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Pakistan car sales jump 45% in July-March FY26

April 13, 2026 5:52

Car sales in Pakistan have continued to rise by 45% during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (July to March FY 2025-26) as Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles still prevail over Electric Vehicles (EVs) despite the government’s support towards emerging EV industry. According to data released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), there was a substantial rise in the sales of all two-three-and-four wheelers, while the sales of farm tractors continued to decrease as usual for several months. Car sales in Pakistan (excluding LCVs, Vans, and Jeeps) increased by 45% to 109,655 units in July-March FY26, as compared to the 75,397 units sold in the same period the previous year. Sales of jeeps and pickups rose by 35% to 34,374 units. Sales of trucks and buses went up by 82% to 5,143 units and by 33% to 720 units, respectively. Motorcycles and rickshaws also increased by 31% to 1,429,501 units. Moreover, sales of farm tractors fell by 13% to 20,292 units because of climate change following losses of crop output. Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh, an automobile expert, said, “In my opinion, despite the emergence of EVs, ICE vehicles continue to dominate production and sales in Pakistan. The ICE industry has seen a massive rebound, with passenger car sales jumping by 45% and production rising by 51%. This surge is largely attributed to a more stable macroeconomic environment by this government and a significant decrease in interest rates, which has revived bank financing and corporate auto leasing”. Also read: Localisation key to making cars affordable for Pakistan’s middle class: experts He said the recovery was led by the trucks and buses segment, which saw production and sales spikes of 88% and 82%, respectively, reflecting increased logistics demand and economic activity. Jeep sales surged by 35%, driven by a growing preference for SUVs and functional pickups. Shaikh further said a steady 31% increase in the two and three wheeler category indicated that the mass market relied heavily on traditional personal mobility. “Whereas farm tractors are the only segment to decline (-13%), primarily due to declining of farm economics and lower crop prices due to current war between three countries, as exports are almost not happening,” he said. Regarding stability and increase in demand, Shaikh was of the view the trends reflects that ICE vehicles remain the preferred choice, as EVs are typically more expensive. “Furthermore, ICE vehicles offer ‘refuel and go’ convenience, whereas Pakistan’s charging network is very less in numbers, remains in its infancy, and is concentrated only in major cities. “Resale value is another critical factor. In Pakistan, a car is considered a liquid financial asset with an established secondary market. In contrast, EV resale values remain uncertain, with early data from 2025–2026 suggesting some models lose 15–25% of their value within 18 months due to buyer skepticism regarding battery degradation and range anxiety.” Moreover, Shaikh continued, serviceability also plays a major role. “While any roadside and local mechanic can fix an ICE engine, EVs require specialised workshops, trained mechanics and imported parts their parts prices are currently scarce and expensive.” [...]

Gulf markets mixed as US-Iran peace talks fail

April 13, 2026 4:26

Stock markets in the Gulf ended mixed on Monday after Washington announced a maritime blockade on traffic to and from Iranian ports, following weekend talks with Tehran to end the war that failed to reach a deal. The U.S. move, aimed at pressuring Iran, leaves a fragile ceasefire hanging in the balance. The U.S. Central Command said its forces would begin blocking all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) on Monday. Dubai’s main share index reversed earlier losses to close 0.8% higher. The index was dragged down by a 2.5% fall in top lender Emirates NBD and a 1.7% decline in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties . Budget carriet Air Arabia also fell 3.5%. In Abu Dhabi, the index closed down 0.5%, with ADNOC Gas falling 1.2%. GCC equities were mixed as renewed geopolitical tensions weighed on sentiment following the breakdown in diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran and Washington’s naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose on supply concerns, said Milad Azar Market analyst at XTB MENA. UAE equities came under modest pressure amid the evolving backdrop. Although geopolitical risks continue to weigh on sentiment, the recent easing in tensions may support near-term consolidation, added Azar. The Qatari index concluded 0.1% lower in choppy trade, hit by a 0.8% fall in Qatar Islamic Bank. Maritime transport company Qatar Gas Transport was down 0.6%. The benchmark index in Saudi Arabia - which has been shielded from much of the regional disruption due to its ability to reroute oil exports - advanced 1%, led by a 2.7% rise in the country’s biggest lender Saudi National Bank. Elsewhere, oil behemoth Saudi Aramco climbed 1.6%. Saudi equities maintained a constructive tone. While geopolitical risks remained in focus, relatively softer tensions supported investor confidence, and higher crude prices continued to underpin the market’s ability to absorb near-term volatility, said Azar. Brent crude futures were up 7.2% at $102 a barrel, having gained more than 40% since the war began, disrupting supplies through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it had restored the East-West pipeline to its full pumping capacity of about 7 million barrels per day, days after assessing damage to energy infrastructure from attacks. A Reuters analysis showed the kingdom also benefited from firmer oil prices, with estimated March oil revenue rising year on year. Egyptian bourse was closed for a public holiday. Saudi Arabia rose 1% to 11,427Abu Dhabi fell 0.5% to 9,786Dubai dropped 0.8% to 5,668Qatar eased 0.1% to 10,625Bahrain gained 1.1% to 1,911Oman rose 0.4% to 8,212Kuwait added 0.9% to 9,299 [...]

Rupee gains ground against US dollar

April 13, 2026 4:12

Rupee's Performance Against US Dollar Since 04 March 2025 const ctx = document.getElementById('closingRatesChart').getContext('2d'); const closingRatesChart = new Chart(ctx, { type: 'line', data: { labels: [ "04-Mar-25", "05-Mar-25", "06-Mar-25", "07-Mar-25", "10-Mar-25", "11-Mar-25", "12-Mar-25", "13-Mar-25", "14-Mar-25", "17-Mar-25", "18-Mar-25", "19-Mar-25", "20-Mar-25", "21-Mar-25", "24-Mar-25", "25-Mar-25", "26-Mar-25", "27-Mar-25", "28-Mar-25", "03-Apr-25", "04-Apr-25", "07-Apr-25", "08-Apr-25", "09-Apr-25", "10-Apr-25", "11-Apr-25", "14-Apr-25", "15-Apr-25", "16-Apr-25", "17-Apr-25", "18-Apr-25", "21-Apr-25", "22-Apr-25", "23-Apr-25", "24-Apr-25", "25-Apr-25", "28-Apr-25", "29-Apr-25", "30-Apr-25", "02-May-25", "05-May-25", "06-May-25", "07-May-25", "08-May-25", "09-May-25", "12-May-25", "13-May-25", "14-May-25", "15-May-25", "16-May-25", "19-May-25", "20-May-25", "21-May-25", "22-May-25", "23-May-25", "26-May-25", "27-May-25", "29-May-25", "30-May-25", "02-Jun-25", "03-Jun-25", 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279.12, 279.11, 279.10, 279.07, 279.06, 279.05, 279.02, 279.01, 279.00 ], borderColor: 'black', borderWidth: 1, fill: false, pointRadius: 3 }] }, options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { display: false } }, scales: { x: { title: { display: true, text: 'Date' } }, y: { title: { display: true, text: 'Closing Rate' } } } } }); The Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Monday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.00 against the greenback. On Friday, the local unit closed at 279.01. Moreover, the safe-haven dollar advanced broadly in early Asian trade on Monday, as peace talks between the US and Iran broke down and the US Navy ‌prepared a blockade of Iranian ports. The euro was down 0.3% at $1.1684, while the British pound fell 0.5% to $1.3398. The risk-sensitive Australian dollar was 0.6% lower at $0.7030, and the New Zealand dollar was off 0.4% at $0.5816. The US dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, held steady at 99.056, near its highest level since April 7. Against the ⁠yen, the US dollar was up 0.4% at 159.83 yen as yields on Japan’s benchmark 10-year government bonds jumped 5.5 basis points to 2.49%, the highest level in almost three decades. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, jumped back above $102 a barrel on Monday as the US Navy prepared to block ships to and from Iran via the Strait of Hormuz in a move that could restrict Iranian oil exports after Washington and Tehran failed to reach a deal to end the war. Brent crude futures gained $7.32, or 7.7%, to $102.52 a barrel by 1215 GMT after settling 0.75% down on Friday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate was up $7.65, or 7.9%, at $104.22 after a 1.33% loss in the previous session. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Monday BID Rs 279.00 OFFER Rs 279.20 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR gained 9 paise for buying and lost 5 paise for selling against USD, closing at 279.48 and 280.30, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR gained 1.13 paise for buying and 1.04 paise for selling, closing at 326.30 and 329.44, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR gained 6 paise for buying and lost 8 paise for selling, closing at 76.19 and 77.03, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR gained 12 paise for buying and lost 2 paise for selling, closing at 74.49 and 75.25, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Monday BID Rs 279.48 OFFER Rs 280.30 [...]

Two Pakistan Customs officials held for swapping silver with lead

April 13, 2026 3:39

Pakistan Customs arrested its two preventive officers namely, Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai on the charges of collusion and suspected swapping of silver bullions with lead, a statement said on Monday. As per the details, a team was deputed to deposit seized 688kgs of silver in Pakistan Mint Lahore April 5, 2026. “Accordingly, the two officials namely Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai, preventive officers were deputed for the safe transportation of silver who took over the possession of silver packed in 36 sealed boxes from the State Warehouse Quetta,” the statement read. Silver and lead are two different metals in terms of properties and uses. Silver is a precious metal known for its bright, shiny appearance and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It is widely used in jewelry, electronics, solar panels, and even coins due to its high value and resistance to corrosion. In contrast, lead is a heavy, soft, and dull gray metal commonly used in lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding, and some industrial applications. The boxes were loaded and reached Quetta International Airport whereby all the boxes were delivered via PIA flight at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, it added. “All the said sealed boxes were moved to Pakistan Mint Lahore, which were unpacked in the presence of both officials and staff of the Mint. After thorough examination it was revealed that 400kgs out of 688kgs silver bullions were reportedly fake (lead instead of silver).” Also read: Record gold and silver prices highlight growing threat to US dollar dominance The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Quetta constituted a team to conduct fact-finding inquiry in the matter. During the inquiry, it was revealed from the CCTV footage of Safe City Quetta that the Preventive Officers Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai, who were responsible for the safe transportation of the silver deliberately swapped the vehicle carrying original silver bullion with some other vehicle carrying fake/lead bricks of the same denomination. “Accordingly, FIR has been lodged and both preventive officers have been arrested. Further legal proceedings and investigations are underway to determine involvement of other persons/officials in the crime,” the statement said. [...]

Electric bikes gain traction in Pakistan amid rising fuel prices

April 13, 2026 3:13

Soaring fuel prices in the wake of the Iran war have triggered a surge in demand for electric scooters and motorbikes, with stocks of popular EV models rapidly depleting at showrooms and manufacturing units across the country. The ongoing Iran war is the result of a sharp escalation in long-standing tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme, regional influence, and military capabilities. The conflict began in February 2026 when US and Israeli forces launched large-scale airstrikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. Also read: Pakistan govt hikes petrol price to Rs458, diesel to Rs520 per litre Auto sector expert Muhammad Sabir Shaikh told Business Recorder all major brands and models of EV bikes in Pakistan had witnessed a spike in demand. “Nowadays, there is an acute shortage of electric bikes and scooters in the local market, following the Iran war and fuel price hike,” Shaikh said. “EV bike assemblers placed orders of completely knocked down (CKD) kits more than 10 times to meet the market demand as if an assembler, who would call 1,000 units, ordered 10,000 units. The expert said the increase in demand also led to a rise in the prices of EV bikes, ranging between Rs3,000 and Rs10,000 per bike. “Even if fuel prices go down, demand for EV bikes will pick up in future and sales of EV scooters will go up.” Evee Director Sales and Marketing Hamza Asad said the EV scooter market had witnessed a sharp shift in consumer behaviour amid soaring fuel prices. He noted that assemblers were previously selling around 15,000 units per month, with 65% of buyers being new customers and 35% switching from petrol-powered bikes. “However, following the recent surge in fuel prices, monthly demand has nearly doubled to about 29,600 units. Evee alone accounted for the largest share, selling 9,680 units last month. The customer mix has also changed significantly, with 87% of buyers now switching from petrol bikes, while only 13% represent new entrants to the EV segment, highlighting a rapid transition toward electric mobility,” Asad said. He said the government was supporting all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). “The government should continue the support for the next five years to promote two-wheeler revolution in the country. He claimed that if this support continues, around 1 million EV scooters will be sold annually after a couple of years.” Commenting on the resale of EV scooters, Asad was of the view that resale of EV scooters would rise gradually. VLEKTRA’s founder and CEO Syed Raza Mohsin said the more people adopt EV bikes, the greater their contribution to reducing the country’s oil import bill. He also urged the governement to promote localisation, which Mohsin said would generate job opportunities and help make Pakistan an export hub of EV bikes. [...]

US stocks retreat as oil prices shoot higher

April 13, 2026 2:47

NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks retreated early Monday after weekend US-Iran talks failed to produce an accord while Washington moved ahead with a naval blockade, sending oil prices higher. US President Donald Trump had announced on social media he would blockade the strategic Strait of Hormuz trade route that he had previously demanded Tehran re-open fully, after Vice President JD Vance left negotiations with an Iranian delegation in Islamabad without a deal. READ MORE: Wall Street Week Ahead: US earnings season set to test war-rattled stocks About 15 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.8 percent at 47,546.19. The broad-based S&P 500 declined 0.3 percent to 6,794.02, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index also shed 0.3 percent to 22,826.38. “Investors look at this and probably hoped for a better outcome, or at least ongoing talks, which seem to have ended abruptly,” said Art Hogan of B. Riley Wealth Management. “Therefore, the markets are going to de-risk and reprice lower.” But Briefing.com analyst Patrick O’Hare noted that Monday’s equity loses were moderate and “not proportional to the seriousness of the news.” That “suggests the market is retaining a sense of hope that a permanent ceasefire will eventually be reached before there is an even more deleterious fallout for the global economy,” O’Hare added in a note. [...]

Gold price per tola drops by Rs1,600 in Pakistan

April 13, 2026 1:31

Gold prices in Pakistan decreased on Monday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs495,362 after a decline of Rs1,600 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs424,693 after it fell by Rs1,371, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Saturday, gold price per tola reached Rs496,962 after a decline of Rs700 during the day. International rate of gold declined by $16 to reach $4,730 per ounce. Meanwhile, the price of silver also decreased by Rs130 to reach Rs7,934 per tola. [...]

ICICI Prudential AMC quarterly profit jumps on strong domestic inflows

April 13, 2026 1:23

India’s ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company reported a 10.4% rise in fourth-quarter profit on Monday, helped by robust domestic inflows as investors used the market correction as an opportunity to increase investments. The country’s most valuable asset manager by market capitalisation posted a profit of 7.63 billion rupees ($81.76 million) for the quarter ended March 31, up from 6.92 billion rupees a year earlier. Revenue from operations grew 19.5% to 15.17 billion rupees. Strong inflows into equity mutual funds during the quarter, driven largely by retail investors, helped cushion the market from persistent foreign outflows and supported the asset management industry. Inflows into Indian equity mutual funds rose 56% to an eight-month high in March, data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India showed, even as foreign portfolio investors sold record amounts of Indian shares driven by elevated crude prices and Iran war concerns. ICICI Prudential AMC’s quarterly average assets under management for mutual funds grew 24.9%, led by contributions from equity funds. ICICI Prudential Asset becomes fourth most subscribed India IPO with $33 billion in bids The firm, a joint venture between India’s second-largest private lender ICICI Bank and British insurer Prudential, is up about 30% since its trading debut on December 19. The AMC also declared a dividend of 12.4 rupees per share. Indian equities fell sharply during the quarter, with the benchmark Nifty 50 declining about 14.5%, weighed down by rising oil prices and concerns over inflation and economic growth as geopolitical tensions intensified. [...]

India bonds trim losses as soft CPI spurs value buying

April 13, 2026 1:17

MUMBAI: Indian government bonds trimmed most of their losses on Monday, as softer-than-expected inflation data drew in late-session buyers, tempering concerns over price pressures following oil’s surge after the collapse of the U.S.-Iran peace talks. Retail inflation quickened to 3.40% in March, but below the central bank’s target of 4% and the 3.48% Reuters poll projection. The yield on the benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond ended the session at 6.9395%, up 2 basis points from 6.9119% on Friday, but down 4 bps from the day’s high. Brent crude futures topped $100 a barrel on Monday, after President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy would start blocking ships to and from Iran via the Strait of Hormuz. Higher oil triggered a risk-off move across assets in India, the world’s third-largest crude importer. The rupee endured its steepest fall in two weeks, down 0.7% at 93.3750 per dollar, and the benchmark Nifty 50 fell 0.86%. “Inflation was softer-than-expected, which prompted some value buying,” said Debendra Kumar Dash, senior vice president of treasury at AU Small Finance Bank. Traders said mutual funds and foreign lenders likely stepped in to buy debt near 6.97%, a level viewed as attractive for demand. These investors were also net buyers on Friday, purchasing a combined 62.26 billion rupees ($667 million) worth of government bonds. India’s debt markets will be closed on Tuesday, April 14, for a local holiday. Rates Overnight index swap rates surged as traders ramped up paying on oil jitters, even as bonds came off highs on value buying. The one-year OIS rate added 2 bps to end at 5.84%, while the two-year rate advanced 3 bps to 6.02%. The five-year climbed 5.25 bps to 6.3575%. [...]

SECP registers 2,993 new companies in March 2026

April 13, 2026 12:52

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan registered 2,993 new companies in March 2026, marking an 11% increase compared to the same month last year. The rise reflects growing investor confidence in Pakistan’s corporate sector and continued reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business. The SECP said around 99.9% of registrations were completed online through its eZfile system, highlighting ongoing digital transformation efforts. The total number of registered companies has now reached 290,041. The combined paid-up capital of newly registered firms stood at Rs. 2.80 billion, showing continued investment activity across multiple sectors. READ MORE: SECP registers 3,444 new firms in February, total tally hits 287,049 Private limited companies made up 57% of new registrations, followed by single-member companies at 39%, while the rest included public unlisted firms, non-profit organisations and limited liability partnerships. Among regions, Punjab led with 1,488 new companies, followed by Islamabad Capital Territory (552), Sindh (447), Gilgit-Baltistan (233), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (224), and Balochistan (49). Sector-wise, information technology and e-commerce remained dominant with 606 new firms, followed by trading, services, and construction and real estate. Other active areas included tourism and transport, food and beverages, education, textiles, mining, agriculture, marketing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and energy. Foreign investment also remained steady, with 58 new companies reporting overseas participation. Major contributions came from China, Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, and several other countries across Asia, Europe and North America. [...]

Aluminium lurches to four-year high on renewed supply fears from Iran war

April 13, 2026 11:31

LONDON: Aluminium prices jumped to their strongest in four years on Monday after Washington said it would impose a maritime blockade of Iran, reviving fears about weaker supply from top producers in the Gulf. Benchmark three-month aluminium on the London Metal Exchange gained 1.7% to $3,558 a metric ton by 0930 GMT after touching $3,578, its highest since March 31, 2022. The U.S. military said it will begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday at 1000 ET (1400 GMT) after weekend peace talks failed. “Aluminium begins the week at the centre of market attention after another sharp move higher… as traders absorb the implications of a full naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz,” Neil Welsh, head of metals at broker Britannia Global Markets, said in a note. The Gulf region accounted for roughly 9% of global aluminium supply before U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, and several smelters have been disrupted, including operations at Emirates Global Aluminium. EGA said earlier this month that fully restoring production at its Al Taweelah smelter, which produced 1.6 million tons of cast metal in 2025, could take up to a year. Supply worries were reflected in the premium of the LME cash contract over the three-month future, which surged 32% to $88 a ton, the highest since February 2007. LME copper was lacklustre, adding 0.3% to $12,885 a ton as investors weighed the potential negative impact on economic growth and metals demand from higher oil prices. “Copper is struggling to make ground as the market weighs the drag on demand from elevated energy prices and a deteriorating macro backdrop,” Welsh said. The red metal was supported by firmer demand in top consumer China. Yangshan copper premium, a gauge of China’s appetite for importing the metal, jumped to $74 a ton, the highest since June 2025 and up 76% in one week. Among other metals, LME zinc dipped 0.3% to $3,323 a ton while nickel advanced 2.2% to $17,615, lead added 0.1% to $1,923 and tin was little changed at $48,000. [...]

Palm rises as Middle East tensions spark buying interest

April 13, 2026 11:14

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures rose on Monday, recovering slightly from the previous session’s loss, as geopolitical jitters in the Middle East lifted crude oil prices and spurred buying interest in the oilseed. Stronger crude oil futures make palm a more attractive option for biodiesel feedstock. The benchmark palm oil contract for June delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange was up 19 ringgit, or 0.42%, at 4,557 ringgit ($1,146.99) a metric ton at the close. The contract declined 2.26% on Friday. Renewed Middle East tensions reignited buying interest in the market, as traders added a risk premium back into prices following Friday’s sharp selloff, said Paramalingam Supramaniam, director at brokerage Pelindung Bestari. However, demand constraints and better-than-expected supply will cap gains in the coming days, Supramaniam said. Cargo surveyors estimated that exports of Malaysian palm oil products for April 1-10 likely fell between 30.7% and 38.9% month-on-month. Oil prices jumped back above $100 a barrel as the U.S. Navy prepared to block ships to and from Iran via the Strait of Hormuz, after Washington and Tehran failed to reach a deal to end the war. Malaysia’s palm oil inventories slid in March, down for a third consecutive month and hitting a seven-month low, as a surge in exports more than offset a modest increase in output. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract nudged 0.39% lower, while its palm oil contract shed 1.47%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were up 1.33%. Palm oil tracks the price movements of rival edible oils, as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. India’s palm oil imports in March dropped nearly 19% on-month and hit a three-month low after a rally in tropical oil prices, in line with energy markets, prompted refiners to hold back purchases, a trade body said. [...]

Indian shares slide as US to blockade Iran ports after failed peace talks

April 13, 2026 11:11

Indian shares fell on Monday, tracking losses across Asia as oil surged above $100 a barrel ahead of a U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports after weekend talks between the two countries failed to yield a deal to end the war. The Nifty 50 fell 0.86% to 23,842.65 and the Sensex slid 0.91% to 76,847.57. Both indexes regained some ground after dropping about 2.1% earlier in the session. Other Asian markets fell 0.9%. “We don’t think it is fair to expect a deal (between Iran and U.S.) in one sitting. From markets’ perspective, the recovery last week indicated that worst is over for Indian equities unless there is a significant escalation,” said Arun Malhotra, fund manager at CapGrow Capital. The benchmarks had risen about 6% last week, marking their strongest weekly performance in more than five years as investors took comfort from a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Malhotra expects volatility to remain elevated, with markets driven by headline risks. The Nifty volatility index jumped to 20.5 from 18.8 on Friday. Fifteen of the 16 major sectors fell. The broader small-caps and mid-caps shed 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively. Oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries dropped 2.6% after the government raised export duty on diesel and aviation turbine fuel. Tourism, paint and oil marketing companies fell as investors gauged the impact of higher crude oil prices on margins. Auto stocks slid 2.1% after media reports said Delhi’s draft electric vehicle policy proposed large exemptions for EVs to curb air pollution, compounding concerns over potential supply disruption from the Middle East war. EV-linked stocks gained, with Ather Energy, JBM Auto and Olectra Greentech rising 5.2%, 1.9% and 2.5%, respectively. Heavyweight financials dropped 0.6%. Domestic markets will be closed on Tuesday for a local holiday. Trading will resume on Wednesday. [...]

Indian rupee falls most in two weeks as oil spikes on US move to blockade Iran ports

April 13, 2026 11:09

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee endured its steepest fall in two weeks on Monday, as oil prices climbed past $100 per barrel, while supportive dollar flows for the currency, spurred by banks’ unwinding of arbitrage positions, dissipated. The Indian rupee closed at 93.3750 per U.S. dollar, down 0.7% on the day, its sharpest decline since March 27, the day on which the central bank rolled out measures to curb excessive Indian rupee volatility. An unwinding of positions following the measures gave the Indian Indian rupee some breathing room heading into the April 10 deadline for banks to lower their net open Indian rupee positions. With that out of the way, traders reckon that the local currency will be driven by how oil prices move and how foreign portfolio flows into Indian assets shape up. On Monday, Brent crude futures rose nearly 8% to $102.8 per barrel as the U.S. moved to impose a blockade on Iranian shipping after the collapse of weekend peace talks. Regional stocks took a leg lower while bond yields rose as investors’ relief over a ceasefire proved fleeting as they returned to fretting over the risks of a protracted conflict. Over the month so far, overseas investors have net sold more than $6.5 billion worth of local stock and bonds, adding to March’s $13.6 billion outflow. Oil prices have climbed over 40% since the war began, pushing India’s Nifty 50 down by 5% and lifting the 10-year bond yield by about 30 bps. “The focus now shifts to whether the naval blockade encourages another round of negotiations, whether the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen try to block the southern end of the Red Sea and what the likes of China make of interference in their oil imports,” ING said in a note. India’s financial markets will be shut on Tuesday for a local holiday. [...]

India’s inflation quickens to 3.4% in March; Mideast war risks loom

April 13, 2026 11:05

NEW DELHI: India’s retail inflation quickened to 3.40% in March from 3.21% in February on higher food prices, government data showed on Monday, with energy disruptions due to the Middle East conflict posing risks to the key price gauge. Annual inflation stayed below the central bank’s target of 4% and within its tolerance band of 2%-6%. The print was below the 3.48% projection by a Reuters poll. Food inflation was at 3.87%, compared with 3.47% a month ago. Doubts over a fragile two-week Middle East ceasefire lingered after President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy would start blocking ships to and from Iran via the Strait of Hormuz, raising the stakes after failing to reach a deal to end the war. Oil prices rose by more than 7% to $100 a barrel as the blockade could further restrict Iranian oil exports. India’s February retail inflation accelerates to 3.21% y/y India, which imports about 90% of its oil, is among economies most exposed to prolonged global energy supply disruptions and higher prices. Last week, the Reserve Bank of India kept its key policy rate unchanged while warning of lower growth and higher inflation as the Middle East crisis reverses a “Goldilocks” phase for the South Asian economy. The central bank released its first economic forecasts for the current financial year, with GDP growth expected to fall to 6.9% in 2026-27 from an expected 7.6% in the year ended March 31. Average inflation is seen at 4.6% in the ongoing fiscal year. [...]

President Zardari briefed on progress of Pakistan-China MoUs, emphasizes timely implementation

April 13, 2026 6:51

President Asif Ali Zardari was briefed today at the Chief Minister House in Karachi on the progress of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during his recent visits to China. The briefing provided detailed updates on ongoing initiatives between Sindh and Chinese partners, focusing on key sectors including infrastructure development, energy, and agriculture. The President stressed that these agreements must lead to tangible outcomes, underscoring the importance of clear timelines, institutional coordination, and sustained follow-up. He highlighted that Pakistan’s collaboration with China presents a crucial opportunity to modernize infrastructure, enhance industrial capacity, and drive socio-economic growth. Read More: Pakistan, China reaffirm commitment to peaceful diplomacy in recent telephone conversation In his remarks, President Zardari called for the removal of administrative bottlenecks, the promotion of transparency, and the facilitation of investors to accelerate the execution of these projects. He noted that timely implementation of the MoUs is essential for the success of various joint ventures. The briefing covered several areas of collaboration, including fire safety and emergency response systems, energy and fertilizer production, livestock development, agriculture, environmental management, and recycling technologies. Updates were also shared on efforts to improve food security, strengthen disease control in livestock, and promote sustainable industrial practices. The president directed all relevant departments to maintain close coordination with their Chinese counterparts, ensuring regular monitoring through dedicated mechanisms. He emphasized that the success of these initiatives would depend on the consistent and effective collaboration between the federal, provincial, and Chinese authorities. The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh; Faryal Talpur, MPA and President of Women Wing PPP; Dr Asim Hussain, Chancellor of Ziauddin University; and other provincial ministers, secretaries, and officials. [...]

Pakistan car sales jump 45% in July-March FY26

April 13, 2026 5:52

FM Aurangzeb discusses reform agenda, social protection with World Bank’s director

April 13, 2026 5:31

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, kicked off his engagements at the 2026 World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings on Monday with a constructive discussion with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank Group. According to a Finance Division statement, Aurangzeb expressed his appreciation for the World Bank Group’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s reform and development agenda. During the meeting, both parties reviewed the current economic situation of Pakistan, particularly focusing on the first and second-order effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Both sides agreed on the critical importance of strengthening social protection measures to mitigate the impact of external shocks on Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations. READ MORE: Aurangzeb arrives in Washington for World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 The meeting also touched upon progress made under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). While both parties acknowledged progress in key areas, they emphasized the necessity of continued efforts to fully realize the objectives outlined in the framework. The finance minister also underscored the need for a coordinated approach between federal and provincial governments to effectively tackle Pakistan’s demographic challenges. To this end, he requested the World Bank Group’s assistance in developing a comprehensive Master Plan to address these pressing issues. This collaborative effort is expected to further deepen Pakistan’s partnership with the World Bank, driving progress in critical sectors like social protection and economic development. [...]

Aurangzeb discusses private sector investment, capital market development with IFC

April 13, 2026 4:59

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), during the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 to discuss strategies for fostering private sector investment and capital market development in Pakistan. The Finance Minister addressed the economic challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the government’s ongoing monitoring and response efforts. He acknowledged the IFC’s crucial role in Pakistan’s development, particularly in mobilizing local currency financing. READ MORE: Aurangzeb arrives in Washington for World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 Senator Aurangzeb stressed the importance of further strengthening the IFC’s engagement to stimulate private sector investment, enhance productivity, and create job opportunities across the country. He called for increased support in developing Pakistan’s capital markets, drawing inspiration from successful models in other economies. The Finance Minister also expressed appreciation for IFC’s work in trade finance and its evolving capital mobilization strategy. This includes transitioning from traditional balance sheet models to an originate-and-distribute model, allowing for greater private capital involvement. Furthermore, Aurangzeb sought the IFC’s collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Agriculture to drive growth and innovation in the sector. Both parties reaffirmed the robust partnership between Pakistan and the IFC, highlighting their shared commitment to sustainable economic growth through private sector development. [...]

Oil prices jump 6% to above $100 a barrel on US blockade of Iran

April 13, 2026 4:33

NEW YORK: Oil prices jumped about 6% to more than $100 a barrel on Monday after the U.S. military said it will blockade ships leaving Iran’s ports, while Tehran threatened to retaliate against its Gulf neighbours’ ports, raising fears of more energy supply disruptions after weekend peace talks broke down. Brent futures were up $5.76, or 6.1%, to $100.96 a barrel at 11:15 a.m. EDT (1515 GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $5.69, or 5.9%, to $102.26. Prices for physical crude barrels for immediate delivery to Europe were trading even higher, with some grades already at record highs of about $150 a barrel. If U.S. President Donald Trump “does indeed back his blockade threat with actual boats, a convergence between the paper and physical markets may soon come,” said Helima Croft, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets. Two Iranian-linked tankers exited the Gulf on Monday as other vessels began avoiding the Strait of Hormuz. The strait handles about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Saudi Arabia said it restored full oil pumping capacity through the East-West pipeline to about 7 million barrels per day (bpd) after damage from Iranian attacks. The kingdom, however, said crude oil sales to China are set to fall in May as the war drives up prices and disrupts shipping. Tankers exit Gulf via Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran talks begin High prices hurt energy demand The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) lowered its forecast for world oil demand in the second quarter by 500,000 barrels per day, helping to pare earlier crude futures price gains. Earlier in the trading session, Brent futures were up more than $8 a barrel and WTI was up more than $9. India said it was likely to see below-average monsoon rains for the first time in three years in 2026, stoking concerns about farm output and growth in Asia’s third-largest economy as it battles inflation driven by the war. Tehran says no one had expectation of reaching agreement with US in one session: state TV Inflation is also a concern in Europe where European Central Bank Vice President Luis de Guindos said any ECB interest rate rise will depend on how a war-fuelled surge in the cost of crude oil and some chemicals impacts other prices. Central banks like the ECB use interest rates to control inflation. Higher rates boost consumer costs and can slow economic growth and demand for oil. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said member states must coordinate on energy prices amid a 22 billion euro ($25.70 billion) increase in fossil fuel bills since the start of the war. The head of Italian energy group Eni suggested the EU reconsider its plans to progressively ban imports of Russian gas from the start of next year. US negotiators leaving without a peace deal with Iran In Germany, the coalition government agreed to give consumers and businesses about 1.6 billion euros ($1.9 billion) of fuel price relief, ending a dispute over how to respond to the recent oil price surge. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said uncertainty over the Middle East conflict was keeping markets unstable and could hurt factory output, signalling the central bank’s escalating alarm over the economic hit from the war. [...]

Gulf markets mixed as US-Iran peace talks fail

April 13, 2026 4:26

Rupee gains ground against US dollar

April 13, 2026 4:12

Two Pakistan Customs officials held for swapping silver with lead

April 13, 2026 3:39

Electric bikes gain traction in Pakistan amid rising fuel prices

April 13, 2026 3:13

Gold price per tola drops by Rs1,600 in Pakistan

April 13, 2026 1:31

ICICI Prudential AMC quarterly profit jumps on strong domestic inflows

April 13, 2026 1:23

India bonds trim losses as soft CPI spurs value buying

April 13, 2026 1:17

SECP registers 2,993 new companies in March 2026

April 13, 2026 12:52

KSE-100 sheds nearly 4% as US-Iran peace talks collapse

April 13, 2026 12:51

Massive selling pressure was observed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday after the US and Iran failed to reach an agreement during their crucial talks in Islamabad, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index closing down 6,600 points or 3.95%. The bears maintained their grip for most part of the day, taking the index to an intra-day low of 160,158.92. At close, the benchmark index settled at 160,591.33, down by 6,600.04 points or 3.95%. “The market landscape has shifted drastically this morning,” said Behtari Capital on Monday. “We are currently witnessing a flight to safety. In this high-volatility environment, cash is king. Until there is more clarity on the actual impact of the US blockade tonight, avoid catching a falling knife.” Topline Securities said the downturn was primarily driven by uncertainty surrounding the lack of progress in the US–Iran talks held in Islamabad, coupled with growing concerns over a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. “These developments pushed global oil prices higher, triggering broad-based panic selling across the market.” Selling pressure was particularly concentrated in index-heavy stocks, with FFC, UBL, ENGROH, LUCK, and MEBL emerging as major laggards, collectively pulling the benchmark down by 2,414 points, Topline said. US Vice President JD Vance said on Sunday that his negotiating team was leaving Pakistan after not reaching a deal with Iran after 21 hours of negotiations. Vance cited shortcomings in the talks and said Iran had chosen not to accept American terms, including not to build nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said that no agreement was expected in a single round of negotiations with the United States, as he underscored a persistent trust deficit following the latest indirect talks facilitated by Pakistan. During the previous week, the PS closed higher as improving investor sentiment, driven by optimism surrounding ongoing US–Iran talks, supported broad-based buying across key sectors. The benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 1,673.87 points or 1.01% to close at 167,191.38 points. Globally, oil and the dollar jumped on Monday as the failure ‌of US-Iran talks to yield an agreement left a fragile ceasefire hanging in the balance and no end to a choke on Middle East energy exports. S&P 500 futures dropped 1% in early trade. Benchmark Brent crude futures surged 8% to $103 a barrel. The euro fell about 0.5% to $1.1672. Moves in Asian stock markets were broadly lower but relatively modest, with investors reluctant to make big bets as they waited for signs of some form of a negotiated end ⁠to a six-week conflict that has already pushed oil prices more than 30% higher. Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.4%, South Korea’s KOSPI slumped 1.4% and the S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.6%. Marathon talks in Islamabad ended in stalemate and with the U.S. announcing a blockade of Iranian ports, seemingly aimed at stopping Iran exporting oil or levying tolls to transit the narrow Strait of Hormuz, the choke point of the Persian Gulf. The Wall Street Journal reported Trump and his advisers were weighing limited strikes on Iran, though there were no immediate reports of attacks in early Asian trading to shatter a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire that has largely held since last week. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Monday. At close, the local currency settled at 279 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index decreased to 743.23 million from 875.54 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares dropped to Rs34.28 billion from Rs46.65 billion in the previous session. WorldCall Telecom was the volume leader with 176.63 million shares, followed by Sui South Gas with 60.24 million shares, and B.O.Punjab with 50.05 million shares. Shares of 483 companies were traded on Monday, of which 66 registered an increase, 377 recorded a fall, and 40 remained unchanged. [...]

Fitch Ratings affirms Pakistan’s long-term debt ratings at B-, outlook stable

April 13, 2026 11:44

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Pakistan’s long-term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B-’ with a stable outlook, saying Pakistan’s role as a ceasefire broker may provide tangible benefits and partly offset external pressures. Pakistan’s rating affirmation reflects progress on fiscal consolidation and macro stability measures, broadly in line with its IMF programme and supporting its funding capacity, the credit rating agency said in a statement on Monday. “Foreign exchange (FX) buffers rebuilt over the past year provide a cushion against the economic impact of the war in the Middle East, while Pakistan’s role as a ceasefire broker may provide tangible benefits and partly offset external pressures.” The country’s high exposure to the global energy price shock nonetheless remains a key risk, particularly if it leads to a sharp drop in FX reserves, said the release. Fitch Ratings noted that Pakistan’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) remains key. The authorities reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the third review of Pakistan’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility in March 2026, unlocking a combined $1.2 billion if the agreement is approved by the IMF board. “The programme will continue to provide a key policy anchor, particularly for the fiscal framework, and will help mobilise additional multilateral and bilateral support,” Fitch Ratings said. It noted that the South Asian nation remains vulnerable to energy shocks. “Pakistan sources up to 90% of its oil from the Gulf and has limited storage capacity, creating high exposure to the Middle East conflict and constricted energy supply via the Strait of Hormuz,” said Fitch Ratings. It said that the government fuel subsidies since early March have been funded by reallocating expenditure from other areas of the budget, while costs have been reduced by large pump-price hikes and the switch to a more targeted support scheme from April. “We expect the overall impact on the fiscal deficit to be contained, as the government is likely to cut other spending,” said Fitch Ratings. The rating agency said that higher world energy prices will raise inflation in Pakistan in the coming months, especially with the switch to more targeted subsidy support and base effects. “We expect inflation to average 7.9% in FY26 (ending 30 June 2026), above the FY25 level but well below the 23.4% in FY24,” it said. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) cut the policy rate to 10.5% by the end of 2025, from 22.0% at the end of May 2024, and market interest rates fell in tandem. However, the term interbank rate had risen to about 100bp above the policy rate by early April, on inflation concerns tied to the tight energy supply. “The shock will detract from GDP growth, but we still expect growth of 3.1% in FY26, up slightly from 3.0% in FY25, due to improved confidence from lower borrowing costs,” said Fitch. READ MORE: Fitch Ratings affirms Pakistan’s long-term debt ratings at B- The rating agency assumed that Pakistan’s external debt amortisations will rise to $12.8 billion (2.9% of GDP) in FY26, from almost $8 billion in FY25. A $3.5 billion deposit was repaid to the UAE in April. “Our amortisation projections exclude another $9.2 billion in bilateral deposits and loans we expect to be rolled over. “We expect debt to be financed mainly by IMF and other multilateral and bilateral inflows, followed by commercial financing. Pakistan plans to issue a panda bond this fiscal year.” “We expect the primary surplus to narrow to 2.1% of GDP in FY26, 0.3pp below the official target,” it added. This will follow a rise in non-interest current expenditures and limits to sustained gains in tax revenue/GDP, due to capacity constraints and difficulties executing federal tax reforms at the provincial level. “We expect the primary surplus to shrink further in FY27 as extraordinarily high SBP dividends are unlikely to continue in our view, while lower interest payments as a share of GDP will help keep fiscal deficits stable at about 5.3% of GDP.” Fitch Ratings expects the current account to return to a small deficit of 1.1% in FY26 from a rare surplus of 0.5% in FY25. Moreover, FX reserves are expected to decline, albeit modestly. “We expect the current account deficit, and repayment of a $1.3 billion Eurobond and the UAE deposits in April to bring FX reserves down to $21.3 billion by the end of FY26. “This will cover 2.9 months of current external payments, from $22.6 billion at the end of FY25. Net FX reserves remain negative, reflecting FX reserve deposits of domestic commercial banks, a Chinese central bank swap line and bilateral deposits at the SBP.” Fitch Ratings noted that tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated since February 2026. Nevertheless, the potential impact on trade and the wider economy is likely to be limited. “Our baseline does not include further escalation, given Pakistan’s financing constraints, but the conflict presents a considerable risk to its commitment to fiscal consolidation.” [...]

IEA chief warns of tougher month for energy markets due to Iran war

April 13, 2026 10:31

WASHINGTON: April could shape up to be a tougher month than March for energy markets and the economy due to the Middle East war, the head of the International Energy Agency said Monday. While the month of March saw the delivery of cargo from the region “loaded well before the crisis started,” IEA executive director Fatih Birol said, “during the month of April, nothing has been loaded.” “The longer the disruption is, the more severe the problem becomes,” he told reporters after a meeting at the International Monetary Fund. His comments came as he met leaders of the IMF and World Bank on Monday as part of a group recently established to coordinate responses on the economic fallout from the war. Birol said the agency was monitoring energy facilities in the region, noting that among over 80 impacted facilities, more than a third have been severely damaged. Also read: Oil prices jump 6% to above $100 a barrel on US blockade of Iran He reiterated that the world is facing a major energy security challenge, adding that “no country is immune to this problem.” IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva added Monday that there is a need to understand the scope of impact from infrastructure damage in the war. World Bank President Ajay Banga said the institutions are making preparations for different scenarios involving the war, depending on how long and severe the conflict is. The IMF is making up to $50 billion in financing available, while the World Bank is ready to put forward up to $25 billion, both institutions previously said. Banga added Monday that if hostilities linger, the bank could make available as much as $60 billion in total in the coming six months. US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran beginning on February 28 triggered Tehran to retaliate by virtually blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for energy and other shipments. Last Wednesday, the United States and Iran agreed a two-week truce to allow negotiations to go ahead, but weekend talks in Islamabad failed, leading Trump to impose a US naval blockade of the Strait. Mediator Pakistan and Gulf state Qatar on Monday called for the ceasefire to be respected as UN chief Antonio Guterres urged freedom of navigation to be restored in the region. [...]

Russia’s Lavrov to Iranian counterpart: Fighting must not resume, Moscow ready to help

April 13, 2026 10:23

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi on Monday that it was important to guard against any resumption of hostilities in the Middle East and said Russia stood ready to help with a settlement. “S. Lavrov emphasised the importance of preventing a recurrence of armed confrontation and once again confirmed Russia’s unwavering readiness to assist in resolving the crisis, which has no military solution,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in an account of the telephone conversation. Also read: Russia offers to take in Iran’s enriched uranium The Ministry said Araqchi related to Lavrov details of US-Iranian talks in Pakistan at the weekend, which failed to achieve a solution. [...]

Hi-Tech Lubricants Limited

April 13, 2026 9:42

Hi-Tech Lubricants Limited (PSX: HTL) is incorporated in Pakistan as a public limited company. The company is engaged in the procurement and distribution of lubricants and petroleum products. In 2017, the company was granted a license by OGRA to establish an OMC and in 2019, the company received permission to operate new storage facility at Sahiwal and to distribute petroleum products in the province of Punjab under the brand name of HTL fuel stations. HTL products are largely sold under the brand name “ZIC” which are available at over 20,000 retail outlets and wash stations across the country. In 2017, the company stepped into retail industry and established HTL Express Centers which provide one-stop vehicle maintenance solution. Later, HTL adopted franchise model for its Express Centers. Pattern of Shareholding As of June 30, 2025, HTL has a total of 139.205 million shares outstanding which are held by 4867 shareholders. Directors, their spouse and minor children have the majority stake of 53.77 percent in the company followed by associated companies, undertakings and related parties holding 22.64 percent shares. Local general public accounts for 16.80 percent of the outstanding shares of HTL. Around 2.26 percent of the company’s shares are held by Modarabas & Mutual Funds and 1.37 percent by insurance companies. The remaining shares are held by other categories of shareholders. Historical Performance (2019-25) Except for a drop in 2020 and 2023, the net sales of HTL posted year-on-year growth over the period under consideration. The company posted net profit only in 2021, 2022 and 2024. The gross margin of the company after experiencing a dip in 2019, recovered in 2020 however started tapering off in the subsequent years to clock in at its lowest level in 2024. It then ticked up in 2025. Conversely, operating margin and net profit margin of HTL posted a plunge in 2019 then took a flight until 2022 followed by a drastic fall in 2023. In 2024, operating and net margins ticked up followed by a decline in 2025. The detailed performance review of each of the period consideration is given below. In 2019, HTL’s topline posted a marginal year-on-year growth of 1.92 percent to clock in at Rs.9431.16 million. This was on the back of price increase while sales volume was down by 4 percent year-on-year. Low demand in 2019 was on account of high inflation and discount rate which not only pushed up the cost of doing business for the companies but also restricted the consumers from spending on vehicle related products and services. This halted the sales of lubricants as well as HTL Express Centers in 2019. Cost of sales grew by 11 percent year-on-year in 2019 on account of Pak Rupee depreciation as well as import overhead cost. This translated into 32.88 percent year-on-year decline in gross profit with GP margin radically plunging to 13.72 percent in 2019 from GP margin of 20.84 percent recorded in 2018. Distribution expense grew by 31.21 percent year-on-year in 2019 mainly on account of increase in advertisement and sales promotion in 2019 coupled with higher salaries of sales force. Administrative expense also inched up by 14.22 percent year-on-year in 2019, reflecting high inflation. Higher exchange loss on account of Pak Rupee depreciation, massive jump in allowance booked for expected credit losses, slow moving and damaged inventory items as well as doubtful advances to suppliers translated into 64.21 percent year-on-year spike in other expense in 2019. Other income posted a meager 5 percent year-on-year growth primarily on the back of higher profit on bank deposits, credit balances written back as well as scrap sales. Operating profit shrank by 96 percent year-on-year in 2019 with OP margin sliding down to 0.4 percent in 2019 from OP margin of 10.36 percent recorded in 2018. Finance cost magnified by 184.79 percent year-on-year in 2019 due to high discount rate and also because of a substantial rise in borrowings in 2019. HTL’s debt-to-equity ratio rose from 18.14 percent in 2018 to 39.13 percent in 2019. High finance cost resulted in a negative bottomline of Rs.434.81 million in 2019 with loss per share of Rs.3.75 as against net profit of Rs.554.43 million and EPS of Rs.4.78 posted in 2018. In 2020, HTL’s topline slumped by 40.32 percent year-on-year to clock in at Rs.5628.66 million. The year began with low GDP growth and ended with COVID-19 pandemic bringing the economic activities at a standstill. While sales revenue from lubricants dropped in 2020, sales revenue from spare parts sales, services at HTL Express Centers, dispensing pumps and petroleum products performed well in 2020. Lower sales volume pushed cost of sales down by 44.65 percent year-on-year in 2020. GP margin improved to 20 percent due to better prices and sales mix. Lower freight charges as well as curtailment in advertising and promotion expense trimmed the distribution cost down by 14.47 percent year-on-year in 2020. Administrative expense also inched down by 11.88 percent year-on-year mainly on account of low payroll expense as the company reduced its permanent employees from 366 in 2019 to 335 in 2020. Other expense posted a nosedive of 76.36 percent year-on-year in 2020 particularly as the company didn’t book any allowance for expected credit losses in 2020 and also because the company didn’t incur any exchange loss unlike the previous year. Other income grew by 13.85 percent year-on-year in 2020 due to reversals booked against expected credit losses, higher dividend income and profit on bank deposits as well as exchange gain earned in 2020. All these factors resulted in 258.31 percent year-on-year rise in operating profit while OP margin jumped up to 2.40 percent in 2020. Although finance cost dwindled by 20.74 percent year-on-year in 2020 due to significant reduction in HTL’s short-term loans, yet finance cost of Rs.186.33 million was huge enough to produce net loss of Rs. 40.12 million and loss per share of Rs.0.35 in 2020. HTL’s net loss shrank by 90.77 percent year-on-year in 2020. After two successive years of lackluster sales and net losses, HTL’s topline grew by a massive 88.29 percent year-on-year in 2021to clock in at Rs.10,598.21 million. This came on account of resurfacing of the demand that was restricted during the COVID period. The sale revenue from petroleum products posted an impressive growth of 6.5 times in 2021. The revenue from lubricants almost doubled during 2021. Conversely, services at HTL Express Centers and sale of dispensing pumps weren’t encouraging in 2021. Cost of sales grew by 95.45 percent year-on-year. While gross profit surged by 59.63 percent in 2021, GP margin climbed down to 16.94 percent. Distribution and administrative cost grew by 13.86 percent and 23.15 percent year-on-year respectively in 2021 mainly on account of rise in revenue lines and higher payroll expense as number of employees grew to 383 in 2021 from 335 in 2020. Other expense grew by 68.56 percent year-on-year in 2021 on account of higher charities and donations, receivables written off during the year as well as allowance booked for expected credit losses. Other income slid by 13.21 percent year-on-year as lower discount rate trimmed down HTL’s profit on bank deposits. Operating profit grew by 332.60 percent in 2021 with OP margin climbing up to 5.52 percent. Significantly lower short-term borrowings during the year coupled with monetary easing resulted in 56.45 percent year-on-year drop in finance cost in 2021. HTL was able to post net profit of Rs.361.32 million in 2021 with NP margin of 3.41 percent. EPS clocked in at Rs.2.60 in 2021. In 2022, HTL mustered 67.38 percent year-on-year growth in its net sales which clocked in at Rs. 17,739.04 million. This was because the company expanded its distribution channels and invested in its brands. Sales revenue from lubricants, petroleum products, dispensing pumps as well as franchise and joining fee increased during the year. Cost of sales grew by 70.62 percent year-on-year on the back of inflation and Pak Rupee depreciation. This drove GP margin down to 15.33 percent in 2022 despite 51.47 percent year-on-year growth in gross profit in 2022. Higher salaries, freight expense, advertising expense as well as utilities expense pushed up the distribution and administrative expense by 34.41 percent and 20 percent respectively in 2022. Other expense grew by an exorbitant 471.92 percent in 2022 due to massive exchange loss borne by the company during the year coupled with higher provisioning done for WWF and WPPF. However, other expense was offset by 240.15 percent year-on-year rise in other income due to handsome dividend income from the subsidiary company, Hi-Tech Blending (Private) Limited. This resulted in 106.96 percent year-on-year rise in operating profit with OP margin climbing up to 6.83 percent in 2022. Finance cost mounted by 140.94 percent year-on-year in 2022 due to higher discount rate coupled with high short-term loans obtained during the year. This coupled with the imposition of super tax and recognition of deferred tax liabilities diluted the growth of bottomline. Yet, net profit rose by 104.23 percent year-on-year in 2022 to clock in at Rs.737.92 million with NP margin of 4.16 percent. EPS grew to Rs. 5.3 in 2022. During 2023, HTL’s topline went down by 12.44 percent to clock in at Rs.15,531.69 million. This was on account of decline in sales revenue from lubricants and petroleum products. Lackluster sales performance of the key products of HTL counterbalanced higher sales revenue from dispensing pumps, high franchising and joining fee earned during the year and the sale of packing materials, spare parts and base oil to Hi-Tech Blending (Private) Limited, a subsidiary company of HTL. Pak Rupee depreciation as well as rise in the commodity prices due to Russia-Ukraine crisis didn’t allow the cost to drop by the same proportion, resulting in 41.66 percent lower gross profit recorded in 2023. GP margin also fell down to 10.22 percent in 2023. Distribution expense inched down by 4.48 percent year-on-year in 2023 due to considerably lower freight, sales promotion and advertising expense incurred during the year. Administrative expense expanded by 27.55 percent during 2023 due to higher payroll expense despite the fact that the company streamlined its workforce to 478 employees, down from 530 employees in 2022. Other expense shrank by 84.69 percent in 2023 due to considerably lower exchange loss incurred during the year coupled with no provisioning made for WWF, WPPF and doubtful advances to suppliers. Other income strengthened by 31.95 percent in 2023 due to higher dividend income which primarily includes dividend received from Hi-Tech Blending (Private) Limited. Interest on short-term loans to subsidiary, credit balances written back and income from storage & handling services also buttressed other income in 2023. Operating profit slid by 75.76 percent in 2023, translating into OP margin of 1.89 percent. Finance cost mounted by 142.75 percent in 2023 due to high discount rate and increased borrowings which culminated into gearing ratio of 34.43 percent in 2023 versus gearing ratio of 28.71 percent posted in 2022. HTL ended up posting net loss of Rs.93.41 million in 2023 with loss per share of Rs.0.67. HTL’s net sales grew by 54.63 percent in 2024 to clock in at Rs.24,016.48 million. The growth was backed by favorable sales mix as well as price management initiatives which buttressed the demand of company’s products. However, high cost of sales due to Pak Rupee depreciation and fluctuations in the prices of international commodities pushed gross profit down by 8.95 percent in 2024 with GP margin falling down to 6 percent. Distribution expense ticked down by 2.38 percent in 2024 due to lower salaries of sales force. Administrative expense largely remained intact at the last year’s level. Other expense mounted by 50.95 percent in 2024 due to fixed assets written off, advances to suppliers written off and higher allowance for ECL booked during the year. Other income posted a tremendous 109.56 percent improvement in 2024 due to robust dividend income received from Hi-Tech Blending (Private) Limited and promotional incentive recognized from SK Enmove Co. Limited, a principal supplier and long-term partner of HTL. The company recorded 140.75 percent year-on-year growth in its operating profit in 2024 with its OP margin ticking up to 2.94 percent. Finance cost surged by 14.63 percent in 2024 due to higher discount rate. HTL posted net profit of Rs.111.40 million in 2024 with EPS of Rs.0.8 and NP margin of 0.46 percent. In 2025, HTL registered year-on-year growth of 37.58 percent in its topline which clocked in at Rs.33,042.90 million. This was on account of growth in the company’s product portfolios which included lubricants, fuel and polymer. Not only did the company increased its range of locally blended products but also recorded growth from both OMC and polymer segments. Increased localization resulted in gross profit picking up by 41.14 percent in 2025 with GP margin clocking in at 6.17 percent. Increased sales volume resulted in 18.26 percent spike in distribution expense in 2025. Administrative expense ticked up by 10.33 percent in 2025 due to workforce expansion from 490 employees in 2024 to 529 employees in 2025. Other expense ticked down by 2.18 percent in 2025. The absence of allowance booked for ECL, slow-moving and damaged inventory and doubtful advances to suppliers was greatly offset by increased profit related provisioning and exchange loss recorded in 2025. Other income fell by 73.58 percent in 2025 due to high-base effect as the company had recognized dividend income to the tune of Rs.650 million from Hi-Tech Blending (Private) Limited, a subsidiary company, in the previous year. HTL registered 62.84 thinner operating profit 2025 with OP margin falling down to 0.79 percent. Finance cost dwindled by 25.52 percent in 2025 due to lower discount rate and lesser borrowings outstanding at the end of the year. Gearing ratio fell from 32.05 percent in 2024 to 30.97 percent in 2025. HTL posted net loss of Rs.318.78 million in 2025 with loss per share of Rs.2.29. Recent Performance (1HFY26) During the first half of the ongoing fiscal year, HTL recorded 7.07 percent uptick in its net sales which clocked in at Rs.17,176.17 million. This was on the back of 8.99 percent revenue growth from lubricants segment, 5.59 percent from fuel segment and 41.44 percent from polymer segment. The company recorded 36.71 percent enhancement in its gross profit in 1HFY26 with GP margin clocking in at 7.50 percent versus GP margin of 5.87 percent recorded in 1HFY25. This was due to successful localization of blending operations of base oils and raw materials after approval received from SK Enmove Co. Limited, South Korea. Localization not only provided immense cost benefit to the company but also supported volumetric growth. Higher sales volume and expansion of retail distribution network resulted in 12.41 percent growth in distribution expense in 1HFY26. Administrative expense ticked up by 3.68 percent in 1HFY26 due to inflationary pressure. Other expense surged by 580.34 percent in 1HFY26 apparently due to higher profit related provisioning. Other income dwindled by 21.42 percent in 1HFY26 likely due to lesser interest income on account of monetary easing. HTL posted 89.66 percent enhancement in its operating profit in 1HFY26 with OP margin clocking in at 1.67 percent versus OP margin of 0.94 percent recorded in 1HFY25. Finance cost diminished by 45.22 percent in 1HFY26 due to monetary easing. The company registered net profit of Rs.31.17 million and EPS of Rs.0.22 in 1HFY26 versus net loss of Rs.169.54 million and loss per share of Rs.1.22 recorded in 1HFY25. Future Outlook The gradual recovery of automobile sector particularly growth in the sale of hybrid cars and motor cycles coupled with increase in HTL branded fuel stations, government’s initiatives to control the smuggling of fuel, increased customer awareness and modern engine requirements warrant increase in the demand for HTL lubricants and petroleum products. Besides, the company is also eyeing to expand its outreach in export market by leveraging its strategic partnership with SK Enmove Co. Limited. HTL’s polymer segment is also gaining traction with improved demand for hygienic packaging from E-commerce, pharmaceutical and FMCG sectors. Cost optimization by leveraging technology and focusing on localization of blending operations will also buttress the financial performance of HTL. [...]

Mideast ceasefire a ‘priority’, China tells Pakistan

April 13, 2026 9:25

BEIJING: Maintaining a ceasefire in the Middle East war is an “immediate priority” for resolving the conflict, China’s top diplomat told his Pakistan counterpart in a phone call on Monday. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said on Monday that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was “holding” and that efforts were underway to reach an agreement after talks in Islamabad at the weekend failed to do so. “The immediate priority is to make every effort toward preventing the resumption of hostilities and to maintain the hard-won ceasefire momentum,” Wang Yi told Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. Wang said a joint peace plan by China and Pakistan announced last month as the two officials met in Beijing “still can serve as a direction for efforts toward a resolution”. [...]

China says Strait of Hormuz blockade against global interests

April 13, 2026 9:25

BEIJING: China said a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would go against the international community’s interests and urged calm and restraint by all sides. The US military said it will begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, after the failure of weekend talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the Iran war. Before the war, most Iranian oil exports were shipped to China, the top global importer of crude. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz does not serve the common interests of the international community, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the UAE President for China, in Beijing on Monday, according to a ministry statement. Wang said China understood the legitimate security concerns of the Gulf Arab states, and that the fundamental way to resolve the crisis was a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire achieved through political and diplomatic means. “China hopes the relevant parties will abide by the temporary ceasefire arrangements, remain committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, and avoid a resumption of hostilities,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Monday. China stood ready to “play a positive and constructive role” in resolving the crisis, Guo added, calling the weekend talks in the Pakistani capital a step in a direction conducive to easing tension. After the marathon talks failed, the US Central Command said its forces would begin a blockade of all maritime traffic with Iranian ports from 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) on Monday. China and Pakistan had backed peace talks in March while urging an immediate ceasefire in the Iran war and restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for about a fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Guo rejected reports that China had plans to supply weapons to Iran as “groundless smears and malicious associations”. Last week, Trump threatened immediate tariffs of 50 percent, with no exemptions, on imports from countries supplying Iran with military weapons. “China has consistently taken a prudent and responsible approach to arms exports,” Guo said, adding that its strict controls were in line with domestic laws and international obligations. [...]

PRA to strengthen monitoring, intelligence system

April 13, 2026 9:25

LAHORE: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has decided to further strengthen its monitoring and intelligence system to prevent tampering and irregularities in tax payments. The decision was made at a meeting on departmental performance and reforms held under the chairmanship of Moazzam Iqbal Sipra, Chairman PRA. A detailed briefing was given to the chair regarding the revenue collected from the services sector across the province during the last month. Furthermore, the PRA commissioners were directed to initiate a special campaign to expedite the recovery of outstanding arrears. The chairman also instructed all the commissioners to set clear timelines for achieving the assigned targets of enforcement officers. He emphasized that without strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms, increase in revenue is not possible. He reiterated that providing facilitation to taxpayers and further simplifying the system remains the government’s top priority. He further said that the establishment of the large taxpayer unit has contributed to increased tax compliance and reduced issues faced by the business community. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Pakistan’s peace efforts: Canadian PM congratulates Shehbaz

April 13, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Monday evening. During their warm and cordial conversation, the Canadian Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s peace efforts that culminated in the temporary ceasefire and led to the recently held talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

New values for auto replacement parts, engine parts fixed

April 13, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi, has fixed new customs values for a large number of auto replacement parts and engine parts, including piston/ring sets from Japan, Europe, China, USA, Malaysia/Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, and other origins. In this regard, the directorate has issued a new ruling here on Monday. According to the ruling, representations were received from stakeholders for the determination of customs values of the subject goods in view of prevailing market conditions. READ ALSO: New customs values on import of spark plugs fixed Furthermore, Valuation Ruling No.144612020 dated 12.05.2020, being more than five years old, warranted review. Accordingly, the Directorate initiated an exercise for the determination of customs values of the items covered therein under section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. A meeting with relevant stakeholders was held at the Directorate for the determination of customs values of the subject goods. Representatives of Pakistan Automobile Spare Parts Importers & Dealers Association (PASPIDA), along with other stakeholders, participated in the proceedings and shared their views regarding prevailing market conditions and valuation structure. The representative of Indus Motor Company (lMC), being an OEM assembler/manufacturer, also attended the meeting and presented views regarding engine capacity-based segmentation. The submissions and documents provided during the meeting were duly considered in the valuation exercise. The matter for the determination of customs values of Auto Replacement Parts - Engine Parts has been examined. Engine parts differ in value depending upon engine capacity, vehicle category, origin, quality, and applicability across a wide range of vehicle models, including older models in active use; therefore, valid comparison is possible among goods of similar specifications and commercial level. The subject goods are mainly used in the replacement market, which covers a wide range of vehicles in Pakistan. It was observed that a significant portion of the vehicle fleet comprises older models, which continue to operate extensively and require more frequent replacement of engine components, thereby influencing demand patterns and pricing of the subject goods. It was also noted during the discussion that certain items, such as piston sets, ring sets, and similar components, are sold in the market in sets with reference to specific engine or vehicle configurations rather than individual cylinder units, which was taken into consideration while structuring the values. Analysis of import data of the subject goods was also carried out, which indicated variation in declared values across different consignments, origins, and specifications, and did not provide a sufficient and reliable basis for consistent determination of customs values under the identical or similar goods methods. The earlier valuation structure included broad engine capacity groupings that covered goods with different price levels. It was observed that such grouping encompassed a wide range of engine capacities, resulting in variation within the same category. To address this, engine capacity segmentation has been refined to better align with prevailing market price ranges. Market surveys were also conducted and considered, which reflect prevailing prices of the subject goods in the local market and indicate variation in price levels across different engine capacity segments. Accordingly, customs values have been structured based on prevailing market conditions, import data analysis, and refined engine capacity segmentation to ensure fair, consistent, and uniform assessment, the directorate added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Power sector: Senate body flags irregularities in uplift contracts

April 13, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs identified serious irregularities and alleged large-scale corruption in the award of contracts for executing development projects in the power sector. The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs met here on Monday under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro to review the progress of key development projects, particularly in the water and power sectors, and examine matters related to transparency, financial management, and implementation of previous recommendations. READ ALSO: Four dozens power projects to get Rs92bn The committee was briefed on the implementation status of its previous recommendations regarding ongoing power sector projects financed by multilateral agencies, including the 765kV Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line Project (Lots I to VI), ADB-funded Lot-II A (ASCR Bunting Conductor), and the 2 x 660 MW Coal-Fired Power Project at Jamshoro. The committee observed serious irregularities and alleged large-scale corruption in the award of contracts and recommended strict action against those responsible. The stance presented by officials of the Power Division was unanimously rejected by the committee. Serious concern was expressed by the committee over the non-recovery of PKR 1.282 billion paid to a contractor on account of sales tax in respect of the 765kV Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line Grid Station at Islamabad West (Lot-IV). The Power Division apprised the committee that the audit had termed the payment a procedural irregularity and recommended its settlement. However, the committee raised strong reservations regarding the authority of the audit to override or supersede the recommendations of the committee. The chairman further highlighted that the international companies were willingly declared disqualified after establishing the stance that the company failed to submit the attested copies of the documents, and the other company was also disqualified on the same basis. The committee recommended that the EAD formally write to the Federal Investigation Agency and the National Accountability Bureau to initiate action against the Board of Directors and concerned officers. It also recommended the scrutiny of the assets of the officers, including those from the Power Division. The committee noted multiple inconsistencies in project execution, particularly concerning the 765kV transmission line. Despite assurances from the Power Division to take action against those responsible, no tangible progress has been made. The Managing Director of the National Grid Company informed the Committee that an explanation had been sought from the General Manager of the Dasu–Islamabad project; however, the Committee reiterated that the irregular payment of Rs. 1.282 billion remains unjustified. Relevant documents were presented before the Committee. It was informed that the lowest bid was USD 208 million, while the second lowest bid stood at USD 265 million. The Chairman observed that the concerned company failed to submit the required performance certificate within the stipulated time. Consequently, the National Grid Company of Pakistan Limited was directed to submit a comprehensive report on the project within fifteen days. The Committee also reviewed its previous recommendation regarding the audit of the 2 x 660 MW Coal-Fired Power Project at Jamshoro. The concerned authorities informed that the audit is currently in process. The Chairman revealed that the project had been awarded to the third lowest bidder instead of the first and second lowest bidders, with a significant difference of approximately Rs 600 million. It was further noted that the bids of the first two bidders were rejected on the basis of communications reportedly issued by the Embassy of China in Pakistan. The committee termed this a serious instance of mismanagement and recommended action against the concerned officials of National Engineering Services Pakistan and the Power Division. Representatives of NESPAK informed that an inquiry committee had been constituted to look into the matter; however, the report of the said committee has not been submitted to the Senate body. The Chairman reiterated that the third lowest bidder had quoted approximately PKR 600 million higher than the lowest bidder. The panel directed that the matter be brought to the notice of the Cabinet Division and recommended termination of the procurement team associated with the project. NESPAK was further directed to suspend all officers found responsible. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Aurangzeb discusses reform agenda, social protection with WB

April 13, 2026 9:25

WASHINGTON: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, commenced his engagements at the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 today with a productive meeting with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director (Operations), World Bank Group. The Finance Minister appreciated the World Bank Group’s longstanding support to Pakistan’s reform and development agenda. The two sides discussed Pakistan’s economic outlook, including the management of first and second-order effects arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. READ ALSO: World Bank approves $700mn for Pakistan to strengthen macroeconomic stability Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening social protection measures to cushion the impact of external shocks on vulnerable segments of the population. The meeting also reviewed progress under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). While acknowledging meaningful progress in several priority areas, both sides emphasized the need for sustained efforts to fully achieve the framework’s objectives. The Finance Minister highlighted the importance of adopting a coordinated federal and provincial approach to effectively address Pakistan’s demographic challenges. In this context, he requested the World Bank Group to support the development of a comprehensive Master Plan. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with Jorge Familiar Calderón, Vice President, World Bank Group, on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Ceasefire still intact despite stalled talks: PM

April 13, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that “full efforts” are underway to resolve outstanding issues following the weekend talks between the US and Iran, expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved. Addressing a special meeting of the federal cabinet, broadcast live, Sharif stated that the ceasefire agreed upon at Pakistan’s request last week “remains in place” and that efforts continue to resolve remaining issues. In his first public address since the Islamabad Talks, the prime minister said the discussions had lifted the clouds of war, giving Pakistan an opportunity to help turn conflict into lasting peace. Describing the Islamabad Talks as a “historic moment,” he said: “If you look at history – the Oslo Agreement, the Geneva Accord, the Good Friday Agreement – it often took months, sometimes years, to end hostilities and build peace.” READ ALSO: Pakistan’s ceasefire moment — and the lessons of the past He revealed that the US and Iranian delegations had engaged in continuous negotiations for 21 hours. “The dialogue was not indirect. For the first time, the two delegations sat face-to-face. I was a witness to it,” he said, highlighting Pakistan’s active role in bringing both sides together. Sharif credited Pakistan’s leadership with ensuring the ceasefire remained intact, adding that every effort was being made to resolve outstanding matters. “That is why I believe the Islamabad Talks were a historic event,” he said, noting that he had received congratulations from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and several European leaders for Pakistan’s role in de-escalating tensions. During the meeting, the prime minister particularly praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and their teams, for their contributions. Sharif said their “wisdom” had been crucial in brokering the two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. “Safeguarding national secrets is my responsibility, and I witnessed these moments firsthand. The Field Marshal and his team stayed up all night, with talks nearly breaking down but ultimately being salvaged,” he added. He also briefed ministers on his forthcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and recent engagements with allied countries, which are expected to focus on developments in the Middle East and the ongoing Iran-US negotiations. Following the talks, both the US and Iranian delegations issued separate statements that, according to Sharif, shared common themes. “Both expressed gratitude to Pakistan for hosting the talks and praised the country’s political and military leadership for “playing a brotherly role,” he added. Sharif said Pakistan had been given a unique opportunity to mediate between two sides “that were not even ready to meet for 47 years.” Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Govt starts power loadshedding to manage shortfall

April 13, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: The government has initiated power loadshedding of up to three hours to manage generation shortfalls during time caused by reduced water releases from reservoirs and to avoid imposing additional financial burden on consumers. The move reflects a system shortfall of around 2,000–2,500 MW, primarily due to lower hydropower generation and reduced output from RLNG-fired power plants, sources told Business Recorder. According to sources, a high-level committee headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, which is monitoring the country’s energy situation, has been taken into confidence. READ ALSO: BR RESEARCH: Power sector is only less bad “There is no capacity shortfall in terms of installed generation. However, during peak hours, limited load management—averaging about 2.25 hours, mainly at night — is being carried out to curtail furnace oil (RFO) consumption and keep the Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) within limits,” sources in the committee said. Data shared by WAPDA on Monday showed that water inflows at Tarbela stood at 20,200 cusecs, with outflows at 8,000 cusecs. At Mangla, inflows were recorded at 29,100 cusecs, while outflows remained at 8,000 cusecs. At Tarbela, the minimum operating level is 1,402 feet, with the current level at 1,465.62 feet and a maximum conservation level of 1,550 feet. Live storage currently stands at 1.526 million acre-feet (MAF). At Mangla, the minimum operating level is 1,050 feet, with the current level at 1,156.90 feet, a maximum conservation level of 1,242 feet, and live storage of 1.989 MAF. Meanwhile, the price of furnace oil has surged sharply from around Rs 200,000 per ton in February 2026 to nearly Rs 400,000 per ton prior to the announcement of a recent two-week ceasefire, further increasing the cost of power generation. Hydropower generation has declined significantly due to reduced water releases, as provinces have not submitted sufficient water indents amid ongoing rains and the harvesting season. The rains have also damaged standing crops, including wheat in Sindh and southern Punjab. Power consumers are likely to face a positive FCA of over Rs 2 per unit for March 2026, mainly due to increased reliance on expensive furnace oil and reduced RLNG-based generation. Sources revealed that around 3,600 MW of RLNG-based power plants located near load centres are currently being supplied limited volumes of indigenous gas. On March 14, 2026, the Power Division indicated that the power sector’s RLNG requirement stands at approximately 300 MMCFD, against which allocation from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is about 130 MMCFD, currently being supplied to only one power plant. Gas availability further declined to around 85 MMCFD between March 20 and 30, and currently stands at about 80 MMCFD against a demand of nearly 350 MMCFD, exacerbating the generation shortfall. Pakistan operates three major RLNG-based combined-cycle power plants established between 2015 and 2018 to address electricity shortages. These include the 1,180 MW Bhikki Power Plant in Sheikhupura, the 1,230 MW Haveli Bahadur Shah Power Plant in Jhang, and the 1,223 MW Balloki Power Plant in Kasur. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Fitch affirms Pakistan’s credit rating at ‘B-’

April 13, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: Fitch Ratings has affirmed Pakistan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B-’ with a Stable Outlook. The rating agency has projected inflation to average 7.9 percent in fiscal year 2026—higher than last year—while GDP growth is projected to edge up to 3.1 percent, slightly up from 3 percent in fiscal year 2025. Fitch Ratings said that Pakistan’s rating affirmation reflects progress on fiscal consolidation and macro stability measures, broadly in line with its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and supporting its funding capacity. READ ALSO: Fitch Ratings affirms Pakistan’s long-term debt ratings at B-, outlook stable Foreign exchange (FX) buffers rebuilt over the past year provide a cushion against the economic impact of the war in the Middle East, while Pakistan’s role as a ceasefire broker may provide tangible benefits and partly offset external pressures. The country’s high exposure to the global energy price shock nonetheless remains a key risk, particularly if it leads to a sharp drop in forex reserves. It further stated that the authorities reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the third review of Pakistan’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility in March 2026, unlocking a combined USD1.2 billion if the agreement is approved by the IMF board. The programme will continue to provide a key policy anchor, particularly for the fiscal framework, and will help mobilise additional multilateral and bilateral support. The rating agency said that Pakistan sources up to 90 percent of oil from the Gulf and has limited storage capacity, creating high exposure to the Middle East conflict and constricted energy supply via the Strait of Hormuz. Fuel subsidies since early March have been funded by reallocating expenditure from other areas of the budget, while costs have been reduced by large pump-price hikes and the switch to a more targeted support scheme from April. “We expect the overall impact on the fiscal deficit to be contained, as the government is likely to cut other spending”, Fitch added. The rating agency noted that higher world energy prices will raise inflation in the coming months, especially with the switch to more targeted subsidy support and base effects. “We expect inflation to average 7.9 percent in fiscal year 2026 (ending 30 June 2026), above the fiscal year 2025 level but well below the 23.4 percent in fiscal year 2024”, it added. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) cut the policy rate to 10.5 percent by the end of 2025, from 22 percent at the end of May 2024, and market interest rates fell in tandem. However, the term interbank rate had risen to about 100bp above the policy rate by early April, on inflation concerns tied to the tight energy supply. The shock will detract from GDP growth, but we still expect growth of 3.1 percent in fiscal year 2026, up slightly from 3 percent in fiscal year 2025, due to improved confidence from lower borrowing costs. “We assume external debt amortisations will rise to USD12.8 billion (2.9 percent of GDP) in fiscal year 2026, from almost USD8 billion in 2025. A USD3.5 billion deposit will be repaid to the UAE in April. Our amortisation projections exclude another USD9.2 billion in bilateral deposits and loans we expect to be rolled over. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

French cement maker Lafarge found guilty of financing jihadists in Syria

April 13, 2026 9:25

PARIS: A Paris court on Monday found cement maker Holcim’s Lafarge unit guilty of charges that its Syrian subsidiary financed terrorism and breached European sanctions to keep a plant operating in northern Syria during the country’s civil war. The case was the first time a company has been tried in France for financing terrorism. Sherpa and ECCHR, two organisations that filed the initial lawsuit, in a joint statement called it “a historic decision in the fight against multinational corporations’ impunity”. Eight former Lafarge employees were found guilty, including former CEO Bruno Lafont, who was sentenced to six years in jail. His lawyer told Reuters he would appeal. A lawyer for Christian Herrault, the former deputy managing director of the Lafarge group who was sentenced to five years in jail, said Herrault would also appeal. Judges determined that Lafarge in total paid 5.59 million euros ($6.54 million) to jihadist groups including Islamic State and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, both designated as terrorists by the European Union, between 2013 and September 2014. The presiding judge, Isabelle Prevost-Desprez, said the payments made by Lafarge helped to strengthen jihadist groups that carried out deadly attacks in Syria and beyond. [...]

Orban loss jolts far right, dims Trumpism allure in Europe

April 13, 2026 9:25

PARIS: Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary is a blow to global nationalists and signals waning allure of the Trumpism movement in Europe, but the vote result should not be seen as a turning tide for right-wing populism. For years populist leaders had drawn inspiration from the self-styled “illiberal” politician who on Sunday lost to political newcomer Peter Magyar in a bitterly fought legislative election. A thorn in the side of the European Union establishment, Orban ruled Hungary for 16 years and cultivated ties with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party. JD Vance travelled to Budapest last week to campaign alongside Orban, but even support from the US vice president was not enough to secure victory for Washington’s Hungarian ally. “The political space for MAGA to play on the continent is shrinking — and I suspect the RN in France and other far right parties will now start actively distancing themselves from the Trump administration,” Mujtaba Rahman, Europe director at risk analysis firm Eurasia Group, told AFP. Sebastien Maillard, of the Jacques Delors Institute in Paris, said the result raised new questions about whether closeness to Trump had become a political liability, after the US leader threatened to seize Greenland and impose tariffs against European allies who opposed the plan. [...]

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... [...]

Trump defends himself after backlash over Jesus depiction

April 13, 2026 5:29

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended his posting of an AI-generated image that appeared to depict him as Jesus Christ.Speaking to the media, the president insisted it was not a religious portrayal but rather an image of himself as a doctor aiding Red Cross workers.Trump said: "It wasn't a... [...]

Trump faces backlash after posting AI image of himself as 'Jesus' amid Pope Leo feud

April 13, 2026 4:28

Trump faces backlash after posting AI image of himself as ‘Jesus’ amid Pope Leo feudDonald Trump is facing strong backlash after sharing an AI-generated image of himself portraying a Christ-like figure, shortly after launching a public attack on Pope Leo XIV.The image, posted on Truth... [...]

Starmer confirms UK will not back US Strait of Hormuz blockade

April 13, 2026 1:28

Starmer confirms UK will not back US Strait of Hormuz blockadeKeir Starmer refuses to join Trump’s Iran naval blockade, as the UK will not support the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.The UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that Britain will not participate in President Donald... [...]

Husband of new army chief Susan Coyle to serve under her authority

April 13, 2026 1:21

Australia on Monday said a woman would lead its army for the first time in history, as part of a reshuffle of the country's defence force leadership.Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, the current chief ‌of joint capabilities, will become chief of army in July, the government said in a... [...]

End of Viktor Orban era in Hungary: Who is Peter Magyar?

April 13, 2026 12:42

Who is Peter Magyar? Hungary’s new leader who defeated Viktor Orban after 16 yearsIn a latest update, Hungary has just announced its election results, and Peter Magyar is set to become the new prime minister.This new regime change came after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, after 16... [...]

Australia makes 'deeply historic' decision days before Meghan Markle, Prince Harry visit

April 13, 2026 11:28

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry last visited Australia after their wedding in 2018Australia has appointed a woman as chief of the country’s army for the first time since its founding 125 years ago.The decision that the woman will command Australia´s army for the first time was announced... [...]

Pope Leo responds to Trump criticism: 'I am not afraid'

April 13, 2026 11:10

Pope Leo responds to Trump criticism: ‘I am not afraid’Pope Leo has responded strongly after Donald Trump criticized fiercely the head of the Catholic Church in a Truth Social post. Speaking to X on Sunday, the US President censured Pope Leo XIV for his stance on the Iran war and being... [...]

US: Thousands left stranded as flight cancellations disrupt major airports after long delays

April 13, 2026 11:08

US: Thousands left stranded as flight cancellations disrupt major airports after long delaysUS flight cancellations forced thousands of passengers to remain stranded as air travel across the United States has been turned into chaos after long delays disrupted operations at some of the country's... [...]

Sam Altman residence targeted in second shooting incident

April 13, 2026 10:49

Sam Altman residence targeted in second shooting incidentSam Altman's home shooting incident is under investigation after a second alleged attack targeted the residence of Altman in San Francisco, United States. The event involved two suspects arrested after shots were reportedly fired outside his... [...]

Britain to adopt single market rules without parliamentary vote as part of UK-EU reset

April 13, 2026 9:55

Britain to adopt single market rules without parliamentary vote as part of UK-EU resetThe Bristish ministers are planning to fundamentally reshape Britain’s relationship with the European Union, with new legislation that could result in the UK signing up to EU single market rules without a... [...]

Trump bashes Pope Leo XIV amid US-Iran conflict, says 'I dont want a Pope who criticizes US President'

April 13, 2026 8:40

Trump bashes Pope Leo XIV amid US-Iran conflict, says 'I dont want a Pope who criticizes US President'US President Donald Trump has openly criticized the head of the Catholic Church, XIV Pope Leo, 's role in the US-Iran conflict and dealing of foreign affairs at times of war.He strongly expressed... [...]

Winter storm warning in Sierra Nevada as extreme weather leads to dangerous road conditions

April 13, 2026 7:04

Severe winter weather has triggered a winter storm warning in the Sierra Nevada, with heavy snowfall creating dangerous driving conditions and widespread disruption across the region.Multiple accidents were reported on Sunday as snow blanketed major routes, including Interstate 80 in Nevada... [...]

Super typhoon Sinlaku hits Category 5, marking second earliest strongest storm on record

April 13, 2026 6:44

Super typhoon Sinlaku hits Category 5, marking second earliest strongest storm on record Tropical Cyclone Sinlaku has surged in its strength over the warm Pacific waters southeast of Guam in a rare occurrence early Sunday, emerging as one of the year's strongest super typhoons so far.... [...]

Australia appoints first female army commander in historic milestone

April 13, 2026 5:53

Australia has made history by appointing a woman as army commander to lead the military force for the very first time. The announcement comes as the country took significant steps as a part of overhauling the defence force leadership. According to the statement issued by the government, Lieutenant... [...]

US military plane damaged at Shannon airport: Everything you need to know about the man arrest

April 12, 2026 11:47

US military plane damaged at Shannon airport: Everything you need to know about the arrest A man has been arrested by Gardai early Sunday morning at Shannon Airport following reports of a security breach. According to police, the man had entered an authorized area of the airport in County... [...]

کراچی: ناظم آباد میں آئل ٹینکر کی موٹرسائیکل کو ٹکر، 2 بہنیں جاں بحق، بھائی زخمی

April 13, 2026 7:04

فوٹو: فائلکراچی کے علاقے ناظم آباد ایک نمبر میں آئل ٹینکر کی موٹر سائیکل کو ٹکر کے نتیجے میں موٹر سائیکل سوار 2 لڑکیاں جاں بحق جبکہ ایک... [...]

خیبر پختونخوا: کیلاش میرج ایکٹ اسمبلی میں پیش، اہم شقیں شامل

April 13, 2026 6:04

فائل فوٹوخیبر پختونخوا اسمبلی میں کیلاش میرج ایکٹ بل 2026ء پیش کردیا گیا، صوبائی وزیر مینا خان آفریدی نے بل پیش کیا۔ مجوزہ ایکٹ میں... [...]

منطقی طور پر اس وقت امریکا اکیلے پن کا شکار ہے، دفاعی تجزیہ کار

April 13, 2026 6:04

دفاعی تجزیہ کار ایئر مارشل ارشد ملک نے کہا ہے کہ منطقی طور پر اس وقت امریکا اکیلے پن کا شکار ہے۔جیو نیوز کے پروگرام کیپٹل ٹاک... [...]

400 کلو چاندی کہاں گئی؟ پاکستان کسٹمز کے 2 اہلکار گرفتار

April 13, 2026 6:04

علامتی تصویر 400 کلوگرام چاندی کہاں گئی؟ کوئٹہ سے پاکستان کسٹمز کے 2 اہلکاروں کو گرفتار کرکے مقدمہ درج کرلیا گیا۔فیڈرل بورڈ آف... [...]

وزیر خزانہ کی عالمی بینک کے نائب صدر سے ملاقات

April 13, 2026 5:04

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔وفاقی وزیر خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب اور عالمی بینک کے نائب صدر کی پیر کو ملاقات ہوئی۔ واشنگٹن سے اعلامیہ کے مطابق... [...]

وزیراعظم سے کینیڈین ہم منصب کا رابطہ، جنگ بندی کی پاکستانی کوششوں کی پذیرائی

April 13, 2026 5:04

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف سے کینیڈا کے وزیراعظم نے ٹیلی فون پر رابطہ کیا۔ وزیراعظم آفس اسلام آباد سے اعلامیہ کے مطابق عارضی جنگ بندی کے... [...]

کراچی: شادی میں ہوائی فائرنگ کرنے والا دولہا گرفتار

April 13, 2026 4:04

کراچی میں شادی کے دوران ہوائی فائرنگ کرنے والے دولہا کو گرفتار کرلیا۔اس حوالے سے پولیس کا کہنا ہے کہ ملزم نے گزشتہ روز کراچی کے علاقے... [...]

وزیراعظم کی ملک میں تیل کی کھپت کی مستقل نگرانی جاری رکھنے کی ہدایت

April 13, 2026 4:04

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے ملک میں تیل کی کھپت کی مستقل نگرانی جاری رکھنے کی ہدایت کردی۔ وزیراعظم کی زیر صدارت خطے میں کشیدگی کے پیش نظر... [...]

کابینہ اجلاس میں امن مذاکرات میں کردار پر قرارداد تشکر منظور

April 13, 2026 3:04

تصویر، وزیراعظم شہباز شریف، فیس بکوزیراعظم شہباز شریف ک زیر صدارت ہونے والے وفاقی کابینہ کے خصوصی اجلاس کا اعلامیہ سامنے... [...]

پاک، چین وزرائے خارجہ کی 5 نکاتی امن اقدام پر گفتگو

April 13, 2026 3:04

پاکستان اور چین کے وزرائے خارجہ نے 5 نکاتی امن اقدام پر گفتگو کی اور مسائل کے پرامن حل پر زور دیا۔ترجمان دفتر خارجہ کے مطابق نائب... [...]

پنجاب کے 69 فیصد افراد کا مریم نواز کی قیادت پر اطمینان کا اظہار

April 13, 2026 2:04

ترجمان پنجاب حکومت کا کہنا ہے کہ پنجاب کے 69 فیصد افراد نے وزیر اعلیٰ مریم نواز کی قیادت پر اطمینان کا اظہار کیا اور صوبے کی ترقی کو... [...]

لاہور: قلعہ گجر سنگھ کے علاقے سے لیڈی کانسٹیبل کا اغوا

April 13, 2026 1:04

فائل فوٹو لاہور کے علاقے قلعہ گجر سنگھ سے لیڈی پولیس کانسٹیبل کو اغواء کرلیا گیا۔پولیس کا کہنا ہے کہ لیڈی کانسٹیبل عائشہ ریاض کو... [...]

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کا خطے میں پائیدار امن کیلئے کردار جاری رکھنے کا عزم

April 13, 2026 1:04

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف : فائل فوٹو وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے خطے میں پائیدار امن کیلئے کردار جاری رکھنے کے عزم کا اظہار کیا ہے۔وفاقی... [...]

کراچی: نوجوان لڑکی سے زیادتی کے مجرم کو 10 سال قید با مشقت کی سزا

April 13, 2026 12:04

فائل فوٹو ایڈیشنل ڈسٹرکٹ اینڈ سیشن جج وسطی کی عدالت نے نوجوان لڑکی سے جنسی زیادتی کیس میں جرم ثابت ہونے پر ملزم ذیشان عرف شانی کو... [...]

بلوچستان، افسران کی فیلڈ میں موجودگی جانچنے کیلئے ڈیجیٹل مانیٹرنگ کا فیصلہ

April 13, 2026 12:04

فائل فوٹوبلوچستان میں افسران کی فیلڈ میں موجودگی جانچنے کےلیے ڈیجیٹل مانیٹرنگ کا فیصلہ کرلیا گیا۔وزیراعلیٰ بلوچستان سرفراز بگٹی کی... [...]

ٹرمپ کے بیان کے بعد عالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتوں میں نمایاں کمی

April 13, 2026 9:04

امریکی صدر کے اس بیان کے بعد کہ ایران ڈیل چاہتا ہے، عالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتوں میں نمایاں کمی ریکارڈ کی گئی۔عالمی منڈی میں خام... [...]

پوپ آپ کا شکریہ کہ آپ نے روشنی دکھائی، باقر قالیباف

April 13, 2026 9:04

فائل فوٹوایران کے چیف مذاکرات کار اور پارلیمنٹ کے اسپیکر محمد باقر قالیباف نے کیتھولک مسیحیوں کے روحانی پیشوا پوپ لیو کو خراج تحسین... [...]

مشرقِ وسطیٰ کے موجودہ تنازع کا کوئی فوجی حل نہیں، انتونیو گوتریس

April 13, 2026 9:04

فائل فوٹوسیکریٹری جنرل اقوام متحدہ انتونیو گوتریس نے کہا ہے کہ مشرقِ وسطیٰ کے موجودہ تنازع کا کوئی فوجی حل نہیں۔اپنے بیان میں انہوں... [...]

ایرانی فوج نے کھلے سمندر میں جہازوں پر امریکی پابندیوں کو قزاقی قرار دے دیا

April 13, 2026 6:04

فائل فوٹوایرانی فوج نے امریکی ناکہ بندی پر ردعمل دیا اور کھلے سمندر میں جہازوں پر امریکی پابندیوں کو قزاقی کہہ دیا۔ایرانی فوج نے... [...]

امریکا اور ایران کے درمیان مذاکرات کا سلسلہ جاری ہے: امریکی عہدیدار

April 13, 2026 5:04

ایک امریکی عہدیدار نے کہا ہے کہ امریکا اور ایران کے درمیان مذاکرات کا سلسلہ جاری ہے۔ امریکی میڈیا رپورٹ کے مطابق واشنگٹن اور تہران... [...]

ایران کے ساتھ بہت سی باتوں پر سمجھوتہ ہوچکا تھا، ٹرمپ

April 13, 2026 4:04

تصویر، اسکرین گرایبامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا کہنا ہے کہ ایران کے ساتھ بہت سی باتوں پر سمجھوتہ ہوچکا تھا، یورینیم کے معاملے پر بات نہ... [...]

اسرائیل کو کنٹرول نہ کیا گیا تو آئندہ مذاکرات ناکام ہوں گے، سابق ڈائریکٹر نیشنل کاؤنٹر ٹیررازم سینٹر

April 13, 2026 3:04

فوٹو: امریکی میڈیا امریکا میں نیشنل کاؤنٹر ٹیررازم سینٹر کے سابق ڈائریکٹر جو کینٹ کا کہنا ہے کہ اسرائیل کو کنٹرول نہ کیا گیا تو... [...]

امریکی فوج نے ایران کے سمندری راستوں کی ناکہ بندی شروع کردی، عرب میڈیا

April 13, 2026 2:04

فائل فوٹو امریکی فوج نے ایران کے سمندری راستوں کی ناکہ بندی شروع کردی۔امریکا نے آج سے ایرانی بندرگاہوں میں داخل اور نکلنے والے... [...]

ناکہ بندی کے قریب آنے والے کسی بھی بحری جہاز کو تباہ کردیا جائے گا: ٹرمپ

April 13, 2026 2:04

ایران کی بحریہ مکمل طور پر تباہ ہوگئی ہے، اسکے 158 جنگی جہاز سمندر میں ڈوب گئے، ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ - فوٹو: فائلامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے کہا ہے کہ... [...]

ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کل رات سوئے نہیں، ہر گھنٹے بعد سوشل میڈیا پوسٹس شیئر کرتے رہے

April 13, 2026 2:04

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ : فوٹو سوشل میڈیا امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کل رات سوئے نہیں، سوشل میڈیا پوسٹس شیئر کرتے رہے، رات 9 بجے سے صبح 4 بجے... [...]

ایران کی فضائی حدود ہماری مکمل گرفت میں ہے، امریکی وزیر جنگ

April 13, 2026 2:04

امریکی وزیرجنگ پیٹ ہیگستھ۔امریکی وزیرجنگ پیٹ ہیگستھ نے کہا کہ ناکہ بندی کے دوران ایرانیوں کی جانب سے فائرنگ متوقع ہے۔ مگر یہ اقدام... [...]

یورپ میں نئے قانون کا نفاذ، پاکستانی خوردنی اشیا کی برآمدات کو خطرہ لاحق ہونے کا اندیشہ

April 13, 2026 2:04

یورپ میں خوراک کی درآمدات کے نئے یورپی قانون کے نفاذ سے پاکستانی خوراک کی مصنوعات کی برآمدات کو بھی خطرہ لاحق ہونے کا اندیشہ... [...]

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April 13, 2026 1:04

ایران نے پاسداران کی بحریہ کی جانب سے امریکی جہاز کو آبنائے ہرمز سے واپس مڑنے کی وارننگ کی ویڈیو جاری کردی۔پاسداران انقلاب کی جانب سے... [...]

توانائی بحران، جرمنی دو ماہ کیلئے پیٹرول، ڈیزل پر ٹیکس میں کمی کرے گا

April 13, 2026 1:04

جرمن چانسلر فریڈرک مارز۔جرمن چانسلر فریڈرک مارز نے اعلان کیا ہے کہ ایران جنگ کے باعث پیدا ہونے والے توانائی بحران سے نمٹنے کے لیے... [...]

اسرائیلی وزیراعظم نے ایرانی بندرگاہوں کی بندش کے امریکی فیصلے کی حمایت کردی

April 13, 2026 12:04

اسرائیلی وزیراعظم بن یامین نیتن یاہو : فائل فوٹو اسرائیلی وزیراعظم بن یامین نیتن یاہو نے ایرانی بندرگاہوں کی بندش کے امریکی فیصلے کی... [...]

ہرمز ناکہ بندی، خام تیل 101 ڈالر فی بیرل سےتجاوز کرگیا

April 13, 2026 6:04

امریکا کی آبنائے ہرمز کی ناکہ بندی کی خبروں کے بعد تیل کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ ہوگیا۔امریکا کی آبنائے ہرمز کی ناکہ بندی سے جڑی خبروں کے... [...]

پاکستان کی غیرملکی کرنسی ڈیفالٹ ریٹنگ بی مائنس برقرار: فچ

April 13, 2026 1:04

فوٹو: فائلعالمی ریٹنگز ایجنسی فچ نے کہا ہے کہ پاکستان کی غیرملکی کرنسی ڈیفالٹ ریٹنگ بی مائنس برقرار ہے اور مستقبل مستحکم ہے۔عالمی... [...]

سونے کی قیمتوں میں کمی، فی تولہ کتنے کا ہو گیا؟

April 13, 2026 7:04

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

مشرقِ وسطیٰ تنازع عالمی معیشت کیلئے بڑا سپلائی شاک ہے: وزیر خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب

April 13, 2026 6:04

وزیرِ خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب---فائل فوٹووزیرِ خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب نے مشرقِ وسطیٰ تنازع عالمی معیشت کے لیے بڑا سپلائی شاک قرار دے... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں شدید مندی، 5 ہزار سے زائد پوائنٹس کی کمی

April 13, 2026 5:04

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے پہلے روز مندی دیکھی جا رہی ہے۔بازارِ حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100 انڈیکس میں 5183... [...]

امریکا کا ایران کی ناکہ بندی کا اعلان، تیل کی قیمتوں میں تیزی سے اضافہ

April 13, 2026 4:04

— فائل فوٹو امریکا اور ایران کے درمیان اسلام آباد میں ہونے والے مذاکرات میں کوئی ڈیل نہ ہونے اور امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی جانب سے... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج: ایران امریکا سیز فائر پر 100 انڈیکس ہفتے بھر میں 11 فیصد بڑھا

April 11, 2026 4:04

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج کی ہفتہ وار اپ ڈیٹ سامنے آ گئی، ایران امریکا سیز فائر پر 100 انڈیکس ہفتے بھر میں 11 فیصد بڑھا... [...]

گزشتہ روز کمی کے بعد ملک میں آج سونا مہنگا

April 10, 2026 9:04

—فائل فوٹوگزشتہ روز کمی کے بعد ملک میں آج سونے کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ ہوا ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوس ایشن کے... [...]

پاکستانی معیشت میں بہتری کے باوجود خطرات بدستور موجود ہیں: ایشیائی ترقیاتی بینک

April 10, 2026 5:04

---فائل فوٹوایشیائی ترقیاتی بینک نے پاکستان کی معاشی صورتِ حال پر رپورٹ جاری کر دی۔اے ڈی بی کی رپورٹ میں کہا گیا ہے کہ پاکستانی معیشت... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تیزی

April 10, 2026 4:04

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے آخری روز تیزی دیکھی جا رہی ہے۔بازارِ حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100 انڈیکس میں 2158... [...]

کراچی: 2 دن میں ایل پی جی کی قیمت میں 40 روپے کلو کمی

April 9, 2026 10:04

—فائل فوٹوکراچی میں 2 دن میں ایل پی جی کی قیمت میں 40 روپے کلو کمی ہو گئی۔ایل پی جی ایسوسی ایشن کے رہنما علی حیدر کا کہنا ہے کہ ایل پی... [...]

سونے کی قیمتوں کو ریورس گیئر لگ گیا، بڑی کمی

April 9, 2026 8:04

ایشیائی اسٹاک مارکیٹس میں منفی رجحان

April 9, 2026 5:04

---فائل فوٹوامریکا، ایران اور اسرائیل میں جنگ بندی کے باوجود ایشیائی اسٹاک بازاروں میں آج منفی رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔جاپان کا نکئی... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں ملا جلا رجحان

April 9, 2026 5:04

---فائل فوٹو پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے چوتھے روز ملا جلا رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔بازار حصص میں کاروبار کے دوران 100... [...]

مارچ میں سمندر پار پاکستانیوں کی ترسیلات زر میں اضافہ

April 8, 2026 3:04

سمندر پار پاکستانیوں کی جانب سے مارچ 2026ء میں ترسیلات زر کی مد میں 3.8 ارب امریکی ڈالر ملک میں آئے۔ اسٹیٹ بینک کے اعلامیہ کے مطابق نمو... [...]

Are you a ‘HENRY’? Why 90% of financial advisers will waive their minimums to get your business.

April 13, 2026 11:56

Most advisory firms’ $500,000 or $1 million thresholds are actually just branding tools. Here’s how to tell if you’re actually a good fit for their services. [...]

Private credit not only won’t spark a financial crisis — it may be more stable than your bank

April 13, 2026 11:54