom operators to collaborate on shared infrastructure. Operators can jointly set up IXPs on a cost-sharing basis, or even outsource management to third parties—subject to PTA approval. To ensure transparency and fair competition, all such arrangements must adhere to “fair and non-discriminatory” principles, preventing dominant players from monopolizing access. The PTA has also reserved the authority to identify regions where IXPs are necessary and can direct operators to establish them—making compliance not just mandatory but geographically targeted. CDN Integration and Data Localization Push In a notable addition, the regulations promote the deployment of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) within Pakistan. These systems cache and deliver digital content—such as videos, social media, and applications—closer to users, significantly improving speed and reducing load on international links. Operators are allowed to deploy CDNs at IXPs or share CDN resources commercially with other participants. However, prior notification to PTA is mandatory for all CDN deployments, and strict conditions apply: unlawful content is prohibited, and all data must flow through licensed communication channels. This provision aligns with broader global trends toward data localization, where countries seek to retain greater control over digital infrastructure and content distribution. Strict compliance and enforcement mechanism The regulations come with robust enforcement provisions. PTA has empowered itself to conduct inspections, demand traffic data, and take legal action in cases of non-compliance. In extreme cases, it can even order the disruption of improperly routed traffic on international gateways. Licensees are also required to maintain detailed traffic records for at least 12 months and submit them upon request, signaling tighter regulatory oversight of network operations. Industry Impact: Opportunities and Challenges While the policy is being hailed as a long-overdue modernization step, industry players caution that implementation will require significant investment in infrastructure, particularly fiber connectivity and IXP development. Smaller operators may face financial and technical hurdles in meeting the new requirements, especially in regions where digital infrastructure is underdeveloped. However, PTA’s allowance for cost-sharing and joint ventures could ease the burden. On the upside, telecom companies stand to benefit from reduced international bandwidth costs, which could improve margins and potentially lead to lower prices for consumers. A step toward digital sovereignty The regulations mark a critical step in Pakistan’s journey toward digital sovereignty, where control over data, infrastructure, and digital services becomes a national priority. By mandating local routing, promoting IXPs, and integrating CDNs, PTA is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and efficient internet ecosystem—one that is less dependent on external networks and better aligned with the country’s growing digital ambitions. However, the success of this transformation will hinge on swift and coordinated implementation, industry cooperation, and continued regulatory clarity. [...]

Africa, Southeast Asia drive China solar panel exports to record in March
April 22, 2026 2:31
Africa, Southeast Asia drive China solar panel exports to record in March

SINGAPORE/BEIJING: China’s solar panel exports soared to a record in March, China customs and industry data showed, as Southeast Asia and Africa stockpiled ahead of expected price increases and fallout from the Iran war boosted demand. Panel exports surged 42.2% to 1.75 million metric tons in March, equivalent to 13.3% of volumes in all of 2025. The shipments were valued at $3.61 billion, up 67% from a year earlier and 125% from February, Chinese customs data showed. Countries in Southeast Asia and Africa rushed to import panels ahead of expected price increases due to an end to China’s export tax refunds on April 1, with the surge amplified by disruption to energy supplies due to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, analysts said. “Silver prices fell from an all-time high in January and drove production costs lower, helping increase production and address demand ahead of a price increase from April,” said Marius Mordal Bakke, who heads solar research at consultancy Rystad Energy. Investors are betting on renewable energy stocks in China, the dominant maker of solar gear, on expectations that the war will boost global demand for renewables. READ MORE: Solar push helps Pakistan temper Gulf energy shock Jing Yang, director at Fitch Ratings, expects China’s solar exports to drop significantly in April from March, but said 2026 exports could be supported by incremental demand “due to elevated oil prices and energy security concerns.” S&P in February had projected China’s 2026 solar exports to remain flat-to-slightly down versus 2025 because of weaker global demand before the Iran war. Surge LED by Philippines, democratic republic of Congo Import duties on Chinese panels in countries including India and the U.S. have blunted demand there, shifting flows to markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa. “The structural change in China’s solar product exports has been an ongoing trend, against the background of expanding overseas manufacturing capacity of solar modules due to rising U.S. trade barriers against Chinese solar products,” Yang said. Southeast Asia’s imports jumped 267% annually and 203% from February to $673.3 million in March, while Africa’s March imports surged 238% annually and 211% from February to $438.28 million. Imports by the Philippines, which is targeting faster solar additions through 2030, nearly quadrupled from a year earlier to 109,513 tons valued at $228 million. In Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has one of the world’s lowest rates of electrification, saw March shipments soaring to 21,370 tons worth $62.73 million from just 1,352 tons a year earlier. Ashuza Achille, head of business development at Kinshasa-based GoShop Energy, said he had stockpiled ahead of the expected price hike in China to supply increasing demand from small businesses and rural residents.   Resellers buying solar panels have increased to more than 1,000 from 80 in 2022, he said. “I also have customers from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo who come to DRC. They cross the border, pick up solar panels and then go back to execute their projects.” [...]

CCP allows acquisition of Ranipur Sugar Mills by Saakh Pharma, United Ethanol
April 22, 2026 1:38
CCP allows acquisition of Ranipur Sugar Mills by Saakh Pharma, United Ethanol

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved Saakh Pharma Limited and United Ethanol Industries Limited’s acquisition of a majority stake in Ranipur Sugar Mills under its Phase-I review. Ranipur Sugar Mills produces sugar and related by-products, including power generation. Saakh Pharma specializes in pharmaceuticals, while United Ethanol is involved in ethanol and industrial products. The CCP noted the transaction occurred before obtaining pre-merger approval, a mandatory requirement. The acquirers have submitted an undertaking to ensure future compliance. The commission assessed the merger as a conglomerate transaction with no significant overlap in the businesses. It found no evidence of competitive concerns or supply dependencies arising from the acquisition. The CCP concluded that the deal would not harm market competition or consumer welfare and authorized the transaction. The merger is part of a broader trend of consolidation within Pakistan’s sugar and allied industries, particularly in value-added sectors like ethanol and bio-based products, which could improve operational efficiencies and resource optimization. [...]

Oil prices rise after reports container ships in Hormuz hit by gunfire
April 22, 2026 1:07
Oil prices rise after reports container ships in Hormuz hit by gunfire

LONDON: Oil prices rose on Wednesday, erasing earlier losses after reports of gunfire attacks on at least three container ships in the Strait of Hormuz and a lack of progress in peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. Brent crude futures were up 73 cents, or 0.7%, at $99.21 a barrel at 1049 GMT. West Texas Intermediate futures were up 59 cents, or 0.7%, to $90.26. Both benchmarks climbed about 3% on Tuesday. At least three container ships were hit by gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy seized two vessels for what it described as maritime violations and transferred them to Iranian shores, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. Also read: At Pakistan’s request, Trump extends ceasefire until Iran submits new proposal Iran and the U.S. have imposed restrictions on ships using the strait, which until the Iran war began at the end of February had carried about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran, hours before it was due to expire. Neither side showed up for peace talks in Pakistan. US crude, products stockpile data in focus The ceasefire announcement appeared to be unilateral, and it was not immediately clear whether Iran, or U.S. ally Israel, would agree to extend the truce, which began two weeks ago. In Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil was ready to resume operations. Three industry sources, however, said Russia was set to stop oil exports from Kazakhstan to Germany via the pipeline from May 1. Later on Wednesday, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is due to publish weekly inventory data. Also read: Vessel reports Iranian gunboat attack near Oman, crew safe, UKMTO says Crude stocks fell by 4.5 million barrels last week, while gasoline and distillate stocks also declined, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Analysts estimated a 1.2 million-barrel draw of crude for the week ended April 17. “If the EIA confirms the draws and U.S. weekly exports of both crude oil and refined products remain robust, this will be taken as confirmation that consumers in Europe and the Far East are scrambling to secure oil supplies wherever, whenever, and however they can,” PVM analysts said. [...]

Selling pressure at bourse, KSE-100 settles nearly 1% lower
April 22, 2026 1:02
Selling pressure at bourse, KSE-100 settles nearly 1% lower

Negative sentiments were observed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) amid uncertainty over the US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The benchmark KSE-100 Index settled with a loss of nearly 1% on Wednesday. The index showed sharp volatility in the opening hours, with an early spike followed by a steep drop—suggesting aggressive selling pressure. A partial recovery phase was observed, where the market attempted to regain lost ground and hit an intra-day high of 173,452.66. However, the market failed to sustain the upward momentum, and it entered a persistent downtrend in the final hours of trading. At close, the benchmark index settled at 171,579.30, down by 1,576.49 points or 0.91%. Key index constituents, including UBL, LUCK, PPL, HBL, and OGDC, remained under sustained selling pressure, collectively eroding 762 points from the benchmark, Topline Securities said. On Tuesday, PSX witnessed a volatile session but managed to close in positive territory amid cautious investor sentiment. The benchmark KSE-100 Index demonstrated strong resilience, gaining 959 points, or 0.56%, to close at 173,155.79 points. Internationally, US stock futures rose, and the dollar wavered on Wednesday after President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the Iran ceasefire, ​keeping sentiment buoyed, although with the Strait of Hormuz still ‌closed, oil held onto its recent gains. Trump’s announcement appeared to be unilateral, and it was not immediately clear whether Iran, or US ally Israel, would agree to ​extend the ceasefire, which began two weeks ago. Markets, though, took ​the news in stride with risk momentum intact. S&P futures ⁠rose 0.5% while Nasdaq futures gained 0.6% in early Asian hours. MSCI’s ​broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan eased 0.14% after hitting a ​seven-week high in the previous session. Japan’s Nikkei was down 0.2% as traders consolidated their recent gains. After a sharp selloff in March due to war in the Middle ​East, markets across the globe have swiftly rebounded this month and ​are back at pre-war levels as the prospect of a peace deal and the ‌ceasefire ⁠have helped risk sentiment. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain, appreciating 0.01% against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 278.87, a gain of Re0.03, against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index declined to 1,054.06 million from 1,165.25 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares decreased to Rs37.29 billion from Rs54.94 billion in the previous session. Unity Foods Ltd was the volume leader with 133.36 million shares, followed by Cnergyico PK with 77.18 million shares, and WorldCall Telecom with 56.32 million shares. Shares of 486 companies were traded on Wednesday, of which 141 registered an increase, 303 recorded a fall, and 42 remained unchanged. [...]

Rupee gains ground against US dollar
April 22, 2026 11:54
Rupee gains ground against US dollar

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279.35, 279.32, 279.31, 279.30, 279.27, 279.26, 279.25, 279.22, 279.21, 279.20, 279.17, 279.16, 279.15, 279.12, 279.11, 279.10, 279.07, 279.06, 279.05, 279.02, 279.01, 279.00, 278.97, 278.96, 278.95, 278.92, 278.91, 278.90, 278.87 ], borderColor: 'black', borderWidth: 1, fill: false, pointRadius: 3 }] }, options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { display: false } }, scales: { x: { title: { display: true, text: 'Date' } }, y: { title: { display: true, text: 'Closing Rate' } } } } }); The Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain, appreciating 0.01% against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 278.87, a gain of Re0.03, against the greenback. On Tuesday, the local unit closed at 278.90. The dollar steadied in early Asian trade on Wednesday, as scepticism over US ​President Donald Trump’s announcement of an indefinite extension of a ceasefire with Iran lifted demand for the safe-haven ‌currency, pushing it to a one-week high. The US dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a ​basket of six currencies, was steady at 98.415, its highest level since April 13. “There was a modest risk-off tone overnight ​amid renewed uncertainty around US–Iran peace talks,” analysts from Westpac wrote in a research report. Most other ⁠currencies were unchanged after the ceasefire extension. The euro was steady at $1.1739 and was up 0.1% at $1.3519. The Australian dollar was little ​changed at $0.7152 while the New Zealand dollar held steady at $0.5894. Against the yen, the U.S. dollar nudged down 0.1% to 159.26 yen as ​data earlier showed Japan’s exports rose for a seventh straight month, defying any major impact from disruptions caused by the Gulf conflict. Meanwhile, oil prices were largely flat on Wednesday after rising about $1 at the start of Asian trading. Brent crude futures were up 3 cents, or 0.02%, at $98.51 a barrel at 0438 GMT, after touching $99.38 per barrel earlier in the session. West Texas Intermediate futures were down 13 cents, or 0.14%, to $89.53 after climbing as high as $90.71 at the open. Both benchmark contracts rose about 3% on Tuesday. [...]

PM directs fast-tracking of EV adoption across Pakistan
April 22, 2026 10:59
PM directs fast-tracking of EV adoption across Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to accelerate efforts to promote electric vehicles (EVs) across Pakistan, stressing that wider adoption would help cut fuel import costs and strengthen energy security. The prime minister, while chairing a meeting on the promotion of EVs, said that efforts underway to accelerate the promotion of EVs in the country should be further expedited. During the briefing, the PM was told that a total of 72 manufacturing certificates have been issued for electric motorcycles and rickshaws, while four certificates have been issued for EVs. Energy vehicles: PHEVs gaining ground as practical solution It was learned that 123 applications have so far been received for the establishment of EV charging stations. Moreover, a plan is being developed for 30% of vehicles in the country to run on electricity over the next five years, which is expected to save up to $4.5 billion in fuel costs. It was said that government employees up to Grade 16 will be provided with electric bikes on easy instalments. During the meeting, PM said that in view of the current regional situation and future requirements, the promotion of EVs will not only reduce the burden of fuel imports but is also important for environmental protection and energy security. He said that under the National EV Policy, transparency in subsidies provided for electric motorcycles to low-income individuals must be ensured, and the implementation of this scheme should be further accelerated. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Dr Musadik Malik, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Owais Khan Leghari, Ahad Khan Cheema; Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar; Chairman Prime Minister Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan; Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmad; and other senior officials. [...]

Sitara Petroleum launches IPO to raise up to Rs4.8bn
April 22, 2026 10:40
Sitara Petroleum launches IPO to raise up to Rs4.8bn

Sitara Petroleum Service Limited (SPSL), a Lahore-based fuel trader, has announced its Initial Public Offering (IPO), seeking to raise up to Rs4.8 billion (USD17.2 million) to finance expansion in its fuel retail network, logistics operations and storage infrastructure, according to its IPO prospectus. As per details, the company, engaged in distribution and retail, along with petroleum logistics, is offering a total of 279.9 million ordinary shares, representing 16.66% of its post-IPO paid-up capital. Of these, 168 million shares are being offered to the public, while 111.9 million shares have already been placed through a pre-IPO transaction. The book building process is scheduled for May 4–5, followed by public subscription on May 11–12. Pakistan’s Sitara Petroleum plans to go public: report The IPO will be conducted through the book building method at a floor price of Rs13.50 per share, with a price band of up to 40%, taking the upper limit to Rs18.90. Around 75% of the offer will be allocated to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, while the remaining 25% will be offered to retail investors at the strike price. Arif Habib Limited is acting as the lead manager and book runner to the issue. The company has already raised approximately Rs1.66 billion through its pre-IPO placement at Rs14.85 per share. The IPO portion is expected to generate up to Rs3.175 billion at the cap price, taking total proceeds to nearly Rs4.83 billion. Proceeds from the offering will be primarily deployed toward the development of an oil storage terminal, expansion of fuel stations and addition to the company’s tanker fleet. The storage terminal accounts for the largest allocation, at around 56% of IPO proceeds, followed by retail expansion and logistics. The company plans to expand its retail network to more than 100 outlets over the next two years, while increasing its tanker fleet to 370 vehicles by 2027. It also aims to develop storage capacity as part of its strategy to transition into an OMC in the coming years. On Wednesday, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan approved the initial public offerings (IPOs) of Sitara Petroleum Service Limited. “The IPO would support SPSL’s transition toward a more integrated business model, enabling investment in storage infrastructure and expansion of its retail and logistics footprint, while improving operational control and long-term growth prospects,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zaheer Baig. “Sitara Petroleum IPO reflects the growing depth and maturity of Pakistan’s capital markets, where fundamentally strong, expansion-driven companies are increasingly turning to equity financing,” said Shahid Ali Habib, CEO of Arif Habib Limited. “We believe this offering presents a compelling opportunity for investors to participate in a scalable and evolving business.” Financially, SPSL has reported strong growth, with revenue rising to Rs121.9 billion in FY2025 from Rs40.9 billion in FY2024, while profit after tax increased to Rs3.25 billion. Net worth stood at Rs11.37 billion in the first half of FY2026. [...]

Pakistan to renew GMTN, Sukuk programmes to tap global markets
April 22, 2026 8:18
Pakistan to renew GMTN, Sukuk programmes to tap global markets

The government plans to renew its Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) and Sukuk TCI programmes for three years to raise funds from international markets. As per documents shared by the Finance Division’s debt management office, the government aims to tap multiple international instruments, including Eurobonds, international Sukuk and PKR-denominated international bonds settled in USD. “The timing of the issuance of instruments shall be dependent on prevailing market conditions as so advised by the selected transaction advisors,” read the document. Pakistan gets second $1bn tranche from Saudi Arabia: SBP The Finance Division plans to engage three consortia comprising: (i) for the issuance of Eurobonds and/or other international bonds under the GMTN Program; (ii) for international Sukuk issuances under the Sukuk TCI Program; and (iii) for PKR-denominated, USD-settled international bonds. It said that the engagement is subject to the Government of Pakistan’s funding requirements, and the size of each issuance will depend on market conditions at the time of execution. “The selected consortia are expected to structure, advise, manage, coordinate and execute the whole range of activities associated with the programs,” it said. As per details, consortium-1 shall comprise up to five conventional international financial institutions appointed as joint lead managers/underwriters and bookrunners for the issuance of Eurobonds. Pakistan says all options on table for funding, weighs strategic fuel reserve The consortium shall be jointly responsible for structuring, pricing, underwriting, syndicate management, investor outreach, roadshows, book- building, and allocation, ensuring broad international distribution and high-quality order books. Meanwhile, consortium-2 shall comprise up to five international financial institutions, including at least one international Islamic financial institution, appointed as joint lead managers/underwriters and bookrunners for the issuance of international Sukuk. The consortium shall be jointly responsible for structuring, pricing, underwriting, syndicate management, investor outreach, roadshows, book-building, and allocation, ensuring broad international distribution and high-quality order books, it added. The International Monetary Fund, in its report released in December 2025, following the second review of the ongoing External Financing Facility (EFF), projected Pakistan’s gross external financing requirements at USD19.398 billion (4.6% of GDP) for fiscal year 2025-26, followed by USD19.123 billion in fiscal year 2026-27. [...]

Diet Coke loses its fizz in India as Iran war hits cans supply
April 22, 2026 8:11
Diet Coke loses its fizz in India as Iran war hits cans supply

NEW DELHI: The Iran war has caused a shortage of Diet ​Coke in India, where it is sold only in aluminium cans that ‌have run short because of delayed shipments from the Gulf caused by the Iran war. The Gulf accounts for around 9% of global aluminium production, which has been trapped since the end of February by Iran’s de ​facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. While most soft drinks are sold in India ​both in plastic bottles and cans, Diet Coke is only sold in ⁠cans. Two Coca-Cola distributors told Reuters on Wednesday the company had notified them it ​was rationing supplies or not fulfilling some orders due to a can shortage caused by ​the war. “We’ve been placing orders but have been told there is a shortage due to war,” said Sanjay, one of the distributors, who declined to give his last name. Coca-Cola declined to comment. Rationing diet coke The drinks ​giant counts India as a major growth market. It reported sales of 50 billion ​rupees ($533 million) in 2024-25, its highest since at least 2021. Sugar-free products are a growth category: India’s ‌reduced-sugar food ⁠and beverage market will be worth $4.7 billion by 2030, more than double its size from 2023, Grand View Research says. An industry executive said the Diet Coke shortage was due to some consignments of imported cans being delayed. Production of cans and bottles in India has ​also become more expensive ​because of an ⁠energy shortage. “There is some production happening, but it’s being rationed as the company can’t meet all the demand,” the executive said. In northern Uttar ​Pradesh state, grocer Ashish Saxena said orders for Diet Coke had ​been delayed. Coca-Cola receives two awards at 15th International Summit “Earlier, ⁠orders were delivered within five-six hours. The company is now pushing for Coke Zero which comes in a plastic bottle and is very reasonable if compared with other products,” he said. Some ⁠social media ​users have been posting memes on Instagram to share ​their disappointment over Diet Coke shortages. One video post by user Devanshu Saran shows a man running to an ​Indian supermarket and buying more than a dozen cans. [...]

SECP approves IPOs of Sitara Petroleum, LSE SPAC-I
April 22, 2026 7:59
SECP approves IPOs of Sitara Petroleum, LSE SPAC-I

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan approved on Wednesday the initial public offerings (IPOs) of Sitara Petroleum Service Limited and LSE SPAC-I. Both will be listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, as per a press release. Now, the total number of IPOs in FY 2025–26 has reached 11. “It also signals that more companies are turning to the capital market to raise funds for growth and expansion. READ MORE: SECP approves Wahdat Poultry Farms IPO This trend is creating new opportunities for investors,” as per the press release. The SECP has allowed the issuance and publication of prospectuses for both IPOs. This will pave the way for their public launch. The SECP has advised investors to carefully review the prospectuses before making any investment decisions. It has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and investor-friendly regulatory environment. Sitara Petroleum Service Limited is engaged in fuel trading, retail, and carriage services. It operates as a dealer of gas and oil in Pakistan. The company will offer 168 million ordinary shares through the book-building method. The offer represents 16.66% of its post IPO paid up capital. Of the total shares, 75% will be allocated to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. The remaining 25% will be offered to retail investors. READ MORE: SECP approves new book-building mechanism for IPOs LSE SPAC-I is Pakistan’s first Special Purpose Acquisition Company under the public offering regime. The company aims to raise funds for mergers or acquisitions within three years. It plans to acquire a 19.04% stake in Ningbo Green Light Energy Limited. Its IPO consists of 5 million shares. These will be offered through the fixed price method. [...]

Gold price drops by Rs1,200 per tola in Pakistan
April 22, 2026 7:58
Gold price drops by Rs1,200 per tola in Pakistan

Gold prices in Pakistan decreased on Wednesday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs498,962 after a decline of Rs1,200 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs427,779 after it fell by Rs1,029, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Tuesday, gold price per tola reached Rs500,162 after a decline of Rs1,000 during the day. The international rate of gold declined by $12 to reach $4,766 per ounce (with a premium of $20). Meanwhile, the price of silver also decreased by Rs34 to reach Rs8,324 per tola. [...]

Europe readies response to second energy crisis in four years
April 22, 2026 7:39
Europe readies response to second energy crisis in four years

BRUSSELS: The European Commission will set out plans on Wednesday to cut electricity taxes and coordinate the summer refill of countries’ gas storage, as it seeks to cushion the energy fallout from the Iran war. Draft proposals seen by Reuters show the EU will, for now, avoid major market interventions such as capping gas prices or taxing energy companies’ windfall profits - measures it used in 2022 when Russia cut gas supplies and prices hit record highs. Instead, the Commission plans to curb EU tax rules to favour electricity over oil and gas, and make it easier for governments to cut industries’ electricity taxes to zero, according to the drafts, which could still change before publication. The EU would also step in to coordinate countries’ efforts to fill gas storage in the coming months, and provide guidanceon how governments should handle potential jet fuel shortages. Europe’s heavy reliance on oil and gas imports has left it exposed to spiralling prices since the Strait of Hormuz, a vital fuel shipping route, was effectively closed and Iran started attacking energy infrastructure in the Middle East. EU lawmakers vote for tougher AI rules as draft moves to final stage Europe’s benchmark gas price on Tuesday was roughly a third higher than before the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28. However, the EU’s biggest oil and gas suppliers - the US and Norway - are outside the Middle East, and the Iran crisis has not yet triggered fuel shortages in Europe. Airlines have warned, though, that jet fuel shortages could emerge in weeks. EU officials told Reuters the bloc’s relatively restrained response reflects the fact that national governments, rather than Brussels, control many crisis-management levers, including subsidies and cutting national taxes and levies. The Commission’s plans outline non-binding ways for governments to provide “immediate relief”, including requiring businesses to avoid air travel where possible. Some officials said the response also reflects an assessment that the war-driven energy shock could last for months, making it prudent to hold back more extreme measures for now. Elisabetta Cornago, assistant director at the Centre for European Reform think tank, said continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz “may lead us to a worse shock regarding oil than in 2022, a similar gas shock, but I think a smaller shock on electricity prices”. That’s because countries have significantly expanded renewable electricity since 2022, she said. The EU produced 71% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, including renewables and nuclear, last year, up from around 60% in 2022, data from think tank Ember showed. [...]

Copper little changed as investors assess Trump’s ceasefire extension
April 22, 2026 7:30
Copper little changed as investors assess Trump’s ceasefire extension

Copper was little changed on Wednesday as the U.S. dollar hovered just below a week’s high, with investors weighing a US extension of a ceasefire with Iran and comments from Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh on interest rates. The benchmark-three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange ticked 0.14% higher to $13,249 a metric ton as of 0321 GMT. The most-active copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose only 0.05% to 102,390 yuan ($15,005.06) a ton. The U.S. dollar index retreated slightly but was holding below a one-week high of 98.566 touched on Tuesday. It was unclear whether Iran would agree to the extension of the ceasefire, which, according to Trump was requested by mediator Pakistan. Trump also added that the U.S. Navy would continue blockading Iran’s ports, raising scepticism over the extension. Meanwhile, Warsh told the Senate confirmation hearing that he made no promise to Trump to cut the interest rate, while saying monetary policy independence was essential, though he promised robust reform of the central bank. The market reads Warsh’s comments as slightly hawkish, as Trump, who nominated him, had been criticizing a Fed led by the sitting chair Jerome Powell for failing to cut the rate sooner and more aggressively. Uncertainties in the Middle East and Fed policy directions are weighing on broader market risk appetite, traders said. Goldman Sachs, meanwhile, kept its outlook for the 2026 copper price, averaging $12,650 a ton while maintaining a surplus forecast, and flagged risks of reduced production due to sulphuric acid shortage. Elsewhere, nickel rose after the SHFE opened its nickel futures and options trading to overseas investors from Tuesday’s evening session. The most-active nickel contract gained 0.74% to 141,830 yuan a ton, while the benchmark London nickel gained 0.52% to $18,320. Among other LME metals, aluminium dipped 0.11%, zinc dropped 0.17%, lead shed 0.59% and tin gained 0.78%.Elsewhere on SHFE, aluminium gained 0.26%, zinc rose 0.12%, lead lost 0.74% and tin dropped 0.70%. [...]

HUBCO profit declines 3% in 3QFY26
April 22, 2026 7:01
HUBCO profit declines 3% in 3QFY26

Amid lower revenue and high taxation, Hub Power Company Limited (HUBCO), Pakistan’s largest Independent Power Producer (IPP), saw its profit decline by nearly 3% to Rs12.13 billion in the quarter that ended March 31, 2026. On a consolidated basis, the company registered a profit of Rs12.48 billion in the same period of the previous year, according to a notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday. Consequently, earnings per share (EPS) decreased to Rs8.33 per share in the period under review compared to Rs8.51 per share in the same period last year (SPLY). The company announced an interim cash dividend for the third quarter ended March 31, 2026, at Rs5 per share, i.e. 50%. This is in addition to the Interim dividend already paid at Rs10 per share, i.e. 100%. On a consolidated basis, the IPP’s revenue from contracts with customers lowered by nearly 4% to Rs16.5 billion in 3QFY26, compared to Rs17.1 billion recorded in the prior year. The company’s cost of revenue declined 2% to Rs9.86 billion in 3QFY26, compared to Rs10.08 billion in SPLY. As a result, the gross profit of HUBCO decreased by 5% to Rs6.6 billion in 3QFY26. This translates to a profit margin of 40.1% in 3QFY26, as compared to 40.9% in SPLY Meanwhile, the company’s other income increased by nearly 146%, hitting Rs3.96 billion in 3QFY26, compared to Rs1.61 billion in SPLY. The power producer’s profit from operations clocked in at Rs9.85 billion in 3QFY26, up 18%. HUBCO saw its cost of finance lowered to Rs2.1 billion in 3QFY26, a decrease of over 28%. On the other hand, HUBCO earned Rs11 billion as a share of profits from associates and ventures in 3QFY26, up 8%. The company’s profit before taxation stood at Rs18.8 billion, up 20%. The IPP paid Rs6.7 billion in taxes in 3QFY26, up 127%. [...]

US-Iran talks could be held in next three days: Trump
April 22, 2026 2:48
US-Iran talks could be held in next three days: Trump

WASHINGTON: A second round of US-Iran talks could take place within the next three days, the New York Post reported Wednesday, citing unnamed Pakistani sources and President Donald Trump. “It’s possible!” Trump reportedly told the Post by text message, when asked about sources in Pakistan – which mediated the first round of talks – saying that a second round was “expected in Islamabad within the next 36 to 72 hours.” READ MORE: At Pakistan’s request, Trump extends ceasefire until Iran submits new proposal Trump on Tuesday extended a two-week truce in the war just as it was about to expire. A digital news outlet in Pakistan, News Post, reported the three-day time frame for more talks without a source or further details. [...]

PTA mandates domestic routing for all local internet traffic, bans international gateways
April 22, 2026 2:40
PTA mandates domestic routing for all local internet traffic, bans international gateways

In a sweeping regulatory shift aimed at overhauling Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has mandated telecom operators to route all local internet traffic domestically, effectively outlawing the long-standing practice of sending in-country data through costly international gateways. The move, notified through the newly issued Local Peering and Internet Exchange Points Regulations, 2026, signals a decisive push toward building a sovereign, cost-efficient, and secure internet ecosystem. Industry stakeholders say the regulations could transform how data flows within Pakistan, slashing bandwidth costs while improving service quality—but not without posing significant compliance challenges for operators. READ MORE: PTA continues to curb illegal internet services Under the new framework, all licensed telecom operators are now required to exchange local internet traffic either through direct local peering arrangements or via Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)—physical hubs where networks interconnect and share data. The regulations explicitly prohibit routing domestic traffic through international routes, a practice that has historically inflated costs and exposed data to external vulnerabilities. Cost, Control, and Cybersecurity at the Core At the heart of the policy lies a strategic objective: reducing reliance on international bandwidth while tightening control over data flows. PTA has underscored that local routing will not only cut operational expenses for telecom companies but also mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with offshore data handling. “Local internet traffic shall not be routed on upstream bandwidth or international gateways,” the notification states, leaving little room for ambiguity. IXPs take centre stage The regulations place strong emphasis on the establishment and expansion of IXPs, encouraging telecom operators to collaborate on shared infrastructure. Operators can jointly set up IXPs on a cost-sharing basis, or even outsource management to third parties—subject to PTA approval. To ensure transparency and fair competition, all such arrangements must adhere to “fair and non-discriminatory” principles, preventing dominant players from monopolizing access. The PTA has also reserved the authority to identify regions where IXPs are necessary and can direct operators to establish them—making compliance not just mandatory but geographically targeted. CDN Integration and Data Localization Push In a notable addition, the regulations promote the deployment of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) within Pakistan. These systems cache and deliver digital content—such as videos, social media, and applications—closer to users, significantly improving speed and reducing load on international links. Operators are allowed to deploy CDNs at IXPs or share CDN resources commercially with other participants. However, prior notification to PTA is mandatory for all CDN deployments, and strict conditions apply: unlawful content is prohibited, and all data must flow through licensed communication channels. This provision aligns with broader global trends toward data localization, where countries seek to retain greater control over digital infrastructure and content distribution. Strict compliance and enforcement mechanism The regulations come with robust enforcement provisions. PTA has empowered itself to conduct inspections, demand traffic data, and take legal action in cases of non-compliance. In extreme cases, it can even order the disruption of improperly routed traffic on international gateways. Licensees are also required to maintain detailed traffic records for at least 12 months and submit them upon request, signaling tighter regulatory oversight of network operations. Industry Impact: Opportunities and Challenges While the policy is being hailed as a long-overdue modernization step, industry players caution that implementation will require significant investment in infrastructure, particularly fiber connectivity and IXP development. Smaller operators may face financial and technical hurdles in meeting the new requirements, especially in regions where digital infrastructure is underdeveloped. However, PTA’s allowance for cost-sharing and joint ventures could ease the burden. On the upside, telecom companies stand to benefit from reduced international bandwidth costs, which could improve margins and potentially lead to lower prices for consumers. A step toward digital sovereignty The regulations mark a critical step in Pakistan’s journey toward digital sovereignty, where control over data, infrastructure, and digital services becomes a national priority. By mandating local routing, promoting IXPs, and integrating CDNs, PTA is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and efficient internet ecosystem—one that is less dependent on external networks and better aligned with the country’s growing digital ambitions. However, the success of this transformation will hinge on swift and coordinated implementation, industry cooperation, and continued regulatory clarity. [...]

Chicago grains rise with crop weather and Iran war in focus
April 22, 2026 2:36
Chicago grains rise with crop weather and Iran war in focus

Chicago wheat, corn and soybean futures edged higher on Wednesday, underpinned by weather risks for U.S. crops and uncertainty over talks to end the Iran war, analysts said. Ample global supply, including large South American corn and soybean crops, was keeping prices in check. Showers in the coming days could hamper soybean and corn planting, while drought persists in some hard red winter (HRW) wheat areas ahead of possible rain relief next week. Crude oil prices rose as reports of gunfire attacks on several container ships in the Strait of Hormuz tempered reaction to Washington’s announcement that it would indefinitely extend a ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks. READ MORE: Chicago wheat extends gains on adverse US weather “While the situation in the Middle East is still very uncertain, U.S. drought and cold weather continue to threaten U.S. HRW wheat,” Carlos Mera, head of agricultural commodities research at Rabobank, said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday rated 30% of the nation’s winter wheat in good-to-excellent condition, down from 34% the previous week and below a range of analyst estimates, as drought and weekend frost stressed crops. For spring crops, a surge in fertiliser prices driven by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has added uncertainty over harvest prospects, with farmers weighing high input costs for corn against the crop’s strong yields in recent years. The Middle East conflict is also influencing crop prices as commodities like corn and soybean-derived soyoil are used for biofuel. The most-active soybean contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) was up 0.7% at $11.98-1/2 a bushel, as of 1030 GMT. CBOT wheat added 0.3% to $6.14-3/4 a bushel, while CBOT corn was 0.6% higher at $4.64-3/4 a bushel. Brisk export demand has also underpinned U.S. corn prices. The USDA on Tuesday confirmed private sales of 100,000 metric tons of U.S. corn to Colombia and 195,000 tons to undisclosed buyers for shipment in the 2025/26 marketing year. [...]

Iran war conflict could create systemic gas demand destruction, says top sector official
April 22, 2026 2:35
Iran war conflict could create systemic gas demand destruction, says top sector official

PARIS: The natural gas demand destruction currently resulting from the Iran war as governments implement measures to mitigate the crisis risks becoming structural if the conflict persists, the head of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum said on Wednesday. Since the Middle East crisis began at the end of February, more than 500 million barrels of crude and condensate have been knocked out of the global market, according to Kpler data – the largest energy supply disruption in modern history. Countries dependent upon Gulf supplies have reacted by switching to burning coal and accelerating the switch to renewables. Speaking at the Invest in African Energy conference in Paris, Philip Mshelbila - secretary general of the body representing a dozen countries holding 70% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves - said such measures are currently a short-term response to the crisis. READ MORE: US official says gas prices have peaked despite Iran war “If the conflict ended today, the world would recover in six months to a year. But if it lasts six months, those knee-jerk changes we are seeing could become structural,” he said. He said that 2026 had been meant to be a pivotal year for the sector, with a tight global gas market flipping into oversupply. “Clearly this conflict has done something to that, and it’s not yet clear whether it’s just a delay, or whether in fact that glut will ever come,” Mshelbila said. Gulf crisis a missed opportunity for Africa Addressing an audience including African energy ministers, Mshelbila said African gas producers were missing an opportunity to step in and fill the supply gap caused by Middle East outages and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. “Sadly while some African countries have excess capacity in both LNG and pipeline gas, the majority of them if not all are not producing at full capacity,” he said. “If you look at the export pipelines to Europe, from Algeria or from Libya, not one of them is full.” As a result, North American producers are instead capturing the European and Asian gas markets, Mshelbila said. “Normally in a situation of crisis this is an opportunity: Fill it up! Seize the market! Unfortunately we are missing out, because we don’t have the upstream molecules to fill the infrastructure,” he said. “The reserves are there, but they are still in the ground.” [...]

Sterling steady with focus on inflation data, Iran ceasefire uncertainty
April 22, 2026 2:33
Sterling steady with focus on inflation data, Iran ceasefire uncertainty

The British pound was little changed on Wednesday as markets grappled with continued uncertainty over the Middle East conflict, even after U.S. President Donald Trump indefinitely extended a ceasefire with Iran. It was unclear whether Iran or Israel - Washington’s ally in the two-month conflict - agreed with the extension, and the prospect of peace talks was uncertain as the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route remained blocked. Meanwhile, British inflation data showed early price pressures linked to the conflict. Consumer price inflation rose to an annual rate of 3.3% in March from 3.0% in February, in line with expectations. READ MORE: Sterling dips as US-Iran peace talks falter “In aggregate, inflation was a little bit higher than previously, but nothing aggressive,” said Dominic Bunning, head of G10 FX strategy at Nomura, adding that inflation readings were likely to climb further later in the year. “I think sterling’s going to look at this like, it could be better, it could be worse,” he said. The pound was last marginally higher at $1.3516, while the euro was little changed against sterling at 86.88 pence. Markets have also been closely focused on interest-rate expectations after the Iran war pushed up inflation forecasts. Money markets were last pricing in one Bank of England rate hike this year, with some chance of a second. The BoE is, however, widely expected to leave rates unchanged when it meets later this month, with markets assigning only about a 10% chance of a hike. Policymakers face “an unenviable balancing act,” said Zara Nokes, global market analyst at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. “There are clear upside risks to inflation, particularly if households – who have become accustomed to persistent price pressures for some time – demand higher wages to restore their eroded purchasing power,” she said, while noting that a weakening labour market and falling vacancies could hit consumption and amplify downside risks to growth. The BoE will want to assess which of those risks dominates, Nokes added. [...]

Palm extends gains to highest closing in nearly three-weeks
April 22, 2026 2:32
Palm extends gains to highest closing in nearly three-weeks

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains to a third consecutive session on Wednesday to end at their highest closing price in nearly three weeks, propped up by stronger related oils, although expectations of higher production may limit upside movements. The benchmark palm oil contract for July delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained 67 ringgit, or 1.47%, to 4,626 ringgit ($1,171.14) a metric ton at closing. The contract extended the 2.45% gain recorded over the previous two sessions. “Market sentiment is likely to remain firm, underpinned by strength in Dalian RBD palm olein and Chicago soybean oil futures. However, price movements may stay volatile amid uncertainty surrounding U.S.–Iran peace talks,” a Kuala Lumpur-based trader said. READ MORE: Palm oil rises on firmer rival oils Oil prices jumped on Wednesday with Brent trading above $100 a barrel, erasing earlier losses following reports of gunfire attacks on at least three container ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Higher crude oil prices made palm oil a more attractive option for biodiesel. As of April 13, Indonesia consumed 3.9 million kilolitres of palm-based biodiesel year-to-date under its biodiesel blending mandate, an energy ministry official said, as preparations got underway to increase the blending rate further. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract rose 2.07%, while its palm oil contract surged 1.2%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were trading slightly higher 0.63%. Palm oil tracks the price movements of rival edible oils, as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. Palm oil is expected to test a resistance at 4,639 ringgit per metric ton. A break above could lead to a gain into the 4,693-4,760 ringgit range, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said. [...]

Africa, Southeast Asia drive China solar panel exports to record in March
April 22, 2026 2:31
Africa, Southeast Asia drive China solar panel exports to record in March

SINGAPORE/BEIJING: China’s solar panel exports soared to a record in March, China customs and industry data showed, as Southeast Asia and Africa stockpiled ahead of expected price increases and fallout from the Iran war boosted demand. Panel exports surged 42.2% to 1.75 million metric tons in March, equivalent to 13.3% of volumes in all of 2025. The shipments were valued at $3.61 billion, up 67% from a year earlier and 125% from February, Chinese customs data showed. Countries in Southeast Asia and Africa rushed to import panels ahead of expected price increases due to an end to China’s export tax refunds on April 1, with the surge amplified by disruption to energy supplies due to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, analysts said. “Silver prices fell from an all-time high in January and drove production costs lower, helping increase production and address demand ahead of a price increase from April,” said Marius Mordal Bakke, who heads solar research at consultancy Rystad Energy. Investors are betting on renewable energy stocks in China, the dominant maker of solar gear, on expectations that the war will boost global demand for renewables. READ MORE: Solar push helps Pakistan temper Gulf energy shock Jing Yang, director at Fitch Ratings, expects China’s solar exports to drop significantly in April from March, but said 2026 exports could be supported by incremental demand “due to elevated oil prices and energy security concerns.” S&P in February had projected China’s 2026 solar exports to remain flat-to-slightly down versus 2025 because of weaker global demand before the Iran war. Surge LED by Philippines, democratic republic of Congo Import duties on Chinese panels in countries including India and the U.S. have blunted demand there, shifting flows to markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa. “The structural change in China’s solar product exports has been an ongoing trend, against the background of expanding overseas manufacturing capacity of solar modules due to rising U.S. trade barriers against Chinese solar products,” Yang said. Southeast Asia’s imports jumped 267% annually and 203% from February to $673.3 million in March, while Africa’s March imports surged 238% annually and 211% from February to $438.28 million. Imports by the Philippines, which is targeting faster solar additions through 2030, nearly quadrupled from a year earlier to 109,513 tons valued at $228 million. In Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has one of the world’s lowest rates of electrification, saw March shipments soaring to 21,370 tons worth $62.73 million from just 1,352 tons a year earlier. Ashuza Achille, head of business development at Kinshasa-based GoShop Energy, said he had stockpiled ahead of the expected price hike in China to supply increasing demand from small businesses and rural residents.   Resellers buying solar panels have increased to more than 1,000 from 80 in 2022, he said. “I also have customers from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo who come to DRC. They cross the border, pick up solar panels and then go back to execute their projects.” [...]

India 10-year yield rises most in 2 weeks as oil gains on ceasefire doubts
April 22, 2026 2:29
India 10-year yield rises most in 2 weeks as oil gains on ceasefire doubts

MUMBAI: Indian government bonds weakened on Wednesday, with the 10-year yield jumping the most in about two weeks, as doubts over an indefinitely extended U.S.-Iran ceasefire pushed oil prices higher and weighed on India’s macro outlook. U.S. President Donald Trump called off attacks on Iran indefinitely, but the Strait of Hormuz remained blocked on Wednesday, and neither side showed up for peace talks in Pakistan. Brent crude hovered near $100 a barrel, battering the rupee, bonds and stocks, underscoring India’s vulnerability as it imports nearly 90% of its oil needs, constituting a fourth of its total import bill. India’s benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond yield rose over 3 bps to 6.9225%, snapping a two-day winning streak and posting its biggest jump in two weeks. It shut at 6.8894% on Tuesday. READ MORE: India bonds tick up tracking oil, market focus on US-Iran talks Yields move inversely to prices. “The 10-year yield may head toward 6.95%-7% again this week,” a private bank trader said. The rupee closed at 93.7950, down 0.3% from the previous close and hovering near its weakest level in three weeks. The benchmark Nifty 50 fell 0.81% to 24,378.10. “In response to the US-Iran conflict, we think New Delhi will introduce policies to redirect critical inputs to key industries, restrain business costs and improve financial support for firms,” BMI, a Fitch company, said in a note. “We maintain our forecast that the central government will register a fiscal deficit worth 4.5% of gross domestic product in FY2026-27.” New Delhi had budgeted a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP. Rates India’s overnight index swap rates surged tracking higher oil prices and bond yields. The one-year OIS rate was up 4.25 bps at 5.8275%, while the two-year swap rate rose 5.5 bps to 6.04%. The liquid five-year OIS rate was higher by 7.25 bps at 6.43%. [...]

Two Pakistani astronauts selected as candidates for China space programme
April 22, 2026 2:15
Two Pakistani astronauts selected as candidates for China space programme

BEIJING: China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for its manned space programme, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday. Both will travel to China for training, and one will participate in a flight mission as a payload specialist and become the first foreign astronaut in China’s space station, CCTV said. [...]

CCP allows acquisition of Ranipur Sugar Mills by Saakh Pharma, United Ethanol
April 22, 2026 1:38
CCP allows acquisition of Ranipur Sugar Mills by Saakh Pharma, United Ethanol

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved Saakh Pharma Limited and United Ethanol Industries Limited’s acquisition of a majority stake in Ranipur Sugar Mills under its Phase-I review. Ranipur Sugar Mills produces sugar and related by-products, including power generation. Saakh Pharma specializes in pharmaceuticals, while United Ethanol is involved in ethanol and industrial products. The CCP noted the transaction occurred before obtaining pre-merger approval, a mandatory requirement. The acquirers have submitted an undertaking to ensure future compliance. The commission assessed the merger as a conglomerate transaction with no significant overlap in the businesses. It found no evidence of competitive concerns or supply dependencies arising from the acquisition. The CCP concluded that the deal would not harm market competition or consumer welfare and authorized the transaction. The merger is part of a broader trend of consolidation within Pakistan’s sugar and allied industries, particularly in value-added sectors like ethanol and bio-based products, which could improve operational efficiencies and resource optimization. [...]

Iran Guards say ‘seized’ two ships attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz
April 22, 2026 1:19
Iran Guards say ‘seized’ two ships attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that their naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and directed them to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic. The seizures come as Iranian ports remain under a naval blockade by the United States, imposed on April 13 days after a ceasefire was announced that paused its war with Iran. “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force this morning identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships,” the Guards said in a statement. READ MORE: Seized Iranian ship likely carrying equipment deemed dual-use by US, sources say “The two offending ships… were seized by the IRGC’s naval forces and directed to the Iranian coast,” it added, although it was not immediately clear if the Guards boarded them. They identified one ship as “MSC-FRANCESCA”, which they said belonged “to the Zionist regime” in reference to Israel, and the other as “EPAMINONDAS”, which they said was “tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security.” The Guards further warned against any action against the regulations imposed by the Islamic republic in the strait, “as well as activities contrary to the safe passage” through the waterway. Tehran has said vessels must seek permission to leave or enter the Gulf through Hormuz, a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities. Since the start of the war with Israel and the United States, which began on February 28, Iran has allowed only a trickle of ships to pass. [...]

EU to consider forcing countries to hold, redistribute jet fuel stocks
April 22, 2026 1:12
EU to consider forcing countries to hold, redistribute jet fuel stocks

BRUSSELS: The European Union is considering requiring countries to hold stockpiles of jet fuel, and potentially redistribute it based on regional needs and shortages, Europe’s energy policy chief told Reuters on Wednesday, as concerns mount over possible shortages tied to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The European Commission on Wednesday proposed measures to address the energy fallout from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, including EU-wide monitoring of refinery output in an effort to maximize capacity. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen told Reuters that going further, by introducing rules requiring countries to hold jet fuel reserves, “is certainly something we’d consider.” He added that it was too early to say if jet fuel sharing was necessary. “We will be able to, if necessary, introduce redistribution tools and other things that we don’t normally do in this sector. Normally, we let the market decide, but we can end up in a crisis where it is indeed security of supply that is the problem, and not only prices,” he said in an interview. READ MORE: EU weighs more US jet fuel, cleaner aviation amid Iran war strains The EU requires countries to hold 90 days’ worth of oil and oil products in reserve, as a buffer against shortages. Countries can include jet fuel in this stockpile, but there is currently no requirement to do so. The EU has said jet fuel shortages are not currently an issue, but a prolonged blockage of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to longer-term challenges. The International Energy Agency has forecast shortages by June if Europe can only replace half of the supplies it normally gets from the Middle East. Jorgensen added that he was hopeful there was room to increase European jet fuel refinery output. Already, a number of European carriers, including TUI and easyJet have issued profit warnings on the back of the fallout of the war, with many saying their outlooks are uncertain. [...]

US in talks to resettle 1,100 Afghans in Congo, group says
April 22, 2026 1:09
US in talks to resettle 1,100 Afghans in Congo, group says

DAKAR: The Trump administration is in talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo to resettle 1,100 Afghans who have been stranded in Qatar awaiting U.S. visas, according to an advocacy organisation that works on their behalf. The discussions underscore the legal hurdles facing Afghans who fled the Taliban after U.S. immigrant visa processing for Afghan nationals was effectively halted, leaving them in limbo more than four years after the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul. Shawn VanDiver, founder and president of #AfghanEvac, a coalition of veterans and advocacy groups, told Reuters that U.S. officials had briefed him about the plan to resettle the Afghans in Congo, which he described as unacceptable, partly because of chronic insecurity in the central African country. READ MORE: China urges Pakistan, Afghanistan to resolve tensions via talks, not force The Afghans are housed at Camp As Sayliyah, a former U.S. Army base in Qatar, where they were transferred to complete immigrant visa processing for entry into the United States. Some are relatives of U.S. citizens or worked for a U.S.-funded organization during the 20-year war. But that processing ground to a halt after the Trump administration took office in January 2025. Last June, the Trump administration included Afghanistan on a list of 12 countries subject to a travel ban, with a narrow exemption for Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) for Afghans who served alongside troops and diplomats. READ MORE: Over 1.47mn Afghans ‘repatriated’, as govt rules out further extensions In November, Washington stopped immigrant visa processing for all Afghan nationals following the deadly shooting of two U.S. National Guard members by an Afghan former CIA-backed paramilitary unit member. A federal judge ruled in February that the ban on Afghan SIV visa processing was illegal, but processing is effectively at a standstill, according to VanDiver. #AfghanEvac said in a statement on Tuesday that the 1,100 Afghans had been vetted for resettlement. A State Department spokesperson said in an email late on Tuesday that resettling the Afghans in a third country would be a positive solution that would give them a chance to start a new life outside of Afghanistan. It did not respond directly to a question about whether Congo was among the countries under consideration. A Congolese government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The New York Times first reported on the effort to resettle the Afghans in Congo. Afghans unlikely to accept Congo resettlement, advocate says Congo has experienced decades of conflict and is currently fighting a Rwanda-backed rebel movement that made major incursions in the east last year. That makes it unlikely the Afghans will accept resettlement there, VanDiver said, adding that the U.S. could potentially use their refusal as justification for sending them back to Afghanistan. “I worry that this is just a way for State to wash their hands of these folks, many of whom are women, children, and family of U.S. military, that will ultimately result in them becoming stateless or having to go back to certain death in Afghanistan,” VanDiver said. The Trump administration had previously sought to resettle the Afghans in the southern African country of Botswana, VanDiver said, describing that country as a more viable potential destination. The initial plan to send the Afghans to Botswana has not previously been reported. Botswana’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State Department did not comment on whether it had tried to resettle the Afghans there previously. Plans to send the group to Botswana ultimately fell through, according to VanDiver, after the country objected to a new U.S. requirement that its citizens seeking to enter the U.S. post a $15,000 visa bond. [...]

Pakistan moves towards one-window airport clearance with e-gates, smart canners
April 22, 2026 1:01
Pakistan moves towards one-window airport clearance with e-gates, smart canners

In a bid to streamline airport procedures and enhance passenger convenience, Pakistan has moved a step closer to introducing a one-window clearance system at its airports, according to a press release. A special meeting, led by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was held to strategize the integration of modern technology in airport security processes. The meeting, which included key figures such as Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Secretary Defence Lieutenant General (R) Muhammad Ali, outlined plans to install advanced machinery aimed at improving security and efficiency. The meeting focused on the installation of e-gates, which will be equipped with smart scanners to expedite the clearance process for passengers. Under the new plan, all security checks will be centralized at joint counters, utilizing a unified scanning system to save time and reduce congestion to provide faster and more efficient clearance for passengers while ensuring safety at the same time. READ MORE: Illegal clearance at airports: FBR takes on ‘rogue’ customs men Naqvi emphasized the importance of coordination among all relevant institutions to ensure that the system operates smoothly. “By working together, we can minimize waiting times, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers,” he said. The Defence Ministry also addressed safety concerns at airports, with Secretary Defence highlighting the import of modern machinery designed to reduce bird-related accidents, ensuring the protection of aircraft and passengers. [...]

Indian rupee extends losing streak as Iran war jitters lift oil to $100
April 22, 2026 12:47
Indian rupee extends losing streak as Iran war jitters lift oil to $100

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee fell for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, as optimism about an end to the Iran war remained muted despite the U.S. indefinitely extending a ceasefire. With reports of gunfire attacks on container ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Brent crude oil prices rose above $100 a barrel and pegged back regional stocks, including a 0.9% drop in India’s benchmark Nifty 50 index. The rupee closed at 93.7950, down 0.3% from the previous close and hovering near its weakest level in three weeks. The rupee managed to avoid steeper losses on the day on account of likely intervention by the central bank, traders said. READ MORE: Indian rupee falls, tracking Asian peers; partial rollback of RBI FX curbs weighs Oil-sensitive Asian currencies were on the defensive with the Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah enduring losses, while the Chinese yuan, an overall outperformer in the region, held steady. “For now, the financial markets remain in limbo, awaiting news on whether there will be progress or whether another wave of military attacks lies ahead,” MUFG said in a note. “We are surely on the cusp of another surge in crude oil prices if this ceasefire does not hold, and that will most likely have a more notable knock-on impact on risk assets.” The future trajectory of the rupee, though, traders and analysts say, will depend on how high oil prices remain and for how long. An extended energy shock is likely to keep the rupee under strain, and it “wouldn’t be a surprise,” if the central bank takes additional measures to support the currency, a trader at a Singapore-based hedge fund said. Despite weakness in the local currency, dollar-rupee forward premiums retreated in afternoon trading from intraday highs, with traders pointing to forward dollar sales from both foreign and state-run lenders. [...]

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پنجاب اسمبلی: حکومت کی جانب سے دیے جانیوالے امدادی چیک باؤنس ہونے کا الزام
April 22, 2026 1:04
پنجاب اسمبلی: حکومت کی جانب سے دیے جانیوالے امدادی چیک باؤنس ہونے کا الزام

فائل فوٹو پنجاب اسمبلی اجلاس میں محکمہ انسانی حقوق و اقلیتی امور کے ضرورت مندوں کے چیک باؤنس ہونے کا الزام سامنے آگیا، حکومتی رکن... [...]

کراچی: ٹرک کی موٹر سائیکل کو ٹکر، ماموں کیساتھ سوار بھانجا جاں بحق
April 22, 2026 12:04
کراچی: ٹرک کی موٹر سائیکل کو ٹکر، ماموں کیساتھ سوار بھانجا جاں بحق

فوٹو: فائلکراچی کے علاقے لانڈھی میں داؤد چورنگی پر ٹرک کی موٹر سائیکل کو ٹکر سے بچہ جاں بحق ہوگیا۔ ریسکیو حکام کا کہنا ہے کہ بچہ ماموں... [...]

کراچی: پولیس نے ڈاکٹر سارنگ قتل کیس میں استعمال ہونے والی گاڑی برآمد کرلی
April 22, 2026 12:04
کراچی: پولیس نے  ڈاکٹر سارنگ قتل کیس میں استعمال ہونے والی گاڑی برآمد کرلی

کراچی میں دو روز قبل شارع فیصل پر نامعلوم ملزمان کی فائرنگ سے قتل ہونے والے ڈاکٹر سارنگ کیس میں اہم پیش رفت ہوئی ہے، پولیس نے واردات... [...]

پشاور کے کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم میں خیبر پختونخوا اسمبلی کا اجلاس
April 22, 2026 12:04
پشاور کے کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم میں خیبر پختونخوا اسمبلی کا اجلاس

پشاور کے کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم میں خیبر پختونخوا اسمبلی کا اجلاس شروع ہوگیا ہے۔کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم پشاور میں خیبر پختونخوا اسمبلی کے اجلاس کا... [...]

معروف ہارٹ سرجن ڈاکٹر حسنات کو جناح کارڈیک انسٹیٹیوٹ لاہور کا سربراہ لگایا جارہا ہے: ذرائع
April 22, 2026 12:04
معروف ہارٹ سرجن ڈاکٹر حسنات کو جناح کارڈیک انسٹیٹیوٹ لاہور کا سربراہ لگایا جارہا ہے: ذرائع

معروف ہارٹ سرجن ڈاکٹر حسنات کو جناح کارڈیک انسٹیٹیوٹ کا سربراہ لگایا جارہا ہے۔ذرائع نے بتایا کہ ڈاکٹر حسنات برطانیہ اور آسٹریلیا کے... [...]

چینی خلائی پروگرام کیلئے 2 پاکستانی خلا نورد منتخب
April 22, 2026 12:04
چینی خلائی پروگرام کیلئے 2 پاکستانی خلا نورد منتخب

فائل فوٹوچین کے خلائی پروگرام کےلیے 2 پاکستانی خلا نورد منتخب ہوگئے ہیں۔اسپیس اینڈ اپر ایٹموسفیر ریسرچ کمیشن نے انسانی خلائی مشن... [...]

کراچی سے اغوا کیے گئے 2 افراد لاڑکانہ سے بازیاب
April 22, 2026 11:04
کراچی سے اغوا کیے گئے 2 افراد لاڑکانہ سے بازیاب

فائل فوٹوکراچی میں شارع فیصل سے اغوا کیے گئے 2 افراد کو لاڑکانہ سے بازیاب کرالیا گیا۔ایس ایس پی کے مطابق لاڑکانہ گھنٹی پھاٹک کے علاقے... [...]

ملک میں الیکٹرک وہیکلز کے فروغ میں تیزی لانے کیلئے اقدامات تیز کیے جائیں: وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف
April 22, 2026 10:04
ملک میں الیکٹرک وہیکلز کے فروغ میں تیزی لانے کیلئے اقدامات تیز کیے جائیں: وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف

—فائل فوٹووزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف کا کہنا ہے کہ ملک میں الیکٹرک وہیکلز کے فروغ میں تیزی لانے کے لیے اقدامات تیز کیے جائیں۔وزیرِ اعظم... [...]

امید ہے نئے جیل وارڈنز اپنے فرائض احسن طریقے سے انجام دیں گے: سہیل آفریدی
April 22, 2026 10:04
امید ہے نئے جیل وارڈنز اپنے فرائض احسن طریقے سے انجام دیں گے: سہیل آفریدی

وزیرِاعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا سہیل آفریدی— فائل فوٹووزیرِاعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا سہیل آفریدی نے کہا ہے کہ امید ہے کہ نئے تعینات جیل وارڈنز... [...]

وزیرِ اعظم سے ایرانی سفیر کی ملاقات، امن کوششوں پر تبادلۂ خیال
April 22, 2026 9:04
وزیرِ اعظم سے ایرانی سفیر کی ملاقات، امن کوششوں پر تبادلۂ خیال

---اسکرین گریبوزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف سے پاکستان میں ایران کے سفیر رضا امیری مقدم نے ملاقات کی ہے۔اعلامیے کے مطابق ملاقات میں خطے کی... [...]

جرائم کی شرح میں اضافہ شرمناک اور فکر انگیز ہے: مریم نواز
April 22, 2026 9:04
جرائم کی شرح میں اضافہ شرمناک اور فکر انگیز ہے: مریم نواز

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز — فائل فوٹو  وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز نے جرائم کی شرح میں اضافے کا نوٹس لے لیا۔پنجاب کی وزیرِ اعلیٰ... [...]

سپریم کورٹ نے ڈیجیٹل انصاف کی فراہمی میں نیا معیار قائم کر دیا
April 22, 2026 8:04
سپریم کورٹ نے ڈیجیٹل انصاف کی فراہمی میں نیا معیار قائم کر دیا

—فائل فوٹوسپریم کورٹ آف پاکستان نے ڈیجیٹل انصاف کی فراہمی میں نیا معیار قائم کر دیا جس کا اعلامیہ بھی جاری کر دیا گیا۔اعلامیے کے... [...]

5 ہائی کورٹ ججز کے تبادلے، جوڈیشل کمیشن آف پاکستان کا اجلاس 28 اپریل کو طلب
April 22, 2026 7:04
5 ہائی کورٹ ججز کے تبادلے، جوڈیشل کمیشن آف پاکستان کا اجلاس 28 اپریل کو طلب

—فائل فوٹوجوڈیشل کمیشن آف پاکستان کا اجلاس 28 اپریل کو طلب کر لیا گیا۔ذرائع کے مطابق چیف جسٹس پاکستان جسٹس یحییٰ آفریدی کی زیرِ صدارت... [...]

ماحولیاتی تحفظ اجتماعی ذمے داری ہے: وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف
April 22, 2026 7:04
ماحولیاتی تحفظ اجتماعی ذمے داری ہے: وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف---فائل فوٹو وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف نے زمین کے عالمی دن کے موقع پر اپنے پیغام میں کہا ہے کہ پاکستان آج بھرپور اور... [...]

ایف آئی اے انٹرپول کی امارات میں کارروائی، قتل کیس کے 2 اشتہاری ملزمان گرفتار
April 22, 2026 7:04
ایف آئی اے انٹرپول کی امارات میں کارروائی، قتل کیس کے 2 اشتہاری ملزمان گرفتار

---فائل فوٹو ایف آئی اے این سی بی انٹرپول نے کارروائی کرتے ہوئے قتل کیس میں مطلوب 2 اشتہاری ملزمان کو یو اے ای سے گرفتار کر لیا۔ترجمان... [...]

ایران کیساتھ مذاکرات کا دوسرا دور جمعے کو ہوسکتا ہے، اچھی خبر متوقع: ٹرمپ
April 22, 2026 1:04
ایران کیساتھ مذاکرات کا دوسرا دور جمعے کو ہوسکتا ہے، اچھی خبر متوقع: ٹرمپ

امریکی فوج کو ہر ممکن صورتحال سے نمٹنے کیلئے بھی ہدایت کردی ہے، ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ - فوٹو: سوشل میڈیاامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے کہا ہے کہ ایران... [...]

ایران جنگ سے پیدا ہونے والا بڑا توانائی بحران برسوں قیمتوں کو متاثر کر سکتا ہے: یورپی یونین توانائی سربراہ
April 22, 2026 12:04
ایران جنگ سے پیدا ہونے والا بڑا توانائی بحران برسوں قیمتوں کو متاثر کر سکتا ہے: یورپی یونین توانائی سربراہ

یورپی یونین توانائی کے سربراہ نے خبردار کیا ہے کہ امریکا اور اسرائیل کی ایران کے خلاف جنگ سے پیدا ہونے والا بڑا توانائی بحران آنے... [...]

انڈونیشیا کی غزہ میں اسپتال کھنڈرات پر اسرائیلی بینر لہرانے کی مذمت
April 22, 2026 12:04
انڈونیشیا کی غزہ میں اسپتال کھنڈرات پر اسرائیلی بینر لہرانے کی مذمت

تصویر، سوشل میڈیاانڈونیشیا نے غزہ میں انڈونیشن اسپتال کے ملبے پر اسرائیلی بینر لہرانے کی مذمت کر دی۔انڈونیشیا نے غزہ میں ایک اسپتال... [...]

آبنائے ہرمز میں ایران کی بڑی کارروائی، اسرائیلی سمیت دو بحری جہاز قبضے میں لے لیے
April 22, 2026 11:04
آبنائے ہرمز میں ایران کی بڑی کارروائی، اسرائیلی سمیت دو بحری جہاز قبضے میں لے لیے

فوٹو: ایرانی میڈیاآبنائے ہرمز میں کارروائی کرتے ہوئے ایران نے اسرائیلی جہاز سمیت دو بحری جہاز قبضے میں لے لیے۔پریس ٹی وی کے مطابق... [...]

پاسداران انقلاب نے دشمنوں کی سازشوں کو ناکام بنا دیا، ایرانی صدر مسعود پزشکیان
April 22, 2026 11:04
پاسداران انقلاب نے دشمنوں کی سازشوں کو ناکام بنا دیا، ایرانی صدر مسعود پزشکیان

فوٹو: ایرانی میڈیا ایرانی صدر مسعود پزشکیان کا کہنا ہے کہ پاسداران انقلاب نے دشمنوں کے اہداف اور سازشوں کو ناکام بنا دیا۔پاسداران... [...]

سفارتکاری قومی مفادات اور سلامتی کے تحفظ کا ایک ذریعہ ہے: اسماعیل بقائی
April 22, 2026 11:04
سفارتکاری قومی مفادات اور سلامتی کے تحفظ کا ایک ذریعہ ہے: اسماعیل بقائی

فوٹو: فائلترجمان ایرانی وزارت خارجہ اسماعیل بقائی نے کہا ہے کہ سفارتکاری قومی مفادات اور سلامتی کے تحفظ کا ایک ذریعہ ہے۔اپنے بیان... [...]

ایرانی پاسداران بحریہ نے 2 جہاز قبضے میں لے لیے
April 22, 2026 10:04
ایرانی پاسداران بحریہ نے 2 جہاز قبضے میں لے لیے

—فائل فوٹوایرانی خبر ایجنسی نے دعویٰ کیا ہے کہ ایرانی پاسداران بحریہ نے 2 جہاز قبضے میں لے لیے ہیں۔پاسداران بحریہ کا کہنا ہے کہ بغیر... [...]

اقوامِ متحدہ میں افغانستان کی نمائندگی تاحال غیر واضح، ووٹنگ کے حق سے محرومی برقرار
April 22, 2026 10:04
اقوامِ متحدہ میں افغانستان کی نمائندگی تاحال غیر واضح، ووٹنگ کے حق سے محرومی برقرار

---فائل فوٹو اقوامِ متحدہ میں افغانستان کی نمائندگی کے معاملے پر غیر یقینی صورتِ حال برقرار ہے جبکہ ملک مسلسل چوتھے سال بھی جنرل... [...]

برطانوی وزیرِ خارجہ کا ایران جنگ بندی میں توسیع کا خیر مقدم
April 22, 2026 9:04
برطانوی وزیرِ خارجہ کا ایران جنگ بندی میں توسیع کا خیر مقدم

  برطانوی وزیرِ خارجہ ایویٹ کوپر---فائل فوٹوبرطانوی وزیرِ خارجہ ایویٹ کوپر نے ایران جنگ بندی میں توسیع کا خیر مقدم کیا ہے۔ایک بیان میں... [...]

امریکی ناکہ بندی کے باوجود ایران سے منسلک درجنوں ٹینکرز نے آبنائے ہرمز عبور کر لی
April 22, 2026 9:04
امریکی ناکہ بندی کے باوجود ایران سے منسلک درجنوں ٹینکرز نے آبنائے ہرمز عبور کر لی

---فائل فوٹو امریکی دعوؤں کے برعکسِ آبنائے ہرمز میں ناکہ بندی کے باوجود ایران سے منسلک کم از کم 34 ٹینکرز گزرنے میں کامیاب ہو گئے جن... [...]

ایرانی صدر مسعود پزشکیان کا شیخ سعدی کو خراجِ عقیدت، دعائیہ کلام شیئر کر دیا
April 22, 2026 9:04
ایرانی صدر مسعود پزشکیان کا شیخ سعدی کو خراجِ عقیدت، دعائیہ کلام شیئر کر دیا

ایرانی صدر مسعود پزشکیان---فائل فوٹوایران کے صدر مسعود پزشکیان نے معروف فارسی شاعر شیخ سعدی شیرازی کو خراجِ عقیدت پیش کرتے ہوئے ان کا... [...]

چین کا ایران جنگ بندی میں توسیع پر ردعمل
April 22, 2026 8:04
چین کا ایران جنگ بندی میں توسیع پر ردعمل

—فائل فوٹوچین نے ایران جنگ بندی میں توسیع پر ردِعمل دیتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ سفارت کاری کے ذریعے تنازعات کو حل کرنے میں فریقین کی حمایت... [...]

عالمی معیشت ہلا دینے والی آبنائے ہرمز ایٹم بم سے بھی بڑا ایران کا اسٹریٹیجک ہتھیار
April 22, 2026 8:04
عالمی معیشت ہلا دینے والی آبنائے ہرمز ایٹم بم سے بھی بڑا ایران کا اسٹریٹیجک ہتھیار

—فائل فوٹو بھارتی میڈیا پر شائع ہونے والے ایک تجزیے میں کہا گیا ہے کہ ایران اور امریکا کے درمیان کشیدگی کے دوران ایران نے جوہری... [...]

عمان کے قریب بحری جہاز پر فائرنگ، برطانوی میری ٹائم ادارے کی تصدیق
April 22, 2026 7:04
عمان کے قریب بحری جہاز پر فائرنگ، برطانوی میری ٹائم ادارے کی تصدیق

— فائل فوٹوبرطانیہ کے میری ٹائم ٹریڈ آپریشنز ادارے نے کہا ہے کہ عمان کے شمال مشرق میں ایک کنٹینر جہاز پر فائرنگ ہوئی ہے۔عرب میڈیا کے... [...]

سویڈن: تعلیمی پالیسی میں بڑا یوٹرن، کتابوں و قلم کی طرف واپسی کا فیصلہ
April 22, 2026 7:04
سویڈن: تعلیمی پالیسی میں بڑا یوٹرن، کتابوں و قلم کی طرف واپسی کا فیصلہ

— فائل فوٹوسویڈن نے تعلیمی پالیسی میں بڑا یوٹرن لے لیا۔سویڈن نے تعلیمی پالیسی تبدیل کرتے ہوئے اسکولوں میں ڈیجیٹل لرننگ کم کرنے اور... [...]

سونے کی قیمت میں مسلسل تیسرے روز بھی کمی
April 22, 2026 9:04
سونے کی قیمت میں مسلسل تیسرے روز بھی کمی

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان بھر کی صرافہ مارکیٹوں میں سونے کی قیمت میں مسلسل تیسرے روز بھی کمی ہوئی ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز... [...]

امریکا ایران جنگ بندی میں توسیع کے بعد تیل سستا، سونے کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ
April 22, 2026 5:04
امریکا ایران جنگ بندی میں توسیع کے بعد تیل سستا، سونے کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ

—فائل فوٹوامریکا کی ایران کے ساتھ جنگ بندی میں توسیع کے بعد آج دنیا بھر میں سونے کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ اور تیل کی قیمتوں میں کمی... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں ملا جلا رجحان
April 22, 2026 5:04
پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں ملا جلا رجحان

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے تیسرے روز ملا جلا رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔بازارِ حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100... [...]

ملک میں فی تولہ سونے کی قیمت میں 4900 روپے کی کمی
April 21, 2026 1:04
ملک میں فی تولہ سونے کی قیمت میں 4900 روپے کی کمی

آج ملک میں فی تولہ سونے کا بھاؤ 4 ہزار 900 روپے کم ہوا ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق اس کمی کے بعد ملک میں... [...]

ٹرمپ کے بیانات، کروڑوں ڈالرز کے منافع بخش سودوں کا انکشاف
April 21, 2026 8:04
ٹرمپ کے بیانات، کروڑوں ڈالرز کے منافع بخش سودوں کا انکشاف

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ—فائل فوٹوامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کے کسی بھی بڑے اعلان سے چند منٹ قبل اسٹاک مارکیٹ میں کروڑوں ڈالرز کے منافع بخش... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تیزی
April 21, 2026 5:04
پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تیزی

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے دوسرے روز تیزی دیکھی جا رہی ہے۔بازارِ حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100 انڈیکس میں 2261... [...]

سعودی عرب کی جانب سے پاکستان کو مزید 1 ارب ڈالرز کے فنڈز موصول
April 21, 2026 4:04
سعودی عرب کی جانب سے پاکستان کو مزید 1 ارب ڈالرز کے فنڈز موصول

سعودی عرب کی جانب سے پاکستان کو مزید 1 ارب ڈالرز کے فنڈز موصول ہو گئے۔اسٹیٹ بینک آف پاکستان نے تصدیق کرتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ سعودی... [...]

برینٹ تیل پھر مہنگا، 96 ڈالر فی بیرل ہوگیا
April 20, 2026 8:04
برینٹ تیل پھر مہنگا، 96 ڈالر فی بیرل ہوگیا

تیل کی عالمی قیمتوں میں پھر اضافہ ہوگیا، برینٹ کروڈ کی قیمت چھ فی صد بڑھ کر 96 ڈالر فی بیرل سے تجاوز کرگئی۔ماہرین کے مطابق آبنائے ہرمز... [...]

پاکستان نے یورو بانڈ کا حجم بڑھا کر 75 کروڑ ڈالر کردیا
April 20, 2026 1:04
پاکستان نے یورو بانڈ کا حجم بڑھا کر 75 کروڑ ڈالر کردیا

تصویر، سوشل میڈیاوزارت خزانہ نے تصدیق کی ہے کہ پاکستان نے یورو بانڈ کا حجم بڑھا کر 75 کروڑ ڈالر دیا ہے۔وزارت خزانہ کے مطابق پاکستان کو... [...]

سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں 4900 روپے کی کمی
April 20, 2026 12:04
سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں 4900 روپے کی کمی

فائل فوٹو ملک میں سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں ہزاروں روپے کمی ہوگئی۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق 4900 روپے کی... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں ملا جلا رجحان
April 20, 2026 5:04
پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں ملا جلا رجحان

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے پہلے روز آج ملا جلا رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔بازارِ حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100... [...]

پاکستان میں موبائل فونز کی درآمدات میں بڑا اضافہ
April 19, 2026 8:04
پاکستان میں موبائل فونز کی درآمدات میں بڑا اضافہ

---فائل فوٹوادارہ شماریات کے دستاویز کے مطابق پاکستان میں گزشتہ 9 ماہ کے دوران موبائل فونز کی درآمدات میں نمایاں اضافہ ریکارڈ ہوا... [...]

پہلی ششماہی میں معیشت کی ترقی رفتار 3 اعشاریہ 8 فیصد ہے، جمیل احمد
April 18, 2026 4:04
پہلی ششماہی میں معیشت کی ترقی رفتار 3 اعشاریہ 8 فیصد ہے، جمیل احمد

گورنر اسٹیٹ بینک آف پاکستان جمیل احمد نے کہا ہے کہ پہلی ششماہی میں معیشت کی ترقی کی رفتار 3 اعشاریہ 8 فیصد تک پہنچ گئی۔ایس بی پی... [...]

پاکستان میں غیرملکی سرمایہ کاروں کی کمپنی رجسٹریشن میں اضافہ
April 18, 2026 3:04
پاکستان میں غیرملکی سرمایہ کاروں کی کمپنی رجسٹریشن میں اضافہ

پاکستان میں غیر ملکی سرمایہ کاروں کی کمپنی رجسٹریشن میں اضافہ ہوگیا ہے۔ سیکیورٹیز اینڈ ایکسچینج کمیشن پاکستان کے مطابق کارپوریٹ... [...]

تاجر برادری کا دکانوں کے اوقات کار رات 10 بجے تک بڑھانے کا مطالبہ
April 18, 2026 3:04
تاجر برادری کا دکانوں کے اوقات کار رات 10 بجے تک بڑھانے کا مطالبہ

تاجر برادری نے دکانوں کے اوقات کار رات 10 بجے تک بڑھانے اور بلوچستان کے گیس ذخائر استعمال کرنے کا مطالبہ کردیا۔ فیڈریشن ہاؤس میں ... [...]

Global oil climbs back to $100 a barrel after Iran flexes its power over oil tankers in Hormuz
April 22, 2026 3:08
Global oil climbs back to $100 a barrel after Iran flexes its power over oil tankers in Hormuz

Real-world oil-supply disruptions are starting to take hold, beyond $4-a-gallon gas. [...]

First came the price rises. Now output is falling in industries ranging from airlines to chemicals.
April 22, 2026 3:07
First came the price rises. Now output is falling in industries ranging from airlines to chemicals.

Companies have moved on from lifting prices to now reducing output as a result of the war in Iran. [...]

Why Intel’s stock still offers compelling value — even after this year’s 80% gain
April 22, 2026 3:05
Why Intel’s stock still offers compelling value — even after this year’s 80% gain

Charles Lemonides of ValueWorks predicts Intel will achieve a much higher sales-growth rate than what Wall Street analysts expect. [...]

3 tests Apple’s new CEO must pass to prove he can grow the company in ways Tim Cook never did
April 22, 2026 2:44
3 tests Apple’s new CEO must pass to prove he can grow the company in ways Tim Cook never did

Apple’s future rests on this massive pivot. [...]

From private suites to $20,000 seats: Luxury travelers have more ways to splurge while many passengers can’t afford economy
April 22, 2026 2:44
From private suites to $20,000 seats: Luxury travelers have more ways to splurge while many passengers can’t afford economy

Airlines are pouring money into flashy premium-class upgrades to keep attracting big spenders. [...]

I went to an Advanced Placement personal-finance class. Here’s what I learned.
April 22, 2026 2:22
I went to an Advanced Placement personal-finance class. Here’s what I learned.

Financial literacy will get serious treatment in high schools starting next year as part of the AP’s new ‘Career Kickstart’ bundle [...]

‘Some stocks have risen, but others have flopped’: I will soon inherit my parents’ $1.5 million estate. Do I fire the adviser who charges a 3% fee?
April 22, 2026 2:17
‘Some stocks have risen, but others have flopped’: I will soon inherit my parents’ $1.5 million estate. Do I fire the adviser who charges a 3% fee?

“This broker does not achieve returns better than the S&P 500.” [...]

‘The Lord has taken care of me’: I’m 74. I went from earning $14 an hour to retiring with $3.4 million. Here’s how I did it.
April 22, 2026 2:12
‘The Lord has taken care of me’: I’m 74. I went from earning $14 an hour to retiring with $3.4 million. Here’s how I did it.

“I have always thought that I did not have any real talents or skills.” [...]

I paid $4,500 instead of filing an insurance claim. Here’s when you should do the same.
April 22, 2026 2:10
I paid $4,500 instead of filing an insurance claim. Here’s when you should do the same.

Two smart ways to save on insurance as premiums skyrocket. Plus: sign up for the next Don’t Short Yourself Live Q&A on cutting college costs. [...]

Happy 54½ birthday to me! I’m now exactly 5 years from retirement. Here’s what I’ll do first to prepare.
April 22, 2026 2:00
Happy 54½ birthday to me! I’m now exactly 5 years from retirement. Here’s what I’ll do first to prepare.

This could be my most consequential age milestone, because it’s the ideal time for me to start detailed planning for my golden years. [...]

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  • About
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