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PM Shehbaz decides against fuel price hike amid global market pressure, says PMO

March 13, 2026 6:25

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday decided not to increase petroleum product prices despite a rise in global oil prices, aiming to reduce the financial burden on the public, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement. The development comes amid speculations that the government could increase the petroleum prices further tonight. “No price hike is being made in order to reduce the burden on the common man,” the prime minister was quoted as saying in the PMO statement. “The government will provide as much relief as possible to the people in these difficult circumstances.” Last week, the government announced a hike of Rs55 per litre in the prices of petrol and diesel in line with increasing international oil prices. The petrol price jumped to Rs321.17 per litre, and the diesel price soared to Rs335.86 per litre. The international oil prices have increased with the escalating crisis in the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel as well as US bases in Gulf countries, and announced it wouldn’t allow vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices dipped on Friday as an Indian tanker sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz and the US put forth measures to try and ease supply concerns, but were on track for weekly gains as Gulf disruptions from the Middle East conflict broadly persisted. Brent futures for May declined 63 cents, or 0.6%, to $99.83 a barrel at 1124 GMT, heading for a weekly increase of 8%. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April declined $1.29, or 1.4%, at $94.44 a barrel, set for a 4% uptick for the week. [...]

Petroleum dealers give govt ultimatum to revise their margin to 8% by March 26

March 13, 2026 6:22

The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has given an ultimatum to the government to revise up their margins to 8% per litre of petroleum products till March 26, 2026 in the wake of a significant price hike of Rs55 per litre in petrol and diesel prices last week. Talking to Business Recorder after addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Friday, PPDA chairman Abdul Sami Khan said they would review the situation after Eid-ul-Fitr as what options would be available to them on the table to get their demand accepted if the government continued to maintain the margins at current level of 2.59% (around Rs8/litre). He gave a deadline of March 26 to the government. Meanwhile, PPDA senior vice chairman Malik Khuda Baksh said, “[So far], we have given no call for [shutter down] strike from March 27. However, we will review the situation if our demands are not met till March 26”. Also read: Fuel shock revives case for PHEVs, REEVs in Pakistan He added margins for petroleum dealers had stood at 3.60% (Rs8 per litre) before the government substantially increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55/ per litre last week. The two leaders said their investment [working capital] had increased significantly to procure petroleum products from oil marketing companies (OMCs) to be sold at petrol pumps after the government increased petrol and diesel price by Rs55/ per litre each to Rs321.17/ per litre and Rs335.86/per litre, respectively on March 6, 2026. They said running petrol pumps at the current low margin remained “no more feasible”, and an upward increase in the margins was necessary to continue operate the pumps in profit, according to the petroleum dealers. Calculations suggest if the government accepts the petroleum dealers’ demand to increase their margins to 8% per litre, their margin would surge by Rs17 per litre in absolute term to Rs25 per litre from Rs8 per litre at present. [...]

UAE stocks extend loss as Mid-east conflict lingers

March 13, 2026 4:41

Stock markets in the United Arab Emirates ended lower on Friday, as Iran’s continued attacks on multiple targets across the Middle East heightened fears of a prolonged regional conflict and unsettled investor sentiment. Investor caution intensified as the war in the Middle East approached the two-week mark, with heavy exchanges of drone and missile strikes across the region. U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Iran’s leadership, while Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public comments, said on Thursday Tehran would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and urged neighbouring countries to shut U.S. bases on their territory or risk being targeted. The escalation has raised concerns over disruption to regional trade and energy flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil supplies. Dubai’s main share index slipped 1.7% with most of its constituents in negative territory, led by losses in real estate and utilities stocks. Blue-chip developer Emaar Properties slid 3%, while top lender Emirates NBD dropped 4.9%. The index logged its second highest weekly percentage loss in six years. In Dubai, debris from what authorities said was a successful interception caused minor damage to the facade of a building in the city centre, the emirate’s media office said early on Friday, adding that no injuries were reported. The office did not specify the location, though a witness said the damage occurred near the Dubai International Financial Centre. In Abu Dhabi, the stock index closed 1.6% lower for the day and posted a fourth consecutive weekly loss, dragged down by broad based declines. First Abu Dhabi Bank , the UAE’s largest lender, fell 2.2%, while Aldar Properties lost 4.3%. “Most sectors continued to trade in negative territory, although some stocks have started to show signs of stabilization. This could help the market find a floor, but overall sentiment remains cautious”, said George Pavel, general manager at Naga.com Middle East. “Higher oil prices could provide some support for energy-related stocks. However, ongoing disruption risks to trade routes, energy infrastructure, and regional logistics could continue to limit upside potential for the broader market”, he added. ABU DHABI dropped 1.6% to 9,480DUBAI fell 1.7% to 5,426 [...]

India’s forex reserves fall most in over a year on central bank’s rupee defence

March 13, 2026 2:47

MUMBAI: India’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $716.81 billion in the week through March 6 from $728.49 billion in the previous week, Reserve Bank of India data showed on Friday. The $11.68 billion ‌decline in reserves last week came amid heavy dollar sales by the central bank to support the rupee against pressure stemming from the Iran war and the surge in oil prices. The rise in ⁠U.S. yields and the dollar strength further contributed to the drop in reserves, analysts said. Gaura Sen Gupta, economist at IDFC FIRST Bank, estimates the decline in reserves reflected net dollar sales of about $6.1 billion by the RBI and valuation losses of roughly $5.4 billion. “The RBI sterilized the liquidity impact of the dollar sales through on-screen bond purchases,” ‌she ⁠added. India’s forex reserves rise to above $700 billion on FX swap, gold rally Much of the decline in the week for which the RBI shared data came from foreign currency assets, which fell $9.8 billion, while the value of gold reserves dropped $1.6 billion. Changes in ⁠foreign currency assets, expressed in dollar terms, include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of other currencies held in its reserves. Foreign ⁠exchange reserves include India’s Reserve Tranche position in the International Monetary Fund. FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES (in million U.S. dollars) --------------------------------------------------------- March ⁠06 Feb 27 2026 2026 --------------------------------------------------------- Foreign currency assets 563,245 573,125 Gold 130,017 131,630 SDRs 18,720 18,866 Reserve Tranche Position 4,828 4,873 ---------------------------------------------------------- Total 716,810 728,494 ---------------------------------------------------------- [...]

Fuel shock revives case for PHEVs, REEVs in Pakistan

March 13, 2026 2:30

Pakistan’s fuel economy has been jolted by one of the sharpest oil price shocks in recent years, exposing the country’s vulnerability to global energy disruptions and reviving debate over the role of alternative vehicle technologies. Last week, the federal government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre, pushing petrol to around Rs321 per litre, the largest single increase in recent years. The move followed a surge in global oil prices triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to supply routes passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. For Pakistan, an economy heavily dependent on imported energy, the consequences are immediate and far-reaching. Fuel costs directly affect transportation, logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing, creating ripple effects across inflation and household budgets. But the latest crisis is also highlighting a stark contrast between traditional gasoline vehicles and newer electrified powertrains—particularly Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVS) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Also read: Sazgar enters NEV segment with Tank-500 HEV, PHEV Millions of Pakistani motorists rely entirely on petrol or diesel vehicles, leaving them fully exposed to global oil volatility. Meanwhile, a typical mid-size petrol SUV averaging 10–12 km per litre now costs dramatically more to operate. With petrol crossing Rs320 per litre, the running cost can exceed Rs25–30 per kilometre, placing additional strain on middle-class households and commercial users such as ride-hailing drivers. Pakistan spends billions of dollars annually on petroleum imports, making oil price spikes a direct pressure point for foreign exchange reserves and macroeconomic stability. REEVs and PHEVs, however, operate differently. Unlike conventional hybrids that rely solely on petrol engines supported by small batteries, PHEVs allow drivers to run significant distances purely on electricity before switching to fuel, according to Syed Asif Ahmed, Director Sales and Marketing at Chery Master Pakistan. In daily urban driving, particularly in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad—many REEVs and PHEVs could cover 50–170 kilometres on electricity alone, effectively insulating owners from sudden fuel price spikes for most routine trips, Asif added. Charging costs remain significantly lower than petrol. Even at current electricity tariffs, running a vehicle electrically can cost a fraction of petrol-based driving, acccording to another executive of an automobile company. Crucially, PHEVs and REEVs also avoid one of the main concerns associated with fully electric vehicles: range anxiety and charging infrastructure limitations. When the battery is depleted, the vehicle seamlessly switches to hybrid mode, allowing effecient long-distance travel. This dual-energy flexibility is increasingly viewed as a transitional technology for markets like Pakistan, where charging networks are still developing. Pakistan’s auto policy over the past decade has deliberately encouraged new technologies and entrants to diversify the market. Hybrid vehicles were previously supported through tax incentives aimed at reducing fuel consumption and lowering the country’s oil import bill. Also read: CCP proposes consumer protection clauses in auto policy However, industry stakeholders warn that any significant increase in taxation on REEVs and PHEVs could undermine these gains. At a time when fuel volatility is once again exposing the risks of heavy dependence on imported oil, discouraging fuel-efficient technologies may prove counter-productive. Auto analyst Muhammad Sabir Shaikh said after substantial surges of the fuel prices, there was a huge shortage of electric cars and motorbikes in the local market, while hybrid vehicles had also gained momentum within four days. He said people were switching over to PHEV and REEVs for saving fuel costs as electric and hybrid vehicles save 80% and 50% expenses in comparison with fuel-drive vehicles. Auto analysts argue that encouraging electrified mobility—particularly technologies suited to Pakistan’s current infrastructure—could help cushion consumers against global oil shocks while gradually reducing pressure on the national energy import bill. For now, the latest fuel crisis serves as a reminder of a fundamental economic reality: when oil prices surge, countries dependent on petrol vehicles absorb the shock immediately. Technologies that reduce that dependence may not just be an environmental choice, but an economic one. [...]

Rupee records gain against US dollar

March 13, 2026 12:51

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inter-bank market on Friday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.31, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. On Thursday, the local unit closed at 279.32. Globally, the dollar held gains on Friday and was set for its second weekly gain since the beginning of the war in Iran as turmoil in markets left it the last safe-haven standing. The euro traded near its weakest since November, while the yen was at levels that put traders on guard for possible intervention by authorities in Japan. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, reached the highest level since November, thanks in part to its safe-haven appeal, but also because the United States is a net energy exporter. The index fell 0.04% to 99.63 in early trading in Asia, poised for a 0.8% gain this week. The euro was up 0.13% at $1.1525. The yen strengthened 0.17% to 159.08 per dollar after touching 159.43 on Thursday, the weakest since January 14. Sterling was up 0.11% to $1.3356. Furthermore, oil prices headed for weekly gains as of Friday, despite the US trying to ease supply concerns by issuing a 30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea. Brent futures for May rose 10 cents, or 0.1%, to $100.56 a barrel by 0400 GMT, heading for about a 9% weekly increase. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April was down 16 cents, or 0.2%, at $95.57 a barrel, though also poised for a 7% uptick for the week. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Friday BID Rs 279.31 OFFER Rs 279.51 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR lost 2 paise for buying and gained 1 paisa for selling against USD, closing at 279.53 and 280.36, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR gained 1.08 rupee for buying and 1.27 rupee for selling, closing at 320.69 and 324.34, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 2 paise for buying and gained 4 paise for selling, closing at 75.79 and 76.74, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 5 paise for buying and gained 9 paise for selling, closing at 73.92 and 74.83, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Friday BID Rs 279.53 OFFER Rs 280.36 [...]

India bonds pressured by oil surge; RBI likely shielding 10-yr bond as Iran war set to enter third week

March 13, 2026 12:38

MUMBAI: Indian government bonds came under heavy selling pressure this week as oil prices soared, though the benchmark 10-year bond showed resilience, supported by likely robust purchases by the central bank. The benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond yield ended at 6.6798%, after closing at 6.6666% on Thursday. The yield had ended at 6.6898% on March 6 and 6.6601% on February 27, before the Middle East war broke out. Bond yields move inversely to prices. Oil prices continued their upward move on Friday, with the benchmark Brent crude contract up 10% so far this week at $100.30 per barrel, after sky-rocketing 28% last week. Risk aversion deepened as Iran, Israel and the U.S. vowed to fight on, even as the Middle East war is set to enter its third week. India is the third largest importer of crude oil and elevated prices have stoked inflation concerns, pulling down most bonds barring the 10-year benchmark that continues to hover near levels seen before the start of the war. Indian rupee hits record low as oil risks, offshore dollar bids mount An investor group comprising the Reserve Bank of India and other long-term investors net purchased bonds worth 110 billion rupees ($1.19 billion) in the secondary market this week, while the central bank bought 1 trillion rupees of notes in open market operations. Crude prices have jumped above $85/bbl and the rupee has weakened but the 10-year bond yield has not broken the 6.72% mark, indicating the RBI may be anchoring yields, Sandeep Yadav, head of fixed income at DSP Mutual Fund, said. Rates Overnight index swap rates witnessed a major reaction to oil prices, with paying seen across the curve this week. The one-year OIS ended at 5.8350%, while the two-year rate ended at 6.04%, up by 23 and 26 bps. The five-year rate climbed 17 bps to 6.39%. Analysts, however, say that OIS rates may be overstating the likely impact of the Iran war on domestic monetary policy. [...]

Sri Lankan shares close lower in worst week this year

March 13, 2026 12:16

Sri Lankan shares closed lower on Friday in the market’s worst weekly performance this year as investors worldwide grappled with uncertainty over the war in the Middle East. The CSE All-Share index closed 1.34% lower at 21,692.55 points. CSE down 4.5% for the week, sees worst weekly performance since week ended Dec 5, 2025 Palm Garden Hotels and Hunter & Company were the top percentage losers on the index, down 15.74% and 9.57%, respectively, on the day. Trading volume on the index rose to 149.6 million shares from 139.7 million shares in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover rose to 5.27 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($16.94 million) from 4.12 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 61.4 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 5.24 billion rupees, the data showed. [...]

Gold price per tola drops by Rs7,100 in Pakistan

March 13, 2026 12:11

Gold prices in Pakistan decreased on Friday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs533,262 after a decline of Rs7,100 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs457,186 after it fell by Rs6,087, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Thursday, gold price per tola reached Rs540,362 after a decline of Rs2,900 during the day. The international rate of gold declined by $71 to reach $5,105 per ounce (with a premium of $20). Meanwhile, the price of silver also decreased by Rs324 to reach Rs8,851 per tola. [...]

Oil prices decline as Indian tanker sails out of Strait of Hormuz

March 13, 2026 11:59

LONDON: Oil prices dipped on Friday as an Indian tanker sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. put forth measures to try and ease supply concerns, but were on track for weekly gains as Gulf disruptions from the Middle East conflict broadly persisted. Brent futures for May declined 63 cents, or 0.6%, to $99.83 a barrel at 1124 GMT, heading for a weekly increase of 8%. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April declined $1.29, or 1.4%, at $94.44 a barrel, set for a 4% uptick for the week. An India-flagged oil tanker moved out from the east of the Strait of Hormuz carrying gasoline bound for Africa, an Indian government official said on Friday. “Some oil is coming through the strait, but it does not mean it will reopen,” said Tamas Varga, an oil analyst at brokerage PVM. “This dip should be viewed as short-lived.” The U.S. issued a 30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was a step to stabilise global energy markets roiled by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. This will affect 100 million barrels of Russian crude, equal to almost a day’s worth of global output, according to Russia’s presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev. “Russian oil was already going to buyers; this is not bringing additional barrels to the market but it does reduce some friction,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB. “The market is starting to get very concerned that this (war) is going to last longer. The big fear is that we have severe damage to oil infrastructure, which would be a lasting loss of supply.” The announcement on Russian oil came a day after the U.S. Energy Department said Washington would release 172 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help curb skyrocketing oil prices. That plan was coordinated with the International Energy Agency, which has agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles, including the U.S. contribution. Fleeting relief sparked by the IEA release, however, was shattered by a re-escalation of Middle East risks, IG analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note. Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran would fight on, and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut as leverage against the United States and Israel. Two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters were struck by explosives-laden Iranian boats, Iraqi security officials said on Thursday. An Iraqi official told state media the country’s oil ports have completely stopped operations. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States stood to make significant money from oil prices, driven higher by the war with Iran. But stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons was far more important, he said. Both benchmark prices surged more than 9% on Thursday and hit their highest levels since August 2022. Goldman Sachs predicted on Friday that Brent oil would average more than $100 a barrel ‌in March and $85 in April, as energy prices remain volatile due to the Iran war, damage to Middle East energy infrastructure and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent is better supported than WTI because Europe is more susceptible to energy security issues, while the U.S. is able to stave off its exposure due to its domestic output, said Emril Jamil, senior analyst at LSEG. In another sign the disruptions may drag on, sources told Reuters that Iran had deployed about a dozen mines in the strait, a move that is likely to complicate the reopening of the critical waterway. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News in an interview that the U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible. [...]

Aluminium falls as dollar firms; Mideast war underpins weekly gain

March 13, 2026 11:46

Aluminium fell on Friday, snapping a three-day run of gains, as the dollar strengthened on fading prospects for more U.S. rate cuts, although shipping disruption in the war-hit Middle East kept the metal on course for a weekly rise. Benchmark three-month aluminium on the London Metal Exchange was down 1.7% at $3,458 per metric ton as of 1030 GMT. It was still set to end the week up 0.3% after hitting a nearly four-year high on Thursday, having notched a 10% leap last week. “The biggest moving part there is the dollar,” said Panmure Liberum analyst Tom Price. The greenback rose to a more than three-month high on Friday as the turmoil in markets left it the last safe-haven standing. A stronger dollar makes dollar-denominated metals more expensive for holders of other currencies. “But the brand new fundamental driver … hasn’t changed,” Price added, noting how Gulf aluminium producers were grappling with spiking energy prices and struggling to get hold of raw materials. “Even if they did, they can’t ship it out. It’s a nightmare. So basically about 2 to 3 million tons of capacity is at risk. There’s no short-term solution to that,” Price said. The world produced 73.8 million tons of primary aluminium last year. LME aluminium stocks slipped to 445,300 tons, the lowest since July. The spread between the cash LME aluminium contract and the three-month forward was last in a $29 a ton backwardation, pointing to a shortage of available metal. In China, however, Shanghai aluminium stocks rose 5.6% from last week to 416,425 tons, the most since April 2020, while Norsk Hydro said on Thursday its Qatalum aluminium smelter would keep operating at 60% after announcing a shutdown last week. The dollar dragged the LME complex down, with copper sliding 1% to $12,871 a ton and heading for a 3.6% weekly dip. Zinc lost 0.4% to $3,286.50, nickel fell 1.6% to $17,445, tin dropped 3.1% to $47,860 and lead was down 0.6% at $1,929, hitting its lowest since May 2025. [...]

Palm oil posts over 4% weekly gain on higher crude oil prices

March 13, 2026 11:12

JAKARTA: Malaysian palm oil futures rose on Friday and logged a second consecutive week of gains, as a surge in crude oil prices amid the Middle East conflict boosted demand for biodiesel feedstock. The benchmark palm oil contract for May delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange was up 23 ringgit, or 0.51%, at 4,564 ringgit ($1,159.26) a metric ton by the close, and rose 4.51% for the week. The weekly advance was underpinned by a more than 9% surge on Monday, the biggest daily jump in three years. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract advanced 0.53%, while its palm oil contract rose 0.62%. Soyoil on the Chicago Board of Trade lost 0.55%. Palm oil tracks the price movements of rival edible oils as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. Oil prices extended their climb on Friday and were on track for weekly gains as disruptions in the Gulf from the Middle East war outweighed U.S. and International Energy Agency measures to ease supply concerns. Meanwhile, APROBI, Indonesia’s biofuel producers association, expects a road test for 50% palm-based biodiesel blending, or B50, to be concluded no earlier than the energy ministry’s previous target of June or July. Indonesia’s crude palm oil output reached 51.66 million metric tons in 2025, up 7.3% compared to the previous year, palm oil association GAPKI said. India’s palm oil imports jumped 11% to a six-month high in February, as a wider discount versus rival oils prompted refiners to boost purchases and curb importsof sunflower oil. Malaysia has raised its April crude palm oil reference price, a change that lifts the export duty to 9.5%, a circular on the Malaysian Palm Oil Board website showed. [...]

Indian rupee hits record low as oil risks, offshore dollar bids mount

March 13, 2026 10:53

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee fell to a record low on Friday on concerns that the Iran war-induced surge in oil prices could disrupt the South Asian nation’s growth-inflation dynamics and dent capital flows, with traders also pointing to elevated offshore dollar bids. The Indian rupee weakened to 92.4750 per dollar, eclipsing its previous all-time low of 92.3575 hit on Thursday. It closed at 92.4550, down 0.7% on the week. Likely intervention helped limit the currency’s losses, traders said. Investors are bracing for a prolonged conflict as the Middle East war nears the two-week mark, keeping energy prices elevated. The conflict has also prompted foreign investors to sell Indian equities worth nearly $5 billion so far this month. India’s benchmark equity index Nifty 50 has slipped into correction territory since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28. The index fell 2% on Friday. A prolonged Middle East conflict could significantly worsen the Indian rupee’s outlook, analysts said, warning that persistently high energy prices may push the currency beyond 95 per dollar. Separately, India intends to hold off on signing a trade deal with the United States for several months, taking a wait-and-watch approach as U.S. tariff policies evolve, Reuters reported on Friday. Offshore pressure Traders have also flagged growing pressure on the Indian rupee from the non-deliverable forwards market, which was reflected in a persistent arbitrage between offshore and local markets on Friday. A near-tenor dollar-Indian rupee volatility skew rose this week to its highest level since November 2022, signalling heightened appetite to wager against the rupee. “Risk of sharp widening in (India’s) current account deficit amid already-weak capital inflows is a concern this time,” economists at Standard Chartered said in a note. “We think INR has to be the shock absorber to limit the impact on the economy,” they added. [...]

Indian equity benchmarks log worst week in years as Mideast war batters sentiment

March 13, 2026 10:42

Indian shares extended losses for a third session on Friday, with benchmark indexes recording their biggest weekly drop in years, as a raging war in the Middle East kept crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, stoking inflation and growth jitters for the world’s third-largest crude importing country. The Nifty 50 shed 2.06% to 23,151.1 and the BSE Sensex lost 1.93% to 74,563.92 on Friday. The Nifty 50 has dropped 5.3% this week, marking its biggest drop since June 2022, while 30-stock Sensex slid 5.5% in worst week since May 2020. “India faces a material terms-of-trade shock from rising energy prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict,” as per Goldman Sachs. The conflict,which began with joint Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran in late February, has killed more than 2,000 people, disrupted millions of lives and shaken global energy and financial markets. Supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz are likely to hit sectors including automobiles, oil marketing, tourism, consumer durables, electronic manufacturing services, fertilisers and chemicals, and city gas distribution. “The extent of earnings damage will be dependent on the duration of conflict. Going by evolving dynamics, around 200 bps drop in FY27 earnings growth projections of Indian companies is likely,” said Dharmesh Kant, head of equity research at Cholamandalam Securities. Meanwhile, India will hold off on signing a trade deal with the U.S. for several months, four Indian sources said, after President Donald Trump’s administration launched fresh investigations into what it calls excess industrial capacity among trading partners. All the 16 major sectors logged losses this week. The broader mid-caps and small-caps dropped 4.6% and 3.7%, respectively. Auto stocks plunged 10.6%, the biggest laggards, as fears the Middle East war could hit production and exports rattled investors. It was their steepest weekly drop in six years. Heavyweight financials also slumped 5.7% amid intensifying foreign investor outflows. Bucking the trend, Coal India jumped 6% as an early summer raised prospects for higher coal demand. [...]

KSE-100 sheds 555 points after volatile session at PSX

March 13, 2026 10:12

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) observed another volatile trading session on Friday, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index ended the week with a loss of 555 points. The KSE-100 index opened on a positive note, quickly climbing to an intra-day high of around 155,002 points, indicating strong early buying interest. However, the momentum failed to sustain, and the market soon entered a gradual downward trajectory as selling pressure emerged. By late morning, the benchmark dropped sharply, dropping to an intra-day low of 152,780 points, reflecting heightened profit-taking and cautious investor sentiment. The market staged a partial recovery, following this steep fall, but remained under pressure and moved sideways with mild fluctuations during the later part of the session. At close, the KSE-100 Index settled at 153,866.16 points, down by 555.27 points or 0.36%. “This pressure can be attributed to investors` fear of any negative development over the weekend resulting from the ongoing Middle East conflict, where oil prices are already hovering around $100 a barrel,” said Topline Securities. The top negative contribution to the index came from ENGROH, FFC, LUCK, HUBC & MEBL, as they cumulatively contributed negative 649 points to the index, added the brokerage house. On Thursday, PSX extended its volatile streak as investor sentiment remained fragile amid persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty in global energy markets, prompting cautious trading across most sectors. The KSE-100 Index closed in negative territory at 154,421.43 points, down 1,437.05 points or 0.92%. Internationally, Asian stocks slumped on Friday, poised for a second straight weekly decline as fast-dwindling hopes of a resolution to the US and Israel’s war with Iran kept oil prices aloft, casting a shadow over global markets and spurring inflation fears. The US dollar has become the safe-haven of choice during the tumult, putting most other currencies under pressure. The dollar was set for a second consecutive week of gains and is up 2% since the war broke out at the end of February. Oil prices remained close to the closely watched $100 per barrel level, although they eased a bit in early trading on Friday after US issued a 30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea. Brent futures were last at $99.85 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude was at $95.05 a barrel. In Asia, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares eased 0.5%, on course for a 1.5% decline for the week. Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.3%, while tech-heavy South Korean stocks slid nearly 2% and Taiwan equities fell 1%. With Iran stepping up attacks across the Middle East as its new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane closed, investors are bracing for a prolonged conflict and higher oil prices. The spectre of rising inflation has led markets to rapidly reprice what they expect from central banks this year, with traders now anticipating just 20 basis points of easing from the Federal Reserve compared to 50 bps of cuts priced last month. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee registered a marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Friday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.31, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index declined to 303.02 million from 404.25 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares decreased to Rs14.69 billion from Rs24.67 billion in the previous session. Dost Steels Ltd was the volume leader with 27.79 million shares, followed by Hascol Petrol with 25.43 million shares, and B.O.Punjab 16.33 million shares. Shares of 472 companies were traded on Friday, of which 190 registered an increase, 205 recorded a fall, and 77 remained unchanged. [...]

India’s JSW Steel secures coking coal mining project in Mozambique: statement

March 14, 2026 6:01

JSW Steel, India’s largest steelmaker by capacity, has secured a coking coal mining project in Mozambique, the company said in a statement late Friday, to ensure long-term supply of the key input for steel production. The Mozambique project has 850 million metric tons of coking coal reserves and the mine will be developed in phases, as per the company statement. Coal India eyes rare earth pacts in Australia, Russia and Africa, unit exec says “The first phase expected to be developed over the next two and a half years to produce 2.4 million tons per annum prime hard coking coal,” the company said. [...]

Fuel prices unchanged for week despite global oil spike

March 14, 2026 5:34

The federal government on Saturday announced that prices of petroleum products will remain unchanged for the next week, starting March 14, 2026, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). As per the notification, the price of High Speed Diesel (HSD) has been maintained at Rs335.86 per litre, while Motor Spirit (petrol) will continue to be sold at Rs321.17 per litre. The announcement comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced that the government will maintain the current prices for petroleum products, despite rising international oil prices, in line with his pledge to shield ordinary citizens from additional financial burdens. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Sharif said the decision was taken to provide relief to citizens amid challenging economic conditions. “As promised, we are striving to deliver as much relief as possible to the people during these difficult times,” he stated. The prime minister cited regional tensions and pressures on the global economy as factors that could significantly impact Pakistan’s economic stability. He emphasised that timely policy-making, government austerity measures, and fiscal discipline were key tools in mitigating these effects. He highlighted that federal and provincial governments were jointly implementing the austerity measures, a collaboration he described as “encouraging.” Last week, the government announced a hike of Rs55 per litre in the prices of petrol and diesel in line with increasing international oil prices. The petrol price jumped to Rs321.17 per litre, and the diesel price soared to Rs335.86 per litre. The international oil prices have increased with the escalating crisis in the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. [...]

Dubai’s low-paid workers on edge as Mideast war hits tourism

March 13, 2026 11:55

For thousands of workers in Dubai’s tourism sector, the Middle East war has brought business to a standstill — leaving their income suddenly at risk. At the famous Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), normally heaving with visitors, rows of sun loungers now face an almost empty sea. Restaurant terraces sit deserted, while souvenir, watersports and perfume vendors watch for the rare passerby. Across the water, Ain Dubai — the world’s tallest Ferris wheel — has stopped turning, and the Madame Tussauds wax museum below is drawing few visitors despite hefty discounts. “Yesterday: zero. Today: zero. Not a single customer,” said Dulash, 26, a Sri Lankan worker at a jet-ski rental company. “I’ve never seen Dubai like this.” With its artificial islands and soaring skyscrapers, the UAE’s second city has become a major Middle Eastern tourism hub, welcoming nearly 19.6 million visitors last year. But in the middle of peak season, before the summer heat sets in, the barrage of Iranian missiles and drones since February 28 has sent tourists fleeing. Starved of income, the industry is hoping for a quick end to the war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran. But many workers, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said they were already struggling. Paid 4,500 dirhams ($1,225) a month, Dulash did not receive his salary on time. “I borrowed 1,000 dirhams from a friend, paid my 800-dirham rent and now I have 200 dirhams left to live on,” he said. He had no idea when his employer would catch up. “Even going back home isn’t an option,” he added. Airfares had tripled because of reduced flight traffic. “We have no choice but to wait and hope.” The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimated this week that the war is costing the Middle East $600 million a day. In the UAE, the sector made up nearly 13 percent of GDP in 2025 and supported about 925,000 jobs, mostly expats. Many workers come from Asian countries or elsewhere in the Middle East, drawn by hopes of safety and economic stability. “I’m from Syria, I’ve lived through war so missiles and drones don’t scare me,” said a young perfume seller. “But I’m paid only on commission, and the idea of no longer being able to afford to stay here — that, yes, that scares me.” Kalhan, also from Sri Lanka, earns a small percentage on each sale, topping up a fixed salary of barely 3,000 dirhams — an amount he will have to survive on this month. “I came to Dubai for better living conditions, but now I don’t know what comes next,” he said. As the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches, hundreds of Dubai’s luxury hotels are slashing rates in a bid to attract at least local residents and their families. Offers are piling up on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island, where one hotel was hit by drone debris early in the conflict. Another property was damaged on Thursday in Dubai’s Creek Harbour. Industry professionals also fear lasting damage to the country’s image as a haven of peace and security in a volatile region. Nabil Haryouli, owner of a Dubai-based travel agency, said there would “certainly be an impact for a few months”, but he believed visitors would eventually return. “What matters most is the return of stability,” said the Frenchman, recalling the city’s resilience after the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid pandemic. “If there’s one city that has shown us it can bounce back, it’s Dubai.” [...]

Tax rationalisation body formed to facilitate businesses

March 13, 2026 11:55

FAISALABAD: The Divisional Administration of Faisalabad has established a Tax Rationalisation Committee to facilitate ease of doing business and strengthen coordination between the government and the business community. According to an official notification issued in this regard, the primary objective of the committee is to review the taxation structure of the provincial and local governments. According to the notification issued in this regard, Commissioner Faisalabad will be the convener of the committee. Additional Commissioner Coordination has been appointed as the secretary/member of the committee. Other members of the committee included the Director of Excise and Taxation, the Commissioner of the Punjab Revenue Authority, President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Farooq Yousaf Sheikh, Chairman of APTPMA Bao Malik Muhammad Akram, former Chairman of APBUMA Arif Ehsan Malik, Zonal Chairman of PHMA Ahmed Afzal Awan, and former Senior Vice President of the FCCI Talat Mahmood. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

PSQCA Board approves various significant reforms

March 13, 2026 11:55

ISLAMABAD: The 33rd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) was held here on Friday with Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi in the chair. The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shahid Iqbal Baloch; Director General PSQCA, Dr Sayeda Zia Batool; Director Trade Policy, Attaullah Khan, along with other senior officials of the Authority. The Board approved a number of significant reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and improving employee welfare. Key decisions included sanctioning initiatives to modernise PSQCA’s digital infrastructure, aligning the Authority with international best practices and supporting the national “Digital Pakistan” vision. The forum also approved expanded health insurance and welfare benefits for all PSQCA employees, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to staff wellbeing and social security. Addressing the participants, the federal minister asked the concerned officials to ensure the swift, transparent, and effective implementation of all approved measures. He emphasised that these reforms are fully aligned with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, which focuses on strengthening governance, improving national standards, enhancing transparency in regulatory institutions, and promoting a modern and competitive economic environment. The federal minister further reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the national quality infrastructure, improving regulatory oversight, and facilitating ease of doing business for local industry while ensuring consumer safety and protection. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Jazz invests Rs58.67bn in 2025

March 13, 2026 11:55

ISLAMABAD: Jazz invested Rs 58.676 billion during fiscal year 2025 to expand network capacity, strengthen digital platforms, and accelerate its transition into a leading integrated digital service company, JazzWorld, spanning connectivity, fintech, entertainment, insurance, and digital platforms. The Investment focused on enhancing connectivity, scaling digital services, and embedding artificial intelligence across customer journeys and operations, in line with the company’s AI1440 (Augmented Intelligence) strategy to serve over 100 million customers in Pakistan. Jazz closed the year with strong financial momentum. Total revenue in 4Q25 increased 24.5 percent year-on-year (YoY), while FY25 revenue grew 18.6 percent YoY, supported by wider adoption of bundled offers and the growing contribution of digital platforms. Revenue from telecom and infrastructure services rose 17.7 percent YoY, supported by a 3.3 percent increase in total mobile subscribers and a 21.3 percent rise In ARPU. The growth reflects effective re-pricing, stronger prepaid monetization alongside continued uptake of bundled connectivity and digital services. Moreover, Jazz’s network quality and integrated service offerings further strengthened customer engagement. Digital businesses continued to scale rapidly, with digital revenue growing 43.7percent YoY in 4Q25 and increasing its contribution to total revenue to 30.2%, up from 26.1precent in 4Q24. JazzCash maintained its leadership in digital financial services with over 58 million customers, while Gross Transaction Value crossed PKR 15 trillion in 2025. With more than one million merchants and agents, the platform processed a significant share of Raast payment value, issuing over 185,000 loans on average daily and achieving its highest-ever single-day customers milestone during the quarter, disbursing PKR 1.4 billion across approximately 266,000 loans. Mobilink Microfinance Bank maintained strong momentum in Q4 2025, further cementing its position as Pakistan’s largest microfinance bank while expanding inclusive financial services, including the rollout of Islamic banking products for the underbanked segment. During 4Q25, EBITDA increased 50.6percent YoY, with the margin improving to 45.7percent, up 7.9 percentage points YoY. For FY25, EBITDA grew 23.2percent YoY, supported by revenue growth, Deodar transaction-related efficiencies, and continued financial discipline. Capital expenditure totaled PKR 20.8 billion in 4Q25, with quarterly capex intensity at 16.9percent. In the recently concluded spectrum auction, Jazz acquired 190 MHz of spectrum for USD 239.5 million, further strengthening its network capacity and supporting the future rollout of next-generation connectivity services. “Our performance reflects the momentum behind our transition into Pakistan’s leading integrated digital ServiceCo, JazzWorld. Guided by our AI1440 strategy, we are embedding digital capabilities and artificial intelligence across our platforms to create smarter and more inclusive digital experiences for over 100 million customers. Our continued investments in network infrastructure, including the additional spectrum secured in the recent auction and our planned USD1 billion investment over the next three years will strengthen connectivity at scale and prepare our network for the phased introduction of 5G. This will help connect millions of more Pakistanis to the opportunities of the digital economy and enable a better life for all through technology,” said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of JazzWorld. During the quarter, Jazz’s total subscriber base reached 73.9 million, while its 4G user base surpassed 55.5 million, up 9.8 percent YoY, with 4G penetration rising to 75.2percent. Multiplay customers – those using connectivity alongside digital services – grew 12percent YoY and now represent 38percent of the user base, generating roughly 3.3 times the ARPU of voice-only users. Jazz’s digital platforms also recorded strong engagement. Tamasha reached 17.5 million monthly active users, SIMOSA reached 24.1 million monthly active users, FikrFree surpassed 11.2 million policyholders, while ROX reached 1.5 million monthly active users. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Economic team warns of oil shock: With Iran war exit elusive, Trump aides vie to affect outcome

March 13, 2026 11:55

WASHINGTON: A complex tug-of-war inside the White House is driving US President Donald Trump’s shifting public statements on the course of the Iran war, as aides debate when and how to declare victory even as the conflict spreads across the Middle East. Some officials and advisers are warning Trump that surging gasoline prices could exact a political cost from the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, while some hawks are pressing the president to maintain the offensive against the Islamic Republic, according to interviews with a Trump adviser and others close to the deliberations. Their observations to Reuters offer a previously unreported glimpse inside White House decision-making as it adjusts its approach to the biggest US military operation since the 2003 Iraq war. The behind-the-scenes manoeuvring underscores the high stakes Trump, who returned to office last year promising to avoid “stupid” military interventions, faces nearly two weeks after plunging the nation into a war that has rattled global financial markets and disrupted the international oil trade. The jockeying for Trump’s ear is a feature of his presidency, but this time the consequences are a matter of war and peace in one of the world’s most volatile and economically critical regions. Shifting from the sweeping goals he framed in launching the war on February 28, Trump in recent days has emphasized that he views the conflict as a limited campaign whose objectives have mostly been met. But the message remains unclear to many, including the energy markets, which have lurched in both directions in response to Trump’s statements. He told a campaign-style rally in Kentucky on Wednesday that “we won” the war, then abruptly pivoted: “We don’t want to leave early, do we? We’ve got to finish the job.” Economic advisers and officials, including from the Treasury Department and the National Economic Council, have warned Trump that an oil shock and rising gasoline prices could quickly erode domestic support for the war, said the adviser and two others close to the deliberations, speaking on the condition of anonymity to disclose internal discussions. Political advisers, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief James Blair, are making similar arguments, focusing on the political fallout from higher gas prices and urging Trump to define victory narrowly and signal the operation is limited and nearly finished, the sources said. Pushing in the other direction are hawkish voices urging Trump to sustain military pressure on Iran, including Republican lawmakers such as US Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton, and media commentators such as Mark Levin, according to people familiar with the matter. They argue the US must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and respond forcefully to attacks on American troops and shipping. A third force comes from Trump’s populist base and figures such as strategist Steve Bannon and right-wing television personality Tucker Carlson, who have been pressing him and his top aides to avoid getting dragged into another prolonged Middle East conflict. “He is allowing the hawks to believe the campaign continues, wants markets to believe the war might end soon and his base to believe escalation will be limited,” the Trump adviser said. Asked for comment, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: “This story is based on gossip and speculation from anonymous sources who aren’t even in the room for any discussions with President Trump. “The President is known for being a good listener and seeking the opinions of many people, but ultimately everyone knows he’s the final decision maker and his own best messenger,” she said. “The President’s entire team is focused on ensuring the objectives of Operation Epic Fury are fully achieved.” Other people named for their roles in the deliberations did not immediately respond to Reuters’ questions. In taking America to war, Trump offered little explanation, and the administration’s stated war aims have ranged from thwarting an imminent attack by Iran to crippling its nuclear program to replacing its government. As he seeks an exit from an unpopular conflict, Trump is trying to juggle competing narratives that some critics say have complicated an already difficult situation, with Iran defiant despite the devastating US-Israeli air assault. Top political aides and economic advisers, whose warnings before the war of the potential economic shock were largely ignored, appear to have played a major role in pushing Trump’s efforts this week to reassure skittish markets and contain rising oil and gas prices. His public shift to downplaying the war’s impact, describing it as a “short-term excursion,” and his insistence that gas price hikes would be short-lived appeared aimed at calming fears of an open-ended conflict. Some top aides have advised him to work toward a conclusion to the conflict that he can call a triumph, at least militarily, the sources said, even if much of the Iranian leadership survives, along with remnants of a nuclear program that the campaign was meant to target. Wave after wave of US and Israeli air strikes have killed a number of top Iranian leaders among some 2,000 people overall - some as far away as Lebanon - devastated its ballistic missile arsenal, sunk much of its navy and degraded its ability to support armed proxies around the Middle East. But the military achievements have been seriously undercut by Iran’s stepped-up attacks on oil tankers and transport facilities in the Gulf, driving up oil prices. Trump has said he will decide when to end the campaign. He and his aides say they are far ahead of the four- to six-week timeframe Trump initially announced. The shifting reasons for launching the conflict, which has spilled over into more than half a dozen other countries, have only made it more difficult to predict what comes next. For their part, Iran’s rulers will claim victory, analysts say, for simply surviving the US-Israeli onslaught, especially after demonstrating their ability to fight back and inflict damage on Israel, the US and its allies. [...]

Retirement income security: SECP approves new annuity products

March 13, 2026 11:55

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved several new annuity products to strengthen retirement income security and support the development of Pakistan’s annuity market. The approved products include life-contingent annuities, deferred annuities, annuities with guaranteed payments, and hybrid annuity structures combining guaranteed and lifetime income benefits. These products will help retirees convert their accumulated savings into a regular and predictable income stream after retirement, reducing financial uncertainty in later years. The decision follows consultations with stakeholders in the insurance sector and addresses a key gap in Pakistan’s retirement framework. Traditionally, retirement savings products in the country have focused mainly on the accumulation of savings during a person’s working life, while limited options have been available to convert those savings into steady post-retirement income. This gap has increased financial risks for retirees, particularly in the context of rising life expectancy and persistent inflation. The newly approved annuity products are designed to provide flexible retirement income options. Life-contingent annuities provide payments for the lifetime of the annuitant, while deferred annuities begin payments after a specified deferment period. Annuities with guaranteed payments ensure regular income for a fixed period, and hybrid annuity structures combine guaranteed payments with lifetime income benefits. The products will be offered by conventional life insurance companies as well as Window Takaful and full-fledged Takaful operators, ensuring availability in both conventional and Shariah-compliant segments. Additional insurers are expected to introduce similar products in the coming months. The initiative is also aligned with the government’s broader policy direction of shifting from defined-benefit pension systems to defined-contribution pension schemes, where annuities play a key role in converting retirement savings into stable and predictable income streams. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

US eases Russia oil sanctions

March 13, 2026 11:55

ANDOYA, NORWAY/ MOSCOW: The United States issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea, drawing criticism from Germany and other European allies on Friday but approval from Moscow. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the waiver was a bid to stabilise global energy markets roiled by the Iran war, but it risks complicating Western efforts to deprive Russia of revenue for the war in Ukraine. Oil prices eased on Friday morning in Asia after the US waiver announcement, which, according to Russia’s presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, would affect 100 million barrels of Russian crude, equal to almost a day’s worth of global output. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said any move to ease Russia sanctions was wrong, while his Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said the decision was probably driven by US domestic pressure. “Six members of the G7 expressed a very clear opinion that this was not the right signal. We then learned this morning that the American government has apparently decided otherwise,” Merz told a press conference in Norway. “Again, we believe this is wrong. There is currently a price problem but not a quantity problem. And therefore, I would like to know what other motives led the American government to make this decision,” he said. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere also said that energy sanctions on Russia should not be eased, echoing comments earlier this week from French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday the US move was aimed at stabilising world energy markets. “In this respect, our interests coincide,” Peskov said. “… the situation is fraught with the risk of a growing crisis in the global energy sector… without significant volumes of Russian oil, market stabilisation is impossible,” he added. According to data analytics firm Vortexa, around 7.3 million barrels of Russia-originated oil have been in floating storage, while 148.6 million barrels have been in vessels in transit. Up to 420,000 metric tons of diesel and gasoil are currently in floating storage and could be available for sales in the market, according to LSEG shiptracking data and trade sources. Washington’s move comes nearly two weeks after the US and Israel began their strikes on Iran in an aerial war that has paralyzed shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz. The 32-nation International Energy Agency said on Thursday that the war in the Middle East was creating the biggest oil supply disruption in history. Vessel tracking service Kpler said on Friday the US waiver was unlikely to create meaningful new demand. “Most cargos already appear to be placed with Asian buyers, particularly India. Instead, the measure mainly allows Russian barrels already in transit to complete their voyage and discharge,” it said. The licence issued by Washington on Thursday authorises the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels on or before March 12 and valid through midnight Washington time on April 11. The move reflects White House worries that the surge in global oil prices will hurt US businesses and consumers ahead of the November midterm elections, when Trump’s fellow Republicans hope to retain control of Congress. The sanctions relief took place after a call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 9 and a subsequent visit to the US by Dmitriev to discuss the current energy crisis with a US delegation that included Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Following the announcement from the Treasury, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn said his country was ready to purchase Russian crude and was preparing for talks. Japan also said on Friday it would now consider whether to buy Russian crude. [...]

Crude futures turn positive on continued Hormuz closure

March 13, 2026 11:55

HOUSTON: Crude futures climbed higher on Friday as the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, but analysts were wary the weekend might bring surprise changes in the status of the war two weeks after it started. Brent futures for May were up USD1.59, or 1.58 percent, to USD102.05 a barrel at 11:35 a.m. CDT (1635 GMT), heading for a weekly increase. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April gained USD1.15, or 1.2 percent, to USD96.88 a barrel, and was also set for an uptick on the week. “We’re getting hammered by the news,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst for Price Futures Group. “We’re coming into another weekend where you could see this over by Monday. Then again, we could see the war still going on and the market will be testing highs on Sunday night.” The US issued a 30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was a step to stabilise global energy markets roiled by the US-Israeli war on Iran. This will affect 100 million barrels of Russian crude, equal to almost a day’s worth of global output, according to Russia’s presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev. “Russian oil was already going to buyers; this is not bringing additional barrels to the market but it does reduce some friction,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB. “The market is starting to get very concerned that this (war) is going to last longer. The big fear is that we have severe damage to oil infrastructure, which would be a lasting loss of supply.” The announcement on Russian oil came a day after the US Energy Department said Washington would release 172 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help curb skyrocketing oil prices. That plan was coordinated with the International Energy Agency, which has agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles, including the US contribution. Fleeting relief sparked by the IEA release, however, was shattered by a re-escalation of Middle East risks, IG analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note. Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran would fight on, and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut as leverage against the United States and Israel. Two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters were struck by explosives-laden Iranian boats, Iraqi security officials said on Thursday. An Iraqi official told state media the country’s oil ports have completely stopped operations. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States stood to make significant money from oil prices, driven higher by the war with Iran. But stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons was far more important, he said. Both benchmark prices surged more than 9 percent on Thursday and hit their highest levels since August 2022. Goldman Sachs predicted on Friday that Brent oil would average more than USD100 a barrel in March and $85 in April, as energy prices remain volatile due to the Iran war, damage to Middle East energy infrastructure and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent is better supported than WTI because Europe is more susceptible to energy security issues, while the US is able to stave off its exposure due to its domestic output, said Emril Jamil, senior analyst at LSEG. In another sign the disruptions may drag on, sources told Reuters that Iran had deployed about a dozen mines in the strait, a move that is likely to complicate the reopening of the critical waterway. New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in a statement on Thursday Iran would continue to block the Strait of Hormuz and attack neighbouring nations that host US military bases. Treasury Secretary Bessent told Sky News in an interview that the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible. [...]

New feeder service from Karachi Port to UAE launched

March 13, 2026 11:55

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, announced on Friday the launch of a new feeder shipping service from Karachi Port to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL), which is KPT’s major business partner, will be supported by a dedicated feeder service linking Karachi with the UAE ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, strengthening maritime connectivity for Pakistan’s trading community amid evolving regional shipping dynamics. Junaid Chaudhry said the new service establishes a regular shipping link between Karachi and two of the region’s key transshipment hubs, enabling Pakistani importers and exporters to maintain reliable access to global container shipping networks. “The service will call at KGTL, part of AD Ports Group’s international operating arm, Noatum Ports. The first vessel of the service arrived at KGTL on the evening of 11 March, officially marking the start of regular operations,” the minister added. Junaid Chaudhry said the new feeder link supports supply chain continuity through KGTL and helps ensure Pakistan’s trade maintains dependable access to international markets. Cargo routed through Fujairah and Khor Fakkan will benefit from seamless connectivity to regional and international shipping networks, supported by the UAE’s advanced logistics infrastructure. Containers can be efficiently transferred via integrated road and rail corridors to major commercial hubs and logistics centres across the UAE. Talking on the new feeder service, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (Retd), Chairman, Karachi Port Trust said, “The introduction of this feeder service further enhances Karachi Port’s connectivity with key regional hubs and supports Pakistan’s growing trade requirements and added “Strengthening maritime links with the UAE will help facilitate smoother cargo movement while providing greater flexibility for the country’s trading community as per the vision of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Choudhry.” Khurram Aziz Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL) said, “The commencement of this feeder service reflects KGTL’s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime connectivity and supporting the country’s trading community. By linking Karachi directly with major UAE transshipment hubs, this service provides importers and exporters with reliable access to global shipping networks while reinforcing the role of Karachi Gateway Terminal as a key gateway for international trade.” Federal Minister Junaid Chaudhry concluded saying Pakistan’s economy relies heavily on maritime trade, and strengthened connectivity with regional transshipment hubs provides additional resilience for exporters, importers and supply chains. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Petroleum dealers demand govt increase margins

March 13, 2026 11:55

KARACHI: Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) on Friday demanded of the government to increase the dealers’ margin to eight percent, warning that petrol pumps across the country will be shut down from March 27 if their demand is not accepted by March 26. Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan, Vice Chairman Tariq Hassan and other representatives said it has become impossible for dealers to continue operating petrol pumps under the existing margin due to rising operational costs. They said petroleum product prices have witnessed an extraordinary increase of Rs 55 last week and it has not only burdened the public but also created serious financial difficulties for petroleum dealers as now they have to pay more for the purchase or petroleum products. The association criticized the continuous increase in petroleum levy and product prices, calling it unjustified. The dealers claimed that the price of petroleum products has increased by about Rs55 per litre recently, of which Rs21 per litre was added as petroleum levy, questioning where the remaining amount had gone. They also accused oil marketing companies of imposing a quota system and capping supplies, alleging that dealers are not being provided petroleum products according to their demand. The association further alleged that some companies were involved in illegal hoarding of fuel. The representatives said the association has written letters to the President, Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff and the Petroleum Minister, requesting an inquiry into the matter. They demanded that the investigation should include senior officials as well as representatives of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association. Tariq Hasan said strict legal action should be taken against those found responsible, adding that if any petroleum dealer is also found involved in irregularities, action should be taken against them as well. He reiterated that the dealers’ margin should be increased to eight percent, arguing that the cost of investment and operations has risen significantly over the past few years. He said the association has been requesting the petroleum minister for the past two years to revise the margin, but no concrete steps have been taken. The dealers urged the government to immediately accept their demand, warning that if the petroleum ministry fails to increase the margin to eight percent by March 26, petrol pumps across Pakistan will be closed from March 27, 2026. Tariq Said as the Eid is scheduled next week, so the dealers have decided to go on strike by March 27, 2026. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Petroleum products: Current prices will be maintained despite global hike: PM

March 13, 2026 11:55

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced that the government will maintain the current prices for petroleum products, despite rising international oil prices, in line with his pledge to shield ordinary citizens from additional financial burdens. The announcement from the prime minister came hours ahead of the weekly review of petroleum product prices, which is now conducted weekly instead of the previous fortnightly schedule. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Sharif said the decision was taken to provide relief to citizens amid challenging economic conditions. READ ALSO: Oil prices jump 7pc “As promised, we are striving to deliver as much relief as possible to the people during these difficult times,” he stated. The prime minister cited regional tensions and pressures on the global economy as factors that could significantly impact Pakistan’s economic stability. He emphasised that timely policy-making, government austerity measures, and fiscal discipline were key tools in mitigating these effects. “As a ‘servant of Pakistan’, I am determined to reduce the burden on the poor in these trying circumstances, starting with initiatives by both the government and the country’s elite,” he said. He highlighted that federal and provincial governments were jointly implementing the austerity measures, a collaboration he described as “encouraging.” Thanks to the efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic teams, he added, adequate supplies of crude oil are currently available to meet domestic demand. The prime minister also assured that authorities at both federal and provincial levels are ensuring no one is charged above the government-set prices for petroleum products. He expressed optimism that global conditions would stabilise and international fuel prices would ease. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

PM Shehbaz decides against fuel price hike amid global market pressure, says PMO

March 13, 2026 6:25

Petroleum dealers give govt ultimatum to revise their margin to 8% by March 26

March 13, 2026 6:22

Transfer window for HBL-PSL-11 open now

March 14, 2026 3:09

LAHORE: The transfer window for the HBL-PSL-11 is open now and will remain open until March 18 during which franchises will be allowed to make player transfers in accordance with the tournament regulations and salary cap rules. As per types of transfers, two franchises may swap players with each other while a franchise may transfer a player to another franchise in return for an agreed financial amount from the respective team’s remaining salary purse. Franchises may exchange players, with one franchise also receiving an agreed financial amount as part of the transfer. All transfers must be completed within the salary cap of the respective franchises and any transfer will only be finalised once it is approved by the Pakistan Cricket Board in line with the HBL-PSL-11 regulations. Due to the exceptional circumstances under which Multan Sultans were acquired, the franchise with the approval of the other teams has been granted an incremental PKR 10.2 million increase in their salary cap, along with permission to make two additional signings, taking their maximum squad size to 22 players, although they will, like other teams be limited to a match day squad size of 20 players. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

ECP to summon DCs if instructions not followed

March 14, 2026 2:50

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided to summon from Friday onwards the Deputy Commissioners appointed in the districts across Punjab if its instructions regarding local government elections in the province were not followed, in accordance with the electoral body’s decision taken last week. The related deadline for the Punjab government to share the required data with the ECP ended on Thursday. The ECP, it is learnt, would review whether the provincial government has provided all the relevant data. In case of non-compliance on that count, the Commission would begin summoning the DCs to obtain the required data directly from them, it is further learnt. READ MORE: LG polls in Punjab, ICT: Finally, ECP fixes hearing for today On 5 March, Punjab’s Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Secretary LG Punjab Shakeel Ahmad Mian appeared before the ECP’s five-member full bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, for the hearing of the case involving prolonged delay in the conduct of LG polls in Punjab. In the case proceedings, Zaman had assured the ECP bench to provide the required data regarding Punjab LG system by 12 March. The bench decided to summon the DCs appointed in every district of Punjab from 13 March onwards, to directly obtain from them the required data, if the provincial government failed to provide the required documents by 12 March. In the hearing of this case on 22 January, this year, the ECP constituted a committee to work in coordination with Punjab government to finalise measures for holding LG elections in Punjab, warning that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz would be summoned if the provincial government continued to show non-compliance with electoral body’s directions over LG elections. The ECP bench directed the committee, headed by Special Secretary ECP Zafar Iqbal Hussain, to finalise steps by 10 February for holding LG elections in the province. Still, the matter remains pending amidst alleged lack of compliance by the provincial government to the ECP’s instructions. The local bodies’ term in Punjab expired on 31 December 2021. The electoral body is bound to hold LG elections within 120 days of the expiry of the relevant local bodies’ term, under Section 219(4) of the Elections Act, 2017. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Uzbekistan has offered land for potato cultivation and research: Tashkent governor

March 14, 2026 2:42

LAHORE: “Uzbekistan has offered to provide land and other resources for potato cultivation and research, besides expressing willingness to cooperate with Pakistani farmers in cattle farming.” Governor of Tashkent Region, Zoyir Mirzayev, stated this during a meeting with Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo and Secretary Livestock Punjab Ahmed Aziz Tarar here on Friday. The governor, who is leading a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, arrived in Lahore earlier in the day. Director General Information, Agriculture Department Punjab Naveed Asmat Kahloon, and Consultant Agriculture Department Punjab Dr Muhammad Anjum Ali, along with other officials, were also present on the occasion. The purpose of the visit was to further strengthen bilateral trade relations. Detailed discussions were held with the delegation on agricultural commodities and dairy products. READ MORE: Pak-Uzbek trade ties: PM urges business community to cash in on opportunities Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that Punjab contributes more than 70 percent to the country’s total agricultural production. He stated that cotton, wheat, maize, rice, sugarcane, potatoes, kinnow, and mango are among the province’s major crops. He further said that the President of Uzbekistan visited Pakistan last month and had expressed interest in importing 300,000 tons of potatoes from Pakistan. He added that there are vast opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the field of agricultural research. He also mentioned that joint working groups would be formed between the Agriculture and Livestock Departments of Punjab and the Government of Uzbekistan. A comprehensive agenda is being prepared for these working groups, and regular online meetings will be held to discuss it. He emphasized that bilateral business-to-business cooperation will also be promoted. Secretary Livestock Punjab Ahmed Aziz Tarar, while participating in the discussion, said that Punjab produces 62 percent of the country’s total milk production. He added that there is strong potential to increase exports of halal meat and poultry products to Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Governor Tashkent Region Zoyir Mirzayev said that Pakistani rice enjoys strong demand in Uzbekistan, while the country is also a major market for Pakistani potatoes. He noted that certain import and export challenges are currently being faced due to regional tensions. The Governor further stated that Uzbekistan is ready to provide land and other resources for potato cultivation and research, while the Uzbek government will also cooperate with Pakistani farmers in cattle farming. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

ME conflict affecting economy, says business community leader

March 14, 2026 2:40

KARACHI: Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance and Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, has expressed deep concern over the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, warning that the crisis is inflicting unprecedented damage on Pakistan’s economy, particularly the industrial heartland of Karachi. He noted that the tragedy of ongoing hostilities, compounded by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, has not only jeopardised over twenty percent of global oil and gas exports but also forced a severe downgrade in Gulf Cooperation Council economic forecasts. Hussain emphasised that safeguarding economic lifelines and maintaining regional balance is no longer just a diplomatic priority but an absolute necessity for the survival of domestic industries. READ MORE: Business community says concerned at enormity of economic challenges The logistical impacts on Karachi’s industrial sectors are becoming increasingly unbearable. With international shipping lines are avoiding volatile maritime routes. He said industrial zones such as SITE, Korangi and Landhi are facing an acute shortage of empty containers and exorbitant spikes in freight charges. Mian Zahid pointed out that raw material imports essential for the textile, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors are severely delayed at Karachi Port Trust and Port Qasim, creating a crippling backlog. Consequently, export orders are being compromised, factory outputs are shrinking, and the cost of production has skyrocketed, threatening layoffs across the country. He; however, commended the proactive and strategic diplomacy demonstrated by Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. He stated that the recent high-level visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia underscore the nation’s unwavering commitment to its closest allies and to regional peace. While firmly advocating for the sovereignty of all nations and the immediate cessation of hostilities, Hussain stated that unprovoked aggression undermining the stability of Gulf partners cannot be ignored. Pakistan is executing a highly complex balancing act to prevent strategic partners from being further embroiled in a conflict that threatens global prosperity, while simultaneously implementing necessary domestic austerity measures to weather the economic storm. He reaffirming the business community’s full support for the leadership’s efforts to navigate this crisis, ensure national energy security, and foster a peaceful resolution that restores stability to the Middle East and the global economy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

170 Pak labourers evacuated from Lebanon

March 14, 2026 2:33

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Pakistan in Beirut successfully evacuated 170 Pakistani labourers employed on the construction of the new US Embassy complex in the Lebanese capital. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, said that the evacuation process was carried out with the full cooperation of the concerned company. The Embassy of Pakistan stated that the evacuation process was part of their efforts to ensure the safety of Pakistani nationals during the current situation in Lebanon. READ MORE: Israeli aggression in Lebanon: Pakistan urges world to take urgent action The Embassy added that the welfare of overseas Pakistanis is their top priority, and they are always ready to provide assistance to them. The decision to evacuate Pakistani nationals was taken following intense missile strikes on Lebanon by Israel in the aftermath of US-Israel attacks on Iran. The war in Iran has entered the second week, leaving hundreds dead and paralysing global economies, especially due to the closure of the Straits of Hormuz. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

PTI calls for IK’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital

March 14, 2026 2:31

ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday once again expressed deep concern over the health of former prime minister Imran Khan, calling for his immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital for specialised medical treatment. Speaking at a press conference, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, along with other senior PTI leaders, sharply criticised the federal government for what they described as “criminal negligence” and the denial of access to Khan’s personal physicians and family members. Chief Minister Afridi warned that any delay in treatment could have serious consequences for Khan’s health, and said the federal government and its “handlers” would be held directly responsible. He said the government has a “legal and moral responsibility” to ensure Khan receives proper medical care. READ MORE: IHC rejects IK’s plea seeking his shifting to Shifa Hospital “The refusal to allow access to his doctors and family is a blatant violation of basic human rights and legal protocols,” he stated, accusing authorities of politically motivated actions against Khan. Afridi said the party had made every effort to secure proper medical care for Khan, but the government had repeatedly rejected these requests. He warned that PTI would not tolerate such treatment and is prepared to launch a mass movement for Khan’s release, though political activities have been temporarily slowed in observance of Ramadan, but the party’s preparations and resolve remain fully intact. PTI KP president Junaid Akbar Khan described a broader political crackdown, citing the disqualification of PTI senators and the suppression of party workers. He warned that the government’s internal repression is compounded by a faltering foreign policy, pointing to increasingly complex and tense relations with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan. He said the ongoing mistreatment of Imran Khan is fueling tensions that the current administration may struggle to control, and described obstacles to his medical treatment as unacceptable. Babar Awan, senior PTI leader and lawyer, described the secrecy surrounding Khan’s condition as “criminal” and warned that those responsible would be held accountable if his health deteriorates. Shahid Khattak, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, urged the judiciary to expedite hearings on pending cases and order Khan’s immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital. The party emphasised that its concerns were not politically motivated but aimed at preventing irreversible damage to Khan’s health, particularly his eyesight. The party reiterated that its struggle would remain peaceful, while calling on authorities to ensure transparency and safeguard the former prime minister’s rights and well-being. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Five US Air Force refueling planes hit in Iranian strike on Saudi Arabia, WSJ reports

March 14, 2026 1:22

Five US Air Force refueling planes were struck and ‌damaged on the ground at Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia, the Wall ⁠Street Journal reported on Friday, citing two US officials. The planes, which were hit during an Iranian missile strike on the Saudi base in ‌recent ⁠days, were damaged but not fully destroyed and are being repaired, the ⁠Journal said, adding that no one was killed in ⁠the strikes. [...]

Trump says US struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, key oil export hub

March 14, 2026 1:04

WASHINGTON/DUBAI/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM: The United States on Friday attacked military targets on Iran’s main oil hub of Kharg Island, President Donald Trump said, threatening to strike oil infrastructure on the ‌island if Iran continues to block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump said the US military “totally obliterated every MILITARY target” on the island, but he had decided to leave oil infrastructure intact. The island serves as the export terminal for 90% of Iran’s oil shipments and lies about 300 miles (483 km) northwest of the strait. “However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” Trump said. Iran had no ability to defend against US attacks, the president added. “Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist ⁠Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much!” he said. READ MORE: Pentagon chief says US intensifying strikes on Iran The move came as oil prices have been whipsawing on Trump’s changing comments on the likely duration of the Iran war, which has prompted Iran to attack vessels in the strait, the conduit for a fifth of the world’s oil. Trump on Thursday issued a temporary waiver for some purchases of sanctioned Russian oil, a move that drew criticism from US allies in Europe for potentially helping Russia fund its war with Ukraine. Asked when the US Navy will start escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump told reporters on Friday, “It will happen soon.” Trump earlier said Iran’s attacks on shipping were “a last-ditch effort.” The US would continue to hit Iran “very hard over the next week,” he said in a Fox News interview that was recorded on Thursday and aired on Friday. War on Iran extends across Middle East After nearly two weeks of war, 2,000 people have been killed, most in Iran, but many in Lebanon and a growing number ‌in the ⁠Gulf, which has for the first time in decades of Middle East conflicts found itself on the front line. Several million people have been displaced from their homes. As Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut’s suburbs with air strikes, Lebanon’s interior minister said authorities were unable to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of people who have sought refuge in the capital. Israel also dropped leaflets threatening Gaza-scale devastation as it deployed more troops to fight Iran-backed Hezbollah and warned of more attacks on Lebanon’s infrastructure. US forces have also suffered casualties. The US military confirmed that all six crew members aboard a refuelling aircraft ⁠that crashed in western Iraq were dead. Iran fired more missiles and drones at Israel, and Iranian drones were reported flying into Kuwait, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman. The Israeli military launched strikes across Tehran. It said its air force had struck more than 200 targets in western and central Iran over the past day, including ballistic missile launchers, air-defence systems and weapons ⁠production sites. The US was sending additional forces to the region, including the USS Tripoli along with its Marine expeditionary unit, two US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said. The amphibious assault ship, currently in Asia, is capable of carrying fighter jets. In total, 2,500 additional Marines will be sent to the Middle East, along with additional sailors. [...]

CM Sindh presides over first meeting of SFMH Board

March 13, 2026 11:55

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over the first meeting of the Sindh Fund Management House (SFMH) Board, formally establishing it as the province’s central platform for managing designated government funds. “This House will ensure that every rupee of public money is invested transparently, professionally, and for the long-term benefit of the people of Sindh,” the Chief Minister said. The Board reviewed the Sindh Fund Management House Act, 2021, which legally empowers SFMH to act as the primary institutional platform for designated government funds. The Board’s mandate now includes overseeing SFMH operations and approving its annual operational budget; reviewing and recommending rules and investment policies for final approval by the Sindh government and ensuring all activities comply with the SFMH Act and remain within approved risk parameters. Currently, SFMH manages 16 designated funds, including the Sindh Province Pension Fund (est. 2002), the Sindh Social Relief Fund (est. 2006) and the Sindh General Provident Investment Fund (est. 2007). A major outcome of the meeting was the approval in principle of the Draft SFMH Investment Policy, 2026, which replaces the 2021 guidelines with stronger safeguards and clearer definitions of ‘permissible’ and ‘prohibited’ investments. The 2026 policy introduces specific limits to protect public capital, including equities capped at 15 per cent of total fund size, with no more than 3 per cent exposure to any single scrip; mutual funds limited to schemes with a minimum rating of ‘AM2++’ and a fund size of at least Rs5 billion. It includes a complete ban on high-risk activities such as currency speculation, commodities trading and unsecured derivatives. To ensure timely and professional execution of investment decisions, the CM approved the proposed composition of the Investment Committee, to be chaired by the Chief Secretary. The committee will evaluate and recommend investment proposals within approved policy and risk limits; manage and periodically review the panel of approved brokers and asset managers, and monitor portfolio performance against approved benchmarks and report regularly to the Board. The Board also decided to delegate important operational powers to the Investment Committee, including the authority to execute bank guarantees and standby letters of credit for government-initiated projects within defined limits. The Board discussed improving returns on the Sindh Social Relief Fund (SSRF). The fund is currently earning 8.5 per cent in a daily product account. The Board reviewed a proposal to shift these balances into short-term Treasury Bills, which are presently offering yields between 10.40 per cent and 10.50 per cent. Approving the direction in principle, the Chief Minister said, “Social relief funds must not lie idle in low-yield accounts. Every additional rupee we earn here can support vulnerable families in Sindh. However, we will move carefully, in phases, and strictly within our risk framework.” He said that the reforms approved in the first SFMH Board meeting are part of a broader strategy to strengthen provincial finances. He said by adopting professionalism to manage pension, provident and social funds, we are building a strong financial cushion for Sindh. This will help us meet future obligations without putting additional burden on our people, he said directing the Board to submit quarterly progress reports to his office. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, MPAs Shiraz Shaukat Rajpar and Sadia Javed, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi and other senior officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Minister directs upgradation of three trains by June 30

March 13, 2026 11:55

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has directed concerned authority that Awam Express, Allama Iqbal Express, and Sukkur Express be upgraded by June 30, while the rake of Hazara Express be improved to provide better travel facilities to passengers. He was chairing a meeting at Pakistan Railways Headquarters Lahore to review the provision and improvement of passenger facilities at railway stations and onboard trains across the country. The minister was given a detailed briefing on the existing facilities available at railway stations and on trains, as well as the measures being planned to further enhance passenger comfort and service standards. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

CM slams terrorist attack in Lakki Marwat

March 13, 2026 11:55

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the terrorist attack near a police vehicle in Lakki Marwat. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of the SHO and other police personnel in the attack. She extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families of the martyrs. Maryam Nawaz Sharif prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and for strength and patience for their families. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

PSQCA Board approves various significant reforms

March 13, 2026 11:55

Jama Masjid in occupied Srinagar: Pakistan slams continued closure

March 13, 2026 11:55

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly denounced the continued closure of the historic Jama Masjid in occupied Srinagar on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan. “Preventing worshippers from offering congregational prayers at one of the most revered mosques in the Valley constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a statement on Friday. The statement added, “For the seventh consecutive year since India’s illegal actions of 5 August 2019, the occupation authorities have sealed the mosque and barred Kashmiri Muslims from gathering for prayers on this spiritually significant day”. Such restrictions on religious practice, particularly during the sacred month of Ramzan, are deeply concerning, FO spokesperson remarked Pakistan calls on the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organisations, to take notice of these actions and urge India to ensure the freedom to practise religion as a fundamental human right in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Youm-ul-Quds observed in Capital amid strict security

March 13, 2026 11:55

ISLAMABDA: Youm-ul-Quds was observed in the federal capital on Friday with religious zeal and fervour amid strict security arrangements across the city. Youm-ul-Quds was observed to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine against Israeli occupation. The main Youm-ul-Quds rally was taken out from G-6/4 Imambargah Asna-e-Ashri and culminated at China Chowk after passing through various routes. The rally was held on the appeal of Ruhollah Khomeini, who had called for observing Youm-ul-Quds on the last Friday of Ramazan every year. The rally was jointly organised by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, Imamia Students Organisation, Shia Ulema Council Pakistan and Tehreek Bedari Ummat-e-Mustafa. A large number of people, including men, women and children, participated in the rally carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against Israel and the United States. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, addressing the rally, said that Youm-e-Quds is a day to express solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and to show hatred toward the oppressor. He stated that if any country is practically standing with the Palestinian people, it is Iran. Referring to Ali Khamenei, he said that the Iranian leader has played a significant role in raising the voice of the oppressed Palestinians, safeguarding the dignity of the Muslim Ummah and advocating for the liberation of Jerusalem. Strict security arrangements were made by Islamabad Police in and around the Markazi Imambargah in G-6/2 and along the procession route. Containers were placed to block roads leading to the Imambargah, while participants entering the security perimeter were subjected to body searches at multiple checkpoints set up by police and volunteers. The Islamabad Capital Territory police installed walk-through gates at different points to screen participants entering the procession. Law enforcement personnel also monitored the rally route from rooftops of nearby buildings. More than 3,500 police officers and personnel were deployed to ensure security during Friday prayer gatherings and Al-Quds processions. Strict security measures have been implemented around mosques and imambargahs across the city, including the Faisal Mosque. Police conducted random checking at all entry and exit points of the city, while the Islamabad Traffic Police issued a special traffic plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic. The metro Bus Service operating between Rawalpindi and Islamabad was partially suspended. In Rawalpindi, the service remained operational from Sadr to Khatm-e-Nubuwat station, while the remaining stations remained closed. The service from Faizabad to Pak Secretariat was completely suspended. According to the traffic plan, only Margalla Road remained open for entry into the Red Zone, while other routes were closed. Several major roads, including Iran Avenue, Suhrawardy Road, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Seventh Avenue Bridge and routes around Kulsum Plaza Chowk and Geo Chowk, remained closed for traffic. The road from Haji Camp Chowk to Islamabad Chowk was also closed, while portions of IJP Road and service roads from NESCOM towards I-10 remained shut. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Crime rate has declined significantly in Punjab: Azma

March 13, 2026 11:55

LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari has said that the crime rate in Punjab has declined significantly and the overall law and order situation in the province has improved noticeably. She stated that the reduction in crime is the result of the effective strategy and sound policies of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. According to Azma Bokhari, the Crime Control Department (CCD) and the Punjab Police have played a key role in reducing crime across the province. Due to their effective performance, even minor daily crime incidents have decreased considerably in several districts. Azma Bokhari further said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, taking into account the growing public confidence and appreciation for the CCD, has decided to transform it into a premier agency so that more effective action can be taken against criminal elements. The minister added that the current law and order indicators and crime statistics in the province are encouraging and reflect the government’s effective governance and policy measures. She emphasized that no one in Punjab can now dare to cast an evil eye on any mother, sister, or daughter, as the protection of women is the first priority and clear red line of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Azma Bokhari also stated that every officer and official of the Punjab Police has been directed to adopt a courteous and respectful attitude toward citizens and address them as “Sir” and “Janab”, in order to further strengthen the relationship of trust and respect between the police and the public. Moreover, Azma Bokhari has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of veteran actor Shujaat Hashmi. In her condolence message, Azma Bokhari extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family, stating that Shujaat Hashmi’s valuable contributions to the field of arts and culture will always be remembered. She said that Shujaat Hashmi was a talented and seasoned actor who earned a distinguished place in the industry through his remarkable performances. Azma Bokhari further said that the artistic services and memorable roles of Shujaat Hashmi will continue to live in the hearts of audiences, and his loss will be felt for a long time. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Punjab by-polls: Notices served on minister, SAPM for 'violating' election code of conduct

November 21, 2025 1:33

This collage of pictures show Federal Minister of Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Huzaifa Rehman. —APP/NA website/FileShow-cause notices have been issued to Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the... [...]

27th Amendment empowers FCC to hear all constitutional cases: minister

November 20, 2025 7:59

Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik addressing an event on December 21, 2024. — Facebook@BarristerAqeelMalikState Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said on Thursday that the 27th Amendment has vested authority to hear constitutional matters in the Federal Constitutional... [...]

JF-17 attracts strong attention at Dubai Airshow as friendly country inks procurement MoU

November 20, 2025 5:25

Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighter jet during World Defence Air Show 2024 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 7, 2024. — PPI Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder garnered significant attention at the Dubai Airshow 2025, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a... [...]

US lawmakers laud Punjab govt's initiative to modernise brick-kiln

November 20, 2025 4:39

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attends ceremony in this undated image. — Facebook/@MaryamNSharifISLAMABAD: The Congressional Pakistan Caucus has applauded Punjab’s drive to modernise its brick-kiln sector, saying the reforms could serve as a pilot for eliminating bonded labour and... [...]

Security forces gun down 30 terrorists in multiple IBOs in KP: ISPR

November 20, 2025 4:38

Frontier Constabulary and army personnel gather stand guard in Kurram, January 17, 2025. — AFPSecurity forces killed 30 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists during multiple intelligence-based operations carried out by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , the military's media wing... [...]

MQM-P calls for new province in Sindh

November 20, 2025 3:56

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addresses a press conference in Karachi, November 20, 2025. — Screengrab via YouTube/Geo NewsKARACHI: With discussions on the 28th Amendment gaining momentum, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan has once again... [...]

US report validates Pakistan military edge over India: PM

November 20, 2025 3:55

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses ceremony in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on November 20, 2025. — X/@GovtofPakistanPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said a recent US report endorsing Pakistan’s downing of Indian aircraft stands as formal validation of the country’s... [...]

Banned TTP poses serious threat to Pakistan security: UNSC panel

November 20, 2025 10:24

Denmark’s Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations and chair of UNSC's ISIL, Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee Sandra Jensen Landi. — Screengrab via UN WebTV websiteThe chair of the United Nations Security Council's Daesh and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee has cautioned that the... [...]

CM Afridi clarifies remarks on by-poll after ECP requests army deployment

November 20, 2025 10:01

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi addresses a gathering at Havelian, Abbottabad on November 19, 2025. — Facbook@ImMuhammadSohailAfridiISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday issued a clarification concerning his remarks on the NA-18 by-poll,... [...]

Dubai sees 3.2m Pakistani passengers in 2025 as airport sets new milestone

November 20, 2025 6:16

People sit at a coffee shop as they wait for their flight at the Dubai International Airport, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. — ReutersDUBAI: Dubai International Airport handled 3.2 million passengers travelling from Pakistan in the first nine months of 2025, making the... [...]

Security forces kill 23 Indian proxy terrorists in KP's Kurram

November 20, 2025 5:08

Security forces are seen taking position during an operation. — ISPR/FileRAWALPINDI: Amid country's ongoing fight against the menace of terrorism, security forces have neutralised 23 Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram... [...]

Pakistan to construct island to boost oil exploration: report

November 19, 2025 6:26

Pump jacks operate in front of a drilling rig in an oil field in Midland, Texas United States. — Reuters/FilePakistan's state-owned energy company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited , has announced plans for an artificial island to boost its oil exploration efforts.Islamabad has intensified its... [...]

Russia ready to mediate Pakistan's issues with India, Afghanistan: envoy

November 19, 2025 6:14

Russia's ambassador to Pakistan has extended his country's offer to mediate Islamabad's conflicts with India and Afghanistan, amid strained relations with its neighbouring countries.Islamabad's relations with India have remained tense since the four-day war in May, while the Afghan Taliban regime... [...]

Security forces neutralise four terrorists in KP IBOs

November 19, 2025 5:12

Soldiers ride on a Pakistan Army vehicle in this undated image. — AFP/FileFour terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy, Fitna al-Khawarij, were killed in a series of operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from November 17 to 18, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Wednesday.An... [...]

Reclassification of 41 candidates on reserved seats goes beyond SC mandate: Justice Mandokhail

November 19, 2025 4:38

Supreme Court's Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail addresses an event related to Labour Day in Islamabad on May 1, 2025. — Screengrab/YouTube/Geo NewsISLAMABAD: Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail has released a detailed dissent in the reserved seats case, stating that the ruling on 41 candidates... [...]

China, North Korea reopen passenger train service after 6 years

March 13, 2026 6:55

China, North Korea reopen passenger train service after 6 yearsChina-Korea Train operations, halted since global pandemic outbreak covid-19,resumed after long gap of six years. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and a vital source of diplomatic, economic and political support for... [...]

Mexico's heartthrob 'minister' or 'miniature doll'? Truth behind viral photo revealed

March 13, 2026 6:52

Mexico’s heartthrob minister or miniature doll? Truth behind viral photoMexico is obsessing over their new minister and now the fever has reached even local markets and miniature shops.Cuddly blankets, soft toys and cardboard cutouts featuring the minister have gone viral in the Latin... [...]

Ernie Anastos dies of pneumonia after urging people to stand up for truth in last message

March 13, 2026 4:55

Tributes started pouring in for Ernie Anastos after his wife said the legendary New York City television news anchor died on Thursday. He was 82.Anastos's wife, Kelly, said he died early Thursday morning of pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital. Shortly after news of his death emerged... [...]

US could deploy escort ships in Strait of Hormuz if needed, Trump says

March 13, 2026 1:05

US could deploy escort ships in Strait of Hormuz if needed, Trump saysPresident Trump stated that the US would escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary to ensure the flow of oil. While Trump urged ships to “show some guts” and use the passage, commercial... [...]

Nepal ex-rapper's party wins election after Gen Z protests; Balendra Shah set to become PM

March 13, 2026 1:04

Nepal ex-rapper’s party wins election after Gen Z protests; Balendra Shah set to become PMNepal recently has been in the limelight since the ex-rapper's party participated in Gen Z-led first elections after previous violent riots and political instability in the country.The latest update... [...]

Karoline Leavitt leaving the White House?

March 13, 2026 12:42

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called on ABC News "Fake News 101" as she reacted to the outlet's report on Iran's drone attack on California. ABC News had reported that the FBI warned police departments in California that Iran wants to retaliate over the US military operation in... [...]

Who is Old Dominion University shooter?

March 13, 2026 12:06

The FBI has opened a terrorism investigation into a shooting on Thursday at ‌Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, that killed one person and injured two others.Citing court documents, Associated Press reported that less than two years after Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was released from... [...]

US KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in Iraq kills 4 crew members, military confirms

March 13, 2026 10:32

US KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in Iraq kills 4 crew members, military confirms Four of six crew members have died following the deadly crash of an American KC-135 refuelling crash in Iraq, as confirmed by the US Central Command . Two other crew members remain missing as rescue operations... [...]

US military launches rescue mission after KC-135 crash in Iraq

March 13, 2026 6:08

US military launches rescue mission after KC-135 crash in Iraq An American KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, as confirmed by the US military on Thursday. While a second plane involved in the mission landed safely as the crisis in the Middle East escalated. According... [...]

UN watchdog voices concern that Trump's immigration rhetoric could fuel hate crimes

March 13, 2026 5:58

UN watchdog voices concern that Trump’s immigration rhetoric could fuel hate crimesA United Nations-backed panel has issued a formal warning that President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on immigration combined with intensified enforcement, is fueling human rights violations and may incite... [...]

Adobe stocks drop after strong revenue but weak guidance for next quarter

March 13, 2026 4:02

Adobe shares dropped more than 6 per cent after the company reported strong first quarter results but issued a weaker than expected profit forecast.The software company reported revenue of 6.4 billion dollars for the quarter ending 27 February, a 12 per cent increase compared with the previous... [...]

CRTC announces new rules eliminating fees for cancelling or changing phone, internet plans

March 13, 2026 12:48

Canada’s telecommunications regulator has announced new rules that will prevent companies from charging customers when they cancel, change or activate cellphone and internet plans.The Canadian Radio television and Telecommunications Commission said the changes are designed to make it easier... [...]

Ernie Anastos' chicken blooper resurfaces as popular news anchor dies

March 13, 2026 12:36

Ernie Anastos breathes his last at 82Ernie Anastos, a mainstay of evening news airtime on New York television, has died. His passing follows several tributes, some of which pay homage to his 'chicken' blooper in 2009.What unfolded in a typical news briefing at the time was that the late... [...]

USS Gerald R. Ford fire: Two injured after fire breaks out on US Navy aircraft carrier

March 12, 2026 11:54

A fire broke out aboard the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford on Thursday, leaving two sailors injured, according to officials.USNI News reported that the blaze began on the carrier while it was operating in the Red Sea and officials said the initial fire has been extinguished, although... [...]

US: New survey shows one-third of Americans cut back on other expenses to cover healthcare in 2025

March 12, 2026 11:04

US: New survey shows one-third of Americans cut back on other expenses to cover healthcare in 2025Latest reports find a lot of Americans are cutting back on utilizing other commodities to fulfill their medical needs.Roughly one-third of Americans cut back on food, utilities, or other daily... [...]

13مارچ کوافغان طالبان کے ڈرونز کو ہدف تک پہنچنے سے پہلے مار گرایا، آئی ایس پی آر

March 14, 2026 1:03

پاک فوج کے شعبہ تعلقات عامہ کا کہنا ہے کہ 13 مارچ کو افغان طالبان نے پاکستان پر ڈرون حملے کیے، ڈرونز کو ہدف تک پہنچنے سے پہلے مار... [...]

مولانا فضل الرحمان کا ملکی صورتحال پر پارلیمنٹ کا ان کیمرا اجلاس بلانے کا مطالبہ

March 13, 2026 8:03

سربراہ جے یو آئی ایف مولانا فضل الرحمان نے ملکی صورتحال پر پارلیمنٹ کا ان کیمرا اجلاس بلانے کا مطالبہ کردیا۔مولانا فضل الرحمان نے... [...]

کراچی میں زلزلے کے جھٹکے

March 13, 2026 8:03

کراچی کے علاقوں لانڈھی خرم آباد ، ملیر اور کورنگی میں زلزلے کے جھٹکے محسوس کیے گئے۔زلزلہ پیما مرکز کے مطابق زلزلے کی شدت 4 اور... [...]

گورنر سندھ ایم کیو ایم کا ہوگا کبھی یہ وعدہ نہیں ہوا، رانا ثناء

March 13, 2026 6:03

فائل فوٹووزیراعظم شہبازشریف کے مشیر سیاسی امور سینیٹر رانا ثناء اللّٰہ نے کہا ہے کہ گورنر سندھ ایم کیو ایم کا ہوگا کبھی یہ وعدہ نہیں... [...]

سکیورٹی فورسز نے فتنہ الخوارج کے 2 ڈرون کو کامیابی سے مار گرایا، وزارت اطلاعات

March 13, 2026 6:03

سوشل میڈیاوفاقی وزیر اطلاعات و نشریات عطا اللہ تارڑ نے فتنہ الخوارج کے 2 ڈرون کو سیکیورٹی فورسز کی طرف سے مار گرانے کی تصدیق کی ہے۔ایک... [...]

پاکستان اور جرمن ترقیاتی بینک کے درمیان 18 ملین یورو گرانٹ کی فراہمی کا معاہدہ

March 13, 2026 4:03

پاکستان اور جرمن ترقیاتی بینک کے درمیان گرانٹ معاہدے پر دستخط ہوگئے۔ اسلام آباد سے ترجمان اقتصادی امور کے مطابق کے ایف ڈبلیو،... [...]

کراچی میں تحریک آزادی القدس پاکستان کے تحت مرکزی یوم القدس ریلی نکالی گئی

March 13, 2026 4:03

کراچی میں تحریک آزادی القدس پاکستان کے تحت مرکزی یوم القدس ریلی نکالی گئی، جس میں علماء کرام سمیت سیاسی و سماجی شخصیات نے شرکت... [...]

ایران سے جنگ میں امریکا کو شکست ہوچکی ہے، حافظ نعیم

March 13, 2026 4:03

فائل فوٹوامیر جماعت اسلامی پاکستان حافظ نعیم الرحمان نے کہا ہے کہ ایران کے خلاف جنگ میں امریکا کو عملی طور پر شکست ہوچکی ہے۔لاہور سے... [...]

پاکستان میں امریکی سفارتخانے نے عملے کی نقل و حرکت 15 مارچ تک محدود کر دی

March 13, 2026 3:03

فائل فوٹو۔پاکستان میں امریکی سفارتخانے نے عملے کی نقل و حرکت 15 مارچ تک محدود کر دی۔ امریکی سفارتخانہ کے مطابق عملے کی نقل و حرکت ... [...]

آپریشن غضب للحق میں 663 فتنہ خوارج و افغان طالبان کو ہلاک کیا جاچکا، عطا تارڑ

March 13, 2026 2:03

وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات عطا اللہ تاڑ۔وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات عطا اللہ تاڑ نے آپریشن غضب للحق پر اپ ڈیٹ دیتے ہوئے فتنہ خوارج اور افغان طالبان... [...]

پاکستان میں امریکی سفارتخانے کی تمام امیگرنٹ اور نان امیگرنٹ ویزا اپائنٹمنٹس 20 مارچ تک منسوخ

March 13, 2026 2:03

پاکستان میں امریکی سفارتخانے کی جانب سے جاری بیان میں کہا گیا ہے کہ سفارتخانے کی تمام امیگرنٹ اور نان امیگرنٹ ویزا اپائنٹمنٹس 20... [...]

شرارت کی سیاست نہیں کریں گے، نہال ہاشمی

March 13, 2026 1:03

نو منتخب گورنر سندھ نہال ہاشمی نے کہا ہے کہ شرارت کی سیاست نہیں کریں گے، نواز شریف نے ادنیٰ کارکن کو یہ مقام دیا ہے۔نہال ہاشمی... [...]

کامران ٹیسوری کو نہ گورنر بننے کے وقت پتہ تھا نہ جاتے وقت پتہ لگا، عبدالقادر پٹیل

March 13, 2026 12:03

عبدالقار پٹیل۔پیپلز پارٹی کے رہنما عبدالقادر پٹیل نے کہا ہے کہ کامران ٹیسوری کو نہ گورنر بننے کے وقت پتہ تھا نہ جاتے وقت پتہ... [...]

وزیراعظم کا عالمی منڈی میں قیمتیں بڑھنے کے باوجود پیٹرولیم مصنوعات مہنگی نہ کرنے کا فیصلہ

March 13, 2026 12:03

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف : فائل فوٹو وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے عالمی منڈی میں تیل کی قیمتیں بڑھنے کے باوجود پیٹرولیم مصنوعات مہنگی نہ کرنے... [...]

نہال ہاشمی نے گورنر سندھ کے عہدےکا حلف اٹھا لیا

March 13, 2026 11:03

فوٹو: اسکرین گریب۔جیو نیوزنہال ہاشمی نے گورنر سندھ کے عہدے کا حلف اٹھا لیا، چیف جسٹس سندھ ہائیکورٹ ظفر احمد راجپوت نے ان سے حلف... [...]

ترکیے کے بحری جہاز کو آبنائے ہُرمُز سے گزرنے کی اجازت

March 14, 2026 1:03

ایران نے ترکیے کے بحری جہاز کو آبنائے ہُرمُز سے گزرنے کی اجازت دے دی۔ ترکیے کے ٹرانسپورٹ منسٹر عبدالقادر اورال اوگلو نے بتایا کہ... [...]

ایران کے خرج جزیرے میں فوجی اہداف پر بھرپور حملے کیے ہیں، ٹرمپ

March 14, 2026 12:03

فائل فوٹوامریکا کے صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے کہا ہے کہ ان کے احکامات پر سینٹرل کمانڈ نے ایران پر مشرق وسطیٰ کی تاریخ میں تباہ کن ترین بمباریوں... [...]

ایران کا افزودہ یورینیم روس منتقل کرنے کی روسی پیشکش امریکا نےمسترد کردی

March 13, 2026 10:03

امریکی صدر نے ایران کا افزودہ یورینیم روس منتقل کرنے کی پیوٹن کی پیشکش مسترد کردی۔امریکی میڈیا کے مطابق روسی صدر کی پیش کش تہران کے... [...]

ہمیں معلوم ہے مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای زخمی ہیں، امریکی نائب صدر

March 13, 2026 10:03

فائل فوٹوامریکی نائب صدر جے ڈی وینس نے دعویٰ کیا ہے کہ نئے ایرانی سپریم لیڈر امریکی کارروائی میں زخمی ہیں۔جے ڈی وینس سے سوال کیا گیا... [...]

امریکا نے مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای کی معلومات پر 1 کروڑ ڈالر انعام رکھا ہے، علی لاریجانی

March 13, 2026 10:03

ایران کے سیکرٹری نیشنل سیکیورٹی کونسل علی لاریجانی نے کہا ہے کہ امریکا نے مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای سے متعلق معلومات کے لیے ایک کروڑ ڈالر... [...]

تل ابیب پر ایران کے میزائل حملے، متعدد مقامات پر آگ لگ گئی

March 13, 2026 10:03

فائل فوٹوایران کی جانب سے اسرائیلی دارالحکومت تل ابیب پر میزائل حملے کئے گئے ہیں۔ میڈیا رپورٹس کے مطابق تل ابیب میں 20 دھماکے سنے... [...]

امریکا کا مشرق وسطیٰ میں مزید 5 ہزار فوجیوں کی تعیناتی کا اعلان

March 13, 2026 9:03

امریکا نے مشرق وسطیٰ میں مزید 5 ہزار فوجیوں کو تعینات کرنے کا اعلان کیا ہے۔امریکی اخبار دی وال اسٹریٹ جرنل کی رپورٹ کے مطابق امریکی... [...]

‏بی ٹو بمبار طیارے ایران پر حملے کیلئے روانہ کردیے، امریکی سینٹرل کمانڈ

March 13, 2026 8:03

امریکی سینٹرل کمانڈ نے کہا ہے کہ ‏بی ٹو بمبار طیارے ایران پر حملے کیلئے روانہ کر دیے گئے ہیں۔ حکام کا کہنا ہے کہ اس عمل کا مقصد... [...]

تیل کی عالمی تجارت پر فوری اثر سمندری انشورنس کے فیصلوں سے پڑتا ہے

March 13, 2026 5:03

مشرقِ وسطیٰ میں جاری کشیدگی کے دوران اکثر توجہ جنگی طاقت پر ہوتی ہے، لیکن حقیقت یہ ہے کہ تیل کی عالمی تجارت پر فوری اثر سمندری... [...]

اگلے ہفتے امریکی افواج ایران پر سخت حملے کریں گی، صدر ٹرمپ

March 13, 2026 4:03

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ : فوٹو اے ایف پی امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے ایک انٹرویو میں کہا ہے کہ امریکی افواج آنے والے دنوں میں ایران پر حملے... [...]

فرانس، اٹلی آبنائے ہرمز سے محفوظ گزرگاہ کیلئے ایران سے بات چیت پر آمادہ

March 13, 2026 4:03

یورپی ممالک فرانس اور اٹلی نے آبنائے ہرمز سے محفوظ گزر گاہ کے لیے ایران سے بات چیت پر آمادگی ظاہر کی ہے۔برطانوی اخبار فنانشل ٹائمز... [...]

ایران جنگ پر وائٹ ہاؤس کے میمز شیئر کرنے پر آنجہانی امریکی فوجی کی بیٹی برہم

March 13, 2026 3:03

اسکرین گریب/ ایکس / وائٹ ہاؤس وائٹ ہاؤس کی جانب سے ایران جنگ پر میمز شیئر کرنے پر آنجہانی امریکی فوجی کی بیٹی برہم ہوگئی۔2001 میں... [...]

ایران کا اسرائیل میں میزائل حملہ، درجنوں افراد زخمی

March 13, 2026 3:03

فوٹو: اسرائیلی میڈیا ایران نے شمالی اسرائیل میں ایک نیا میزائل حملہ کیا ہے، جس میں درجنوں افراد زخمی ہوگئے۔اسرائیلی میڈیا کا کہنا ہے... [...]

ایران میں یوم القدس پر ریلیاں، صدر سمیت اعلیٰ قیادت بھی شریک، امریکی دعویٰ جھوٹا ثابت

March 13, 2026 2:03

فوٹو: ایرانی میڈیا تہران سمیت پورے ایران میں یوم القدس پر ریلیاں نکالی گئیں، جن میں صدر سمیت اعلیٰ قیادت نے شرکت کرکے امریکی دعوے کو... [...]

دبئی میں دفاعی کارروائی کے دوران ملبہ گرنے سے عمارت کو نقصان پہنچنے کی تصدیق

March 13, 2026 2:03

فوٹو: امریکی میڈیا دبئی، عمان، عراق سمیت دیگر خلیجی ممالک پر ڈرون اور میزائل حملے کیے گئے، اماراتی حکام نے دبئی میں دفاعی کارروائی... [...]

فی تولہ سونا 7100 روپے سستا ہوگیا

March 13, 2026 9:03

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

کراچی پورٹ سے متحدہ عرب امارات کیلئے نئی فیڈر سروس کا آغاز

March 13, 2026 5:03

---فائل فوٹو پاکستان کے معاشی حب کراچی پورٹ سے متحدہ عرب امارات کے لیے نئی فیڈر سروس کا آغاز کر دیا گیا۔محکمہ میری ٹائم کے وزیر جنید... [...]

ایل این جی کی قیمت میں 2.26 ڈالر فی ایم ایم بی ٹی یو تک اضافہ ہوگیا

March 12, 2026 11:03

ایل این جی کی قیمت میں 2.26 ڈالر فی ایم ایم بی ٹی یو تک اضافہ ہوگیا، آئل اینڈ گیس ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی نے مارچ کے لیے ایل این جی کی قیمتوں... [...]

سونے کی قیمتوں کو ریورس گیئر لگ گیا

March 12, 2026 9:03

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان بھر کی صرافہ مارکیٹوں میں سونے کی قیمتوں کو ریورس گیئر لگ گیا۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوس ایشن کے... [...]

پاکستان اور آئی ایم ایف اسٹاف لیول معاہدے تک پہنچنے میں ناکام

March 12, 2026 5:03

پاکستان اور آئی ایم ایف اسٹاف لیول کے معاہدے تک پہنچنے میں ناکام رہے، تاہم مذاکرات جاری رکھنے کا اعلان کر دیا۔ پاکستان اور... [...]

فرانس کے پاس ایندھن کی نئی سبسڈی کیلئے مزید رقم موجود نہیں: مرکزی بینک کا انتباہ

March 12, 2026 5:03

مرکزی بینک کے گورنر فرانسوا ویلروئے ڈی گالو — تصویر بشکریہ غیر ملکی میڈیافرانس کے مرکزی بینک کے گورنر فرانسوا ویلروئے ڈی گالو نے... [...]

امریکا کا چین اور بھارت سمیت 16 ممالک پر نئے ٹیرف لگانے کا عندیہ

March 12, 2026 5:03

—فوٹو بشکریہ بین الاقوامی میڈیا امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی انتظامیہ نے چین، بھارت اور بنگلا دیش سمیت 16 بڑے تجارتی شراکت دار ممالک کے... [...]

ایل پی جی کی قیمتوں میں اضافے کی افواہیں بے بنیاد ہیں، اوگرا

March 11, 2026 10:03

---فائل فوٹوزاوگرا نے ایل پی جی کی قیمتوں میں اضافے سے متعلق خبروں کو مسترد کرتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ اس حوالے سے کوئی نیا نوٹیفکیشن جاری... [...]

پاکستان میں آج بھی سونے کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ

March 11, 2026 9:03

— فائل فوٹوملک میں آج بھی سونے کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ ہوا ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق فی تولہ سونے کی... [...]

ایشیائی اسٹاک بازاروں میں کاروبار کا ملا جلا رجحان

March 11, 2026 5:03

--- فائل فوٹوایشیائی اسٹاک بازاروں میں آج کاروبار کا ملا جلا رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے، جہاں بیشتر ایشیائی انڈیکسز میں اضافہ ریکارڈ کیا... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں ملا جلا رجحان

March 11, 2026 4:03

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے تیسرے دن ملا جلا رجحان دیکھا گیا۔ پی ایس ایکس بینچ مارک 100 انڈیکس کاروبار کے... [...]

پاکستان کو ایندھن خریداری میں دشواری کا سامنا

March 10, 2026 12:03

پاکستان کو ایندھن خریداری میں دشواری کا سامنا ہے۔ پی ایس او پیٹرول، ڈیزل اور جیٹ فیول خریدنے میں ناکام ہوگیا۔ عالمی ٹینڈر سے بولی... [...]

ملکی اور بین الاقوامی فضائی کرایوں میں اضافہ

March 10, 2026 10:03

---فائل فوٹو ملک میں جیٹ فیول کی قیمت بڑھنے کے سبب ایئرلائنز نے بھی کرایوں میں اضافہ کر دیا ہے۔ذرائع ایئر لائنز کے مطابق کراچی سے... [...]

سونے کی قیمتیں پھر آسمان پر پہنچ گئیں

March 10, 2026 9:03

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان بھر کی صرافہ مارکیٹوں میں سونے کی قیمتیں پھر آسمان سے باتیں کرنے لگیں۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی... [...]

عالمی اسٹاک مارکیٹس میں آج ملا جلا رجحان

March 10, 2026 5:03

---فائل فوٹودنیا کی اہم اسٹاک مارکیٹس میں آج ملا جلا رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے، جہاں بیشتر ایشیائی انڈیکسز میں اضافہ ریکارڈ کیا گیا... [...]

Warren Buffett’s sage advice about fear and greed is a trap in this market

March 13, 2026 9:08

Instead of buying more stocks when volatility rises, you should sell. [...]

Kevin Warsh’s Fed confirmation faces new delay, key senator says. Here’s why.

March 13, 2026 8:42

A key U.S. senator warned that Kevin Warsh’s confirmation as the next head of the Federal Reserve faces a fresh delay amid a legal setback to the Justice Department’s criminal investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell. [...]

Here’s a rare chance to invest before big stock-index funds and Wall Street dive in

March 13, 2026 8:31

Vietnam is expected to be promoted to ‘emerging’ market from ‘frontier’ market. Here’s when you’ll need to act. [...]

Think Russian oil will calm the Iran conflict’s supply panic? Here’s what the math reveals.

March 13, 2026 8:20

Russian oil can reach markets fast. The Iran conflict’s supply fears, however, are much bigger. [...]

‘Healthcare is important to me’: I’m worried about relocating to Florida from New Jersey. Are hospitals there under stress?

March 13, 2026 8:15

“The issue is not the weather, high insurance premiums or high maintenance fees.” [...]

Investors are shunning U.S. debt as a haven play during the Iran conflict

March 13, 2026 8:04

The 10-year Treasury yield had its steepest two-week climb in almost a year on Friday due to the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran. [...]

‘I am stuck in a low-income trap’: I’m a teacher and very good at my job. Will I ever earn six figures?

March 13, 2026 8:00

“My low salary requires me to have multiple other part-time jobs.” [...]

S&P 500 and Nasdaq face a lost decade as 2000 dot-com bubble parallels turn real

March 13, 2026 7:50

“This time is different” are the four most dangerous words in investing. [...]

Global oil prices end week above $100, as U.S. waiver on some Russian sanctions fails to quell supply concerns

March 13, 2026 7:21

A temporary removal of U.S. sanctions on Russian tankers at sea failed to calm concerns over prolonged disruptions to the flow of crude through the Strait of Hormuz. [...]

Why oil probably won’t go to $150 a barrel

March 13, 2026 7:08