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China urges US to halt proposed expansion of outbound investment curbs

October 24, 2026 5:18

BEIJING: The Chinese commerce ministry urged the United States on Saturday to stop expanding restrictions on American investments in China, saying a proposed rule on sensitive technologies would disrupt trade ties. The US Treasury Department issued proposals on Thursday to update its outbound-investment security programme, adding biotechnology to restricted sectors and expanding coverage of high-performance computing and hypersonic systems. Beijing’s commerce ministry said in a statement that the proposal “discriminatorily” widened China-related investment restrictions and intensified curbs. It firmly opposed the US proposal and reserved the right to take unspecified countermeasures, it added. Beijing also said the proposal would damage bilateral economic ties and ran counter to the consensus reached by the countries’ presidents, who have met twice in the past six months. The US Treasury has said the measures, which do not only cover China, are intended to stop US capital from supporting foreign adversaries’ development of dual-use strategic technologies that could threaten US national security. The US programme had already restricted certain US investments involving China in semiconductors, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence. [...]

Geely enters Pakistan through Bestway Group, unveils three NEVs

October 24, 2026 1:39

Bestway Group has launched Chinese auto giant Geely Auto in Pakistan, unveiling three new energy models - the compact electric hatchback Geely EX2, electric SUV Geely EX5, and plug-in hybrid SUV Geely Starray EM-i. Speaking at the launch, Irfan Muhammad Shaikh, Managing Director of Bestway Group, said Bestway Automotive is the sole authorised distributor of Geely in Pakistan. The launch marks Bestway’s entry into the automotive sector as a strategic extension of its long-term investment portfolio in the country, a statement said. New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are alternative-fuel vehicles that rely primarily or completely on electric power instead of traditional internal combustion engines. As per the details, the company will initially launch with imported units while preparing its 24.71-acre Port Qasim facility in Karachi for Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly. The plant has over 403,000 sq ft covered space and existing capacity to assemble up to 25,000 vehicles annually. Bestway aims to have locally assembled Geely vehicles on the road by next year. On ownership, Bestway announced plans for a nationwide dealership network, proposed warranty of up to six years/150,000km for the vehicle and eight years for battery and motor, online booking, financing through UBL, and a nationwide EV charging network through Bestway Renewable Technologies. Bestway Cement currently operates 115 MW of captive solar capacity. Pricing, booking dates and final specifications would be announced through official channels, the statement said. Car sales in Pakistan rose 43% year-on-year in the first quarter of FY2026-27, with analysts attributing the hike to an improving macroeconomic environment that boosted vehicle demand. Bestway was founded in London in 1976 as a retail business. It now employs over 63,000 people across wholesale, cement, banking, renewable energy and other sectors, with annual revenue of $7.9 billion. In Pakistan, it owns Bestway Cement and holds stake in United Bank Limited (UBL). Geely Holding Group, founded in 1986, sold approximately 4.12 million vehicles globally in 2025, of which 2.29 million (56%) were NEVs. Its portfolio includes Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr and Lynk & Co. The group targets 6.5 million global sales by 2030, according to the statement. [...]

Gold prices in Pakistan fall for fifth consecutive day

October 24, 2026 9:59

Gold prices in Pakistan decreased on Saturday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs422,036 after a decline of Rs2,500 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs361,827 after it fell by Rs2,144, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Friday, gold price per tola reached Rs424,536 after a decline of Rs7,000 during the day. The international rate of gold declined by $25 to reach $3,995 per ounce. Meanwhile, the price of silver also decreased by Rs7 to reach Rs5,858 per tola. [...]

Gold price per tola falls Rs7,000 in Pakistan

October 23, 2026 3:43

Gold prices in Pakistan decreased on Friday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs424,536 after a decline of Rs7,000 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs363,971 after it fell by Rs6,001, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Thursday, gold price per tola reached Rs431,536 after a decline of Rs3,000 during the day. The international rate of gold declined by $70 to reach $4,020 per ounce. Meanwhile, the price of silver also decreased by Rs221 to reach Rs5,865 per tola. [...]

Pakistan rupee registers gain against US dollar

October 23, 2026 3:33

PKR vs USD Exchange Rate Chart @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Plus+Jakarta+Sans:wght@400;500;600;700&display=swap'); #pkr-chart-embed { font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, sans-serif; max-width: 1000px; width: 100%; margin: 24px auto; background-color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 20px; padding: 24px; box-shadow: 0 10px 25px -5px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05), 0 8px 10px -6px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05); color: #0f172a; box-sizing: border-box; } #pkr-chart-embed * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; } #pkr-chart-embed .chart-header { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; width: 100%; } #pkr-chart-embed .top-row { display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: space-between; align-items: flex-start; gap: 20px; } #pkr-chart-embed .calculator-area { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px; align-items: flex-start; } #pkr-chart-embed .main-title { font-size: 22px; font-weight: 700; color: #0f172a; letter-spacing: -0.025em; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: 10px; } #pkr-chart-embed .currency-badge { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; color: #4f46e5; background-color: rgba(79, 70, 229, 0.08); padding: 3px 10px; border-radius: 9999px; border: 1px solid rgba(79, 70, 229, 0.15); text-transform: uppercase; } #pkr-chart-embed .calculator-title { font-size: 10px; font-weight: 700; color: #64748b; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.05em; } #pkr-chart-embed .converter { display: flex; align-items: center; background: #f8fafc; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 12px; padding: 4px; gap: 6px; } #pkr-chart-embed .converter-group { display: flex; align-items: center; background: #ffffff; border-radius: 8px; padding: 6px 10px; box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05); border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; } #pkr-chart-embed .converter-input { border: none; outline: none; width: 90px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 700; color: #0f172a; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; background: transparent; } #pkr-chart-embed .converter-input.pkr-field { width: 120px; } #pkr-chart-embed .converter-label { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; color: #64748b; margin-left: 6px; } #pkr-chart-embed .equals-sign { color: #94a3b8; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px; } #pkr-chart-embed .rate-badge-container { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-end; gap: 6px; } #pkr-chart-embed .rate-label-sub { text-align: right; } #pkr-chart-embed .rate-label-sub span:first-child { display: block; font-size: 9px; text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: 700; color: #64748b; } #pkr-chart-embed .rate-label-sub span:last-child { display: block; font-size: 12px; color: #334155; font-weight: 600; } #pkr-chart-embed .rate-badge { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #4f46e5, #3b82f6); color: #ffffff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; padding: 8px 14px; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 8px 16px -3px rgba(79, 70, 229, 0.25); } #pkr-chart-embed .pulse-dot { width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; background-color: #ffffff; animation: pkrPulse 1.5s infinite; } @keyframes pkrPulse { 0% { transform: scale(0.95); opacity: 0.6; } 50% { transform: scale(1.15); opacity: 1; } 100% { transform: scale(0.95); opacity: 0.6; } } #pkr-chart-embed .toolbar { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 12px; margin-bottom: 16px; padding-bottom: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #f1f5f9; } #pkr-chart-embed .timeframe-selector { display: flex; gap: 4px; background: #f1f5f9; padding: 3px; border-radius: 10px; } #pkr-chart-embed .tf-btn { border: none; background: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 600; color: #64748b; padding: 5px 12px; border-radius: 7px; cursor: pointer; transition: all 0.2s ease; } #pkr-chart-embed .tf-btn.active { background: #ffffff; color: #4f46e5; box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); } #pkr-chart-embed .stats-row { display: flex; gap: 16px; flex-wrap: wrap; } #pkr-chart-embed .stat-item { font-size: 12px; color: #64748b; } #pkr-chart-embed .stat-item strong { color: #0f172a; font-weight: 700; } #pkr-chart-embed .chart-canvas-container { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 380px; } @media (max-width: 768px) { #pkr-chart-embed .chart-canvas-container { height: 300px; } #pkr-chart-embed .top-row { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; } #pkr-chart-embed .rate-badge-container { align-items: flex-start; } #pkr-chart-embed .rate-label-sub { text-align: left; } #pkr-chart-embed .toolbar { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; } } PKR vs USD Exchange Rate USD / PKR Calculator USD = PKR Latest Closing 23-Oct-26 276.82 PKR 1M 3M 6M 1Y ALL High: -- Low: -- Avg: -- Change: -- (function() { // Historical closing rate dataset updated with 23-Oct-26 const rawLabels = ["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", "04-Jun-25", "05-Jun-25", "10-Jun-25", "11-Jun-25", "12-Jun-25", "13-Jun-25", "16-Jun-25", "17-Jun-25", "18-Jun-25", "19-Jun-25", "20-Jun-25", "23-Jun-25", "24-Jun-25", "25-Jun-25", "26-Jun-25", "27-Jun-25", "30-Jun-25", "02-Jul-25", "03-Jul-25", "04-Jul-25", "07-Jul-25", "08-Jul-25", "09-Jul-25", "10-Jul-25", "11-Jul-25", "14-Jul-25", "15-Jul-25", "16-Jul-25", "17-Jul-25", "18-Jul-25", "21-Jul-25", "22-Jul-25", "23-Jul-25", "24-Jul-25", "25-Jul-25", "28-Jul-25", "29-Jul-25", "30-Jul-25", "31-Jul-25", "01-Aug-25", "04-Aug-25", "05-Aug-25", "06-Aug-25", "07-Aug-25", "08-Aug-25", "11-Aug-25", "12-Aug-25", "13-Aug-25", "15-Aug-25", "18-Aug-25", "19-Aug-25", "20-Aug-25", "21-Aug-25", "22-Aug-25", "25-Aug-25", "26-Aug-25", "27-Aug-25", "28-Aug-25", "29-Aug-25", "01-Sep-25", "02-Sep-25", "03-Sep-25", "04-Sep-25", "05-Sep-25", "08-Sep-25", "09-Sep-25", "10-Sep-25", "11-Sep-25", "12-Sep-25", "15-Sep-25", "16-Sep-25", "17-Sep-25", "18-Sep-25", "19-Sep-25", "21-Sep-25", "22-Sep-25", "23-Sep-25", "24-Sep-25", "25-Sep-25", "26-Sep-25", "29-Sep-25", "30-Sep-25", "01-Oct-25", "02-Oct-25", "03-Oct-25", "06-Oct-25", "07-Oct-25", "08-Oct-25", "09-Oct-25", "10-Oct-25", "13-Oct-25", "14-Oct-25", "15-Oct-25", "16-Oct-25", "17-Oct-25", "20-Oct-25", "21-Oct-25", "22-Oct-25", "23-Oct-25", "24-Oct-25", "27-Oct-25", "28-Oct-25", "29-Oct-25", "30-Oct-25", "31-Oct-25", "03-Nov-25", "04-Nov-25", "05-Nov-25", "06-Nov-25", "07-Nov-25", "10-Nov-25", "11-Nov-25", "12-Nov-25", "13-Nov-25", "14-Nov-25", "17-Nov-25", "18-Nov-25", "19-Nov-25", "20-Nov-25", "21-Nov-25", "24-Nov-25", "25-Nov-25", "26-Nov-25", "27-Nov-25", "28-Nov-25", "01-Dec-25", "02-Dec-25", "03-Dec-25", "04-Dec-25", "05-Dec-25", "08-Dec-25", "09-Dec-25", "10-Dec-25", "11-Dec-25", "12-Dec-25", "15-Dec-25", "16-Dec-25", "17-Dec-25", "18-Dec-25", "19-Dec-25", "22-Dec-25", "23-Dec-25", "24-Dec-25", "26-Dec-25", "29-Dec-25", "30-Dec-25", "31-Dec-25", "02-Jan-26", "05-Jan-26", "06-Jan-26", "07-Jan-26", "08-Jan-26", "09-Jan-26", "12-Jan-26", "13-Jan-26", "14-Jan-26", "15-Jan-26", "16-Jan-26", "19-Jan-26", "20-Jan-26", "21-Jan-26", "22-Jan-26", "23-Jan-26", "26-Jan-26", "27-Jan-26", "28-Jan-26", "29-Jan-26", "30-Jan-26", "02-Feb-26", "03-Feb-26", "04-Feb-26", "06-Feb-26", "09-Feb-26", "10-Feb-26", "11-Feb-26", "12-Feb-26", "13-Feb-26", "16-Feb-26", "17-Feb-26", "18-Feb-26", "20-Feb-26", "23-Feb-26", "24-Feb-26", "25-Feb-26", "26-Feb-26", "27-Feb-26", "02-Mar-26", "03-Mar-26", "04-Mar-26", "05-Mar-26", "06-Mar-26", "09-Mar-26", "10-Mar-26", "11-Mar-26", "12-Mar-26", "13-Mar-26", "16-Mar-26", "17-Mar-26", "18-Mar-26", "19-Mar-26", "24-Mar-26", "25-Mar-26", "26-Mar-26", "27-Mar-26", "30-Mar-26", "31-Mar-26", "01-Apr-26", "02-Apr-26", "03-Apr-26", "04-Apr-26", "06-Apr-26", "07-Apr-26", "08-Apr-26", "09-Apr-26", "10-Apr-26", "13-Apr-26", "14-Apr-26", "14-Apr-26", "15-Apr-26", "16-Apr-26", "17-Apr-26", "20-Apr-26", "21-Apr-26", "22-Apr-26", "23-Apr-26", "24-Apr-26", "27-Apr-26", "28-Apr-26", "29-Apr-26", "30-Apr-26", "04-May-26", "05-May-26", "06-May-26", "07-May-26", "08-May-26", "11-May-26", "12-May-26", "13-May-26", "14-May-26", "15-May-26", "18-May-26", "19-May-26", "20-May-26", "21-May-26", "22-May-26", "25-May-26", "29-May-26", "01-Jun-26", "02-Jun-26", "03-Jun-26", "04-Jun-26", "05-Jun-26", "08-Jun-26", "09-Jun-26", "10-Jun-26", "11-Jun-26", "12-Jun-26", "15-Jun-26", "16-Jun-26", "17-Jun-26", "18-Jun-26", "19-Jun-26", "22-Jun-26", "23-Jun-26", "24-Jun-26", "29-Jun-26", "30-Jun-26", "02-Jul-26", "03-Jul-26", "06-Jul-26", "07-Jul-26", "08-Jul-26", "09-Jul-26", "10-Jul-26", "13-Jul-26", "14-Jul-26", "15-Jul-26", "16-Jul-26", "17-Jul-26", "20-Jul-26", "21-Jul-26", "22-Jul-26", "23-Jul-26", "24-Jul-26", "27-Jul-26", "28-Jul-26", "29-Jul-26", "30-Jul-26", "03-Aug-26", "04-Aug-26", "05-Aug-26", "06-Aug-26", "07-Aug-26", "10-Aug-26", "11-Aug-26", "12-Aug-26", "13-Aug-26", "17-Aug-26", "18-Aug-26", "20-Aug-26", "21-Aug-26", "24-Aug-26", "25-Aug-26", "27-Aug-26", "28-Aug-26", "31-Aug-26", "01-Sep-26", "02-Sep-26", "03-Sep-26", "04-Sep-26", "07-Sep-26", "08-Sep-26", "09-Sep-26", "10-Sep-26", "11-Sep-26", "14-Sep-26", "15-Sep-26", "16-Sep-26", "17-Sep-26", "18-Sep-26", "21-Sep-26", "22-Sep-26", "23-Sep-26", "24-Sep-26", "25-Sep-26", "28-Sep-26", "29-Sep-26", "30-Sep-26", "01-Oct-26", "02-Oct-26", "05-Oct-26", "06-Oct-26", "07-Oct-26", "08-Oct-26", "09-Oct-26", "12-Oct-26", "13-Oct-26", "14-Oct-26", "15-Oct-26", "16-Oct-26", "19-Oct-26", "20-Oct-26", "21-Oct-26", "22-Oct-26", "23-Oct-26"]; const rawData = [279.77, 279.87, 279.82, 279.97, 280.07, 279.95, 279.97, 280.05, 280.21, 280.17, 280.27, 280.21, 280.22, 280.26, 280.37, 280.42, 280.26, 280.22, 280.16, 280.56, 280.47, 280.57, 280.73, 280.78, 280.56, 280.47, 280.60, 280.57, 280.46, 280.62, 280.72, 280.87, 280.77, 280.97, 281.07, 280.97, 281.07, 281.02, 280.97, 281.06, 281.22, 281.37, 281.47, 281.52, 281.71, 281.57, 281.67, 281.72, 281.61, 281.66, 281.77, 281.92, 281.97, 282.06, 281.97, 282.06, 282.17, 282.07, 282.02, 281.97, 282.12, 282.22, 282.17, 282.21, 282.47, 282.67, 282.96, 283.17, 283.41, 283.55, 283.64, 283.70, 283.87, 283.77, 283.72, 283.67, 283.72, 283.76, 283.95, 283.86, 283.97, 284.22, 284.36, 284.47, 284.56, 284.46, 284.72, 284.67, 284.96, 284.97, 284.87, 284.95, 284.97, 284.76, 284.22, 283.45, 283.21, 283.05, 282.95, 282.87, 282.66, 282.57, 282.67, 282.56, 282.47, 282.45, 282.42, 282.22, 282.06, 282.01, 281.96, 281.95, 281.92, 281.90, 281.87, 281.86, 281.83, 281.80, 281.77, 281.75, 281.72, 281.71, 281.67, 281.65, 281.62, 281.61, 281.60, 281.56, 281.55, 281.52, 281.51, 281.50, 281.47, 281.46, 281.45, 281.46, 281.42, 281.43, 281.41, 281.37, 281.35, 281.32, 281.31, 281.27, 281.26, 281.25, 281.22, 281.21, 281.20, 281.17, 281.16, 281.15, 281.12, 281.11, 281.10, 281.07, 281.06, 281.05, 281.03, 281.02, 281.01, 280.97, 280.96, 280.92, 280.91, 280.90, 280.87, 280.86, 280.85, 280.82, 280.81, 280.78, 280.77, 280.76, 280.72, 280.71, 280.67, 280.66, 280.66, 280.65, 280.62, 280.61, 280.57, 280.56, 280.55, 280.52, 280.51, 280.47, 280.46, 280.45, 280.42, 280.41, 280.40, 280.37, 280.36, 280.32, 280.31, 280.30, 280.27, 280.26, 280.25, 280.22, 280.21, 280.20, 280.17, 280.16, 280.15, 280.12, 280.11, 280.10, 280.07, 280.06, 280.05, 280.02, 280.01, 280.00, 279.97, 279.96, 279.95, 279.92, 279.91, 279.90, 279.87, 279.86, 279.85, 279.82, 279.81, 279.80, 279.77, 279.76, 279.75, 279.72, 279.71, 279.70, 279.67, 279.66, 279.65, 279.62, 279.61, 279.60, 279.57, 279.56, 279.55, 279.52, 279.51, 279.50, 279.47, 279.46, 279.45, 279.42, 279.41, 279.40, 279.37, 279.36, 279.35, 279.32, 279.31, 279.30, 279.27, 279.26, 279.25, 279.22, 279.21, 279.20, 279.17, 279.16, 279.15, 279.12, 279.11, 279.10, 279.07, 279.06, 279.05, 279.02, 279.01, 279.00, 278.97, 278.96, 278.95, 278.92, 278.91, 278.90, 278.87, 278.86, 278.85, 278.82, 278.81, 278.80, 278.77, 278.76, 278.75, 278.72, 278.71, 278.70, 278.67, 278.66, 278.65, 278.62, 278.61, 278.60, 278.57, 278.56, 278.55, 278.52, 278.51, 278.50, 278.47, 278.46, 278.45, 278.42, 278.41, 278.40, 278.37, 278.36, 278.35, 278.32, 278.31, 278.30, 278.27, 278.26, 278.25, 278.22, 278.21, 278.20, 278.17, 278.16, 278.15, 278.12, 278.11, 278.10, 278.07, 278.06, 278.05, 278.02, 278.01, 278.00, 277.95, 277.95, 277.92, 277.91, 277.90, 277.87, 277.86, 277.85, 277.82, 277.81, 277.80, 277.77, 277.76, 277.75, 277.72, 277.71, 277.70, 277.67, 277.66, 277.65, 277.62, 277.61, 277.57, 277.56, 277.55, 277.52, 277.51, 277.50, 277.47, 277.46, 277.45, 277.42, 277.41, 277.40, 277.37, 277.36, 277.35, 277.32, 277.31, 277.30, 277.27, 277.26, 277.25, 277.22, 277.21, 277.20, 277.17, 277.16, 277.15, 277.12, 277.11, 277.10, 277.07, 277.06, 277.05, 277.02, 277.01, 277.00, 276.97, 276.96, 276.95, 276.92, 276.91, 276.90, 276.87, 276.86, 276.85, 276.82]; const currentExchangeRate = rawData[rawData.length - 1]; const usdInput = document.getElementById('usdInput'); const pkrInput = document.getElementById('pkrInput'); const latestBadgeRate = document.getElementById('latestBadgeRate'); const latestDateLabel = document.getElementById('latestDateLabel'); const statHigh = document.getElementById('statHigh'); const statLow = document.getElementById('statLow'); const statAvg = document.getElementById('statAvg'); const statChange = 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"clip" hides the same overflow // without creating a scroll container. for (var a = wrapper.parentElement; a; a = a.parentElement) { var cs = getComputedStyle(a); if (cs.overflowX === 'hidden') a.style.overflowX = 'clip'; if (cs.overflowY === 'hidden') a.style.overflowY = 'clip'; } // Undo the server-side escaping of closing script tags / comment openers. var html = source.textContent.replace(/ window.innerHeight; if (pinned) { stage.style.position = 'sticky'; stage.style.top = '0'; fillScreen(stage); track.style.height = h + 'px'; max = Math.max(0, h - frame.clientHeight); } else { // Grow only: vh-based content would otherwise shrink with its own frame, forever. fitH = Math.max(fitH, h); stage.style.position = 'static'; stage.style.height = fitH + 'px'; track.style.height = 'auto'; max = 0; } sync(true); } // inside the frame would only scroll the (non-scrollable) frame. Scroll the page instead. function onAnchorClick(e) { var link = e.target.closest && e.target.closest('a[href^="#"]'); if (!link || e.defaultPrevented) return; var id = link.getAttribute('href').slice(1); try { id = decodeURIComponent(id); } catch (x) { } var target = id ? doc.getElementById(id) : null; if (id && !target) return; e.preventDefault(); var inFrame = target ? target.getBoundingClientRect().top + win.scrollY : 0; window.scrollTo({ top: track.getBoundingClientRect().top + window.scrollY + (pinned ? Math.min(inFrame, max) : inFrame), behavior: 'smooth' }); } frame.addEventListener('load', function () { try { win = frame.contentWindow; doc = win.document; var ro = new win.ResizeObserver(measure); // created in the frame's realm ro.observe(doc.documentElement); if (doc.body) ro.observe(doc.body); doc.addEventListener('click', onAnchorClick); measure(); } catch (e) { // No script access to the frame: fall back to a plain scrollable frame. win = null; frame.removeAttribute('scrolling'); stage.style.position = 'static'; fillScreen(stage); track.style.height = 'auto'; } }); fillScreen(stage); fillScreen(track); // placeholder until the frame has loaded and been measured window.addEventListener('scroll', function () { sync(false); }, { passive: true }); window.addEventListener('resize', measure); stage.appendChild(frame); track.appendChild(stage); wrapper.appendChild(track); })(); The Pakistani rupee continued its marginal gain against the US dollar, appreciating 0.01% in the inter-bank market on Friday. The local unit closed the day at 276.82, a gain of Re0.03 against the greenback. On Thursday, the rupee had rupee settled at 276.85 against the dollar. Internationally, the Japanese yen hit its strongest level in more than a month on Friday, buoyed by safe-haven flows due to a fresh bout of risk aversion that also sent US Treasury yields sharply lower, pushing the dollar to a nearly three-week ‌trough. The moves in the currency markets were driven by doubts over the AI spending boom even as Brent crude futures stay above $110 per barrel, suggesting concerns over economic growth outweighed inflation worries. The yen strengthened 0.3% on Friday to 156.28 per US dollar, leading gains among major currencies. It was set for a 1% gain for the week, its strongest weekly rise since early September. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, was at 101.52, after touching its lowest level since the beginning of the month at 101.44 ⁠on Thursday. US 10-year Treasury yields hovered near a one-month low at 4.953%, after tumbling on Thursday when equities sold off on renewed concerns about the sustainability of the AI boom, burnishing the safe-haven appeal of sovereign debt. While demand for safety is intensifying, the beneficiaries differ depending on the risk, OCBC analysts said. AI jitters ‌favour the ⁠yen, Middle East tensions support the Canadian dollar and Norwegian crown due to rising oil prices, while French fiscal stress benefits the Swiss franc, they said, adding that for the US dollar, AI had become an increasingly two-way macro risk. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, rose on Friday, with Brent crude touching its highest since early May, ‌after Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia stoked concern over further disruption to energy supplies from the Middle East where UAE authorities also reported an oil spill. Brent crude futures gained $1.71, or 1.5%, to $114.99 a barrel by 1300 GMT, having earlier reached $115.16, the highest level since May 4. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained $1.80, or 1.8%, to $101.27. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Friday BID Rs 276.82 OFFER Rs 277.02 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR lost 5 paise for buying and 6 paise for selling against USD, closing at 277.57 and 278.71, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR gained 68 paise for buying and 57 paise for selling, closing at 310.55 and 313.55, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 1 paisa for buying and gained 1 paisa for selling, closing at 75.60 and 76.20, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR remained unchanged for both buying and selling, closing at 73.93 and 74.51, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Friday BID Rs 277.57 OFFER Rs 278.71 [...]

Sri Lankan shares fall for fourth straight week

October 23, 2026 3:08

Sri Lankan shares closed lower on Friday, extending losses for a fifth straight session, dragged down by utility stocks. The CSE All-Share index settled 0.17% lower at 19,684.91 points. The index dropped 2.52% over the week, its fourth straight weekly fall. Dialog Axiata Plc and Carson Cumberbatch Plc were the biggest decliners on the index, down 9.7% and 9.1%, respectively, on the day. Trading volume on the index fell to 31.5 million shares from 64.3 million shares in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover dipped to 825.1 million Sri Lankan rupees ($2.48 million) from 1.10 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net buyers, purchasing stocks worth 55.1 million rupees, while domestic investors were net sellers, offloading shares worth 807.6 million rupees, the data showed. [...]

PSX: selling continues, KSE-100 down nearly 1%

October 23, 2026 1:41

Selling pressure continued at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as fighting intensified between Saudi Arabia and Yemen-based Houthis, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index dropping nearly 1% on Friday. The market remained under pressure throughout much of the session. The index opened near the upper end of its daily range, reaching an intra-day high of 163,966.86, before witnessing a sustained decline. Selling pressure intensified during the morning, pushing the index towards 162,500. In the second half, the index staged a brief recovery, climbing to around 163,400. However, the rebound proved short-lived, as renewed selling dragged the index lower towards an intra-day low of 162,292.44 before the end of trading. At close, the benchmark KSE-100 index closed at 162,374.87 points, down 1,549.44 points, or 0.95%. “Selling pressure stems from two factors: weakness in global markets amid higher oil prices, and cautious sentiment ahead of the monetary policy decision on Monday amid expectations of a rate hike,” Sana Tawfik, Head of Research at Arif Habib Limited, told Business Recorder. Top negative contribution to the index came from MEBL, ENGROH, LUCK, HUBC and PPL, as they cumulatively weighed down on the index by 637 points, as per the post-market report of brokerage house Topline Securities. The KSE-100 Index declined 2.43% week-on-week amid geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and profit-taking ahead of the SBP’s monetary policy decision, Topline said. On Thursday, PSX again slipped as persistent geopolitical uncertainty, rising international oil prices and the absence of positive triggers weighed on investor sentiment, triggering broad-based selling across major sectors. The benchmark KSE-100 Index declined by 2,006.67 points, or 1.21%, to close at 163,924.32 points. Internationally, Asian shares fell on Friday as concerns over the enormous funding needs of AI hammered tech and led to the biggest daily rally in Treasuries in more than three years, with investors fleeing to sovereign bonds and safe-haven currencies. Markets also sharply pared back ‌expectations of further policy tightening from the Federal Reserve, stripping out almost a full quarter-point rate hike for next year amid concerns a bursting AI bubble could derail the data-centre investment boom and hobble the US economy. A December rate rise is no longer fully priced, with the implied probability falling to 85%. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares excluding Japan fell 0.3% on Friday, bringing its weekly loss to 2.7% and marking a fourth straight week ⁠in the red. Japan’s Nikkei dropped 1.3% and was down a whopping 5% for the week. South Korea’s KOSPI skidded 1.7%, on course for a 4.3% weekly decline, with memory chipmaker SK Hynix down 2.5% on the day. Taiwan’s stock market was closed due to a typhoon. An index of mainland Chinese blue chips lost 1.1% on Friday to hit the lowest level since July 2025. The index was down about 20% from its peak in late June. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up 0.1% after dropping 3% on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee continued its marginal gain against the US dollar, appreciating 0.01% in the inter-bank market on Friday. The local unit closed the day at 276.82, a gain of Re0.03 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index increased to 398.94 million from 367.09 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares rose to Rs18.20 billion from Rs17.99billion in the previous session. Pervez Ahmed Co was the volume leader with 32.67 million shares, followed by MACPAC Films with 26.69 million shares, and Pak Refinery with 23.50 million shares. Shares of 495 companies were traded on Friday, of which 136 registered an increase, 311 recorded a fall, and 48 remained unchanged. [...]

UAE shares extend losses on regional conflict fears

October 23, 2026 1:17

Stock markets in the United Arab Emirates fell on Friday, with Dubai leading the decline driven by losses in financial and real estate shares as Houthi strikes in Saudi heightened fears of a wider regional conflict. Saudi Aramco has told staff to evacuate its Dhahran headquarters and work remotely, six people with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday, a day after two people were killed in an attack on a nearby airport. Dubai’s main index dropped 1.4% to a more than four-month low, weighed down by a 3.5% fall in top lender Emirates NBD Bank and a 2.1% decline in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties. Abu Dhabi’s benchmark index fell 1.2%, pressured by energy, real estate and banking stocks. Real estate giant Aldar Properties slipped 3.7%, while energy shipping firm Adnoc L&S decreased 3.9%. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, the UAE’s third-largest lender, fell 3.7%, despite reporting a 15% rise in third-quarter net profit to 3.56 billion dirhams ($969.26 million).7 Separately, the UAE is investing an additional €15 billion ($16.81 billion) in Greece, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Thursday, building on an existing joint investment initiative. Dubai and Abu Dhabi indexes posted weekly losses of 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively, according to LSEG data. Oil prices, a key driver of Gulf financial markets, drifted higher on Friday as Houthi attacks raised concerns about further disruption to Middle East energy supplies. Brent crude rose 1.3% to $114.61 a barrel by 1148 GMT. [...]

Apple's foldable iPhone hits stores with $2,000 price tag and scarce supply

October 23, 2026 11:28

SYDNEY/SHANGHAI/LONDON: Apple’s first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, hit stores around the world on Friday with a price tag of about $2,000 and less of the fanfare that accompanied previous iPhone launches. From Singapore and Shanghai to London and Berlin, demand was strong but with sales rationed, there were fewer of the round-the-block queues and overnight camp-outs that once marked new iPhone days. Competitors such as Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies have sold premium foldable phones for years and the Duo is a test of whether Apple can reinvent the small foldable mobile market the way the iPhone did for smartphones. It is also an early challenge for Apple’s new CEO John Ternus, the former hardware chief who unveiled the phone barely a week after taking charge in September. Apple’s estimated delivery dates for the Duo had slipped to late January within minutes of pre-orders opening a week ago, as demand outpaced supply. The US company called the response “nothing short of extraordinary”. Apple capped pre-orders at two handsets per customer and limited sales to walk-in shoppers. In China, France, Hong Kong, India and Japan they were only available to those who had ordered online. Apple launches faster Mac mini, Mac Studio to tap AI boom In Sydney, which was the first Apple store to sell the new passport-shaped phones on Friday, a queue formed outside before opening at 8 a.m. local time (2100 GMT). “This is a bit of a luxury item for me, because it’s so expensive, but I just think, you know what? Life’s too short,” said Simon Krishnan, a 48-year-old engineer who paid A$3,899 ($2,734) for a 512GB Duo. In China, a soft consumer market and rising memory costs have led to six straight quarters of declining smartphone shipments, although Apple’s market share has rebounded as some buyers trade up to premium devices. Liu Wei, a 26-year-old healthcare professional, already has a foldable phone from Xiaomi, but still queued outside a Shanghai store from 6 a.m. for Apple’s first foldable. “I’ve used Apple products for many years and I have more trust (in the brand), so I bought one on launch day to try it out,” he said. Many queued to pick up pre-orders, while others hoped for limited stock or to browse display models. Others were resellers. In Hong Kong, May, 38, who declined to give his full name, bought a 256GB iPhone Duo, priced at HK$17,499 ($2,231.73), in an online pre-sale and planned to resell it for a profit of around HK$4,000. “A few meals’ worth of money,” he joked. Paul Francis, 53, was one of several dozen fans who queued overnight outside London’s Regent Street store in pouring rain. “Some people think it was mad. Including myself,” the charity manager said. Mixed reviews Early reviews have praised the Duo’s design as well as its sturdy and barely visible hinge, a major feat for phones whose prominent creased screen has long been a drawback and potential deterrent for buyers. Apple trains its own AI model for China market with Alibaba’s support, sources say But reviewers said camera compromises, including no telephoto lens, and third-party apps still to be reworked for the new display size could disappoint some buyers. They also said the folded Duo is less handy for the quick tasks most users do daily and several prominent reviewers recommended against it for many Apple customers. “It’s been a lot of fun trying the Duo out for a week, but it feels like I’ve gotten to use an extraordinarily polished prototype — not a finished product that I’d want to buy and carry,” wrote longtime Apple commentator John Gruber. Tech commentator Marques Brownlee said in a YouTube review that for a regular person who mostly texts and browses, “it is probably a no. But if the $2,000 doesn’t mean much to you, and you like the idea, after the learning curve and getting used to not having facial identification, it is a really fun phone.” In Berlin, YouTube content creator Patrick Wolter was impressed that the Duo works as a phone and an iPad in one. “I’ve always found it a hassle to carry around a separate tablet, especially since I already have a laptop and other gear,” he said. “In the long run, this will likely end up replacing those other devices.” Tough to find Apple’s entry into the relatively niche foldables market could bring the format to a much broader audience, said Francisco Jeronimo, vice president at market researcher IDC. IDC expects Apple will take 44% of the foldable market value in 2026 on 31% of units. By 2027, it will become the market leader both in value and units shipped, IDC forecast. “Apple has made a convincing case for this form factor,” Jeronimo said after spending a week with the Duo. “Now comes the next test: turning excitement into availability, adoption and a lasting new chapter for the smartphone market,” Jeronimo said. [...]

Copper rebounds as inventories, stock markets stabilise

October 23, 2026 11:10

LONDON: Copper prices bounced on Friday after a sharp decline in the previous session as stock markets stabilised and the build-up of inventories slowed. Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange gained 0.8% to $14,190 a metric ton by 1000 GMT, having slid 1.9% to a five-week low in the previous session. Metals markets were supported as a rout in global tech shares eased after concerns over the enormous funding needs of AI had hammered Wall Street. “Today we’ve got the Nasdaq futures bouncing after that sell-off yesterday, and that’s probably why we’re seeing some metals investors getting back in,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank in Copenhagen. Investors were still nervous, and there was the risk of further losses in copper, especially if prices broke below the September low of $13,925, he added. Worries about excess inventories abated after daily data showed on Friday that LME copper stocks rose by 800 metric tons, having jumped by a fifth over the past week to 273,750 tons. In China, inventories in warehouses registered with the Shanghai Futures Exchange tumbled by 26.5%, weekly data showed on Friday. Investors were still concerned about the overhang of stocks in the United States, which has attracted huge flows of copper due to speculation about the government imposing tariffs, Hansen said. “That massive pile of copper in the US is clearly weighing on prices given the risk of re-exporting that copper into the rest of the market,” Hansen said. Nickel was the worst performer on the LME, giving up 1.8% to $15,825 a ton as traders awaited clearer signals from Chinese companies considering coordinated output cuts at their Indonesian operations. The International Nickel Study Group last week forecast a small global surplus this year, reversing an earlier deficit forecast. Among other metals, LME aluminum dipped 0.1% to $3,007 a ton, zinc gained 1.1% to $3,710, lead was little changed at $1,898, and tin rose 1.3% to $50,715. [...]

GLP-1 boom in China, India, Brazil could create $22bn market by 2035, J.P. Morgan says

October 23, 2026 11:05

The combined China-India-Brazil market for weight-loss drugs could grow to $22 billion by 2035 from $6.6 billion currently, J.P. Morgan estimated, as improving affordability and broader access drive adoption in largely untapped patient populations. The addressable market could grow at an annual rate of 15% through 2035, J.P. Morgan analysts led by Yang Huang said in a note on Friday, given the countries’ large diabetes and obesity burdens. GLP-1 drugs, such as Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, have become some of the most sought-after medicines for weight-loss and diabetes treatment globally. China and India are home to some of the world’s largest diabetes patient populations, accounting for more than 25% and 15% of global diagnosed cases, respectively, while about 12% of Brazilian adults have diabetes, according to J.P. Morgan. The three countries also face a growing obesity burden. China’s overweight and obese population could exceed 65% by 2030, while India’s adult obesity rate is projected to reach 11% by 2035. “GLP-1 is transitioning from a developed-market growth theme to a broader global access story…” the analysts said. “With patent cliffs, generic launches and policy-engineered price cuts now improving GLP-1 affordability, the three markets are converging on the same destination.” Under-tapped markets GLP-1’s uptake in many emerging markets has remained low due to affordability concerns. Penetration is below 0.1% in China and under 0.2% in India, versus 4%-5% in the US, according to the note. While Brazil is currently the largest of the three markets, obesity-drug penetration is projected to reach only 7%-8% of its obese population by 2035, compared with about 30% in the US. J.P. Morgan expects China to overtake Brazil by 2027, with its market reaching $13.7 billion by 2035, versus $8 billion for Brazil, supported by its large diabetes burden and wider reimbursement for GLP-1 therapies. For India, the smallest of the three markets, conservative attitudes toward GLP-1 drugs, alongside affordability concerns, remain key barriers to adoption, J.P. Morgan said, as hesitancy around injectables and slow-shifting cultural attitudes persist. The brokerage highlighted China’s Innovent, Divi’s Laboratories and Torrent Pharmaceuticals in India, and Brazil’s RD Saude as its key stocks to play the GLP-1 growth theme. [...]

Surging oil prices drag Indian shares to weekly losses

October 23, 2026 10:53

Indian shares fell on Friday and logged weekly losses as surging oil prices amid Middle East tensions stoked concerns over inflation and company earnings. The benchmark Nifty 50 fell 0.39% to 22,600, and the Sensex shed 0.17% to 73,123.83. The indexes lost 2.4% and 2.2% this week, respectively, with sentiment dampened by a rise in Brent crude oil futures to about $114 on energy supply fears after attacks on top exporter Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthis. “Oil is an immediate pressure point, while the impact of a weaker monsoon on water availability is a slower-burning risk,” said Rushabh Sheth, co-founder and co-CIO at Karma Capital. “With clear macro headwinds facing markets over the next few quarters, a narrowing market is becoming a reality, meaning fewer stocks are likely to perform well across segments.” Demand for billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Platforms record $3.2 billion IPO, which swelled to 13.8 times as of the closing of the secondary market also drained liquidity during the week, analysts at SMC Global and Motilal Oswal Financial Services said. Fifteen of the 16 major sectors logged weekly losses. The broader small-caps and mid-caps underperformed benchmarks, losing 7.3% and 5.6% and posting their worst week in 20 months. Consumer durables, energy, FMCG and auto lost 6.4%, 4.6%, 4.3% and 3.5%, as higher oil dampened earnings outlook for the sectors that use crude as a key raw material. The heaviest-weighted benchmark stock, HDFC Bank, lost 5% during the week after missing quarterly profit estimates. Axis Bank lost 5.6% on earnings miss, while Bajaj Finance dropped 5.4% as concerns over pressure on lending margins outweighed a rise in quarterly profit. On the day, Swiggy tumbled 16.8% to a record low, on concerns over the company’s ability to turn around its quick-commerce unit and margins in its food delivery business. Colgate-Palmolive India dropped 4.8% after the quarterly profit missed estimates. [...]

Indian rupee little changed this week as oil-fueled declines wipe out early gains

October 23, 2026 10:52

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee weakened for a second straight session on Friday as surging oil prices spurred risk aversion, erasing gains made earlier in the week and leaving the currency little changed, despite easing expectations of further US rate hikes. The Indian rupee opened the session marginally higher at 94.79 against the US dollar, but turned lower in early trades to hit a low of 94.9725. The currency ended 0.1% lower for the day at 94.9400, after depreciating by 0.4% on Thursday. It was little changed for the week, after rising 1.4% last week. Oil prices rose in the latter half of the week including in Asian hours, with the benchmark Brent crude touching a more than five-month high, after attacks in Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthis stoked concern over further disruption to energy supplies from the region. The Brent crude contract was hovering around $114 per barrel, and is on track to post a third straight weekly surge. While facing a shock from oil prices, investors have been reassessing technology trades and pulling back from riskier assets on worries about stretched valuations for artificial intelligence-led companies, leading to a selloff in stocks and rising demand for safe-haven US Treasuries. The odds of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve have dropped to single digits from as high as 70% a month ago, which provided brief relief to the rupee in the early session, but oil worries outweighed the positive move. Energy prices have remained elevated fuelling concerns about inflation and imported energy costs, which hit the nation’s current account calculations. Currency traders also cited some residual flows linked to the Jio Platforms initial public offering. These flows, alongside the unwinding of dollar-long positions triggered by the Reserve Bank of India’s latest measures, had lifted the currency to a six-week high of 94.30 per dollar on Thursday, before importers stepped up dollar purchases. “The RBI’s recent FX measures are short-term stabilizers, not necessarily unjustified, but insufficient to alter the medium-term bearish outlook on the rupee,” Apoorva Javadekar, chief economist at Shriram Research, said. [...]

US military bans BYD vehicles from strategic air base in Japan

October 23, 2026 7:14

TOKYO: The US military said on Friday it will ban vehicles made by Chinese EV maker BYD from an air base in Japan, saying their presence posed a security risk. The ban will begin at the Kadena Air Base on Japan’s Okinawa island on Monday, the Yonhap newswire reported earlier. The base is a major US air power hub on Japan’s strategic southwest island chain running along the edge of the East China Sea. “These vehicles present an unacceptable and unmitigable risk to our personnel and our mission,” base spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alli Stormer said. She did not say what specific concern had prompted the commander to act against the Chinese electric vehicles. BYD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Chinese company, which overtook Tesla as the world’s biggest seller of battery-electric vehicles in 2025, is expanding overseas, including in Japan. It launched its Racco electric minicar there in July as it seeks a foothold in a market dominated by domestic brands. HUBCO denies BYD plant delay, targets end-2026 launch: report The Pentagon in June designated BYD, along with e-commerce firm Alibaba, internet company Baidu and automaker NIO, as companies it believes support China’s military. BYD rejected the designation and said it would pursue administrative and legal avenues to protect its interests. China has imposed similar restrictions on Tesla vehicles. In 2021 it barred them from some government compounds due to security concerns over cameras installed on the vehicles. Beijing removed that restriction in 2024 after Tesla won an endorsement from the country’s top auto industry association. [...]

South Korean shares head for second weekly loss as AI stock selloff bites

October 23, 2026 6:37

SEOUL: Round-up of South Korean financial markets: South Korean shares fell on Friday and were poised to log a second weekly loss as a selloff in AI-related shares drove investors into safer assets globally. The won strengthened, while the benchmark bond yield fell. The benchmark KOSPI was down 118.59 points, or 2.14%, at 5,415.18 as of 01:38 GMT. The tech-heavy Nasdaq slid more than 1% on Thursday as growth stocks weakened after earnings from mega-caps Tesla and Meta failed to allay AI-related concerns, with a recovery in oil prices further adding to market unease. Shares of chipmaker Samsung Electronics fell 2.80%, while peer SK Hynix lost 0.57%. Among other index heavyweights, battery maker LG Energy Solution slid 1.79%, while Hyundai Motor and sister automaker Kia Corp were down 3.81% and 2.85%, respectively. Steelmaker POSCO Holdings shed 3.50%, while drugmaker Samsung BioLogics rose 6.47%. Of the total 912 traded issues, 95 shares advanced, while 793 declined. Foreigners were net sellers of shares worth 589.3 billion won. The won was quoted at 1,322.6 per dollar on the onshore settlement platform, 0.29% higher than its previous close at 1,326.5. In offshore trading, the won was quoted at 1,322.1 per dollar, up 0.2% on the day, while in non-deliverable forward trading its one-month contract was quoted at 1,320.8. The KOSPI has risen 28.50% so far this year. The won has strengthened 8.8% against the dollar so far this year. In money and debt markets, December futures on three-year treasury bonds gained 0.21 point to 103.29. The most liquid three-year Korean treasury bond yield fell by 6.6 basis points to 3.774%, while the benchmark 10-year yield fell by 7.1 basis points to 4.073%. [...]

China urges US to halt proposed expansion of outbound investment curbs

October 24, 2026 5:18

Govt focused on export-led sustainable growth, private sector facilitation: finance minister

October 24, 2026 3:31

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Saturday structural reforms were under way to stabilise Pakistan’s economy, with the government focusing on export-led sustainable growth, improving the tax system, reducing energy costs, and encouraging the private sector. He said IT exports were expected to reach $5.5 billion and remittances $44 billion during the current fiscal year, while the country’s foreign exchange reserves were sufficient to cover more than three months of imports. Addressing a ceremony at a private university in Lahore on Saturday, the finance minister said Pakistan needed to move away from its historical boom-and-bust economic cycle towards a growth trajectory that could generate employment opportunities and ensure that the benefits of economic progress reach the people. He said excessive reliance on imports had repeatedly exposed Pakistan to balance-of-payments crises, after which it took four to five years to stabilise the economy. To avoid such a situation, the country needed to increase exports, improve productivity and strengthen its economic fundamentals, the minister added. Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s credit rating had improved three times since April last year as a result of sustained efforts. Steps had also been taken to improve access to international financial markets. Pakistan undertook a private placement in April this year and advanced its efforts to access global markets through the issuance of Panda bonds. He said investor orders for Pakistan’s eurobonds were twice the amount offered, with investors from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States also expressing interest. The finance minister said Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves were at a historic high and sufficient to cover more than three months of imports, compared with a time when reserves had fallen to the equivalent of just two weeks of imports. He said global investors were now also assessing Pakistan’s economic position beyond its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The country’s current IMF programme is scheduled to conclude in October next year, making it essential to implement reforms to maintain economic stability, strengthen investor confidence and ensure policy continuity. He said the government was taking steps to improve the tax system, broaden the tax base and promote exports. Measures to boost exports included the abolition of the super tax and reductions in tax slabs, while the budget also provided for financing facilities for exporters at an interest rate of 4.5%. Aurangzeb said reducing tariffs and energy costs was necessary to enhance competitiveness in regional markets. Discussions had also been held on supplying surplus electricity to industries at approximately Rs23 per unit. He said Pakistan needed economic growth that could increase investment and production while creating new employment opportunities. Achieving growth of 7-8% alone was not enough; its benefits must also reach the public and improve their living standards, according to the minister. He added that the government aimed to stimulate economic activity by encouraging the private sector, facilitating investors and improving the business environment. Regarding the energy situation, the finance minister said Pakistan had avoided energy shortages despite regional conflicts, and motorists had not faced long queues at petrol pumps. He said the supply situation for crude oil and other energy sources was satisfactory, with adequate arrangements in place to meet requirements until November. Planning for the winter season was also under way. The minister stressed the need for timely measures to meet gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) requirements to prevent difficulties for domestic and industrial consumers. On public relief measures, Aurangzeb said the government had adopted targeted subsidies instead of general subsidies to ensure that assistance reached those who genuinely needed it. He said targeted subsidies had been provided for motorcycles, three-wheelers and vehicles with engine capacities below 800cc. Around 12 million unique individuals had benefited from the scheme, while approximately 40 million to 50 million people had benefited overall. He said targeted assistance allowed limited public resources to be directed towards the most deserving segments of society. The finance minister identified climate change and rapid population growth as major challenges facing Pakistan. He said the country’s annual population growth rate was approximately 2.55% and that, if the current trend continued, the population could reach 390 million. He warned that rising population could place additional pressure on education, healthcare, employment and other essential services, making long-term planning and structural measures necessary. He said Bangladesh, Indonesia and Iran had made progress in reducing their population growth rates to below 1% over the past decade, and Pakistan also needed to take steps to promote women’s education, increase their participation in the workforce and raise public awareness. Aurangzeb said women’s labour force participation in Pakistan stood at approximately 22.7%, adding that an increase in this rate could strengthen the country’s productivity and economic growth. The finance minister said the global economy was facing uncertainty, with regional conflicts potentially affecting the prices of essential commodities and energy supplies. Under these circumstances, he said, Pakistan needed to maintain the momentum of economic reforms, expand exports, encourage private investment and improve fiscal discipline to establish the economy on a sustainable footing and pave the way for employment-generating growth. [...]

Geely enters Pakistan through Bestway Group, unveils three NEVs

October 24, 2026 1:39

Gold prices in Pakistan fall for fifth consecutive day

October 24, 2026 9:59

USDA attache sees Brazil 2026-27 soybean crop at 184.0 million T

October 24, 2026 5:59

Farmers in Brazil are expected to harvest 184 million metric tons of soybeans in the 2026-27 marketing year, the US Department of Agriculture’s attache in Brasilia said in a report released on Thursday. The unofficial forecast in the attache’s report, issued by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, is below USDA’s official projection for a 2026-27 Brazilian soybean crop of 186 million tons. Still, the attache’s forecast represents an increase of nearly 2% from 2025-26, when Brazil, the world’s largest soybean grower, produced a 180.5 million-ton crop. “Favorable early-season rainfall has supported planting across major producing regions, but persistent rain in Rio Grande do Sul and forecasts of severe weather in several states could hurt crop development,” the report said. The attache expects weather-related concerns to affect harvest operations more than planting, the report said. Brazil soybean exports to slip in 2027 “Despite expectations of an El Niño season in Brazil, soybean producers remain optimistic, with most concerns focused on their second-season corn and cotton crops,” the report said. The attache’s report projected Brazil’s 2026-27 soybean exports at 117.5 million tons, up 2.1% from 2025-26 but below the USDA’s official forecast of 118 million tons. [...]

KTBA urges FBR to modify IRIS system

October 24, 2026 12:32

ISLAMABAD: To facilitate overseas Pakistanis, the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to modify the IRIS system to allow individuals returning to Pakistan after a period of non-residence to enter their appropriate opening wealth balance for Tax Year 2026. In a letter to FBR Member Inland Revenue (Operations) on Friday, the KTBA said the existing restriction in the Wealth Reconciliation Statement was creating difficulties for individuals who resumed tax residency after spending intervening years as non-residents. The association pointed out that IRIS automatically carries forward the opening wealth balance from the last Wealth Statement filed and does not allow taxpayers to edit it. Consequently, the system retains the wealth balance reported before the period of non-residence, preventing returning taxpayers from accurately reconciling their wealth for the relevant tax year. The KTBA illustrated the issue with the case of an individual who was a Pakistani tax resident up to Tax Year 2023 and filed an income tax return, Wealth Statement and Wealth Reconciliation Statement for that year. The individual subsequently remained a non-resident during Tax Years 2024 and 2025, declaring only Pakistan-source income and not filing Wealth Statements, as these were not required under section 116(2) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, in the circumstances described. Upon returning to Pakistan and becoming a resident during the period relevant to Tax Year 2026, the individual is required to furnish a Wealth Statement and Wealth Reconciliation Statement under section 116(2) of the Ordinance. However, the IRIS system automatically carries forward the wealth balance as of June 30, 2023, into a non-editable opening balance field, creating difficulties in reconciling wealth for Tax Year 2026. The association maintained that, under the self-assessment and declaration framework of income tax laws, taxpayers should be allowed to declare their opening wealth balance on the basis of relevant information and records, subject to applicable legal provisions. Without prejudice to this broader position, the KTBA urged the FBR to address the specific issue by modifying the relevant IRIS validation to allow returning individuals to enter an appropriate opening wealth balance for the relevant tax year. It said the proposed change would enable affected taxpayers to reconcile their wealth for Tax Year 2026 without being required to undertake a reconciliation covering the intervening years of non-residence. The association further emphasised that the IRIS 2.0 filing utility should facilitate compliance with section 116(2) without extending the scope of the statutory obligation. The KTBA requested urgent resolution of the matter to enable affected individuals to correctly complete and submit their Wealth Statements and Wealth Reconciliation Statements for Tax Year 2026. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Oil hits USD116 mark as ME conflict rages on

October 24, 2026 12:32

NEW YORK: Oil prices settled more than USD3 higher on Friday, their highest in nearly six months after Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia stoked concerns over further disruption to energy supplies from the Middle East, where UAE authorities also reported an oil spill. Brent crude futures settled at USD116.72 a barrel, up USD3.55 or 3.14 percent, their highest since April 29. US West Texas Intermediate crude closed at USD103.27 a barrel, up USD3.80 or 3.8 percent. Brent finished the week up 6 percent and WTI ended 2.3 percent higher. “Fears of supply disruptions drove the advance after Houthi carried out a series of attacks across Saudi Arabia, including on energy infrastructure,” said Adam Turnquist, chief cross-asset strategist for LPL Financial. On Thursday, Saudi Aramco ordered the evacuation of its headquarters in Dhahran on the Gulf near Bahrain, Reuters reported. Fighting intensified between Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude exporter and Yemen-based Houthis. An oil spill from a tanker was detected off the UAE coast of Umm Al Quwain, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said. It did not say what caused the spill and authorities have not identified the tanker involved. Shipping sources said on October 9 that the Gem No. 2 supertanker was struck by an unidentified projectile 13 nautical miles (24 km) west of Al Jazeera in the UAE. “The market is concerned about these continued Iranian attacks on tankers that we’ve seen increase over the last week,” said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates. “While there has been an increase in oil transiting out of the Strait of Hormuz, that could change at any minute.” Clashes between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition that backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government have raged since the Houthis pushed towards Bab el-Mandeb Strait last month, a shipping chokepoint at the mouth of the Red Sea. October has been the worst month for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waterways, according to data compiled by a Washington-based think tank that has tracked maritime security incidents worldwide since 2017. President Donald Trump said on Friday the US could end the war with Iran quickly, but said perhaps Washington should allow the conflict to gradually wind down. The US Department of Energy said it had authorized an emergency exchange of up to 400,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address a supply disruption affecting Phillips 66’s Lake Charles refinery in Louisiana. The SPR is already at the lowest level since 1982 after President Donald Trump tapped it as the US war on Iran disrupted supply lines. Trump’s predecessor, President Joe Biden, also tapped the SPR following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Elsewhere, Germany’s national oil stockpiling agency EBV circulated a tender to sell diesel, heating oil and crude oil volumes from strategic reserves. This marks Germany’s first oil releases from strategic reserves since G7 countries, under pressure from Trump, agreed to do so at the start of October. On Thursday, the head of Libya’s National Oil Corp told Reuters that an oil pipeline valve from the Hamada and Tahara oilfields to Zawiya port had been shut, leading to a reduction in production at both fields. Ship tracking data showed the first Russian diesel bound for the US since Moscow and Washington reached an export agreement was aboard a tanker heading for New York. Trump announced the deal this month as part of efforts to bring down soaring diesel prices ahead of US midterm elections on November 3. US energy firms this week kept the total rig count unchanged for a second week in a row, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely followed report on Friday. The total oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, held steady at 603 during the week ended October 23. [...]

Govt approves Karachi Industrial Park as federal SEZ

October 24, 2026 12:32

ISLAMABAD: The government has approved Karachi Industrial Park as a federal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and endorsed a framework for government-funded utilities and allied infrastructure in privately established zones, seeking to attract export-oriented investment, reduce industrialisation costs and boost employment. The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, on Friday chaired the 11th meeting of the Board of Approvals (BoA) for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which discussed key measures to facilitate industrial investment, improve infrastructure provision, and promote the effective utilisation of industrial land. The Board confirmed the minutes of its 10th meeting and considered three substantive agenda items. The Board approved the application for Karachi Industrial Park (KIP) as a Federal Special Economic Zone. The proposed zone aims to attract export-oriented industrial investment, promote technology transfer and value addition, and generate employment. The Board also approved the General Eligibility Criteria for the provision of utilities and allied services up to the designated zero point of privately established SEZs through government funding, under the SEZ Act, 2012. The criteria establish a framework for considering the provision of road access, utilities and other essential facilities at government expense on a case-by-case basis. The Board further approved the Land Lease Policy for Public Sector SEZs and Industrial Estates in Punjab. The policy promotes industrial investment through long-term leasing, reducing upfront land costs and ensuring optimal use of public-sector industrial land, while encouraging investment in key industrial sectors and emerging industries with high export potential. The decisions reflect the Government’s continued focus on facilitating industrialisation, improving the investment environment and strengthening the framework for Special Economic Zones. The measures are intended to support greater private-sector participation, encourage export-oriented production and ensure that public resources and industrial land are utilised effectively. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh; Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal; Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan; Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan; and Punjab Minister for Industries, Commerce and Investment Shafay Hussain. Senior officials from the Finance Division, Board of Investment, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Federal and Provincial Special Economic Zones Authorities, relevant federal ministries and provincial departments, as well as representatives of the relevant sectors, also attended. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Petrol price maintained; HSD’s hiked by Rs1.91

October 24, 2026 12:32

ISLAMABAD: In the latest daily price review for October 24, the retail petrol price has been kept unchanged at Rs377.71 per litre, whereas, High-Speed Diesel (HSD) saw an increase of Rs1.91 per litre from Rs391.75 to Rs393.66 per litre effective. Average refined petrol prices eased to USD 117.52 per barrel from USD 117.89 on October 23, while HSD increased slightly to USD 110.58 per barrel from USD 109.47. Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) states that the change in price is necessitated by global events including changes in Platts rates, premiums, incidentals etc. A Petroleum Division notification states that levies and profit margins remain largely steady across both products. The change is recorded in import cost of both petroleum products. The ex-refinery price of petrol has come down to Rs266.95 per litre from Rs266.97 per litre, whereas, import cost of HSD price has increased to Rs286.11 from Rs284.19 per litre. According to the notification, government levies and fixed profit margins for petrol and HSD remain unchanged. Both fuels carry a Petroleum Levy of Rs80 per litre, a Climate Support Levy of Rs5 per litre, and profit margins of Rs9.98 per litre for dealers and Rs7.87 per litre for oil marketing companies. The Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) is sustained at Rs 7.89 per litre for petrol, and Rs 4.71 per litre for HSD. The new prices are applicable from October 24 to 26. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

LPG shortage worsens after supply issues

October 24, 2026 12:32

LAHORE: The shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has worsened due to disturbed supplies from Iran, traders said. Pakistan imports about 7,000 metric tons of LPG a day from Iran, according to the Pakistan LPG Association. More than 4,000 tons a day enters through Gabd-Rimdan alone, said Shamsul Haq, former president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “These imports are at halt,” Haq said. He added that more than 1,000 Pakistani containers carrying potatoes, bananas and rice for Iran were also stranded. However, Pakistani exports of perishable goods were later restored. Traders said the price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder had risen to 7,000 Pakistani rupees (USD25) from 4,500 rupees (USD16) within days and could climb further if the disruptions persist. Hundreds of trucks, including LPG tankers, are stranded on both sides of the border, Haq said. The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry has advised members to stop placing new orders with Iran until further notice. Truck drivers stuck at the supply route said they had been waiting for days in harsh conditions with limited access to basic amenities. Pakistan-Iran trade totalled about USD2.8 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year, including roughly USD684 million of Pakistani exports, according to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Pakistan LPG Association Chairman Irfan Khokhar warned shortages and price increases could worsen. “Already, LPG is being sold at different prices in Pakistan,” he said. A 12 kg cylinder sells for about 7,000 rupees in Balochistan, 7,500 rupees in Lahore and 8,200 rupees in Skardu, he said, adding that higher LPG prices were feeding through to other goods. Lahore resident Farhat Abbas said he paid 250 rupees per kg for LPG before the closure but now pays 500-600 rupees per kg. Consumers fear shortages and rising prices could worsen as winter approaches. On a visit to Tehran this week to discuss the US-Iran war, Pakistan’s army chief also discussed issues with Iranian leaders. Iran’s foreign ministry said consultations on resuming trade were underway. [...]

Cabinet approves 170 amendments to Cos Act, 2017: 70-75pc of regulations being removed to boost the ease doing of business: Haroon

October 24, 2026 12:32

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to accelerate business reforms by removing 70–75 percent of unnecessary regulations and federal cabinet has approved 170 amendments to the Companies Act, 2017, and a bill in this regard has been sent to Parliament. This was stated by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan while addressing a press conference alongside the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) here on Friday. Haroon Akhtar said the government was undertaking historic reforms to simplify the business environment, remove unnecessary regulatory hurdles and promote domestic and foreign investment in Pakistan. The adviser said the complexity of the regulatory framework and difficulties in doing business had been among the major factors discouraging foreign investment in Pakistan. “Over the past 78 years, laws and regulations have been introduced to meet different needs. However, with the passage of time, unnecessary complexities and overlapping requirements have accumulated, making it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently,” Haroon Akhtar Khan said. He explained that the government was conducting a comprehensive review of regulators, laws and regulations affecting businesses across the country. The reform process has made substantial progress, with approximately 60–70 percent of the overall work completed. Reform proposals submitted by various institutions recommend eliminating, on average, 70–75 per cent of unnecessary or duplicative regulations. The Adviser said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was personally overseeing the reform agenda and holding review meetings every two weeks to ensure progress. The implementation of several proposed reforms had already begun, while further measures were being developed to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen investor confidence. Highlighting the proposed AsaanKarobar Act, Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government was working to establish a business environment aligned with international best practices. The initiative aims to simplify regulatory procedures, reduce compliance costs and create a more predictable and investor-friendly framework for businesses operating in Pakistan. He further stated that 170 amendments to the Companies Act, 2017, had been approved by the federal cabinet and the relevant bill had been forwarded to Parliament. The proposed amendments aim to facilitate company registration and business operations while modernising Pakistan’s corporate regulatory framework. International regulatory systems, particularly those of Delaware in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, had been studied as benchmarks for the proposed reforms. The government had also engaged a senior international consultant with experience in regulatory reform across 135 countries to support the process, he explained. Haroon Akhtar said that regulatory reviews were underway in several sectors, including dairy, maritime, beverages, oil refineries, pharmaceuticals and restaurants. The objective is to identify redundant requirements, streamline procedures and ensure that regulations serve legitimate public and economic interests without imposing unnecessary burdens on businesses. The Adviser emphasised that effective reforms required close coordination between the federal government and provincial and regional administrations. In line with the Prime Minister’s directions, the government was working to advance reforms not only at the federal level but also in coordination with the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. “We want to ensure that federal and provincial reforms are aligned so that businesses across Pakistan can operate in an environment that is simpler, more transparent and more consistent,” he said. Addressing the issue of industrial inspections, Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that businesses often faced multiple inspections by different departments, including those responsible for labour, environmental protection, fire safety, buildings and boilers. The overlapping procedures could disrupt business operations and create avoidable compliance costs. He said the proposed reforms would bring greater transparency and consistency to the inspection system, protect the rights of businesses and industrialists, and reduce unnecessary difficulties while maintaining essential regulatory safeguards. International best practices were being considered to develop a more efficient and balanced inspection framework. The Adviser also outlined plans for an integrated, single-window digital portal through which businesses would be able to submit applications and connect with the relevant provincial authorities and regulatory bodies. The proposed platform is intended to reduce the need for businesses to visit multiple departments and help them complete necessary regulatory procedures through a single point of access. “Our objective is to make investment easier, reduce the cost of doing business and restore the confidence of both domestic and foreign investors. Businesses should be able to focus on production, innovation and expansion rather than navigating unnecessary procedural hurdles,” he said. Haroon Akhtar reiterated that the government was committed to creating an enabling environment in which investors could make decisions with confidence, industries could expand and new employment opportunities could be generated. He concluded that simplifying business regulations, strengthening domestic industry and attracting investment were essential for sustainable economic growth, industrial development and job creation in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

US authorises emergency release of up to 400,000 oil barrels

October 24, 2026 12:32

WASHINGTON: The US Department of Energy said on Friday it had authorised an emergency exchange of up to 400,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address a supply disruption affecting Phillips 66’s Lake Charles refinery in Louisiana. The SPR is already at the lowest level since 1982 after President Donald Trump tapped it as the US war on Iran disrupted supply lines, and after his predecessor, President Joe Biden, turned to it following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Lake Charles refinery has a capacity to refine about 264,000 barrels per day. The exchange will “help offset temporary disruptions affecting crude oil deliveries to the refinery and support continued production of transportation fuels serving Louisiana and surrounding markets,” the department said. The refinery will receive crude oil from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a Phillips 66 spokesperson confirmed on Friday, but he declined to comment on refinery operations or commercial activity. “We do not anticipate impacts to Lake Charles operations,” he said. [...]

Imported cell phones: FBR allows ST in instalments

October 24, 2026 12:32

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has allowed individuals to pay sales tax on imported mobile phone devices in monthly instalments for regularisation through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). In this regard, the FBR has issued a Customs General Order (CGO) No 06 of 2026 on Friday to amend the CGO No 01 of 2019 to introduce a mechanism for payment of sales tax in instalments on imported mobile phone devices. According to the new procedure, individuals may opt for instalment payments at the time of applying through DIRBS. The individuals would cover international travellers, local applicants and mobile devices imported by the individuals through Postal Service or couriers. The sales tax will be payable in equal monthly instalments, with the number of instalments corresponding to the months remaining in the financial year in which the phone is imported, including the month in which the application is submitted. However, in cases where a mobile phone is imported in June, the entire sales tax will be payable before the end of that month. The first instalment will be paid through the Payment Slip ID (PSID) generated when the application is submitted through DIRBS. Subsequent instalments will be paid through separate PSIDs generated on the corresponding date of each succeeding month or, where that date does not exist, on the last day of the month. The final instalment must be paid before the end of the financial year on June 30. Individuals may also pay any or all instalments in advance. The CGO further provides that failure to pay an instalment by its due date will result in the individual being treated as a defaulter. The mobile phone device will be treated as unregistered and blocked through DIRBS, while the entire outstanding sales tax will become immediately payable, without any further option to pay in instalments, the FBR added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

PM proposes Rs4,500 wheat support price

October 24, 2026 12:32

ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at encouraging cultivation and boosting domestic production, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday proposed a price of Rs4,500 per maund (40kg) for the 2027 wheat crop, an increase of Rs1,000 over last year. The proposal comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imported wheat after having to import the commodity over the past two years, while farmers have faced mounting production costs amid inflation and higher fuel prices. In a statement, the prime minister said the proposed price was intended to provide relief to growers struggling with rising agricultural input costs and to help them recover their expenses while earning a reasonable profit. READ MORE: PM Shehbaz says wheat price to be announced after provincial consultations The government hopes the higher benchmark will encourage farmers to allocate more land to wheat cultivation in the coming season, leading to a stronger sowing drive and increased domestic output in 2027. The proposed rate represents an increase from Rs3,500 per maund last year. The statement said the initiative was aimed at making wheat cultivation more financially viable and providing growers with an incentive to maintain or expand production. PM Sharif said the measure formed part of the government’s efforts to protect farmers’ economic interests, strengthen the agricultural sector and move the country towards greater self-sufficiency in meeting its food requirements. The statement said the proposal had been made with the input of President Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, following consultations with the chief ministers of Punjab and Sindh. However, the statement conspicuously left the chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa out of the picture, despite referring to consultations with the chief executives of Punjab and Sindh. The prime minister singled out Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, his niece, for thanks over her cooperation and suggestions during the consultations, while also expressing gratitude to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah for his support. The statement said the proposed price was intended to improve incentives for wheat growers facing rising input costs and pressure on farm incomes. The measure was expected to support agricultural production and bring greater stability to the sector, it added. However, the announcement described Rs4,500 per maund as an illustrative price and did not clarify whether it would be adopted as a guaranteed procurement rate. It also did not specify how the proposed price would be implemented or what mechanism would ensure that farmers receive it. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Govt focusing on reforms in FBR, Senate told

October 24, 2026 12:32

ISLAMABAD: The abolition of Super Tax by the federal government is applicable on the exporters as well as those businesses whose annual income does not exceed 500 million rupees, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is “especially focusing” on reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and its attached departments, Pakistan Customs in particular, to eradicate corruption. This was stated by State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani at the Senate session, presided over by Acting Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan, on Friday. He was responding to relevant questions moved by respective senators in the Senate question hour. The state minister said the government has reduced Super Tax from 10 to eight percent for businesses earning more than Rs500 million annually. The Super Tax, he said, would be reduced further keeping in view the availability of fiscal space. Kayani said the government is taking steps to improve the Export Facilitation Scheme in consultation with the exporters. This scheme allows the exporters to import raw material by availing incentives given by the government regarding taxes, he said. Furthermore, under the PM’s ApnaGhar Scheme, loans up to Rs10 million are provided at five percent interest rate, Kayani added. He said that Prime Minister Sharif is especially focusing on reforms in the FBR and its attached departments, Pakistan Customs in particular, by eradicating corruption and digitising the operations. Under these measures, Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system has been introduced in the Customs to facilitate trade and minimise human interface in the clearance of goods from ports, the state minister said. Kayani said that the PM has also established a task force at the airports to ensure transparency in Customs operations. Regarding action in corruption cases, the data shared by the state minister suggested that a total of 114 complaints were received against the officers/officials of Pakistan Customs Services (PCS), out of which, penalties were imposed in 45 cases, 47 cases were dropped and 22 cases remain under investigation. Moreover, 113 complaints were received against Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officers/officials, out of which penalties were imposed in nine cases, 71 cases were dropped and 33 cases remain under investigation. The House could not transact its scheduled business agenda as the session was adjourned abruptly till Monday, after quorum was pointed out, which was found lacking. FalakNaz from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) pointed out the quorum. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Pakistan asks Kabul to address terror emanating from its soil

October 24, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday warned the Afghan Taliban regime that peace in the region would remain elusive unless terrorism originating from Afghan territory was verifiably addressed, reaffirming its resolve to take all necessary measures to protect its citizens, sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting rejected the Afghan Taliban regime’s latest allegations against Pakistan’s security institutions, describing them as diversionary attempts to evade responsibility for preventing Afghan territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. The ministry said blaming Pakistan’s security institutions did not absolve the Taliban authorities of their responsibility to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and support networks operating from Afghan soil. READ ALSO: 28 militants killed in Pak-Afghan border region Citing international assessments, the ministry referred to the United Nations Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team’s sixteenth report (S/2025/796) and the US Lead Inspector General’s Operation Enduring Sentinel report covering January to March 2026. According to the ministry, the US report stated that the Afghan Taliban continued to allow the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory, while Taliban support and greater operational freedom had contributed to increased terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The report estimated the TTP’s strength at between 4,000 and 6,000 fighters. The ministry maintained that these findings reinforced Pakistan’s longstanding concerns over terrorist sanctuaries and support networks in Afghanistan. Rejecting claims that Afghanistan lacked the capacity or intention to destabilise Pakistan, the ministry pointed to repeated cross-border infiltration attempts, the killing of Afghan nationals and members of terrorist organisations during counterterrorism operations, and the recovery of foreign-origin weapons from terrorists. It also raised concerns over alleged facilitation of terrorist groups by Afghan Taliban officials, including individuals based in Kandahar, stressing that such allegations required credible explanations and verifiable action rather than blanket denials. The statement called on the Afghan Taliban regime to end any tolerance, facilitation or support for terrorist organisations, including the TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and their affiliates, and prevent Afghan territory from being used to plan or launch attacks against Pakistan. The ministry emphasised that Pakistan’s security measures were directed against terrorist threats rather than the Afghan people, adding that peace and stability in both countries were closely interconnected. It warned that attempts to portray Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and defensive measures as hostility towards Afghanistan would neither resolve the terrorism issue nor divert attention from it. Reaffirming Pakistan’s willingness to pursue responsible engagement based on mutual respect, verifiable commitments and concrete counterterrorism action, the ministry stressed that Islamabad would not compromise on its national security. “Peace can only prevail in the region if Pakistan’s core concern of terrorism originating from Afghanistan is verifiably addressed by the Afghan Taliban,” the statement concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Neelum Valley: Four school children die in accident

October 24, 2026 9:25

RAWALPINDI: Four children were killed and five others injured in a tragic traffic accident in Neelum Valley. Three real brothers were among those killed, and all the children involved reportedly belonged to the same family. According to reports, the accident occurred near Nager Kanari in Neelum Valley, where a vehicle carrying children lost control and fell into the Neelum River. The children were on their way to school when the tragic accident took place. Police officials said rescue personnel reached the scene and launched relief operations immediately after receiving information about the incident. Rescue teams recovered the children’s bodies from the river and shifted them to a local hospital, while the injured children were also taken to hospital for medical treatment. [...]

Schemes like 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' recognised worldwide: CM

October 24, 2026 9:25

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her special message on World Development Information Day, said access to development-related information was a public right and an informed population was a hallmark of progress. She said World Development Information Day highlighted the need to raise public awareness about digital literacy. Accurate information about development initiatives was essential to eliminating corruption and ensuring that the benefits of public welfare schemes reached people directly. The chief minister said the provision of accurate information through digital technology could help achieve sustainable development goals. A just society could be built by disseminating accurate information and raising public awareness about development affairs. She said accurate data from the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry was helping eliminate poverty and deprivation while ensuring effective development. Maryam Nawaz said a historic era of development had begun in Punjab, with progress reaching every city, town and village. The construction and rehabilitation of more than 45,000 kilometres of roads and the establishment of state-of-the-art Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics were prominent examples of this progress. She said equitable development across the province could uplift underprivileged segments of society. The chief minister said the people of Punjab were strongly encouraging the provincial government’s development projects. She added that the benefits of low-cost development schemes such as Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar had been recognised worldwide. She said the Information Department was rendering valuable services to raise public awareness about development initiatives. Development support communication laid the foundation for progress, and measures were being taken to ensure public access to development-related information. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Arrived before SRO 806: Motor spirit cargoes not liable to pay 10pc RD: LHC

October 24, 2026 9:25

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has held that motor spirit cargoes that arrived in Pakistan before the enactment of SRO 806(I)/2022 are not liable to pay a 10 per cent regulatory duty. A division bench comprising Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh and Justice Munawar Iqbal Duggal dismissed two intra-court appeals filed by the Customs Collectorates in Lahore and Faisalabad against a single judge’s judgment dated April 27, 2023, which had ruled in favour of Shell Pakistan Limited. The bench directed the Customs authorities to release the bank guarantees furnished by the company against the disputed regulatory duty. SRO 806 imposed a regulatory duty of 10 per cent on motor spirit but excluded cargoes for which letters of credit (LCs) had already been opened or which were on the high seas. The notification remained in force until June 30, 2022, after which SRO 966(I)/2022 imposed a fresh levy. Rana Muhammad Mehtab and Sultan Mehmood, representing Customs, argued that SRO 806 had expired before the cargoes were cleared and that no LCs had been opened. They relied on the Sindh High Court’s judgment in Hascol Petroleum Limited v. Federation of Pakistan, which declined to extend the benefit of SRO 806. READ ALSO: LHC CJ inaugurates new digital systems Khwaja Aizaz Ahsan, representing the company, argued that the notification provided two alternative grounds for exemption and that the cargoes qualified under the second condition, as they had not only arrived in Pakistani waters but had also berthed well before June 20, 2022. He further argued that Customs had not disputed the berthing dates and that the Hascol case involved different facts. The court held that the word “or” was disjunctive and that the two conditions constituted alternative grounds for exemption. It observed that it would be unduly literal to exempt a cargo that was still at sea on June 20, 2022, while denying the exemption to an identical cargo that had already berthed, as this would penalise earlier arrival. The court distinguished the Hascol case and also noted that the Supreme Court, in Euro Oil (Private) Limited v. Federation of Pakistan, had not affirmed the Sindh High Court’s judgment on merits. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Israeli forces displace Hebron families after deadly attack

October 24, 2026 9:25

HEBRON, (Palestinian Territories): Israeli forces pushed into the West Bank city of Hebron on Saturday and displaced some 250 families, some in the middle of the night, vowing a heavy price over a deadly attack on soldiers. Days before tight elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was planning an operation on a scale not seen since Israel first occupied the West Bank in 1967, after Palestinian militants killed two Israeli soldiers Friday at a checkpoint near Hebron, a flashpoint city in which hardline Israeli settlers live surrounded by local Palestinians. In the neighbourhood of Ein Dir Baha nestled between two hills, buildings were marked by X’s showing they had been cleared of people. The streets in the area were deserted of people and cars other than a pair of Israeli military vehicles, with an Israeli flag draped on a house apparently taken over by troops. Higazi Shawer al-Tamimi, 70, a shopkeeper who sells live chickens and feed and plays a leadership role in the neighbourhood, said the army woke him up at 1 am and told him and other residents to leave. He had only two hours and packed just clothes and his official papers. Many families had no vehicles and tried to find ways to stay with relatives elsewhere. This is only happening “because Netanyahu wants to win” the election, he said. “He wants to win it with the blood of the Palestinian people,” he said. “But we won’t go anywhere.” [...]

Customs values of imported stationery raw materials increased

October 24, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: Based on evidential data and international price increases, Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has raised customs values on the import of 10 different types of raw materials used in stationery items from China and other origins. In this regard, the directorate has issued a valuation ruling number 2117 of 2026 here on Friday to check under-invoicing of the imported items. It is learnt that the directorate is following the policy of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to update the old valuation rulings. The current US-Iran conflict and global situation has increased the freight prices along with prices of petroleum products and commodities in the international market. The energy cost has also been increased due to increase in international fuel prices. Particularly, prices of items imported from China has considerably increased. According to sources, the customs values of only those stationery raw materials have been increased where there are sufficient evidential data of higher values in the international prices. The previous ruling was 10 years old and need to be reviewed to end under-invoicing based on evidential data and global prices. The values of raw materials have been revised included ink for fiber tip pens and fine pens (water base); ink for markers and ball pens; nibs for fountain pen; clips for fountain pen; caps for fountain pen (plastic); caps for fountain pen; (metal); ball pen tips; ink cartridge for fountain pen; plastic parts for ball pen and gell pen. The Customs values of Stationery items (Raw Material) were previously determined vide Valuation Ruling of 2017. The value of subject goods had undergone changes in the local and international market. It warranted re-determination. In order to ensure uniformity in valuation and safeguard government revenue, the Directorate initiated proceedings for determination of the customs values of the subject goods under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. Accordingly, notices were issued to the importers and other concerned stakeholders, inviting them to participate in the valuation proceedings and submit relevant documentary evidence including import documents, invoices, and other information considered necessary for determination of the customs values. Hearing opportunity was provided to the concerned stakeholders and meeting was attended by the relevant stakeholders and gave their viewpoints. The local manufacturers contended that the Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) of ink for cartridge for Fountain Pen is incorrect and the same should be corrected in the new valuation ruling. Moreover, plastic parts of Ball Pen and Gel Pen have not been covered in any Valuation Ruling and same may be included in the new valuation ruling of Stationery Items (Raw Material). Consequently, after exhausting the preceding valuation methods in sequential order, the customs values of the subject goods have been determined by taking into account the most appropriate and reliable information available on record, the ruling added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

3 Saudi airports, oil facilities, pipeline targeted in past day: Houthis

October 24, 2026 9:25

SANAA: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on Saturday said they targeted a range of Saudi assets in the past 24 hours, listing three airports including capital Riyadh’s, two oil facilities, a pipeline and an air base. Military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group targeted “King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of the Saudi enemy, in two phases,” the airports in Dammam in the east and Najran in the south. The group also targeted the southern Khamis Mushait air base as well as “crude oil pumping stations and the crude oil pipeline from east to west”. [...]

Mid-air collision of Philippines military planes kills four pilots

October 24, 2026 9:25

MANILA: Two military planes crashed mid-air during training at an air base in the Philippines, killing four pilots, the air force said Saturday. The SF-260 single propeller planes crashed at Fernando Air Base, south of Manila, on Friday afternoon. “Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter, with no other casualties reported,” Philippine Air Force spokesman Colonel Alvin Capinguian said in a statement. An investigation was opened to determine the cause of the mishap, and Capinguian said the air force’s fleet of SF-260s has been temporarily grounded as a precaution. There have been a number of deadly crashes involving Philippine military aircraft in recent years. In May, two military pilots were killed when another SF-260 plane crashed during a training flight in Benguet province in the northern Philippines. [...]

WAPDA signs Rs133.18bn contract for Diamer-Basha Dam project

October 24, 2026 9:25

LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has signed a Rs133.18 billion agreement with Power China-IKAN Joint Venture (JV) for the hydro-mechanical works under the Diamer-Basha Dam Project. The agreement for the HM-1 contract was signed at a ceremony held at WAPDA House. CE/PD Diamer-Basha Dam Arif Ali signed on behalf of WAPDA, while Ling Jianke represented the joint venture. Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed (Retd), Member Finance, Member Water, Member Power, CEO Diamer Basha Development Company, a delegation of the joint venture led by the chairman of Power China International Group Limited, and representatives of the project consultants attended the ceremony. READ ALSO: Wapda shares power evacuation plan for Diamer Basha Dam Project The HM-1 contract covers hydro-mechanical equipment and hydraulic steel structures for the project. The scope of work includes the manufacturing, supply and installation of gates and steel structures to regulate water flows at the dam. The equipment will be installed at the flushing tunnels on both banks, power intakes and outlets. The contract also includes steel lining, hoisting and pumping systems, along with associated electrical works. The Diamer-Basha Dam is a priority project of the federal government aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s water, food and energy security. It is being constructed across the River Indus, 40 kilometres downstream of Chilas. Upon completion, the dam will have a gross water storage capacity of 8.1 million acre-feet (MAF) and an installed power generation capacity of 4,500 megawatts (MW). Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

‘Potential danger’ warning issued for Makkah, Jeddah

October 24, 2026 9:25

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s civil defence agency broadcast warnings of “potential danger” for four of its western provinces, including that of Makkah, home to Islam’s holiest city, on Saturday, without saying why. The alerts, which also covered the major Red Sea city of Jeddah, nearby Taif and the coastal oil hub of Yanbu, were all rescinded minutes later. Residents were instructed to “proceed to the nearest safe place” by the agency. The agency also repeated a legal warning against sharing images or information related to “countering missiles and drones”. The Gulf kingdom has come under repeated attack from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis in recent weeks as part of the latter country’s revived civil war. The group, which is fighting the Saudi-backed internationally recognised government, has targeted the kingdom’s oil infrastructure as well as its airports. An attack on Riyadh airport earlier this month killed 13 people and wounded dozens more. Riyadh leads a military coalition that first intervened in the conflict, which has devastated Yemen and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, in 2015. The war had been dormant since a ceasefire in 2022, but erupted again in July as the wider Middle East war roiled the region. [...]

Govt plans shifting Discos’ tax burden to consumers

October 24, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: The treatment of income tax liabilities of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) as a pass-through cost in consumer tariffs has emerged as a major concern for the industrial sector, with industry representatives questioning why electricity consumers should bear the tax burden of distribution companies even when they incur losses. According to industry sources the government has reportedly assured DISCOs that their income tax liabilities would be passed on to consumers irrespective of whether a company makes a profit or suffers a loss. The arrangement is drawing strong criticism from industrial consumers, who argue that it effectively shifts the tax burden of commercial entities to electricity users. The financial implications are substantial. Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has reportedly sought around Rs20 billion under this head, while Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has estimated its tax liability at approximately Rs15 billion. The issue is linked to the minimum turnover tax regime, under which DISCOs are required to pay tax at a reported rate of 1.25 percent of turnover. Since the tax is linked to turnover rather than profitability, a company may incur a tax liability even when its accounts show a net loss. READ ALSO: DISCOs tariffs: Export industries oppose proposed hike Industry representatives estimate that, at an electricity tariff of around Rs35 per unit, the minimum turnover tax alone can translate into an additional burden of approximately 50 paisa per unit. The burden could be higher where a Disco reports a net profit and its overall income tax liability exceeds the minimum turnover-based amount. Industrial consumers contend that the arrangement creates a perverse incentive by allowing distribution companies to pass tax costs through to consumers rather than bearing the consequences of their own financial and operational performance. They argue that when companies are assured recovery of their costs through tariffs, the pressure to improve efficiency, reduce expenditure and strengthen financial management is weakened. The industrial sector has called on the government either to exempt Discos from tax on their income or require them to pay their tax liabilities from their own resources instead of automatically transferring the burden to electricity consumers. Industry representatives maintain that the government cannot simultaneously impose indirect taxes and other charges on consumers through electricity bills while presenting subsidies as relief for the same consumers. They argue that any assessment of the actual cost of electricity and the government’s relief measures should take account of the additional tax burden being incorporated into distribution companies’ revenue requirements. The concern is particularly significant for industrial consumers already facing high electricity costs, as any additional amount allowed in the tariff increases production expenses and affects competitiveness. The industry has also questioned whether the same arrangement would continue after the privatisation of Discos. Under the proposed privatisation framework, private investors would acquire ownership or management control of distribution companies. Industrial consumers want clarity on whether electricity users would continue to be required to finance the income tax liabilities of privately owned companies, including taxes on profits earned by their new owners. They argue that if a private investor earns profits from operating a Disco, the associated tax liability should ordinarily be borne by the company under the applicable tax regime rather than automatically being passed on to consumers. The issue therefore raises questions about the future treatment of tax costs in tariff determinations and whether the same cost-recovery principle would apply to privately operated distribution businesses. Industry representatives have also pointed to examples where minimum turnover tax rates for other businesses have reportedly been reduced following representations by the affected sectors. According to industry sources, the minimum turnover tax rate applicable to some companies was reduced to as low as 0.2 percent after they raised concerns over the financial burden. They have also cited a reported minimum turnover tax rate of 0.75 percent for gas distribution companies, including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC). The industry wants the government to explain why electricity distribution companies are subject to a higher reported rate of 1.25 percent and why the resulting liability should be transferred to consumers through electricity tariffs. The comparison has strengthened calls for a review of the tax treatment of regulated utilities, particularly where the companies’ operating costs and tax liabilities are incorporated into regulated revenue requirements. Any revision, however, would require examination of the applicable tax provisions and the specific treatment of each category of company. The issue has taken another turn in the case of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), where the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reportedly directed the company to include government subsidies in calculating its turnover for minimum turnover tax purposes. According to industry sources, HESCO had been calculating its turnover after deducting subsidies. Following the FBR’s direction to include those subsidies, the company is facing an additional tax demand of around Rs3 billion. The case highlights a potential difference between the accounting treatment of subsidies in a regulated electricity business and their treatment for taxation purposes. For Discos, government subsidies may form part of the financial flows associated with electricity supplied to consumers. If such amounts are included in the turnover base for minimum tax purposes, the taxable turnover could rise even though the subsidy is intended to provide relief to consumers or compensate the company under the applicable arrangements. The reported Rs3 billion additional demand has added to industry concerns over the extent to which tax liabilities arising from the treatment of subsidies can ultimately be reflected in electricity tariffs. The matter also raises questions about whether subsidies intended to support consumers could indirectly increase the tax burden recovered through the power-sector tariff mechanism. Industry representatives argue that the broader problem stems from the treatment of costs in the electricity distribution business. Where tax liabilities and other expenditures are allowed to be passed through to consumers, they contend, companies have limited financial incentives to minimise those costs. They maintain that the tariff-setting process should distinguish between legitimate and efficiently incurred costs and liabilities that arise from a company’s own financial performance or tax position. The issue is also relevant to the government’s wider power-sector reform and privatisation agenda. If the same tax pass-through arrangement continues after privatisation, consumers could remain exposed to the tax liabilities of distribution companies even after ownership and management have shifted to private investors. Industry representatives are seeking a clear government policy on whether income tax liabilities will remain recoverable through consumer tariffs, how minimum turnover tax will be treated when a Disco incurs losses, and whether the approach will change following privatisation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

NTC imposes anti-dumping duty of 9.03pc on imports of pharmaceutical material

October 24, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty of 9.03 percent on imports of pharmaceutical packaging material, Alu Alu Foil, originating in or exported from China for four months, following a preliminary determination that dumped imports have caused material injury to the domestic industry. According to a notice of preliminary determination issued by the NTC, the duty applies to Cold Forming Foil and Tropical Foil classified under Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) codes 7607.1990 and 7607.2000. The commission initiated the anti-dumping investigation on July 23, 2026, following an application filed by Zenith Packages Industries (Pvt.) Limited, Lahore, under the Anti-Dumping Duties Act, 2015. The investigation was launched to determine whether imports of the product from China were being sold in Pakistan at dumped prices and whether such imports had caused material injury to the domestic industry. READ ALSO: Cold-rolled steel coils & sheets: NTC extends anti-dumping duties for 5 more years The NTC has provisionally concluded that the investigated product was exported from China to Pakistan at dumped prices and that the resulting imports had caused material injury to the local industry. The commission identified a significant increase in the volume of dumped imports, price undercutting, price depression and price suppression among the factors contributing to the injury. The preliminary determination also found a decline in the domestic industry’s market share, sales, production, productivity, capacity utilisation, profits, profitability and return on investment. Negative effects were also reported on inventories, salaries and wages, growth and the industry’s ability to raise capital. The commission stated that it had decided to impose a provisional duty under Section 43 of the Anti-Dumping Duties Act, 2015, to prevent further material injury to the domestic industry during the investigation. However, instead of imposing a duty equivalent to the full dumping margin, the commission opted for a lesser duty equal to the injury margin, determining that a rate of 9.03 percent would be sufficient to address the injury suffered by the domestic industry during the period under investigation. The provisional duty will remain in force for four months from the date of publication of the notice in the press. The product under investigation is an advanced pharmaceutical and nutraceutical packaging material made by layering aluminium with specialised polymers, including Oriented Polyamide Film (OPA) and/or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is used to manufacture blister packs that protect tablets and capsules from humidity, oxygen, heat and light. The period for determining dumping covers April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, while the period for assessing material injury spans April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. The commission received responses to its exporter questionnaires from one Chinese exporter/foreign producer, Yangzhou Jerel Pharmaceutical New Material Co. Ltd., and determined the preliminary individual dumping margin for the company on the basis of the information provided. The NTC has invited interested parties registered in the investigation to request a hearing within 15 days of publication of the notice in the press. Requests must be submitted in writing to the Secretary, National Tariff Commission, Islamabad. The commission is required to make its final determination within 180 days from the date of publication of the preliminary determination notice. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Indicative wheat support price to help farmers grow more crops: experts

October 24, 2026 9:25

ISLAMABAD: Agricultural experts said Saturday that the government’s decision to fix an indicative support price of Rs4,500 per maund for the 2027 wheat crop, up Rs1,000 from Rs3,500 last year, would encourage farmers to expand cultivation and strengthen national food security. Speaking at a media interaction, experts said the higher price would help growers offset rising input costs and inflationary pressures, improve returns and incentivise increased wheat production. Khan Faraz, former secretary of the Pakistan Tobacco Board, said a reasonable support price was essential to encourage farmers to bring more land under wheat cultivation, boost domestic output and support rural economies. READ ALSO: PKI urges govt to restore wheat support price at Rs4,702 per 40kg He added that major farmer organisations had welcomed the decision, terming it a positive step towards ensuring fair returns for growers and strengthening food security, Khan Faraz added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Aurangzeb urges building growth on exports, productivity, private-sector investment

October 24, 2026 9:25

LAHORE: Pakistan must move beyond economic stabilisation and build growth on exports, productivity and private-sector investment if it is to avoid another cycle of crises, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Saturday. He warned that a return to consumption-led growth could set the recovery back by four to five years. Speaking at a policy dialogue titled “From Stabilisation to Growth: Pakistan’s Long-Term Reform Agenda,” hosted by the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and the American Business Forum (ABF), Aurangzeb said the country had made real progress on macroeconomic stability. The twin deficits, he said, had fallen from 12.5 per cent of GDP at the start of the reform process to 2.6 per cent by the end of the last fiscal year. The fiscal deficit hit a 22-year low, and the current account deficit stood at about 0.1 per cent of GDP. Foreign exchange reserves have climbed to more than three months of import cover, up from barely two weeks at the height of the crisis, and Pakistan has received three credit-rating upgrades since April last year, the minister added. READ ALSO: Aurangzeb outlines five key economic priorities But stability alone, he stressed, would not deliver sustainable growth. Reforms in taxation, privatisation, debt management and tariffs are meant to make businesses more competitive and encourage them to invest, expand and create jobs. The government, he said, is moving towards a model in which the private sector leads and the state provides an enabling environment. As part of this, control of the roughly Rs40 billion Export Development Fund has been moved from bureaucrats to the private sector, so exporters can set their own priorities. Aurangzeb also pointed to reforms in livestock, dairy and energy, noting that livestock and dairy make up about 63 per cent of agricultural GDP. The government is pursuing the privatisation of state-owned enterprises and is receiving bids for three power distribution companies. Tariff cuts, he said, are designed to lower the cost of imported raw materials and intermediate goods, as Pakistan must move away from prolonged protection and learn to compete internationally. IT services exports have grown from under USD1 billion to USD4.6 billion and are expected to reach USD5.5 billion this fiscal year, he said. Exporters are being supported with financing at 4.5 per cent and surplus electricity at Rs23 per unit. However, former State Bank of Pakistan governor, Dr Reza Baqir, said exchange-rate adjustments alone cannot sustain export growth without investment in productive capacity. Goods exports have recovered to roughly USD33 billion to USD34 billion over a rolling 12-month period, while services exports have doubled in five years. He also suggested the government explore ways to share in the gains of businesses backed by public resources, without interfering in their operations or shielding them from competition. Salman Burney, vice-chair of Habib Group and former managing director of GSK Pakistan, said economic pressure has pushed companies to improve energy efficiency and productivity. Pakistani firms, he said, should identify sectors where they have a genuine edge and invest more seriously in international markets. Halima Iqbal, founder and CEO of Oraan, joined the discussion on women’s participation in the economy. However, Senator Aurangzeb said expanding women’s education and workforce participation is vital for long-term growth, alongside tackling climate change and population growth. The session, opened by ABF President Osman Khalid Waheed, was moderated by Dr Ali Hasanain, Associate Professor of Economics at LUMS. He said Pakistan should target annual growth of at least seven per cent and undertake deeper structural reforms to address its recurring economic challenges. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah shuts all beaches as neighbours grapple with oil leak

October 24, 2026 9:25

DUBAI: Ras Al Khaimah authorities said on Saturday that all beaches in the emirate would be closed until further notice, a day after an offshore oil leak prompted beach closures in neighbouring Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah. The Public Services Department announced the closures in a statement shared by Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters. No reason was given. The United Arab Emirates said on Friday that efforts were underway to contain oil leaking from a tanker offshore, with its Ministry of Climate Change and Environment conducting an environmental assessment. All beaches and coastal areas around the city of Umm Al Quwain were temporarily closed until technical teams completed their assessments and determined the necessary safety and marine protection measures, the ministry said. The ministry also urged fishermen and other sea users to avoid affected areas and follow official instructions. Authorities in Sharjah temporarily closed Al Hamriyah Beach, on the UAE’s northern coast near the border with Umm Al Quwain, as a precaution, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau said. Since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, attacks on commercial vessels in Gulf shipping lanes have heightened concerns about maritime security and the conflict’s environmental fallout. Ras Al Khaimah, a northern UAE emirate known for its beaches and luxury resorts, is also home to Wynn Resorts’ planned casino resort on Al Marjan Island. The Las Vegas-based operator, which won the UAE’s first commercial gaming licence in 2024, said in February it expected the resort to open in the first quarter of 2027. Wynn said in March it had resumed construction after a brief pause, even as the Iran war continued to disrupt businesses across the Middle East. Residents reported unusual odours in parts of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, but the UAE’s environment ministry said they posed no health risks. The smell remained pungent across Umm Al Quwain on Friday. UAE authorities have not named the tanker involved in the incident or said what caused the spill. [...]

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

November 21, 2025 1:33

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

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

November 20, 2025 7:59

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

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

November 20, 2025 5:25

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

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

November 20, 2025 4:39

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

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

November 20, 2025 4:38

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

MQM-P calls for new province in Sindh

November 20, 2025 3:56

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

US report validates Pakistan military edge over India: PM

November 20, 2025 3:55

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

Banned TTP poses serious threat to Pakistan security: UNSC panel

November 20, 2025 10:24

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

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

November 20, 2025 10:01

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

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

November 20, 2025 6:16

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

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

November 20, 2025 5:08

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

Pakistan to construct island to boost oil exploration: report

November 19, 2025 6:26

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

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

November 19, 2025 6:14

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

Security forces neutralise four terrorists in KP IBOs

November 19, 2025 5:12

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

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

November 19, 2025 4:38

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

China calls on US to drop proposed expansion of outbound investment restrictions

October 24, 2026 7:46

China calls on US to drop proposed expansion of outbound investment restrictionsChina’s Ministry of Commerce on October 24 urged the United States to abandon proposed rules expanding restrictions on American investments in sensitive technologies, warning that the measures could damage... [...]

German chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for unity as he warns of threats facing Germany

October 24, 2026 6:55

German chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for unity as he warns of threats facing GermanyIn a major update, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Germany is facing "extraordinarily serious challenges" from political extremists at home and persistent hybrid threats from external adversaries,... [...]

Nancy Guthrie case: Reporter recalls strange scene without police tape at her home

October 24, 2026 6:31

Nancy Guthrie case: Reporter recalls strange scene without police tape at her homeWhen the authorities arrived at Nancy Guthrie's home in the wake of her disappearance, according to a reporter present there at the time, he said the crime scene was not cordoned off.Andrew Christiansen, a reporter... [...]

France deploys 70,000 police to try to contain nationwide protests

October 24, 2026 4:35

France deploys 70,000 police to try to contain nationwide protests Demonstrators took to the streets of France on Saturday under the watch of 70,000 police officers, with unrest appearing markedly less severe than a week earlier despite scattered confrontations in several cities.Tens... [...]

Trump foreign policy hits voters in the pocketbook, threatening GOP majorities ahead of midterms

October 24, 2026 4:10

Trump foreign policy hits voters in the pocketbook, threatening GOP majorities ahead of midtermsAs United Nations midterm elections approach near, President Donald Trump’s international and economic strategies, particularly his sweeping tariffs and involvement in overseas conflicts, are... [...]

King orders iron fist response to deadly church attack in Jordan

October 24, 2026 3:14

Jordan's King Abdullah ordered security forces on ‌Saturday to respond with an "iron fist" as authorities searched for gunmen who opened fire and killed nine people during a church funeral service.According to Reuters news agency, the assailants fired for several minutes in broad daylight at... [...]

China urges US to halt expansion of outbound investment curbs

October 24, 2026 3:10

China urges US to halt expansion of outbound investment curbsThe Chinese commerce ministry requested that the US halt the expansion of outbound investment limits on Saturday, arguing that the proposed policy on sensitive technology threatens to disrupt commerce.On Thursday, the US Treasury... [...]

US announces 'American-made' seafood labeling initiative to support domestic fishermen

October 24, 2026 2:38

US announces ‘American-made’ seafood labeling initiative to support domestic fishermenThe United States is introducing a dedicated labeling initiative for domestic seafood, administration officials announced, aiming to bolster local fisheries and provide shoppers with clearer origin... [...]

Mona Lisa off limits as Paris museums shut amid protest fears

October 24, 2026 2:34

Mona Lisa off limits as Paris museums shut amid protest fears On Saturday, disappointed tourists leaned in to look through the Louvre’s locked gates, shut off from the Mona Lisa as art spaces and museums throughout Paris closed preventatively ahead of new protests.The shutdowns occurred... [...]

Stand-up comic slams media double standard over Lindsay Clancy case

October 24, 2026 1:07

Stand-up comic slams media double standard over Lindsay Clancy caseIn the wake of the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, Jimmy Carr – a British stand-up comedian – questioned the double standards he believed the press has when it comes to criminal acts – in this case, killing three... [...]

France closes metro stations, tourist sites as 70,000 police prepare for mass protests

October 24, 2026 11:35

France closes metro stations, tourist sites as 70,000 police prepare for mass protests France has shut down metro stations, tourists sites and various shops in the midst of deploying 70,000 police to deal with mass protests and possible riots stemming from the planned demonstrations. French... [...]

SpaceX restores high-speed Starlink connections above 400 km/h in Ukraine

October 24, 2026 10:16

SpaceX restores high-speed Starlink connections above 400 km/h in UkraineSpaceX has restored high-speed satellite connectivity in Ukraine, with Starlink terminals reportedly maintaining stable connections at speeds exceeding 400 km/h, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara confirmed to... [...]

Russia and Ukraine agree to ceasefire, plan November peace talks: What we know so far

October 24, 2026 8:49

Russia and Ukraine agree to ceasefire, plan November peace talks: What we know so farRussia and Ukraine have agreed to a localized ceasefire in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, located across the Dnipro River from Kherson, to address a severe humanitarian crisis.Both countries said on Friday,... [...]

Donald Trump lashes out on 'horrible' reporter, defends viral campaign ad

October 24, 2026 7:55

Donald Trump lashes out on 'horrible' reporter, defends viral campaign adDonald Trump just lashed out over a reporter after the President defended Republican candidate for Ohio governor’s recent campaign ad.When NBC reporter Monica Alba questioned why Trump had defended the video from Vivek... [...]

Kim Jong Un's China visit puts North Korea-China ties in focus

October 24, 2026 7:10

Kim Jong Un’s China visit puts North Korea-China ties in focusNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made its visit to Dandong, China via a newly opened bridge as reported by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency on Sunday, citing a Seoul government source. China and North Korea officially... [...]

اسحاق ڈار کا گندم مہنگی ہونے پر اظہارِ تشویش

October 24, 2026 8:10

نائب وزیراعظم اسحاق ڈار نے گندم کی قیمتوں میں اضافے پر اظہار تشویش کیا ہے۔انہوں نے وفاقی اور صوبائی حکومتوں کو گندم کی سپلائی بڑھانے... [...]

ڈرگ ٹیسٹنگ میں 6 ادویات کے نمونے جعلی نکل آئے

October 24, 2026 6:10

ڈرگ ٹیسٹنگ لیباریٹری کی رپورٹ میں 6 ادویات کے نمونے جعلی نکل آئے۔رپورٹ کے مطابق ادویات کے نمونوں میں موثر اجزاء موجود نہیں تھے جبکہ... [...]

پاکستان نے افغان طالبان حکومت کے بیانات کا نوٹس لے لیا

October 24, 2026 5:10

وزارت اطلاعات و نشریات نے افغان طالبان حکومت کے بیانات پر ردعمل دے دیا اور کہا کہ پاکستانی سیکیورٹی اداروں کو الزام دینے سے افغان... [...]

عدالتی احکامات، پابندی کے باوجود زیرِ تعمیر مہران ہائی وے پر ہیوی ٹریفک رواں دواں

October 24, 2026 5:10

عدالتی احکامات اور پابندی کے باوجود زیرِ تعمیر مہران ہائی وے پر ہیوی ٹریفک رواں دواں، سڑک پر جگہ جگہ تعمیراتی سامان، کچے راستے... [...]

سانگھڑ: پسند کی شادی کرنے والے میاں بیوی قتل، لڑکے کی نالے، لڑکی کی سڑک سے لاش ملی

October 24, 2026 4:10

فائل فوٹو سانگھڑ میں پسند کی شادی کرنے والے جوڑے کو شادی کے ایک ہفتے بعد ہی قتل کردیا گیا، لڑکے کی لاش نالے سے جبکہ لڑکی کی لاش سڑک... [...]

سرگودھا، سرکاری اسکول ٹیچر کے موبائل سے بچوں کی نازیبا ویڈیوز برآمد

October 24, 2026 4:10

سرگودھا میں سرکاری اسکول ٹیچر کے موبائل فون سے بچوں کی نازیبا ویڈیوز برآمد ہوئی ہیں۔پولیس حکام کے مطابق سرگودھا کے سرکاری اسکول میں... [...]

وفاقی آئینی عدالت کا عدالتی نظرثانی اور انتظامیہ کے اختیارات کی حدود سے متعلق فیصلہ

October 24, 2026 3:10

فائل فوٹو وفاقی آئینی عدالت نے عدالتی نظرثانی اور انتظامیہ کے اختیارات کی حدود سے متعلق اہم فیصلہ جاری کردیا۔ عدالت نے قرار دیا ہے... [...]

کراچی میں اینیمیٹڈ فحش مواد بنانے اور بلیک میلنگ کا انکشاف، 13 ملزمان گرفتار

October 24, 2026 3:10

کراچی میں بچوں کو ملوث کرکے اینیمیٹڈ پورنوگرافی کا انکشاف ہوا ہے، تین کمپنیاں پکڑی گئيں، 12 بچے بازیاب کروالیے گئے۔کراچی کے... [...]

کراچی: چکور نالے کے ساتھ زیرِ تعمیر شاہراہ افتتاح سے پہلے ہی شہریوں کے زیر استعمال

October 24, 2026 3:10

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔کراچی میں چکور نالے کے ساتھ زیرِ تعمیر منی شاہراہ افتتاح سے پہلے ہی شہریوں کے استعمال میں آگئی۔ 80 کروڑ روپے کی لاگت... [...]

نئے صوبوں یا انتظامی یونٹس کا فیصلہ پارلیمنٹ میں اتفاق رائے کے بعد ہوگا، سینیٹر پرویز رشید

October 24, 2026 3:10

پاکستان مسلم لیگ ن کے سینیٹر پرویز رشید نے کہا ہے کہ نئے صوبوں یا انتظامی یونٹس کا فیصلہ پارلیمنٹ میں اتفاق رائے کے بعد... [...]

پنجاب اسمبلی اراکین کا جم خانہ کی تعمیرات کے منظور شدہ نقشے پیش نہ کرنےپر تحفظات کا اظہار

October 24, 2026 2:10

چیئرمین سمیع اللّٰہ کی زیر صدارت پنجاب اسمبلی کی اسپیشل کمیٹی کے اجلاس میں صوبائی ارکان اسمبلی نے جم خانہ کی تعمیرات کے منظور... [...]

لاہور میں موٹرسائیکل سوار لڑکی پر تشدد کے کیس میں گرفتار ملزم ضمانت پر رہا

October 24, 2026 2:10

لاہور میں موٹر سائیکل سوار لڑکی پر مبینہ تشدد کیس میں گرفتار ملزم غلام مصطفیٰ کو ضمانت پر رہا کر دیا گیا، عدالت نے ایک لاکھ روپے کے... [...]

مظفرگڑھ: 90 سالہ شخص کا 77 سال کی اہلیہ پر تشدد، مقدمہ درج، ملزم گرفتار

October 24, 2026 1:10

مظفرگڑھ کے علاقے بھٹہ پور میں 90 سالہ معمر شخص نے اپنی 77 سال اہلیہ پر مبینہ تشدد کیا۔ پولیس کے مطابق خاتون پر تشدد کا مقدمہ تھانہ سٹی... [...]

ملتان میں شوہر اور بچوں کے ساتھ سفر کرنےوالی خاتون کا زیادتی کا دعویٰ جھوٹا نکلا

October 24, 2026 1:10

فائل فوٹو ملتان میں شوہر اور بچوں کے ساتھ سفر کرنے والی خاتون کا مبینہ زیادتی کا دعوی جھوٹا ثابت ہوا، پولیس کے مطابق میاں بیوی نے... [...]

بیرسٹر گوہر کا خیبر پختونخوا کابینہ سے متعلق اعلامیہ

October 24, 2026 1:10

چیئرمین پاکستان تحریک انصاف بیرسٹر گوہر نے خیبر پختونخوا کابینہ سے متعلق اعلامیہ جاری کردیا ہے۔اعلامیے کے مطابق صوبائی... [...]

امریکا نے سعودیہ سے کچھ سفارتی عملہ واپس بلالیا

October 24, 2026 9:10

امریکا نے سعودی عرب میں غیر ہنگامی سفارتی عملے اور اہلِ خانہ کو فوری روانگی کا حکم دے دیا۔اردن، قطر، متحدہ عرب امارات اور لبنان میں... [...]

امریکا ایران کے خلاف ممکنہ حملے کی تیاری کر رہا ہے، امریکی جریدہ

October 24, 2026 8:10

فائل فوٹوامریکی جریدے نے اپنی رپورٹ میں کہا ہے کہ امریکا ایران کے خلاف ممکنہ حملے کی تیاری کر رہا ہے۔امریکی جریدے کے مطابق امریکا کی... [...]

بھارت: اسکوٹر کھڑی کرنے کے تنازع پر دوست نے دوست کو فائرنگ کرکے قتل کر دیا

October 24, 2026 6:10

مقتول امیت سبھروال۔ فوٹو: بھارتی میڈیابھارتی ریاست پنجاب کے شہر امرتسر میں 27 سالہ نوجوان کو اس کے گھر کے باہر گولی مار کر قتل کر دیا... [...]

عراقی انفلوئنسر نے بغداد کی خستہ حالی کو بھارت سے تشبیہ دیدی

October 24, 2026 5:10

تصویر، سوشل میڈیاعراق میں سوشل میڈیا انفلوئنسر علی ریدھا نے دارالحکومت بغداد کے خستہ حال انفرااسٹرکچر، خراب ٹریفک نظام اور صفائی کے... [...]

دہلی: 12ویں جماعت کی طالبہ نے خود پر پیٹرول چھڑک کر آگ لگالی

October 24, 2026 2:10

فائل فوٹو بھارتی دارالحکومت دہلی کے ضلع شاہدرہ کے علاقے کرشنا نگر میں 12ویں جماعت کی 17 سالہ طالبہ اسکول کے اندر جھلس کر ہلاک... [...]

پاکستان کے خوف کی وجہ سے بھارت مقبوضہ کشمیر کو نقصان نہیں پہنچا سکتا، فاروق عبداللہ

October 24, 2026 1:10

فوٹو: بھارتی میڈیامقبوضہ کشمیر کے سابق وزیر اعلیٰ و نیشنل کانفرنس کے صدر فاروق عبداللّٰہ کا کہنا ہے کہ پاکستان کے خوف کی وجہ سے... [...]

طائف اور ینبع کی طرف داغے گئے حوثیوں کے 2 بیلسٹک میزائل تباہ کر دیے، ترجمان اتحادی فوج

October 24, 2026 12:10

ترجمان سعودی اتحادی فوج میجرجنرل ترکی المالکی۔ترجمان سعودی اتحادی فوج کے مطابق طائف اور ینبع کی طرف داغے گئے حوثیوں کے 2 بیلسٹک... [...]

برطانیہ میں طوفان آسٹن کے گزرتے ہی طوفان بوئیلو آن پہنچا، نئی وارننگ جاری

October 24, 2026 12:10

تصویر: رائٹرز۔برطانیہ میں طوفان آسٹن کے گزرنے کے اگلے روز ہی طوفان بوئیلو آن پہنچا۔ لندن سے میڈیا رپورٹ کے مطابق برطانوی محکمہ... [...]

سمر ٹائم کا خاتمہ، برطانیہ میں گھڑیاں آج شب ایک گھنٹہ پیچھے کر دی جائیں گی

October 24, 2026 11:10

برطانیہ میں موسم گرما کے اختتام پذیر ہونے پر اب برطانیہ میں گھڑیاں آج شب ایک گھنٹہ پیچھے کر دی جائیں گی۔ لندن سے میڈیا رپورٹ کے مطابق... [...]

فرانس: مہنگائی کیخلاف مظاہروں کا نیا سلسلہ، 70 ہزار اہلکار تعینات

October 24, 2026 10:10

— تصویر بشکریہ غیر ملکی میڈیافرانس میں مہنگائی اور قوتِ خرید میں کمی کے خلاف مظاہروں کا نیا سلسلہ شروع ہو گیا۔فرانسیسی میڈیا کے... [...]

سعودی ایئر لائن کی ریاض سے تمام پروازیں7 نومبر تک منسوخ

October 24, 2026 9:10

—فائل فوٹوسعودی ایئر لائن نے سعودی دارالحکومت ریاض سےاپنی تمام پروازیں7 نومبر تک منسوخ کر دی ہیں۔غیر ملکی میڈیا کے مطابق سعودی عرب... [...]

شمالی کوریا کے سربراہ کم جونگ ان چین پہنچ گئے

October 24, 2026 8:10

شمالی کوریا کے سربراہ کم جونگ ان—فائل فوٹوشمالی کوریا کے سربراہ کم جونگ ان عوامی جمہوریہ چین پہنچ گئے۔غیر ملکی میڈیا کے مطابق کم... [...]

استنبول: 8 ممالک کے وزرائے خارجہ کی ایران کیخلاف فوجی کارروائی کی مخالفت

October 24, 2026 8:10

استنبول میں 8 علاقائی اور یورپی ممالک کے وزرائے خارجہ کا بند کمرہ اجلاس ہوا ہے جس میں ایران کے خلاف فوجی کارروائی کی مخالفت اور... [...]

خفیہ یو ایف او فائلز میں امریکی حساس تنصیب کے اوپر ’سیاہ تکون‘ نما پراسرار شے دیکھے جانے کا انکشاف

October 24, 2026 8:10

— فائل فوٹوپینٹاگون کی خفیہ یو ایف او سے متعلق نئی دستاویزات میں انکشاف ہوا ہے کہ امریکی حساس تنصیب کے اوپر ’سیاہ تکون‘ نما... [...]

ایران امریکی جنگی جہازوں کوخلیج میں داخل نہیں ہونے دے گا: سربراہ ایرانی فوج

October 24, 2026 8:10

ایرانی فوج کے سربراہ میجر جنرل علی عبداللّٰہی—فائل فوٹوایرانی فوج کے سربراہ میجر جنرل علی عبداللّٰہی کا کہنا ہے کہ ایرانی افواج نے... [...]

ایل پی جی کے بعد آٹا، گوشت، سبزیوں اور دالوں کی قیمتوں میں بھی اضافہ

October 24, 2026 8:10

ایل پی جی کی قیمتوں میں اضافے کے بعد ملک میں مہنگائی کا نیا طوفان آگیا، آٹا، گوشت، سبزیاں اور دالیں سب کی قیمتیں بڑھنے لگیں۔ کئی... [...]

پاکستانی ٹیکسٹائل صنعت پائیداری اور عالمی معیار میں پیش رفت کر رہی ہے، برطانوی ہائی کمشنر

October 24, 2026 4:10

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔برطانوی ہائی کمشنر جین میریٹ نے لاہور میں آل پاکستان ٹیکسٹائل ملز ایسوسی ایشن کے عہدیداروں سے ملاقات کی۔اس موقع... [...]

سونا مزید سستا ہو گیا

October 24, 2026 10:10

—فائل فوٹوملک میں سونے کی قیمت میں آج مزید کمی ہو گئی۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق 2500 روپے کی کمی کے بعد... [...]

طیاروں کا فیول، لائٹ ڈیزل آئل اور مٹی کا تیل مہنگا

October 24, 2026 9:10

—فائل فوٹوطیاروں کا فیول، لائٹ ڈیزل آئل اور مٹی کا تیل مہنگا کر دیا گیا، قیمتوں میں اضافے کا اطلاق آج سے کیا گیا ہے۔طیاروں کے ایندھن... [...]

عالمی معیشت بے یقینی کی صورتِ حال کا شکار ہے: وزیرِ خزانہ

October 24, 2026 7:10

وزیرِ خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب—اسکرین گریبوزیرِ خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب کا کہنا ہے کہ عالمی معیشت بے یقینی کی صورتِ حال کا شکار ہے۔لاہور میں... [...]

کوئٹہ: مرغی کا گوشت 50 روپے کلو مہنگا

October 24, 2026 7:10

—فائل فوٹوکوئٹہ میں 600 روپے فی کلو فروخت ہونے والا مرغی کا گوشت اب 50 روپے اضافے کے بعد 650 روپے فی کلو میں فروخت ہو رہا ہے۔ماکیٹ ذرائع... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج: کاروباری ہفتے میں منفی رجحان رہا

October 24, 2026 4:10

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج کی ہفتہ وار اپ ڈیٹ کے مطابق کاروباری ہفتے کے دوران منفی رجحان رہا۔پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں رواں... [...]

پیٹرول کی قیمت برقرار، ڈیزل مہنگا کردیا گیا

October 23, 2026 6:10

وفاقی حکومت نے پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی نئی قیمتوں کا اعلان کردیا۔ڈیزل کی قیمت میں 1روپیہ 91 پیسے فی لیٹر اضافہ کردیا گیا، جبکہ پیٹرول کی... [...]

پی ایس ایکس میں کاروبار کا منفی دن رجحان، 100 انڈیکس 1549 پوائنٹس گرگیا

October 23, 2026 4:10

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروبار کا منفی دن رہا۔ سرمایہ کاروں کی توجہ آئندہ ہفتے مانیٹری پالیسی اجلاس اور مشرقِ وسطیٰ صورتحال سے... [...]

سونے کی قیمت میں بڑی کمی، فی تولہ سوا چار لاکھ سے نیچے آگیا

October 23, 2026 11:10

فوٹو: فائلملک میں تولہ سونے کی قیمت میں آج 7000 روپے کی بہت بڑی کمی ہوگئی۔ آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق اس... [...]

مہنگائی کی شرح میں ہفتہ وار 0.65 فیصد اضافہ

October 23, 2026 8:10

---فائل فوٹوملک میں ہفتہ وار بنیادوں پر مہنگائی کی شرح میں 0.65 فیصد اضافہ ریکارڈ کیا گیا ہے، جبکہ سالانہ بنیادوں پر مہنگائی بڑھنے کی... [...]

ملک بھر میں مہنگائی بے قابو، ایل پی جی، آٹا اور گوشت عوام کی پہنچ سے دور

October 23, 2026 6:10

---فائل فوٹوحکومتی وعدوں اور دعوؤں کے باوجود ملک بھر میں مہنگائی پر قابو نہ پایا جا سکا، ایل پی جی، آٹا، مرغی کے گوشت، مٹن، بیف اور... [...]

ٹرمپ کا امریکی تیل کی پیداوار بڑھانے کیلئے ڈیفنس پروڈکشن ایکٹ نافذ کرنے کا اعلان

October 23, 2026 6:10

— فائل فوٹوامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے پیٹرولیم کی پیداوار، تیل صاف کرنے اور اس سے متعلقہ سرگرمیوں کو قومی دفاع کے لیے ضروری قرار دے... [...]

پی ایس ایکس 100 انڈیکس 2006 پوائنٹس کم ہوگیا

October 22, 2026 5:10

ملک میں مہنگائی کی نئی لہر کے سبب پاکستان اسٹاک ایسکچینج کے سرمایہ کاروں کی توجہ 26 اکتوبر کے مانیٹری پالیسی اجلاس پر مرکوز رہی۔ پی... [...]

سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں 3 ہزار روپے کی بڑی کمی

October 22, 2026 1:10

فوٹو: فائلملک میں سونے کی فی تولہ قیمت میں آج 3 ہزار روپے کی بڑی کمی ہوگئی۔ آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق اس... [...]

My father-in-law, 81, sold his $75,000 home to pay his daughter’s $50,000 debt. How can I keep him from becoming destitute?

October 24, 2026 8:15

“Nothing has been set aside for his needs.” [...]

‘She’s living the dream’: My stepmother said I can buy my childhood home for $850,000. Is she taking advantage of me?

October 24, 2026 8:00

“My late father bought our house for $250,000 in the 1990s.” [...]

My husband wants to sell our $1.5 million home and invest the proceeds. But this is where we raised our kids — and I can’t bear to leave.

October 24, 2026 7:45

“He wants to buy something for $600,000 now that we are empty-nesters.” [...]

Young Americans are giving up on car ownership. It’s a path to financial freedom for some.

October 24, 2026 6:45

With vehicle prices soaring and ownership increasingly out of reach, some young adults are discovering that life without a car leaves them with breathing room to spend on other things. [...]

I’m 58 and hate annuities. How can I get dependable income in retirement?

October 24, 2026 6:03