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Indian rupee, bonds eye Fed decision, rate outlook

September 15, 2026 3:00

MUMBAI: Pressure on the Indian rupee is likely to persist this week as oil prices stay above $100 a barrel and expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate hike grow, also weighing on government bonds. The Indian rupee fell more than 1% last week to close at 95.55 per dollar on Friday. Indian financial markets were shut on Monday for a local holiday. Brent ‌crude remained above $100 a barrel after fresh strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure and attacks on ships in the Middle East raised concerns over supply disruptions. Markets are also pricing in a high chance of a 25-basis-point Fed rate hike on Wednesday and expect signals of further tightening. “Last week’s hotter-than-expected CPI print has all but sealed a Federal Reserve rate hike,” ING said in a note, referring to hotter than expected consumer inflation data released Friday. Both factors are negative for the rupee, though record FX reserves of $785 billion have strengthened expectations that the central bank will ⁠step in to curb excessive volatility. India’s consumer inflation data released on Monday showed CPI stood at 4.82% in August, strengthening a case for an interest rate hike next month. Meanwhile, portfolio flows related to a global equity index rebalancing and local IPOs will also be in focus this week alongside dollar demand spurred by maturing non-deliverable forward contracts. Traders expect the rupee to hover between 95 and 95.80. Bonds Indian government bonds are likely to witness further selloff after the central bank announced open market sale of bonds worth 1 trillion rupees this fortnight, while a Fed rate hike this week has become a near certainty. The benchmark 10-year bond yield posted a fourth consecutive weekly rise, after ending at 7.0233% on Friday, up 6 basis points for the week, adding to around 20 bps of jump in the previous three weeks. Traders expect the benchmark yield to move in the 6.98% to 7.10% range, with focus on oil ‌prices, the ⁠Fed decision and the response to the first debt sale due on Thursday. The RBI will use one of the most potent liquidity-draining tools, and will sell bonds maturing from fiscal 2029 to fiscal 2032 worth 500 billion rupees, following it with 250 billion rupees each of sales on September 21 and September 28. India’s banking system is flush with surplus cash after lenders raised a much larger-than-expected $127 billion under the RBI’s special forex mobilisation scheme, and this has pushed overnight rates below the floor ⁠of the monetary policy corridor. Last week, the RBI used two tools to drain liquidity: a longer-tenor variable rate reverse repo and dollar-rupee sell-buy swaps, but both drew limited interest. “In the absence of quick and adequate sterilisation of liquidity surplus to more sustainable levels, we believe policy rate recalibration would remain ineffective,” SBI Mutual’s fund manager Mansi ⁠Sajeja said. Meanwhile, Brent crude stayed around $105 per barrel, and the 10-year Treasury yield flirted with 5% levels, as elevated inflation trajectory will push the Fed to hike rates sooner-than-previously anticipated. [...]

Asian shares waver as oil and yields rise ahead of Fed, BOJ meetings

September 15, 2026 2:56

TOKYO: Asian shares struggled on Tuesday as investors weighed Middle East tensions and calls by industry figures for a slowdown in AI development, while elevated oil prices and higher bond yields ‌added to caution before key central bank meetings in the US and Japan. Yemen’s Houthis launched a new attack on Saudi Arabia on Monday, after Riyadh blamed Iran-backed fighters in Iraq for an attack on the kingdom’s east-west pipeline that it said could disrupt as much as 4% of global oil supply. Gulf Arab states also postponed planned talks with Iran. Renewed supply concerns kept markets on edge, with US crude rising 1.27% to $102.68 a barrel while Brent was up 1.21% to $106.96 per barrel. “Markets are likely to remain focused on ⁠the risk that higher crude oil prices could add to inflationary pressures and, in turn, push interest rates higher,” said Yokoo Akihiko, analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, in a note. Calls by leading AI figures to slow development continued to reverberate through markets even as U.S. President Donald Trump played down concerns over misuse of the technology, saying existing U.S. safeguards were adequate and that China would benefit from doubts over AI development. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.12%, led by South Korea’s 0.25% dip. Japan’s Nikkei edged 0.19% higher after reversing early losses. Chip-related shares were mixed, with South Korea’s Samsung Electronics losing 0.2% while Japan’s Kioxia gained 3.3%. The Federal Open Market Committee begins its two-day meeting later in the day, with markets pricing in a 90% chance of a rate hike that would mark the Fed’s ‌first increase since ⁠mid-2023. “While inflation continues to decelerate, recent upside surprises mean the pace of disinflation has been slower and less convincing than” the Fed likely requires, analysts at Morgan Stanley said in a report, expecting a 25 basis-point hike on Wednesday and in December. “We see arguments for both a hike and a hold, but signs of second-round effects from energy prices, strong demand tied to AI-related investment, a neutral rate that is possibly temporarily higher, and concerns ⁠about credibility mean the balance of risks now argues for a somewhat more restrictive policy.” Overnight, benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields touched 5% for the first time since 2023, while Germany’s 10-year bond yield climbed above 3.51%, its highest level since 2009. On Tuesday, Japan’s benchmark 10-year government bond yield popped back ⁠to 3%. The Bank of Japan is widely expected to raise its interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.25% at the end of its two-day meeting on Friday and signal more tightening ahead. Policymakers are seeking to shore up the yen after intervention helped steer the currency away ⁠from a 40-year low. In currency markets, the dollar index , which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies including the yen and the euro, rose 0.05% to 99.53, with the euro down 0.03% at $1.1543. Against the Japanese yen , the dollar advanced 0.17% to 154.61. Spot gold eased 0.15% to $4,291.59 an ounce, while spot silver fell 0.31% to $63.03 an ounce. [...]

Indian shares seen opening higher; HDFC Bank in focus

September 15, 2026 2:52

Indian shares are expected to open higher on Tuesday, after five consecutive weekly losses, although higher oil prices and global bond yields ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting could keep any optimism in check. HDFC Bank, the country’s top private lender and a heavyweight on the ‌benchmark Nifty, will be in focus after it sent names of two candidates to the Reserve Bank of India for the role of CEO, formally starting the succession process for Sashidhar Jagdishan, who is due to retire later this year. GIFT Nifty futures were trading around 23,525.5 points as of 7:49 a.m. IST, indicating a positive start for the Nifty 50 index, which closed at 23,398.1 on Friday. Indian ⁠markets were closed on Monday for a local holiday. Analysts said that investors could look for bargains after the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex lost about 4.8% each in the last five weeks. However, gains may be limited as Brent crude trades near $107 a barrel and weak overnight global cues continue to restrict risk appetite, said Hariselvan Radhakrishnan, founder and CEO at research analysis firm HST Wealth. Oil prices remain elevated on concerns that the Middle East conflict could spread further and threaten global energy supplies. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis launched a new wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia and were digging into positions on the western coast of Yemen along the Red Sea, Yemeni officials ‌said. ⁠Gulf Arab states also postponed planned talks with Iran, amplifying concerns the conflict could widen. Brent crude prices were trading near $107 in Asian trading. Higher crude oil prices are a negative for India, the world’s third-largest oil importer. Accelerating inflationary pressures triggered by rising oil prices have also raised bets of a U.S. rate hike later this week. Benchmark 10-year Treasury yields hit the key ⁠psychological level of 5% on Monday for the first time since October 2023, a milestone that analysts say could ripple through the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, India’s annual retail inflation accelerated further in August as price pressures spread beyond food and transport, strengthening the ⁠case for a rate hike by the central bank next month. [...]

Dollar near two-week high as oil surge lifts yields, Fed hike bets

September 15, 2026 2:49

HONG KONG: The dollar inched up to trade near a two-week high on Tuesday as surging oil prices lifted Treasury yields and reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest ‌rates this week. It also gained support as risk appetite weakened after stock markets tumbled, with AI-related shares under pressure after industry leaders called for slower development to contain potential threats to humanity. Markets now see a Fed hike on Wednesday as a near certainty, with CME’s FedWatch tool pricing in a roughly 93% chance of an interest-rate increase, which would be the first in more than three years. “The combination of higher oil, higher US yields and weaker risk appetite helped lift ⁠the U.S. dollar broadly,” Christopher Wong, FX analyst at OCBC, said in a note. Near-term support may persist, but with a hike now heavily priced in, further dollar upside will likely require the Fed to keep the door open to additional tightening, he added. The dollar index , which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, was last at 99.55. The euro was slightly weaker against the dollar at $1.1538, as was sterling at $1.3494. The yen also pulled away from a seven-month high, last down roughly 0.2% at 154.72 ahead of an expected Bank of Japan rate hike on Friday. Rate hikes awaited Oil prices climbed to $107 a barrel , hovering near a four-month peak, after Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia and Gulf-Iran talks were postponed. That added to inflation worries and drove benchmark 10-year Treasury yields ‌to ⁠breach the key psychological level of 5% for the first time since October 2023 in the previous session. The yield last traded at 4.9895%. Those inflation pressures follow a much stronger than expected jobs report and a pickup in consumer prices for August, strengthening market conviction that the Fed will raise rates on Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters also expect at least one more hike by the end of March, reversing a fragile no-change consensus that ⁠prevailed before official data on Friday showed firm inflation. The inflation outlook now hinges on oil prices, but the broader macro picture does not warrant more hikes than currently priced in the curve, analysts at BCA said in a note. “Limited hawkishness from here argues for curve steepeners and limited ⁠USD upside.” Markets are also all but certain that the Bank of Japan will raise rates on Friday. Market sentiment on the yen is starting to shift, with speculators turning to a net long position on the Japanese currency for the first time ⁠since February. Elsewhere, the New Zealand dollar and the Australian dollar were both roughly 0.1% lower, last at $0.5769 and $0.7133, respectively. Offshore yuan was flat at 6.708 per dollar, hovering near its strongest level in more than three years, as markets await industrial output and retail sales data later in the day. [...]

Oil prices rise as Saudi pipeline outage, fresh attacks raise supply concerns

September 15, 2026 2:43

Oil prices rose on Tuesday as concerns over supply disruptions persisted after attacks on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure left the kingdom’s East-West pipeline offline and cast doubt on efforts to ease shipping risks in the Gulf. Brent crude futures rose $1.24, or 1.18%, to $106.93 a barrel at ‌0026 GMT, after climbing 1% previously, while US West Texas Intermediate futures were up $1.29, or 1.24%, at $102.65 a barrel, after gaining 1.3% in the previous session. Houthi forces in Yemen launched fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia on Monday, while Gulf Arab states postponed planned discussions with Iran, fuelling concerns that the Middle East conflict could widen and disrupt global oil supplies. The Houthis carried out a missile ⁠and drone attack on the Khamis Mushait military airbase in southern Saudi Arabia, hitting aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition depots in retaliation for Saudi strikes in Yemen. This followed attacks on Friday on Saudi Arabia, which Riyadh blamed on Iranian-backed fighters in Iraq, that disrupted the country’s East-West pipeline, which allows oil exports to bypass the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. “Oil traders are treating every fresh attack or infrastructure hit as incremental supply risk, while staying highly sensitive to any sign that the East-West pipeline or Hormuz flows could normalise,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade. Commodity vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped ‌to ⁠fewer than 10 transits a day over the weekend, from a 10-day average of 14, raising concerns over a route that typically carried about one-fifth of global oil supplies before the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. Saudi Arabia could begin to exhaust oil available for export within days unless it restores operations on the East-West pipeline, potentially ⁠removing as much as 4% of global oil supply from the market, according to Saudi buyers and traders. The world’s biggest exporter has used the pipeline to reroute around 4 million barrels per day — around 4% of global supply — to the ⁠port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. “The big question for traders right now is the duration of the East-West outage. Any prolonged disruption and the associated supply loss could easily push prices to the next ⁠level higher,” Waterer added. Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday that Kyiv was ready to support a US proposal for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire on energy sites only if Washington could ensure Moscow was genuinely ready to end its war on Ukraine. [...]

US 10-year yields reach 5%, highest since 2023

September 14, 2026 3:09

NEW YORK: Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields climbed above 5% on Monday, the highest level since October 2023 and a closely watched psychological threshold that analysts say could ripple through the U.S. economy and threaten the bull market in stocks by denting the relative appeal of U.S. equities. Yields have surged as traders price in the possibility that the Federal Reserve will need to keep interest rates higher for longer, after a jump in oil prices revived fears of renewed inflation pressure. Price pressures have already been running well above the central bank’s 2% annual target. The yield on the 10-year notes was last up 3.51 basis points at 5.01%. Heavy debt issuance, including by companies financing record AI-related spending, has added to the move by creating a larger supply of bonds for potential buyers to choose from and limiting the prices that sellers can demand. Traders are also focused on the deteriorating U.S. fiscal trajectory, with some arguing that Washington’s widening deficits and rising debt load require a higher yield premium to keep drawing buyers. A still-resilient U.S. growth outlook has also underpinned the move. Some analysts view 5% on the 10-year as a critical line that could make bonds more competitive with stocks, potentially pulling dollars out of equities. Higher Treasury yields also flow through to the broader economy through costlier mortgages, auto and consumer loans, and more expensive corporate and municipal borrowing. [...]

Gulf equities mixed as Saudi energy, shipping security concerns weigh

September 14, 2026 1:53

Gulf stock markets were mixed on Monday as investors weighed escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and key shipping routes. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index reversed early losses to edge 0.1% higher, with Al Rajhi Bank rising 1.8%. Arabian Drilling gained 3%, after securing a five-year gas-drilling contract worth about 2 billion riyals ($532.5 million). However, oil major Saudi Aramco lost 0.2%, while Saudi Arabian Mining Company and Saudi Basic Industries Corp declined 1.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Elsewhere, Riyadh Cement plunged 4.9%, becoming the top loser on the index, after trading ex-dividend. Risk sentiment was pressured after a drone strike temporarily shut Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, a key route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz and carries up to 4% of global oil supply. Sources said Yanbu port inventories could support exports for only five to seven days if the disruption continues. Tensions also mounted following reported Houthi strikes in southern Saudi Arabia and fresh attacks on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, Saudi Arabia requested the postponement of a planned Oman meeting between Iran and Gulf states, Iran’s foreign ministry said. The Qatari benchmark dropped 0.3%. Saudi state media released footage on Sunday showing damage to homes and a mosque in Jazan province, blaming a Houthi attack. The Houthis also said they had targeted a Saudi military base in a neighbouring region. Maritime security concerns intensified after a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was hit by a projectile, sparking a fire and prompting the crew to abandon ship, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. Dubai’s main share index gained 0.5%, led by a 6.4% jump in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties . Emaar announced that its board will meet on Wednesday to discuss enhancing shareholder returns and capital allocation. In Abu Dhabi, the index was up 0.1%, helped by a 6.5% jump in Space42 after the firm and California-based Viasat agreed to establish Equatys, a direct-to-device satellite communications platform, committing up to $1 billion to the venture. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index retreated 1.6%. Saudi Arabia edged 0.1% higher to 10,878 Abu Dhabi added 0.1% to 10,118 Dubai advanced 0.6% to 5,977 Qatar dropped 0.3% to 9,824 Egypt declined 1.6% to 54,797 Bahrain finished flat at 1,930 Oman down 0.2% to 7,630 Kuwait inched 0.1% higher to 9,318 [...]

Copper sinks to 3-week low as dollar firms, LME stocks rise

September 14, 2026 1:47

Copper extended losses on Monday, sinking to a three-week low as an increase in London Metal Exchange inventories eased tightness and a stronger dollar put further pressure on industrial metals prices after last week’s selloff on U.S. tariff uncertainty. Benchmark three-month LME copper was down by 1.2% at $14,065 a metric ton in official open outcry activity. It hit a session low of $14,018.50, the lowest since August 20 and already down 5.9% from the record high it struck last Thursday. “Copper has led the decline and now looks to be challenging recent lows, extending the cautious tone following the first weekly loss since June,” Neil Welsh, head of metals at Britannia Global Markets, wrote in a note, adding that renewed concern over tighter U.S. monetary policy was weighing on risk appetite. A stronger dollar makes greenback-denominated metals for expensive for investors using other currencies, while interest rate hikes are usually negative for economic growth. Copper sold off sharply last Thursday after Reuters reported that the White House had yet to decide whether to impose tariffs on refined copper imports, prompting the arbitrage to ship metal to the U.S. COMEX exchange to shrink. The drop was enough to end a run of 58 straight daily increases in COMEX copper stocks stretching back to mid-June as they dipped slightly to 767,504 short tons, or 696,268 metric tons, on Thursday. LME copper inventories meanwhile increased thanks to 9,600 tons of inflows, of which 4,550 tons were in warehouses in Italy. The cash LME copper contract last traded at a $36 a ton discount to the three-month forward, widening from a roughly $10 discount on Friday, signalling easing near-term tightness. Sentiment in metals was weak. Zinc fell 1.9% to $3,807, also touching a three-week low, while lead lost 1% to $1,873, hitting its weakest since August 3. Nickel shed 0.5% to $16,380, notching a two-month low, while tin fell 2% to $52,300, touching its lowest since July 17. Aluminium was the sole gainer, edging up 0.1% to $3,256. [...]

Rupee records gain against US dollar

September 14, 2026 1:13

if (!window._rawHtmlListenerAttached) { window._rawHtmlListenerAttached = true; window.addEventListener('message', function(event) { if (event.data && event.data.type === 'raw-html-resize' && event.data.id) { var iframe = document.getElementById(event.data.id); if (iframe) { var height = Math.min(Math.max(event.data.height, 50), 9200); iframe.style.height = height + 'px'; } } }); } The Pakistani rupee extended its marginal gains against the US dollar in the interbank market on Monday. The local unit closed the day at 277.31, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. On Friday, the Pakistani rupee settled at 277.32 against the dollar. Internationally, the US dollar was steady on Monday with the Japanese yen holding on to its recent sharp gains and hovering near a seven-month high as investors pondered possible rate hikes from ‌the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan in a pivotal week for monetary policy. Global policymakers are grappling with erratic pricing pressures from the six-month-long US-Israeli war on Iran that has pushed oil prices well above $100 per barrel and upended the path for rates amid bouts of selloffs in long-end bonds. The European Central Bank raised rates last week and warned of further hikes, setting the stage for the Fed policy decision on Wednesday and a widely expected rate hike from the BOJ on Friday. The Bank of England is expected to stand pat on Thursday, but the voting is likely to be close. Traders ramped up bets for a Fed rate hike after data on ⁠Friday showed US consumer prices accelerated in August; they priced in an 86% chance of an increase this week and another move higher later in the year, the CME FedWatch tool showed. The euro was recently at $1.159, while sterling last bought $1.3524. The US dollar index, which measures the greenback against six other units, was steady at 99.15 after two straight weeks of meagre declines. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, rose more than 3% on Monday, after new Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia and Iranian attacks on ships in the Gulf compounded supply concerns following the closure of a key Saudi oil pipeline. Brent crude futures rose $3.21, or 3.1%, to $107.82 per barrel as of 0340 GMT. WTI futures gained $3.17, or 3.2%, to $103.22 per barrel. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Monday BID Rs 277.31 OFFER Rs 277.51 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR gained 3.00 paisa for buying and lost 8.00 paisa for selling against USD, closing at 278.19 and 279.13, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR gained 1.51 rupee for buying and 1.10 rupee for selling, closing at 320.60 and 323.94, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR gained 3.00 paisa for buying and 1.00 paisa for selling, closing at 75.63 and 76.27, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR gained 2.00 paisa for buying and remained unchanged for selling, closing at 73.94 and 74.48, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Monday BID Rs 278.19 OFFER Rs 279.13 [...]

SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5%

September 14, 2026 11:56

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its second meeting in the fiscal year 2026-27, decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5%. The MPC met for the sixth time this calendar year. The decision was in line with market expectations. The SBP has held the rate steady since raising it by 100 basis points in April, its first increase in nearly three years, after a surprise 50 bps cut in December 2025, and holds in January and March. In its statement, the MPC said that the status quo was a majority decision taken by seven out of ten members. “The Committee noted that the recent intensification of the prolonged Middle East conflict has led to further increase in already elevated global commodity prices, while supply chain disruptions have persisted,” read the statement. “However, recent domestic macroeconomic data turned out broadly in line with the MPC’s expectations. Headline inflation increased to 11.1 percent y/y in August from 9.2 percent in July, while core inflation was slightly lower than expectations. External account pressures remained contained, supported by robust workers’ remittances and higher financial inflows. “Meanwhile, economic activity, after witnessing a slowdown in Q4-FY26, started to pick up gradually, as reflected by recent high-frequency indicators. “In this context, the MPC assessed that the current monetary policy stance remains appropriate to guide inflation towards the target range of 5-7% over the medium term. However, uncertainty regarding the outlook has increased, particularly from the worsening geopolitical environment,” the MPC said in its statement. Key developments since last MPC The MPC noted the following key developments since its last meeting: “First, Pakistan’s sovereign credit rating was upgraded to B3 by Moody’s with a stable outlook. Second, the country successfully tapped international capital markets to raise $3 billion through Eurobonds, which, along with continued FX purchases, helped increase SBP’s FX reserves to over $21 billion. “Third, inflation expectations of both businesses and consumers increased in September, while their confidence weakened. Fourth, large-scale manufacturing output declined by 3.5 percent in June, bringing cumulative FY26 growth to 5%. “Fifth, fiscal consolidation turned out higher than the budgetary target during FY26. Moreover, FBR tax collection remained on-target during July-August FY27 while SBP transferred higher profit of Rs1.9 trillion than budgeted amount of Rs1.4 trillion to the government. “Lastly, central banks have become more cautious amidst challenging global economic conditions,” read the statement. Geopolitics & weather disruptions risk outlook The central bank said that it continues to closely monitor incoming data and ongoing situation in the Middle East. “The Committee also noted that shocks such as adverse geopolitical events and weather-related disruptions have become more frequent and continue to pose risks to the macroeconomic outlook. “Against this backdrop, the MPC emphasized the need to maintain prudent monetary and fiscal policy mix and further buildup of buffers to absorb supply shocks. “This, along with timely implementation of structural reforms, is essential to enhance resilience, raise productivity, and support higher and sustainable growth.” Inflation outlook The MPC was of the view that the recent inflation outturns are driven largely by food inflation in the wake of elevated prices of wheat and allied products, and perishable items. “At the same time, intensification of the conflict in the Middle East has kept energy inflation at elevated levels,” it said. The MPC noted that the recent change in the HSD pricing mechanism led to a sharp reduction in its prices in August and has partially offset the impact of higher global prices on domestic inflation. “Meanwhile, real positive interest rate on forward-looking basis is likely to keep demand-side pressures in check and contain the second-round impacts emanating from food and energy inflation. On balance, the inflation outlook for FY27 remains broadly unchanged from the previous assessment, and inflation is expected to gradually ease towards the upper bound of 5-7 percent target range by June 2027; though the risks to the outlook have increased significantly. “The key risks include volatility in global commodity prices, magnitude of adjustments in electricity and gas tariffs, supply disruptions, and unexpected movements in food prices amidst the worsening El Niño conditions.” Previous MPC At its previous meeting on July 27, the central bank’s MPC, despite signs of improvement in Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook, left the policy rate unchanged at 11.5%, citing heightened external risks following the resurgence of conflict in the Middle East. “The MPC assessed that the current monetary policy stance remains appropriate to guide inflation towards the target range of 5-7% over the medium term,” it said at the time. SBP maintains status quo, cites Middle East risks Earlier, a number of analysts expected the SBP to maintain the status quo, as mounting inflationary pressures from elevated global oil prices could limit the scope for monetary easing. “We expect the SBP to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5%, maintaining a balanced approach amid improving external buffers and renewed inflationary pressures,” said Ismail Iqbal Securities. “While forward inflation is expected to remain in single digits on average, intensifying energy price pressures and regional uncertainty could sustain upside risks to the inflation outlook, warranting a cautious stance,” it added. Similarly, in a poll conducted by Topline Securities, 84% of respondents expected the policy rate to remain unchanged. Meanwhile, 14% expect the policy rate to rise by 50bps, and 2% expected the policy rate to rise by 100bps. Market participants’ expectations were largely driven by annual inflation expectations, which, at current oil prices of $95 per barrel, remain largely below 9% (FY27 avg), suggesting a positive real spread of over 250bps, in line with historic real rates. Furthermore, improving reserves and a contained current account balance were also augmenting the status quo view of participants. Analysts at Topline also expected the SBP to maintain the policy rate at 11.5% mainly due to sufficient real spread and improving external outlook, especially after the recent $3 billion Eurobond launch. However, if oil prices and food inflation remain sticky, this could also warrant a rate hike of 50-100bps in upcoming MPC meetings, particularly in October or December 2026. Another brokerage house, JS Global, also expected the MPC to hold the policy rate at 11.5%. “However, if geopolitical tensions persist into the December quarter, the next move would be an increase,” said JS Global. “This risk is increasingly credible, with one-third of respondents in our recent survey expecting a hike by Dec-26,” the brokerage house added. [...]

PSX: KSE-100 sheds over 2,500 points as situation remains tense in ME

September 14, 2026 11:51

Selling pressure was observed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) after new Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia and Iranian attacks on ships in the Gulf, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index losing nearly 1.5% on Monday. The index initially came under selling pressure, falling sharply before staging a recovery during the morning session. It climbed to an intraday high of 170,437.72 points, nearly erasing the early losses. However, the recovery failed to sustain, with the index gradually losing ground through the rest of the session. Selling pressure intensified after 2pm, pushing the index below the 169,000 level and toward the session low of 167,441.63 points around 3pm. The market staged a modest late-session rebound, but the recovery remained insufficient to offset the day’s losses. At close, the benchmark index settled at 167,970.65, down 2,541.20 points or 1.49%. “The local bourse was battered by aggressive selling today as investor confidence took a sharp hit following Oman’s announcement of the postponement of a scheduled meeting between Iran and Gulf countries concerning the Strait of Hormuz,” said Topline Securities in its post-market commentary. The brokerage house noted that the delay in diplomatic talks renewed concerns over regional stability and the possibility of prolonged disruption along the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil-transit route. “Meanwhile, international oil prices surged following the delay news, raising concerns over global energy supplies, Pakistan’s import bill, inflation, and external account. The development further weighed on investor sentiment,” it said. On the negative side, UBL, FFC, LUCK, OGDC, and MCB were among the major contributors to the index decline, collectively dragging the KSE-100 by approximately 930 points, Topline added. In a key development, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) kept the policy rate unchanged at 11.5%. Renewed geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States and the intensifying conflict in the Middle East kept investor sentiment under pressure during the last week. Concerns over maritime security, global trade disruptions and a fresh surge in international oil prices pushed the benchmark KSE-100 Index of the PSX down 4,816.95 points, or 2.7% week-on-week, to 170,511.86 points by the weekend. Internationally, share markets slid in Asia on Monday as supply concerns caused oil prices to spike anew, while investors braced for possible interest rate hikes in both the United States and Japan this week. Brent climbed 3% as new strikes on Saudi Arabia ‌and on ships in the Gulf tested nerves, after an attack on a Saudi oil pipeline and an advance by Yemen’s Houthis threatened to worsen the wartime disruption to global energy supplies. A meeting in Oman between Iran and Gulf Arab states, scheduled for Monday to discuss a deal on opening the Strait of Hormuz, was postponed. With shipping through the strait and the Bab el-Mandeb under threat, analysts fear oil prices could stay elevated for a lengthy period, stoking inflation globally. An uncomfortably hot US consumer price report on Friday led markets to price in an 86% chance the Federal Reserve will ⁠lift rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday, and move again by December. It would be the first hike since mid-2023. Brent futures were last up 2.6% at $107.36 a barrel, having gained almost 9% last week, while U.S. crude rose 2.4% to $102.48 a barrel. Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.7%, while South Korea dropped 3.3%. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.8%. In Europe, EUROSTOXX 50 futures lost 0.5%, while DAX futures fell 0.4% and FTSE futures dipped 0.1%. On Wall Street, S&P 500 futures lost 0.5%, while Nasdaq ‌futures fell ⁠1.1%. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee extended its marginal gains against the US dollar in the interbank market on Monday. The local unit closed the day at 277.31, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index decreased to 570.47 million from 687.47 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares declined to Rs24.67 billion from Rs33.70 billion in the previous session. Cnergyico PK was the volume leader with 97.17 million shares, followed by Waves Home (R) with 72.90 million shares, and Media Times Ltd with 52.84 million shares. Shares of 492 companies were traded on Monday, of which 83 registered an increase, 373 recorded a fall, and 36 remained unchanged. [...]

Sri Lankan shares fall as healthcare, energy stocks drag

September 14, 2026 11:50

Sri Lankan shares closed lower on Monday, dragged down by healthcare and energy stocks. The CSE All-Share index settled down 0.3% at 21,313.92. Kerner Haus Global Solutions Plc and Serendib Land Plc were the top percentage losers on the CSE All-Share index, falling 8% and 6.9%, respectively. Trading volume on the CSE All-Share index fell to 56.2 million shares from 57.7 million in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover rose to 1.55 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($4.7 million) from 1.13 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 116.5 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 1.52 billion rupees, the data showed. [...]

UK's FTSE 100 rises as oil stocks gain; key announcements in focus

September 14, 2026 11:40

London’s FTSE 100 index rose on Monday, as investors flocked to defensive sectors such as healthcare and consumer staples, with oil prices and bond yields resuming their advance in a week packed with central bank decisions. The blue-chip FTSE 100 index rose 0.55% to 10,708.76 points by 0959 GMT. The midcap FTSE 250 slipped 0.4% to 23,878.45, its lowest intraday level in more than a month. Oil prices rose about 3%, after new strikes on Saudi Arabian infrastructure and Gulf shipping. Oil majors Shell and BP gained about 1.1% respectively, with energy stocks up 1.1%. They outperformed peers last week, helping limit declines on the FTSE 100, which registered its biggest weekly fall in over a month. British government bond yields ground higher once again on Monday, hitting new multi-year highs across maturities. Investors flocked to sectors considered traditionally defensive. Pharma stocks rose 2.7%, with GSK rising 3.7% after it announced positive results for two lung cancer drugs - Jideytro and Ris-Rez. Consumer-facing personal care, drug and grocery and beverages sectors added 2.6% and 2.8% respectively. Meanwhile, CEOs of top AI labs including OpenAI and Anthropic called for slower development of the technology, hammering AI-linked stocks globally. Futures tied to the tech-heavy U.S. Nasdaq slipped 1.8%. However, the FTSE 350 tech sector was up 3.9%. Industrial and precious metal miners were the biggest percentage losers as metal prices slid. This week, investors will watch employment and inflation reports in the UK, ahead of the Bank of England’s interest rate decision, where it widely expected to hold rates. The U.S. Federal Reserve will announce its decision on Wednesday, with markets pricing in a 88.5% chance of a 25-basis-point hike, per CME’s FedWatch Tool. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet executives from banks, oil majors, and a telecom firm, to discuss his economic growth plans on Monday. GlobalData bottomed the FTSE 250 with a 22% slide. The data analytics and consulting company expects its annual revenue growth to be more muted than expected. [...]

Palm oil closes up after crude prices climb higher

September 14, 2026 11:12

JAKARTA: Malaysian palm oil futures gained on Monday, supported by higher crude oil prices, with rival soy oil prices in the Chicago market also providing support. The benchmark palm oil contract for November delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange was up 39 ringgit, or 0.81%, at 4,853 ringgit ($1,191.21) a metric ton at closing. “Today’s FCPO is holding firm on the back of strong crude oil with anticipation of better demand for bio-diesel usage in the future,” a Kuala Lumpur-based trader said. Crude prices continued their surge, rising more than 3% on Monday, after new strikes on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure and attacks on ships in the Middle East compounded supply concerns. Stronger crude oil futures make palm a more attractive option for biodiesel feedstock. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract dropped 1.08%, while its palm oil contract shed 1.24%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were up 0.14%. Palm oil tracks rival edible oils, as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. The ringgit, palm’s currency of trade, weakened 0.15% against the dollar, making the commodity cheaper for buyers holding foreign currencies. Cargo surveyors estimated that exports of Malaysian palm oil products for September 1 to 10 fell between 11.7% and 17.5% from a month earlier. [...]

India's August retail inflation at 4.82% on-year

September 14, 2026 10:58

NEW DELHI: India’s annual retail inflation jumped to 4.82% in August from 4.45% in July, driven by higher food and fuel prices and strengthening a case for an interest rate hike in October. The August print is marginally higher than a 4.80% inflation that the economists were expecting in a Reuters polland marking a third straight month when it was above the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% medium-term target. The central bank left its benchmark policy rate unchanged at 5.25% last month, but minutes of its last monetary policy meeting showed that some RBI officials, including Governor Sanjay Malhotra, favoured a rate hike if inflation spread across segments. The rate-hike concerns have intensified over the past month as a sustained rise in global oil prices threatens to add to inflation pressures, with Brent crude futures near $108 a barrel. India July inflation accelerates to 4.45%, unlikely to alter RBI rate outlook India imports nearly 85% of its oil needs, more than half of it from the Middle East, where the U.S.-Iran war has caused major supply disruptions. Still, Asia’s third-largest economy continues to be an outlier among regional peers such as Indonesia and the Philippines that have raised rates in response to higher energy prices and currency volatility. India’s food inflation climbed to 5.95% in August from 5.52%in July, on the back of weak monsoon showers, with sharp increases in prices of staples such as ginger, onion and garlic. Transport inflation accelerated to 4.60% in August from 4.43% in the previous month. [...]

Indian rupee, bonds eye Fed decision, rate outlook

September 15, 2026 3:00

Asian shares waver as oil and yields rise ahead of Fed, BOJ meetings

September 15, 2026 2:56

Indian shares seen opening higher; HDFC Bank in focus

September 15, 2026 2:52

Dollar near two-week high as oil surge lifts yields, Fed hike bets

September 15, 2026 2:49

Oil prices rise as Saudi pipeline outage, fresh attacks raise supply concerns

September 15, 2026 2:43

Ufone rebranding: PC restrains PTA from granting approval

September 15, 2026 2:41

ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission (PC) has stopped the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) from approving the proposed rebranding of Ufone as “e&”, saying the matter is a reserved issue between the governments concerned and can only be approved by the governments of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. PTA Chairman, responding to media questions, revealed that the commission had directed the regulator not to proceed with approval of the proposed change in Ufone’s brand name following the merger of Ufone and Telenor Pakistan. The chairman said the matter involved commitments between the two governments and, therefore, could not be decided solely at the regulatory level. The development comes as the government has yet to take a final decision on the proposed rebranding of Ufone as “e&”, with consultations among relevant authorities still underway. Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, the Secretary IT and Telecom said Pakistan Telecommunication Mobile Limited (PTML) had approached PTA seeking permission to change Ufone’s brand name to e&. The committee also raised the reported change of Ufone’s name following the Ufone-Telenor merger. He said the matter was currently under consultation, with different views emerging from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and PTA regarding the proposed change. “The consultation process regarding changing Ufone’s brand name is continuing,” the secretary said, adding that the government was examining the issue from different aspects. He clarified that no final decision had so far been taken on replacing the established Ufone brand with e&. The committee was informed that any change of name would be made in accordance with applicable rules and regulations and after obtaining the necessary approvals from the federal government. The committee was further informed that consultations among the relevant stakeholders were currently underway. The committee discussed the proposed rebranding in the context of the merger of Ufone and Telenor Pakistan and sought clarity on the regulatory process involved in changing the established Ufone brand. The Secretary IT said the matter remained under consideration and further consultations would be held before a final decision was reached. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

PRA to set up digital cell to curb tax evasion

September 15, 2026 2:03

LAHORE: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has announced plans to set up a Digital Central Monitoring Cell to strengthen oversight of tax payments and curb tax evasion in the province. A PRA spokesperson said the new cell would continuously track tax payments and business records across the services sector with a particular focus on local and international food chains. These businesses will undergo detailed digital scrutiny, including a comparative review of their digital and cash payment records, aimed at detecting underreported sales, falsified records and understated tax liabilities. The authority will also examine gaps between the actual scale of business activity and the figures declared for tax purposes, cross-referencing financial data from multiple sources to flag potential evasion. Tax returns, payments and declared business activity will be checked against one another for consistency, and both digital and cash transactions will fall under the new monitoring framework. The spokesperson said the PRA is committed to deploying digital technology on a wide scale to prevent tax evasion and fraudulent practices, adding that the move is part of a broader effort to tighten enforcement and ensure accurate tax collection from the services sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Aurangzeb appreciates IFFCO team

September 15, 2026 1:44

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, received a delegation of International Foodstuffs Company (IFFCO), led by Abdelghani Abdullah, Global Group Director, IFFCO, and Arshaduddin Ahmed, CEO, IFFCO Pakistan, at the Finance Division Monday. The meeting was also attended by Muhammad Jawad, CFO, IFFCO Pakistan; Khalil Ahmed Awan, Head of Protocol Department, UAE Embassy; and Kanwal Asim, Economic Researcher, UAE Embassy. The Finance Minister welcomed the IFFCO delegation and appreciated the company’s longstanding investment and contribution to Pakistan’s food and manufacturing sectors. He also acknowledged IFFCO’s continued engagement with Pakistan and its role in supporting local employment, manufacturing and allied industries. Abdelghani Abdullah briefed the Finance Minister on IFFCO Group’s global operations and its longstanding engagement in Pakistan. He highlighted the Group’s role as a major food manufacturer and its activities across edible oils and fats, agriculture, animal nutrition and other food-related segments. He noted that Pakistan remains an important market for IFFCO and reaffirmed the Group’s intention to continue investing and expanding its business in the country. Abdelghani Abdullah noted that the UAE-headquartered multinational operates in around 50 countries and has a diversified presence across food manufacturing, oils and fats, confectionery, dairy, agriculture, poultry and animal nutrition. He highlighted IFFCO’s role in supporting food security and its presence across international markets. The delegation also briefed the Finance Minister on IFFCO Pakistan’s operations and investment footprint. He said the company has been operating in Pakistan since 2006 and has invested around USD 100 million, expanding from a single oil and fats refinery to two refineries and five manufacturing sites. The company has also diversified into seed crushing, animal nutrition and feed mills, contributing to employment, local value addition and the broader food supply chain. The IFFCO delegation expressed interest in further expanding its investment in Pakistan, particularly in view of the growth potential of the domestic industrial and food sectors. The delegation noted that IFFCO supplies products to major companies operating in Pakistan and sees significant opportunities to grow alongside its customers and the wider economy. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed IFFCO’s interest in further investment and expansion in Pakistan and assured the delegation of the Government’s continued support. He emphasized the importance of facilitating existing investors and creating ecosystem that encourages new investment, industrial growth, employment and greater value addition within the country. The Finance Minister also appreciated the support and facilitation extended by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in strengthening economic and commercial engagement between the two countries. He underscored the longstanding and strategic nature of Pakistan-UAE relations and expressed confidence that bilateral economic and investment cooperation would continue to deepen. Abdelghani Abdullah appreciated the Government’s support and reaffirmed IFFCO’s long-term commitment to Pakistan. He highlighted the company’s contribution to employment, local manufacturing and the wider food ecosystem, and expressed confidence in further strengthening IFFCO’s operations and investment footprint in the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

SBP holds rate on inflation, ME risks

September 15, 2026 1:38

KARACHI: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 percent, noting that recent domestic macroeconomic developments remained broadly in line with its expectations. Although risks to the inflation outlook have increased significantly, the MPC believes the FY27 inflation outlook remains broadly unchanged from its previous assessment, with inflation expected to gradually ease towards the upper end of the 5 to 7 percent target range by June 2027. “The key risks include volatility in global commodity prices, magnitude of adjustments in electricity and gas tariffs, supply disruptions, and unexpected movements in food prices amidst the worsening El Niño conditions,” the SBP said. The MPC’s scheduled meeting held on Monday at the SBP head office in Karachi, chaired by SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad. Seven of the 10 MPC members voted to maintain the status quo. The Committee has maintained the status quo for the third consecutive meeting. The last rate change was recorded in April, when the policy rate was raised by 100 basis points from 10.5 percent to 11.5 percent. During the meeting, the MPC noted that more frequent geopolitical and weather-related shocks continue to pose risks to the macroeconomic outlook, underscoring the need for a prudent monetary and fiscal policy mix, stronger buffers to absorb supply shocks, and timely structural reforms to enhance resilience, boost productivity and support sustainable growth. The Committee noted that the intensifying Middle East conflict has pushed global commodity prices higher and prolonged supply chain disruptions, while recent domestic macroeconomic data remained broadly in line with its expectations. Headline inflation increased to 11.1 percent year on year (y/y) in August from 9.2 percent in July, while core inflation was slightly lower than expectations. External account pressures remained contained, supported by robust workers’ remittances and higher financial inflows. Meanwhile, economic activity, after witnessing a slowdown in Q4-FY26, started to pick up gradually, as reflected by recent high-frequency indicators. In this context, the MPC assessed that the current monetary policy stance remains appropriate to guide inflation towards the target range of 5-7 percent over the medium term. However, uncertainty regarding the outlook has increased, particularly from the worsening geopolitical environment. The Committee noted several key developments including Moody’s upgraded Pakistan’s sovereign rating to B3 with a stable outlook; Pakistan raised USD 3 billion through Eurobonds, helping lift SBP reserves above USD 21 billion; inflation expectations rose while business and consumer confidence weakened; large-scale manufacturing fell 3.5 percent in June, though FY26 growth reached 5 percent; and fiscal consolidation exceeded the budget target. FBR tax collection remained on track in July-August FY27, while SBP transferred Rs1.9 trillion in profit to the government against Rs1.4 trillion budgeted. Lastly, central banks have become more cautious amidst challenging global economic conditions. While noting these developments and evolving risks, the MPC reiterated its commitment to achieve price stability with close monitoring of incoming data and ongoing situation in the Middle East. The Committee also noted that shocks such as adverse geopolitical events and weather-related disruptions have become more frequent and continue to pose risks to the macroeconomic outlook. Against this backdrop, the MPC emphasised the need to maintain prudent monetary and fiscal policy mix and further buildup of buffers to absorb supply shocks. This, along with timely implementation of structural reforms, is essential to enhance resilience, raise productivity, and support higher and sustainable growth. According to Monetary Policy Statement, economic activity, which moderated in Q4-FY26 amid conflict-related disruptions, showed signs of recovery in July, supported by higher POL sales, private credit, textile exports and improved business sentiment. Increased rice and sugarcane acreage along with encouraging initial reports on cotton arrivals also improved agriculture prospects for this fiscal year. In this backdrop, the MPC expects FY27 real GDP growth to remain within the projected 3.5 to 4.5 percent range. During FY2, fiscal consolidation was higher than budget target, supported by contained current spending and lower interest payments. FBR tax collection remained on target in July-August FY27, while higher-than-budgeted SBP profit of Rs1.9 trillion improved the fiscal outlook. The MPC stressed the need to sustain tax efforts and accelerate fiscal reforms, particularly broadening the tax base and curtailing PSE losses, amid an uncertain environment. Broad money growth slowed to 11.6 percent year-on-year as of August 28 from 13.2 percent at the last MPC meeting, reflecting lower contributions from both NDA and NFA. Meanwhile, private sector credit (PSC) grew 13.4 percent, supported by lower government borrowing and recovering economic activity. Credit growth was broad-based across working capital, fixed investment and consumer financing, with wholesale and retail trade, agriculture and sugar among the major borrowing sectors. As per committee expectations, PSC growth is likely to strengthen further alongside the ongoing pickup in economic activity. According to SBP, headline inflation turned out at 9.2 percent y/y in July and 11.1 percent in August. Recent inflation outturns are driven largely by food inflation in the wake of elevated prices of wheat and allied products, and perishable items. At the same time, intensification of the conflict in the Middle East has kept energy inflation at elevated levels. Increased fuel prices translated into higher transport costs, which pushed core inflation to 8.7 percent. Inflation expectations of consumers and businesses also increased in the latest surveys. However, the MPC noted that the recent change in the HSD pricing mechanism led to a sharp reduction in its prices in August and has partially offset the impact of higher global prices on domestic inflation. Meanwhile, real positive interest rate on forward-looking basis is likely to keep demand-side pressures in check and contain the second-round impacts emanating from food and energy inflation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

PM fuel relief scheme approved: ECC okays draft agreement on refineries’ upgradation

September 15, 2026 1:33

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Monday approved Rs75 billion for the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme and also approved a summary related to draft Upgrade Agreement under the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy for Upgradation of Existing/Brownfield Refineries, 2023, as amended in August 2026. Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme provides targeted fuel subsidies to lower-income segments in the wake of increased petroleum prices, while also allowing the export of 200,000 tons of surplus sugar with safeguards to prevent a spike in domestic prices. Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting which considered the summary submitted by the Petroleum Division regarding the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme. The scheme envisages provision of targeted relief to lower-income segments in the wake of increased petroleum prices. Under the scheme, two- and three-wheelers will receive relief of Rs500 per week, equivalent to 5 litres at Rs100 per litre, while cars up to 800cc will receive relief of Rs1,000 for ten days, based on 30 litres per month at Rs100 per litre. The scheme will be restricted to non-commercial users, with relief limited to one vehicle per user/owner. The Ministry of IT & Telecom will deploy and manage the Fuel Pass System (FPS) for digital management and transparent delivery of the relief. The targeted and digitally managed mechanism is aimed at ensuring that the benefit reaches eligible consumers efficiently while strengthening transparency and accountability in implementation. The ECC approved an amount of Rs75 billion as TSG for the implementation of scheme. The ECC considered the Summary submitted by the Maritime Affairs Division regarding restructuring of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) ownership and management control. The ECC approved the Implementation Framework as recommended by the Implementation Committee headed by the Minister of Privatisation. The ECC considered and approved the Summary submitted by the Petroleum Division regarding the Draft Upgrade Agreement under the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy for Upgradation of Existing/Brownfield Refineries, 2023, as amended in August 2026. The Agreement will provide the framework for implementation and monitoring of refinery upgradation projects and associated incentives, with a completion period of five years. The ECC also approved the proposal of the Petroleum Division regarding settlement of financial matters of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), including compensation of unadjusted input sales tax claims of OMCs for July 2025 to June 2026 through the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM). The arrangement will provide an interim mechanism for settlement of the claims, with due diligence and verification to be ensured by the concerned authority. The ECC considered a Summary submitted by the Science & Technology Division seeking review of the earlier ECC decision regarding standards and regulatory requirements for commercial imports of used vehicles. The ECC deferred the matter and directed that the recommendations of the Committee constituted to review the EDB vehicle import inspection regime be obtained and the Summary resubmitted accordingly. The ECC also considered the summary submitted by the National Food Security & Research Division regarding permission for export of 200,000 MT of surplus sugar. The ECC approved the recommendations of the Steering Committee on Sugar, including appropriate safeguards to maintain domestic price stability in the local market. The ECC considered a Summary submitted by the Cabinet Division regarding the provision of Rs3.00 billion through a Technical Supplementary Grant for the purchase of 15 bullet-proof sedan vehicles for use during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council Summit, to be hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad in September 2027. The vehicles were found necessary for foolproof security of Heads of State. The ECC noted the importance of the event and emphasised the need for timely and comprehensive preparations to ensure secure and appropriate transport arrangements. The high profile arrangements observed during the recent heads of state SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan were also discussed and appreciated as worth following. The meeting was attended by; Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain; Federal Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh; Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan; Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari; Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik; Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja; Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali; along with Federal Secretaries and Senior Officials from the relevant Ministries, Divisions, and Regulatory Authorities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

SBP’s reserves hit all-time high at USD21.4bn

September 15, 2026 1:10

KARACHI: With arrival of Eurobond inflows, the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves have surged to all-time high level of USD 21.4 billion mark. In the first week of September, Pakistan has raised some USD 3 billion through a landmark dual-tranche Eurobond issuance, marking its largest-ever global bond transaction in a single offering. The government split USD 3 billion Eurobond issuance into two tranches, including a USD 1.75 billion 5.5-year bond and a USD 1.25 billion 10-year bond. The issue attracted nearly double offers of USD 6 billion from global investors. However, Pakistan accepted USD 3 billion offers to build the foreign exchange reserves. SBP in its monetary policy statement revealed that, the issuance of Eurobonds in September, along with significant foreign exchange purchases by SBP, helped SBP’s FX reserves to increase to USD 21.4 billion. SBP’s target for the December 2026 was USD 20.20 billion, however, the SBP has achieved this target before the time. Previously, the SBP has also meet June 2026 end target of USD 18 billion successfully. “This is an all-time high level, surpassing the USD 21 billion target set for Jun 2027,” an analyst at Topline said and added that by the next monetary policy meeting, SBP will share a revised reserves target number. According to SBP, the realisation of planned financial inflows and SBP’s continued FX purchases are assessed to meet the external financing requirements and support FX reserves, which are projected to approach the 3-month import cover by end-June 2027. On external sector side, the current account deficit in July was largely in line with the MPC’s expectations, as the growth in imports of goods and services outpaced the increase in exports and robust workers’ remittances. Going forward, resilient workers’ remittances and higher ICT exports are expected to contain the current account deficit within 0 to 1 percent of GDP in FY27. With the current growth numbers in the first two months of this fiscal year, SBP believes remittances will cross the USD 44 billion target. On the exports side, SBP expects the FY27 number to be slightly above USD 32 billion. This outlook, however, SBP warns that remains susceptible to elevated global commodity prices and supply constraints amidst the unfolding developments in the Middle East. According to Topline, on the debt servicing side, SBP mentioned that External Debt Servicing for FY27 is USD 21.5 billion, USD 5 billion down from last year’s requirement. Out of this USD 21.5 billion, USD 11 billion is net repayable after adjusting for rollover/refinance. So far, SBP has repaid USD 3.5 billion. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Banking sector review: SBP expects uptick in credit demand

September 15, 2026 1:05

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Monday that the banking sector’s performance is expected to maintain steady momentum during the second half of CY26, with credit demand likely to increase amid contained inflation, currency stability and continued economic recovery. The SBP on Monday issued the Mid-Year Performance Review (The Review) of the Banking Sector for the first half of 2026. The Review covers the performance and soundness of banking sector from January to June 2026 period (H1CY26). It also briefly discusses the performance of financial markets as well as the results of the Systemic Risk Survey (SRS). The latter represents the views of independent experts about key current and potential future risks to financial stability. The review expects that seasonal uptick and increase in aggregate exposure limit of unrated large private sector borrowers from Rs3 billion to Rs10 billion are likely to augment banks’ advances during H2CY26. Nonetheless, uncertainty around the Middle East conflict remains a downside risk to macroeconomic outlook, hence to the sector’s performance. The reliance of the government on the banks for budgetary financing is likely to remain higher given the estimated borrowing needs for FY27. The estimated Government’s budgeted borrowing from banks is Rs4,012 billion for FY27 significantly higher than Rs 2,231 billion in FY26. The Review notes that the balance sheet of the banking sector expanded by 9.1 percent, driven primarily by investments in government securities. Advances also increased across public and private segments. Encouragingly, long-term financing to SMEs kept trending upward during H1CY26. In addition, mortgage loans gained further traction largely due to Government’s subsidised scheme. On funding side, banks mobilised additional deposits of Rs3,673 billion during the reviewed period. The Review suggests that the credit risk of the banking sector posed no serious concerns to financial stability during H1CY26. As a result of significant reduction in non-performing loans and increase in advances, NPLs to loans ratio fell to 5.5 percent in June-2026 (6.1 percent in December-2025). Positively, provisioning coverage ratio further improved to 110.2 percent in June-2026 from 107.7 percent in December-2025. The relative increase in the sector’s earnings was, however, moderate. Consequently, Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) softened to 1.1 percent (1.3 percent in June-205) and 19.0 percent (21.3 percent in June-2025), respectively, in June-2026. The solvency position of the sector—with CAR at 19.6 percent—remained strong during H1CY26. The latest macro stress tests indicate that the banking sector in general and large systemically important banks in particular are expected to remain solvent, exhibit resilience and can withstand even severe shocks over the projected horizon of two years. The Review highlights that stress in equity market increased during H1CY26 while FX and money markets witnessed calmer conditions. Increased volatility in equity market was mainly driven by adverse geopolitical developments in the Middle East. The latest wave of Systemic Risk Survey reveals volatility in commodity prices including oil as the top-tier risk followed by global geopolitical risk. The respondents, however, expressed confidence in the financial system stability and regulator ability to ensure financial stability. There is a substantial decline in the estimated non-tax revenue expected for FY27 as contribution from SBP’s transfer of profits to the government in FY27 is projected to be declined by 40.9 percent. Banks’ earnings, despite low interest rates, are likely to remain intact due to expected increase in lending volume (towards private and public sectors). Credit risk appears to remain in check owing to eased financial conditions, resilient economic activity, and anticipated improvement in re-payment capacity of the banks’ borrowers. In addition, solvency position of the sector is likely to remain strong. This view is reinforced by the results of the latest macro stress tests which suggest that the banking sector, in general, and the large systemically important banks in particular, are expected to show resilience and withstand assumed severe macroeconomic shocks over the projected period of two years. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

FBR to disclose names involved in issuing fake invoices

September 15, 2026 12:10

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to publicly disclose the names and sales tax registration numbers of persons involved in issuing fictitious sales tax invoices or fake/flying invoices. The FBR’s instructions issued to the field formations said that, to curb the menace of fake and flying invoices, a new penalty clause (29) has been inserted. It provides that where it is established, after issuance of notice and adjudication, that a registered person has issued a tax invoice for a simulated or fictitious transaction, or for which no actual supply of goods or services has taken place, in addition to imposition of a penalty equal to the value of the simulated or fictitious invoice(s), including sales tax, the name and registration number of the person issuing such fictitious invoice or invoices shall be placed on a publicly accessible “Simulated Invoice Issuers Register” by the Board. The registered persons claiming input tax on invoices issued by a person listed on the Simulated Invoice Issuers Register shall face automatic reversal of the input tax credit claimed against invoices issued by the said listed person from the date of listing. READ ALSO: Punishment for fake invoices: FBR sharply increases sales tax penalties The said input tax credit shall be reversed automatically and treated as inadmissible input tax, the FBR said. Removal from the register has been made contingent upon full payment of the penalty and default surcharge, as well as satisfactory demonstration of compliance. To promote correct and true declarations throughout the supply chain, a new clause (30) has also been inserted. It provides that where it is confirmed, after issuance of notice and provision of an opportunity of being heard, that input tax credit claimed by a registered person in respect of any tax period cannot be matched with corresponding output tax declared by the supplier for the same or proximate tax period, as identified by the Board’s computerised system, such person shall be liable to pay a penalty of 20 percent of the unmatched input tax amount, in addition to reversal of the inadmissible credit and payment of default surcharge under Section 34. Newly inserted clause (31) in Section 33 penalises a registered person who fails to reverse input tax on invoices issued by a person listed on the Simulated Invoice Issuers Register as inadmissible input tax within 60 days of the listing of the invoice issuer. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Foreign satellite company: Senate panel concerned at transfer of govt data

September 15, 2026 12:08

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Monday raised concerns over Pak Datacom’s transfer of government data to a UAE-based satellite company and sought details of around USD 800 million owed by Etisalat over PTCL’s privatisation. The issue came up during the committee meeting, where members questioned whether the requisite permissions had been obtained before government data was shifted to the foreign satellite company. The committee also discussed the outstanding amount of approximately USD 800 million reportedly owed by Etisalat in connection with the privatisation of PTCL. READ ALSO: Senate panel meeting on Monday: Ufone rebranding, Starlink and Etisalat top agenda The Secretary, Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, informed the committee that a non-disclosure agreement restricted the sharing of certain details. The chairperson directed the ministry to work out a mechanism to provide the committee with the required information while ensuring that the confidentiality provisions of the agreement with the UAE side were fully protected. The committee was also briefed on the reported shift of Pak Datacom’s satellite services to a foreign satellite, which raised concerns regarding national security. The chairperson questioned the rationale behind the shift. The committee was informed that limitations in national spectrum capacity were the primary reason for the move. Officials further explained that YaSat is a UAE-based satellite company with majority government shareholding in the UAE. The committee stressed the importance of safeguarding national security and directed that clients be appropriately informed about the use of foreign satellite infrastructure. The chairperson also recommended that the matter be audited through the relevant forum, including NITSB. The General Manager of Pak Datacom informed the committee that the data had been shifted only after obtaining permission from all concerned government entities. However, the committee chairman expressed concern that transferring sensitive government data to a foreign-based satellite company could pose serious security risks. “Doesn’t shifting the data create security issues,” Senator Saadia Abbasi questioned during the meeting. The committee was also briefed by the former CEO of Pak Datacom, who cautioned that shifting government data to a foreign satellite company based in the UAE could create security vulnerabilities. He urged the relevant security agencies to take up the matter and examine the implications of transferring government data outside Pakistan. The committee members also discussed the need for an independent audit of the data-shifting arrangement to determine whether all security, regulatory and procedural requirements had been fulfilled. The chairman recommended that the National Telecom and Information Security Board (NTISB) conduct an audit of the shifting of government entities’ data to the foreign satellite company. The committee stressed that the security of government data could not be compromised and called for a detailed assessment of the arrangement, particularly in view of the involvement of a foreign-based entity. The committee also deliberated on the cases of employees whose services were terminated by Pak Datacom and urged the authorities to examine the matter on humanitarian grounds. Officials informed the committee that the matter was sub judice and would be decided by the relevant NIRC bench. The chairperson suggested that a favourable approach be considered, within the legal framework, until final adjudication of the cases. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

LDI companies: PTA directed to provide update on its efforts to recover Rs84bn

September 14, 2026 11:57

ISLAMABAD: The Long Distance International (LDI) companies owe the government around Rs84 billion, including Rs24 billion in principal amount and Rs60 billion in late payment surcharge, while Starlink’s launch in Pakistan faces a regulatory delay as its registration with Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission/Board (PSARB) remains pending, delaying its application for the required licence from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). This was revealed by PTA officials while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, here on Monday. The committee reviewed the issue of non-recovery of outstanding dues from LDI companies and was briefed on measures being taken to resolve the long-pending cases. Discussing the prolonged pendency of LDI/FLL court cases, the committee expressed concern over delays, particularly in cases involving significant financial liabilities. The chairperson directed PTA to submit a comprehensive report on all pending cases, including the total financial amount involved in each case. The Ministry of IT and Telecom informed the committee that the chairman and members of the Telecom Tribunal had been appointed and the tribunal had commenced its operations. The tribunal has also been formally inaugurated. According to the ministry, 20 cases involving LDI companies have been transferred to the Telecom Tribunal, which is expected to facilitate expeditious disposal of the long-pending disputes. The committee was informed that the licences of the concerned LDI companies had expired, following which the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), after hearings, issued orders in the cases. However, the LDI companies have challenged the PTA orders before various judicial forums. A PTA member told the committee that 38 cases involving LDI companies are currently pending before courts. The authority has also written letters to the Attorney General of Pakistan regarding the cases and raised the matter before judicial forums. Officials confirmed that 20 cases had been transferred to the newly established Telecom Tribunal. The committee was informed that LDI companies owed Rs24 billion in outstanding principal dues, while another Rs60 billion was payable as late payment surcharge, taking the total amount to around Rs84 billion. The Ministry of IT representative said establishment of the Telecom Tribunal would enable faster hearings and disposal of telecom-related disputes. However, companies would retain the right to approach the Supreme Court against a decision of the tribunal, the committee was informed. The committee directed the relevant authorities to furnish a progress report on recovery of the outstanding dues and the status of cases at its next meeting. PTA Chairman, while briefing the committee on the updated status of Starlink’s launch in Pakistan, said that several satellite internet companies were currently interested in entering the Pakistani market. The committee sought details about the stage at which these companies’ launch processes stood and asked whether the regulatory framework was in place to allow satellite internet operators to commence services. The PTA chairman informed the committee that PSARB was working on the regulatory framework for satellite-based services and that satellite internet companies would have to fulfil the prescribed requirements before obtaining licences. According to the PTA’s written reply submitted to the committee, the Pakistan Space Activities Rules-2024 prescribe several requirements for satellite-based licensing, including registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), registration with PSARB, fulfilment of national security requirements, and satellite licensing by PTA. The PTA informed the committee that Starlink has already registered itself with SECP as Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., a holding of Netherlands B.V. Starlink (SpaceX). However, its registration process with PSARB is still pending. “Starlink shall apply for FSS (Fixed Satellite Service) licence after the requisite registration has been completed with PSARB,” the PTA stated. The development effectively means that Starlink cannot move to the final licensing stage with PTA until the required PSARB registration is completed. The committee was informed that the growing interest of satellite internet companies reflected increasing demand for satellite-based connectivity in Pakistan, particularly for areas where conventional broadband infrastructure remains limited. The PTA chairman said several satellite internet companies were interested in providing services in Pakistan, but their operations would have to comply with the regulatory and national security requirements prescribed under the applicable framework. The committee members sought clarity on the timeline for completion of the regulatory process and asked the PTA to explain the status of other prospective satellite internet operators. The PTA maintained that satellite-based licensing was subject to the framework and requirements laid down under the Pakistan Space Activities Rules-2024. The committee was also informed that registration with PSARB was a prerequisite, after which the concerned company could proceed with the application for the relevant PTA licence. The committee directed/asked the relevant authorities to provide an updated position on the regulatory framework and the progress of satellite internet companies seeking to launch services in Pakistan. The committee deferred consideration of the Starlink licensing issue after PTA informed members that no licence application from Starlink was currently pending before the authority. PTA further clarified that all Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network operators are required to fulfil the conditions prescribed under the law before obtaining an operating licence. The committee was informed that the PTA licence pertains to operations and that there would be no impediment once all legal and regulatory requirements were fulfilled. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Houthis strike Saudi targets anew as talks over Strait of Hormuz stall

September 15, 2026 3:15

RIYADH: Yemen’s Houthis launched a new wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia and were digging into positions on the western coast of Yemen along the Red Sea, Yemeni officials said, as urgent deliberations took place in Riyadh over how to respond to their lightning advance. Meanwhile, Gulf Arab states postponed planned talks with Iran, raising concerns the ‌Middle East conflict could spread further and threaten global oil supplies. The Houthis on Monday said they fired dozens of missiles and drones at a military airbase in Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia, targeting aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition depots in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. Saudi authorities issued emergency alerts there and in three other southern cities. Thirteen civilians were wounded in the Houthi attacks, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said. The Houthi advances in recent days, including the taking of Perim Island at the mouth of the Red Sea, have put further pressure on Saudi oil exports after an aerial attack on Thursday knocked Saudi Arabia’s east-west pipeline offline. Riyadh blamed the pipeline attack on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Saudi Arabia built the 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) pipeline across its territory from the Gulf ⁠to the Red Sea in the 1980s to bypass the Strait of Hormuz when it came under threat from the Iran-Iraq war at that time. Traders said a prolonged shutdown of the Saudi pipeline could cut off as much as 4% of global oil supply while the strait is largely blockaded. Riyadh has not said when operations might resume. Responding to the Houthi offensive, the Saudi and Yemeni air forces have stepped up aerial bombardment of Houthi targets, including around the historic Red Sea port of Mocha, but the Houthis have maintained effective control over almost the entire western coast of the country along the Red Sea, the officials with Yemen’s internationally recognised government said. “The Houthis are being put under heavy pressure. They in turn are putting more and more pressure on the Saudis, increasing their campaign of missile and drone attacks,” one of the Yemeni officials said. Crude oil prices rose more than 4% on Monday before settling about 1% higher. Americans hesitant to step in The renewed Yemen conflict poses another challenge for US President Donald Trump. Three sources have told Reuters that Washington has so far resisted Saudi requests for direct military intervention beyond intelligence support. Trump said over the weekend he had spoken with the Saudi crown prince and that the Houthis had also contacted Washington urging it to stay out of ‌the conflict. Saudi ⁠state media reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met US regional commander Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday. Saudi Arabia has led a coalition battling the Houthis since 2015, but the conflict had largely quietened under a ceasefire in recent years. Fighting reignited this month, with the Houthis pushing back forces aligned with the internationally recognised government. Hopes for diplomacy fade Oman had been due to host a meeting on Monday with Iran and Gulf states to discuss negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war carried 20% of the world’s oil exports. But Oman announced that the meeting had been postponed. Iran said the postponement was at the request of Saudi Arabia. Trump on Monday repeated his frequent ⁠claim that Iran was eager to make a deal quickly, but Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, called the president’s message a distraction, saying on X, “No talks until Iran’s conditions are met.” Underscoring the volatility of shipping through the region, conflicting reports circulated about how and when an oil tanker was damaged. Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of air raids, missile strikes Without giving a date, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker El Gaia was hit by sea mines as it passed through a prohibited ⁠zone south of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Fars news agency reported on Monday. But the US military’s Central Command immediately said the report was false and the tanker was “struck by an Iranian missile last month and rendered inoperable.” The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization reported El Gaia was damaged on Saturday, but did not say how, and that two seafarers were missing. Reuters could not immediately contact the ship’s owners in Dubai to verify ⁠any of the accounts. The world’s most important oil shipping lane has been mostly shut down since the war began on February 28 as Iran has threatened vessels that transit the waterway without its authority. “The IRGC Navy firmly declares that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and still under our smart control,” the Revolutionary Guards said in the statement. [...]

Indian rupee, bonds eye Fed decision, rate outlook

September 15, 2026 3:00

September 27 march: Gohar warns against potential use of force against PTI workers

September 15, 2026 2:58

ISLAMABAD: Acting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Gohar Ali Khan on Monday warned against the use of force as the party prepares for its planned September 27 march on Islamabad, saying its workers were coming to capital to seek justice and that “the time for bullets should end”. Talking to reporters, Gohar said the PTI mobilisation would remain peaceful and within the constitution and law. He urged the Punjab government to refrain from arresting or harassing party workers and called for restraint and dialogue to ease political tensions. “There should be no firing. The time for bullets should end,” he said. Gohar said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would lead the movement peacefully and asked the Punjab government, particularly Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political affairs, not to create hurdles to the planned mobilisation. He also called for political reconciliation, saying differences of opinion were an integral part of democracy and that the government should pursue dialogue rather than confrontation. He demanded that PTI leaders and family members be allowed to meet the party’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, in jail, arguing that such measures could help ease tensions. Meanwhile, the PTI accused the Punjab government of launching a crackdown against its leaders, workers and supporters ahead of the march. In a statement, PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram alleged that police had conducted raids, made arrests and imposed restrictions on party workers in an attempt to prevent the mobilisation. He claimed police checkpoints had been set up outside the residences of PTI leaders and that several private homes and Deras had been raided or sealed. He alleged that residences linked to Mian Zahir, Malik Shahbaz Awan, Masti Khel, Naeem Panjotha and Nisar Jutt had been raided, while their families, including women and children, were subjected to harassment. He also condemned the reported raid on the residence of senior PTI leader Mian Mehmood-ur-Rashid, who is in jail, alleging that police caused damage to the property and harassed his family. Akram also criticised the use of the Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO) law against PTI workers, claiming that around 700 people had been detained ahead of the planned protest. He also criticised remarks attributed to Sanaullah regarding protesters, describing them as provocative and warning that such rhetoric could further inflame an already tense political environment. The PTI spokesman urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to respect what he called the party’s constitutional right to peaceful political activity and abandon the use of coercive measures against its workers. The PTI said the country was already facing economic pressures, inflation, high electricity bills and growing public frustration, arguing that political confrontation would only deepen instability. The party reiterated that its September 27 mobilisation would remain peaceful and constitutional, and called on its workers and supporters to maintain discipline and avoid confrontation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

KP CM stages protest in police van after arrest of PTI leaders

September 15, 2026 2:57

LAHORE: High drama unfolded in the provincial capital on Monday as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged a protest inside a police prisoner van following the arrest of senior PTI leaders and workers accompanying his convoy, triggering a sharp political escalation and heated accusations between Punjab and KP authorities. “They (Punjab Police) tried to abduct me and then dumped me here on the street; attempting to abduct a provincial Chief Minister was no small matter, and now the pressure will be on them (the Punjab government),” claimed the KP CM. The arrest of PTI District Lahore President Mian Akram Usman and Vice President Mehr Naeemullah Taj alongside several party workers sparked a tense standoff in Lahore, culminating in KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi boarding a police van in protest before being dropped off at Lakshmi Chowk. The party alleged that several other PTI workers were also taken into custody during the movement of the convoy. Tensions escalated when police allegedly moved a prisoner van towards the KP Chief Minister’s convoy. Police and Afridi came face to face as party workers gathered around the vehicle. “I am not troubling anyone; I am the one being troubled,” Afridi was quoted as saying to the police. He demanded the release of the detained workers, saying, “I will move away only after our workers were released.” Afridi subsequently boarded the prisoner van in protest and refused to get off when a police officer asked him to leave the vehicle. Police personnel gathered around the van as the standoff continued. Later, the van was driven away while Afridi was still inside. He was eventually dropped off at Lakshmi Chowk, where he and his companions sat on a footpath. While talking to the media, the KP CM advised his supporters to remain peaceful, adding that this was all orchestrated by Punjab’s fake government. “They are trying to spread chaos. You must remain peaceful.” The PTI and the KP government officials strongly condemned the alleged forcible detention of their Chief Minister and key local party leaders, while Punjab authorities dismissed the incident as a staged political stunt. KP Information Minister Shafi Ullah Jan strongly condemned what he described as the Punjab police’s alleged forcible detention of the elected KP Chief Minister. He said that forcing an elected Chief Minister into a vehicle, withdrawing his security and leaving him without assistance was a serious matter for which the Punjab government should be held responsible. He also said that the incident in Lahore amounted to an insult to the democratic mandate and constitutional rights of the KP chief minister. Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moeen-ud-Din Riaz Qureshi also condemned what he described as the alleged misconduct and attempted abduction of Afridi by Punjab Police. He added that such treatment of an elected Chief Minister was unacceptable and stressed that the public mandate, Constitution and democratic values must be protected. The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) Punjab also condemned the alleged detention of Afridi, holding the Punjab government responsible for the incident. It said that a sitting chief minister had visited the family of a deceased political worker to offer condolences and should not have been detained by police of another province. They alleged that Punjab Police had held the elected KP Chief Minister against his will and described the incident as unprecedented in relations between the provinces. Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari, while sharing a video of Sohail Afridi getting into a police van, said, “Watch another stunt. Sohail Afridi himself went and sat in the police van while police officers kept asking him to get out.” She said that Afridi also scolded his guards and pushed them aside when they tried to block his ‘drama’; he was putting on a scripted and cheap act, adding that they were treating them with respect, but they do not deserve it. “Look at the reality of the people as far as the eye can see. Vehicles are being stopped at various places, causing inconvenience to the public, while YouTubers and guards are being addressed.” The KP CM came to the provincial capital to offer condolences to the family of slain Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Ishtiaq Ahmad, who succumbed to severe burn injuries reportedly sustained during a police raid that occurred while preparations were underway for Eid Miladun Nabi. The PTI alleges that the Punjab Police were responsible for the death of their political activist, claiming that Ahmad suffered burns over 70 percent of his body after falling into a vat of boiling oil during the chaos. Despite receiving medical treatment, he later passed away due to his third-degree burns. Severe tensions erupted outside the home of the deceased PTI worker when the KP Chief Minister, accompanied by PTI Central Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja and Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, arrived to offer prayers. Confronted by heavy barricades and a massive contingent of Punjab Police, a visibly emotional Afridi reprimanded the officers present. “We have not come here to hold any political gathering or procession,” Afridi confronted the police personnel. “You threw a lover of the Prophet (PBUH) into a cauldron and martyred him, and on top of that, you are creating further obstacles. Aren’t you even slightly ashamed?” Rejecting the protocol and protection offered by provincial authorities, Chief Minister Afridi delivered a scathing critique of the Punjab government and police conduct, declaring, “Punjab is mine, Pakistan is mine. I have come here as an ordinary citizen. I refuse to accept your (the Punjab government’s) security; I do not need your protection.” While addressing the media and PTI workers outside Ishtiaq Ahmad’s residence, Afridi castigated the Punjab government for political victimisation and police brutality. He lashed out at the Punjab administration, highlighting the horrific details surrounding the worker’s death. “The Punjab police and the illegitimate Punjab government burned Ishtiaq Ahmad in hot oil; he was innocent and had done no wrong, yet he was killed. In the eyes of these tyrants, human life has no value,” he alleged. Afridi also directed sharp words at Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, criticising her provincial security rhetoric, stating, “The fake Chief Minister of Punjab claims she feels threatened by the three provinces of Pakistan but not by India, which is a shameful attitude.” He added, “I am from Punjab, and the Punjabis are mine. I have no threat from Punjab. The people of Punjab despise you (the Punjab CM). I am the people’s Chief Minister, and I enjoy being among the people.” Regarding the protest scheduled for September 27, he emphasised that the party’s struggle remains strictly within democratic and legal boundaries. He asserted that the Constitution of Pakistan is the ultimate guarantor of national cohesion and equal rights. “We do not support violence or lawbreaking; our only demand is that courts and relevant institutions make impartial and fair decisions in accordance with the Constitution and law,” he said, reiterating that PTI’s movement, aligned with PTI founder Imran Khan’s vision, is not aimed at securing personal office or power, but at ensuring the rule of law. He called upon citizens to join the protest, stating that on September 27, the people will come out to support the release of their leader and demand their rights. Later, after offering condolences to the deceased’s family, the KP Chief Minister departed for the Data Sahib shrine in the shape of a rally through Mochi Gate, Lohari Gate and Bhatti Gate. A large number of PTI supporters joined in the rally as it progressed to its destination amid heavy police presence. Later, Afradi led his supporters to Liberty Chowk, where the incident with police took place. Moreover, the police enforced market and shop closures at Hall Road, the Mall Road, Anarkali, and other markets, while severe traffic congestion occurred at the railway station, the Mall Road, Lower Mall Road, Regal Chowk, GPO Chowk and Circular Road. Frequent stops forced citizens to navigate through the streets of adjacent neighbourhoods, leading to significant traffic jams reported in areas such as Ek Moriya Pul, Akbari Market Road, Delhi Gate, Wansan Wala Bazaar, and Shah Alam Market. Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department announced an immediate ban on large gatherings under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, restricting gatherings of five or more people until September 17. The order strictly prohibits public rallies, demonstrations, and the display of weapons while exempting weddings, funerals, and court proceedings. Additionally, Opposition Leader Moeen Qureshi claimed to the media that the KP Chief Minister’s convoy was repeatedly stopped and that attempts were made to arrest them. “An attempt was made to arrest me, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and Senator Aoun Abbas. Moreover, the police prevented us from going to the deceased’s home to attend the funeral rites.” PTI Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Basra denounced the crackdown, alleging that provincial authorities initiated a coordinated campaign involving late-night raids and the detention of hundreds of party workers, including women. The PTI leadership further accused the police of maintaining an overbearing presence during Ishtiaq Ahmad’s funeral proceedings, claiming that the funeral procession was rushed to prevent family members and workers from gathering. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Asian shares waver as oil and yields rise ahead of Fed, BOJ meetings

September 15, 2026 2:56

Umrah pilgrims: Deadline for vaccination card extended

September 15, 2026 2:53

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for implementing the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) integrated vaccination card has been extended. According to sources in Border Health Services, the deadline for implementation of the NADRA-integrated vaccination card has been extended until September 25, 2026. Sources said an official notification regarding the extension is expected to be issued shortly. Before the development, hundreds of passengers and Umrah pilgrims had gathered at airport health offices to obtain the NADRA-integrated vaccination card. The extension is expected to provide significant relief to passengers and pilgrims travelling abroad. It may be recalled that authorities had earlier announced that, after September 14, 2026, passengers would not be allowed to travel without vaccination proof integrated with NADRA. Earlier, the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) wrote a letter to the federal government, expressing reservations over the Ministry of Health’s decision regarding the NADRA vaccination card. TAAP sought clarification from the Ministry of Health over the requirement and raised concerns about a letter issued by the Karachi Airport Health Officer. The association said the order issued by the Karachi Airport Health Officer is unclear and has created misunderstandings regarding the implementation of the NADRA vaccination card requirement. [...]

Indian shares seen opening higher; HDFC Bank in focus

September 15, 2026 2:52

Dollar near two-week high as oil surge lifts yields, Fed hike bets

September 15, 2026 2:49

ECP reschedules two cases against PkMAP till next month

September 15, 2026 2:49

ISLAMABAD: The electoral body has rescheduled till next month two cases against Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), which is headed by Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, involving the non-conduct of intra-party elections and the party’s constitution. A notice issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday stated that the aforementioned cases that were fixed for hearing before the ECP on 24 September were de-listed due to the unavailability of the bench. These cases have been fixed for hearing on October 6, the notice revealed. Conspicuously, the development bears significance given that Achakzai, the PkMAP’s chief, also heads the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), an alliance of several opposition parties, which supports the long march announced by Pakistan Tehreek—e—Insaf (PTI) beginning on September 27—whereas the cases against PKMAP were scheduled to be heard by the ECP only three days prior to the long march— before been rescheduled to the next month. In total, three cases against PkMAP are pending with the ECP; the non-conduct of intra-party elections, the party’s constitution, and its financial accounts. Earlier this month, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja warned that the electoral body would issue a “unilateral” decision in two of the three cases related to PkMAP if the defence side failed to submit the related replies. He made these remarks on September 1 while heading a five-member full ECP bench that heard all the three cases. During the hearing, the defence counsel informed the bench that similar cases related to PKMAP were pending in the Balochistan High Court (BHC), and the court had issued a stay order in the case regarding non-conduct of PkMAP intra-party elections. The ECP officials concerned from the Law Wing confirmed to the bench that the BHC issued a stay order in the PKMAP intra-party polls case, but, they contended, the remaining two cases related to the amended constitution and the accounts of PkMAP were pending in the said court without any stay order having been issued. The CEC directed the defence lawyer to submit replies to the ECP’s objections in the two cases in which stay orders were not issued by the BHC. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

ATC orders blocking of passports for Afridi, other PTI MPs

September 15, 2026 2:47

ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday ordered the blocking of passports of leaders including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar and others in a case registered in connection with the November 26 protest. ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain issued the order regarding blockage of passports of 24 parliamentarians, including Members of National Assembly (MNAs) and Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs), at the request of police in a case registered at the Kohsar Police Station. According to the court order, the passports of Sohail Afridi, MNAs and MPAs including Asad Qaiser, Sheram Tarkai, Shah Ahmad, Sher Ali Arbab, Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, Dr Amjad Ali, Junaid Akbar, Shahid Khattak, Zubair Wazir, Omar Ayub, Arshad Umarzai, Zar Alam, Mian Umar, Akhtar Khan, Humayun Khan, Riaz Khan, Abdul Kabir Khan, Tufail Anjum, Asif Mehsud, Ajab Gul, Muhammad Usman, Babar Saleem Swati, Irfan Saleem, Advocate Ali Zaman and Malik Shahab have been ordered to be blocked. During the hearing, the investigating officer (IO) requested the court to order the blocking of passports as the accused could flee the country to evade the legal process. The court approved the IO’s request and directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to block the passports of the accused until further orders. The court order says that the accused faced serious allegations, including attacks on state institutions and promotion of terrorism. The accused had also failed to appear before the court, the order said. Those who had obtained interim bail had also not joined the investigation, it added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

CDF reaffirms commitment to stronger ties with Lebanon

September 15, 2026 2:46

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Lebanon. He was talking to Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmad Al Hajjar, who called on him in Rawalpindi Monday. The Field Marshal expressed the desire to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of shared interest. During the meeting, both dignitaries exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, the evolving regional security environment and prospects for further enhancing bilateral relations in the security domain. The importance of strengthening institutional linkages and fostering greater cooperation between the two countries’ security institutions was also emphasised. The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s contributions towards regional peace and stability and acknowledged the professionalism and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism. [...]

Oil prices rise as Saudi pipeline outage, fresh attacks raise supply concerns

September 15, 2026 2:43

Regional adversaries cannot undermine national security: Abbasi

September 15, 2026 2:09

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Mohammad Hanif Abbasi on Monday called for national unity across the board to effectively address internal and external challenges, saying that Pakistan is an invincible nuclear state and that regional adversaries cannot undermine its national security. Addressing an event here at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), Abbasi accused Afghanistan of functioning as a hub for foreign-sponsored terrorism and said that external elements are financing subversion in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Balochistan, emphasizing that national security institutions remain fully cognizant and vigilant to thwart hostile agendas. “Facilitators of terrorism are from within, but they can’t hide themselves anywhere,” he said pointing towards invisible local hands supporting notorious activities in the country. He linked India’s direct involvement in terrorism activities in Pakistan saying, “Israel through technical support and India through financial sponsorship have extended all-out support to the terrorists sitting in Afghanistan with single point agenda of destabilising Pakistan.” He said that the entire nation was united on the integrity of Pakistan and will jointly respond to any aggressor or conspirator as they proved in May 2025. On regional infrastructure progress, Abbasi appreciated CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, announcing that 50 new public transport buses will soon be deployed across Rawalpindi. “These buses will commute with in the city to further ease public travel,” he said. Highlight achievements in local healthcare, he confirmed that two successful liver transplants were recently performed at the Rawalpindi Kidney Hospital, eliminating the need for patients to travel abroad for specialized treatment. The minister added that two 300-bed hospitals have been completed in Rawalpindi, while a 400-bed pediatric hospital named Children Hospital is scheduled for completion by June 2027. “We are committed to complete construction work of the historic Children Hospital, Rawalpindi as soon as possible and we will get it inaugurated by the prime minister in June 2027,” he announced. Abbasi also announced the renovation of sports complex, and construction of dedicated girls hostel for the university. “This is my duty to serve my daughters and I will do best to give them a separate hostel,” he said adding that female students of the university belong to diverse culture and they deserve a standard living in university. Vice-Chancellor PMAS-AAUR Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman delivering the welcome address, extended gratitude to the federal minister for his support in renovating the university auditorium, upgrading sports facilities, and modernizing campus infrastructure. Following the address, Abbasi distributed mementos to officials recognised for their contributions to the campus renovation project. Earlier, the minister inaugurated recently renovated state of the art auditorium. The university management and students gave a very warm welcome upon his arrival. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

International Day of Democracy today: Speaker says strong democratic system guarantee of prosperous future

September 15, 2026 2:06

ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that promoting democratic values and strengthening democratic institutions are essential to putting Pakistan on the path to sustainable development, stressing that a strong democratic system is the guarantee of a prosperous and stable future. In a message marking the International Day of Democracy, observed annually on September 15 under the auspices of the United Nations, the Speaker said democracy was fundamentally about ensuring people’s participation in governance and was based on freedom, equality and collective decision-making. He said the strength of democracy depended on respect for the public mandate, transparency in national affairs, accountability and the rule of law. He paid tribute to political leaders and workers who had made sacrifices for the restoration of democracy and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan, saying the country’s history was marked by a sustained struggle for democratic governance, constitutional supremacy and popular representation. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq described Parliament as a cornerstone of the democratic system and the institution that represents the aspirations of the people. He said elected representatives had a responsibility to legislate for public welfare and address issues confronting citizens. “Differences of opinion are the beauty of democracy,” he said, adding that disagreements must be resolved through tolerance, dialogue and consultation rather than confrontation. The Speaker stressed that elections alone could not ensure an effective democratic system. Meaningful and continuous public participation, together with respect for the views of all segments of society in decision-making, was equally important. He said the effective participation of women, youth, minorities and other sections of society in political and parliamentary processes strengthened democracy and made democratic institutions more representative. He said Parliament served as an important bridge between the people and state institutions, while the National Assembly was playing an active role in addressing public concerns through legislation and parliamentary oversight. Parliamentary committees, caucuses and consultative forums provided lawmakers with opportunities to deliberate on important national and public issues and work towards consensus. Highlighting the role of young people, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the youth were the key to Pakistan’s bright future. He stressed the need to familiarise them with the parliamentary system, constitutional principles and democratic practices and to provide them with meaningful opportunities to participate in national decision-making. The Speaker said International Day of Democracy was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the constitutional order and promoting political dialogue. He urged all political forces to rise above their differences and work together to address issues of national importance and resolve the problems faced by the people. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message, said democracy guaranteed the people’s right to govern themselves and protected their political freedom. He said a strong Parliament, supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law were fundamental requirements of a democratic society. Strengthening democratic institutions, he added, was indispensable for Pakistan’s development, prosperity and stability. The Deputy Speaker paid tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, describing their struggles and sacrifices for the restoration and consolidation of democracy in Pakistan as unforgettable. He stressed that political differences should be resolved through dialogue, consultation and parliamentary mechanisms, rather than confrontation. He also called for continued efforts to promote democratic values, address public grievances and advance the country’s development. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

PRA to set up digital cell to curb tax evasion

September 15, 2026 2:03

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... [...]

NATO sends warning to Putin after Russian drones strike close to Poland

September 15, 2026 3:10

NATO has pledged additional support for Ukraine and stronger defences along its eastern flank after Russian drone strikes hit close to the Polish border.NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Monday that the 32-member alliance would not be deterred from supporting Kyiv following attacks near NATO... [...]

Sudan aid supplies could run out this month, says UN sounding alarm over funding crisis

September 15, 2026 2:50

Sudan’s humanitarian aid system could collapse within weeks without urgent funding as millions remain displaced by war, UN agencies have warned.The conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has killed more than 200,000 people,... [...]

Whittier cruise terminal fire forces tunnel closure as crews battle blaze

September 15, 2026 2:30

Emergency crews battled a fire at the new cruise dock in Whittier, Alaska, on Monday, with a tour company vessel reportedly involved in the blaze.Girdwood Fire and Rescue said crews were sent to assist Whittier, where Phillips Cruises & Tours vessel Klondike Express was located at the commercial... [...]

UK military member killed in Ukraine in 'non-hostile' road incident

September 15, 2026 2:10

A member of the British armed forces has been killed in a road traffic incident in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.The unnamed service member died on Saturday. The incident is understood not to have been the result of hostile action.The person’s family has been informed and... [...]

Mitch McConnell, 84, returns to Senate in wheelchair after hospitalisation

September 15, 2026 1:50

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell returned to the US Senate on Monday for the first time in three months following a fall that left him hospitalised.The 84-year-old Kentucky senator arrived in a wheelchair and briefly spoke to reporters outside the Senate chamber before voting.McConnell was... [...]

Donald Trump Jr and wife confirm Russian oligarch helped pay for their wedding celebration

September 15, 2026 1:30

Donald Trump Jr and his new wife Bettina have confirmed that a Russian oligarch with close ties to President Vladimir Putin partially funded celebrations following their wedding.In an Instagram post on Monday, Bettina Trump described Umar Kremlev as a “dear friend,” who “very... [...]

Supreme Court stops Trump plan that could have withheld millions of mail ballots

September 15, 2026 1:10

The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected President Donald Trump’s plan to change how mail ballots are sent to voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.A majority of justices blocked a proposed procedure that would have allowed the US Postal Service to withhold potentially millions of of... [...]

Dominic Barton hits back at criticism ahead of Mark Carney's Canada Investment Summit

September 15, 2026 12:30

Dominic Barton says he felt “compelled” to help Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attract foreign investment to Canada despite criticism from federal Conservatives over his appointment.Barton told CTV Power Play in an interview airing Monday: “I’m volunteering for this, I... [...]

Savannah Guthrie makes public appearance as mom Nancy remains missing

September 14, 2026 6:48

Savannah Guthrie makes public appearance as mom Nancy remains missingMonths have passed, and reportedly no key clue about Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts has been made public.Amid her disappearance remaining unresolved, her daughter Savannah, along with her husband Mike Feldman, made a public... [...]

What is the Lindsay Clancy 'copycat' theory?

September 14, 2026 5:23

What is the Lindsay Clancy 'copycat' theory? The trial of Lindsay Clancy drew attention across the U.S. and sharply divided Americans.Amid the much attention, a somewhat similar case took place in Illinois.A mom allegedly killed her son, named Barrett 'Bear' Walsh, saying that he was a... [...]

Danish PM Mette Frederiksen expresses optimism for peaceful arctic resolution amid US pressure over Greenland

September 14, 2026 2:28

Danish PM Mette Frederiksen expresses optimism for peaceful arctic resolution amid US pressure over GreenlandDanish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed strong optimism that Copenhagen and Washington can navigate rising geopolitical tensions and secure a peaceful path forward regarding... [...]

Boris Johnson narrowly escapes drone strikes near polish border as moscow escalates NATO-border attacks

September 14, 2026 2:16

A latest update unveils how Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a close brush with danger after a Russian drone struck a railway line near the Ukraine-Poland border just minutes after a diplomatic train carrying him and other high-ranking European officials cleared the area. The... [...]

Russia welcomes Trump's push to halt Ukraine strikes on diesel facilities

September 14, 2026 12:38

Russia welcomes Trump’s push to halt Ukraine strikes on diesel facilitiesRussia has responded to US President Donald Trump’s push to curb Ukraine strikes on Moscow’s diesel-producing facilities. On Sunday, Trump called on Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop targeting... [...]

UK faces fresh breakup calls as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland look to EU

September 14, 2026 12:00

UK faces fresh breakup calls as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland look to EU Three nations Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have met in Cardiff to agree a memorandum of understanding, declaring that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end.” Scottish First Minister... [...]

EU leaders push new Arctic policy as China, Russia expand presence

September 14, 2026 11:24

EU leaders push new Arctic policy as China, Russia expand presence The European leaders are set to initiate talks aimed at rethinking Arctic policy during a gathering in Rovaneimi, Finland on Monday. The talks will focus on growing competition in the rapidly thawing Arctic region as global... [...]

راولپنڈی اور اسلام آباد میں 45 ملی میٹر بارش، واسا ہائی الرٹ

September 15, 2026 3:09

— فائل فوٹوراولپنڈی اور اسلام آباد میں تیز بارش کے بعد گرمی کا زور ٹوٹ گیا اور موسم خوش گوار ہو گیا۔سید پور میں 15، گولڑہ میں 36 اور... [...]

کراچی: سرجانی ٹاؤن واقعہ، زخمی بچی دوران علاج جاں بحق

September 15, 2026 12:09

کراچی میں سرجانی ٹاؤن میں گھر سے شدید زخمی حالت میں ملنے والی 18 ماہ کی بچی بھی دوران علاج اسپتال میں جاں بحق ہوگئی جبکہ بچی کی والدہ... [...]

متوقع بارشوں کے پیش نظر سندھ کے تمام بلدیاتی اداروں میں ایمرجنسی نافذ

September 14, 2026 7:09

وزیر بلدیات سندھ ناصر حسین شاہ نے متوقع بارشوں کے پیش نظر صوبے کے تمام بلدیاتی اداروں میں ایمرجنسی نافذ کردی ہے۔واٹر کارپوریشن سمیت... [...]

پی ٹی آئی کی اسلام آباد پر یلغار سے مسئلہ حل نہیں ہوگا، طارق فضل چوہدری

September 14, 2026 6:09

وفاقی وزیر طارق فضل چوہدری نے کہا ہے کہ پی ٹی آئی کے ماضی کے مارچ بھی پرامن نہیں تھے، اسلام آباد پر یلغار سے مسئلہ حل نہیں ہوگا۔جیو... [...]

حکومت کو فیصلہ اس لیے اچھا لگا کہ یہ ان کی خواہش تھی، شہرام ترکئی

September 14, 2026 5:09

پاکستان تحریک انصاف رکن قومی اسمبلی شہرام ترکئی نے کہا ہے کہ حکومت کو فیصلہ اس لیے اچھا لگا کہ یہ ان کی خواہش تھی۔جیو نیوز کے پروگرام... [...]

پیٹرول اور ڈیزل کی قیمت میں آج بھی اضافہ کردیا گیا

September 14, 2026 5:09

فوٹو: فائلملک میں پیٹرول اور ڈیزل کی قیمت میں آج بھی اضافہ کردیا گیا ہے۔ اوگرا کی جانب سے ملک میں ایک یوم کے لیے پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی... [...]

ایک اور ڈرامہ بازی ملاحظہ کریں، سہیل آفریدی خود جا کر پولیس وین میں بیٹھے: عظمیٰ بخاری

September 14, 2026 5:09

عظمیٰ بخاری - فوٹو: فائلوزیر اطلاعات پنجاب عظمیٰ بخاری نے کہا ہے کہ ایک اور ڈرامہ بازی ملاحظہ کریں، سہیل آفریدی خود جا کر پولیس وین... [...]

ریلیف میں شفافیت کیلئے فیول پاس سسٹم متعارف کرانے کا فیصلہ

September 14, 2026 5:09

اقتصادی رابطہ کمیٹی نے فیول ریلیف پیکیج کےلیے 75 ارب روپے کی ٹیکنیکل سپلیمنٹری گرانٹ منظور کرلی ہے۔وفاقی وزیر خزانہ سینیٹر محمد... [...]

لاشوں پر سیاست بانی پی ٹی آئی کا پرانا وتیرہ ہے، عظمیٰ بخاری

September 14, 2026 5:09

وزیر اطلاعات پنجاب عظمیٰ بخاری نے کہا ہے کہ لاشوں پر سیاست بانی پی ٹی آئی اور اُن کی جماعت کا پرانا وتیرہ ہے۔لاہور سے جاری بیان میں... [...]

کراچی: سرجانی ٹاؤن میں خاتون اور 2 بچوں کو قتل کردیا گیا

September 14, 2026 4:09

علامتی تصویر۔کراچی کے علاقے سرجانی ٹاؤن میں خاتون اور اس کے 2 بچوں کو قتل کردیا گیا جبکہ ایک بچی زخمی ہے۔پولیس کا کہنا ہے کہ متوفی... [...]

لاہور: سہیل آفریدی پولیس وین میں بیٹھ گئے، اہلکاروں نے لکشمی چوک پر اتار دیا

September 14, 2026 4:09

فوٹو: اسکرین گریبوزیراعلیٰ خیبر پختونخوا سہیل آفریدی کا قافلہ مال روڈ پر ریگل چوک پہنچا، جہاں سہیل آفریدی پولیس کی پریزن وین پر چڑھ... [...]

پی ٹی آئی کے مرحوم کارکن کے بیٹے کا ویڈیو بیان، پنجاب حکومت کی تعریف

September 14, 2026 4:09

پاکستان تحریک انصاف کے مرحوم کارکن اشتیاق کے بیٹے احمد نے ویڈیو بیان میں پنجاب حکومت کی تعریف کردی۔ویڈیو بیان میں احمد نے کہا کہ... [...]

پی ٹی آئی لانگ مارچ میں کے پی حکومت کے فنڈز استعمال کرتی ہے، طارق فضل چوہدری

September 14, 2026 3:09

وفاقی وزیر پارلیمانی امور طارق فضل چوہدری نے کہا ہے کہ پی ٹی آئی لانگ مارچ میں خیبر پختونخوا حکومت کے فنڈز استعمال کرتی ہے۔ایک بیان... [...]

فیول سبسڈی اسکیم کے ثمرات زیادہ سے زیادہ مستحق شہریوں تک پہنچانے کیلئے اقدامات کیے جائیں، وزیر اعظم

September 14, 2026 3:09

ویڈیو گریب۔ وزیر اعظم شہباز شریف نے کہا ہے کہ فیول سبسڈی اسکیم کے ثمرات زیادہ سے زیادہ مستحق شہریوں تک پہنچانے کے لیے تمام دستیاب... [...]

لاہور ہائیکورٹ: شہری کی بازیابی کیلئے پولیس کو 3 اکتوبر تک مہلت

September 14, 2026 3:09

فوٹو: فائللاہور ہائیکورٹ نے شہری کی بازیابی کےلیے پولیس کو تین اکتوبر تک مہلت دے دی۔ جسٹس فاروق حیدر نے شہری عثمان کی درخواست پر... [...]

ڈیزل کی قیمتوں میں اضافے کی وجہ ٹرمپ ہیں: چک شومر

September 15, 2026 4:09

---فائل فوٹوزامریکی سینیٹر چک شومر نے ڈیزل کی ریکارڈ بلند قیمتوں کا الزام یوکرین پر عائد کرنے پر صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کو شدید تنقید کا نشانہ... [...]

سعودی عرب کی تیل کی اہم پائپ لائن بند، عالمی منڈی پر بڑا خطرہ منڈلانے لگا

September 15, 2026 4:09

---فوٹو بشکریہ غیر ملکی میڈیا سعودی عرب کی مشرق سے مغرب تک جانے والی اہم تیل پائپ لائن پر ڈرون حملے کے بعد اس کی ترسیل عارضی طور پر معطل... [...]

سعودی اتحادی افواج کا حوثیوں کے حملوں کا بھرپور جواب دینے کا اعلان

September 15, 2026 4:09

— فائل فوٹوسعودی اتحادی افواج نے حوثیوں کے حملوں کا بھرپور جواب دینے کا اعلان کر دیا۔اتحادی افواج کے ترجمان نے کہا ہے کہ حوثیوں نے... [...]

ایرانی پاسداران انقلاب کا آبنائے ہرمز کے قریب جدید ڈرون مار گرانے کا دعویٰ

September 15, 2026 3:09

---فائل فوٹوایران کے اسلامی پاسدارانِ انقلاب نے آبنائے ہرمز کے مغربی علاقے کی فضائی حدود میں ایک جدید ایم کیو-1 ڈرون کو روک کر تباہ... [...]

امریکا و چین کا مصنوعی ذہانت پر حفاظتی معاہدہ نوبیل امن انعام جیت سکتا ہے: سیم آلٹمین

September 15, 2026 3:09

---فائل فوٹوز اوپن اے آئی کے سربراہ سیم آلٹمین نے کہا ہے کہ مصنوعی ذہانت کی دنیا کی 2 بڑی حریف طاقتوں امریکا اور چین کے درمیان حفاظتی... [...]

امریکا کو جزیرے میون پر حوثیوں کے قبضے پر تشویش

September 15, 2026 1:09

تصویر بشکریہ غیر ملکی میڈیانائب امریکی صدر جے ڈی وینس نے کہا ہے کہ امریکا کو آبنائے باب المندب کے جزیرے میون پر حوثیوں کے قبضے پر... [...]

سعودی شہروں پر حوثیوں کے حملوں میں 13 شہری زخمی

September 15, 2026 1:09

سعودیہ عرب کے کئی شہروں پر حوثیوں کی جانب سے حملوں کے باعث متعدد شہری زخمی ہوگئے۔سعودی فوجی اتحاد نے کہا ہے کہ پیر کے روز سعودی شہروں... [...]

مکہ معاہدہ اسلامی دنیا کے لیے پیغام ہے، اسکے مثبت اثرات سامنے آئیں گے، اردوان

September 15, 2026 12:09

فائل فوٹوترکیہ کے صدر رجب طیب اردوان نے کہا ہے کہ مکہ مشترکہ دفاعی معاہدہ اسلامی دنیا کے لیے پیغام ہے اور اسکے مثبت اثرات سامنے آئیں... [...]

امریکا پلٹ برطانیہ کے شہزادہ ہیری نے دونوں بچوں کا اسکول اچانک ختم کردیا

September 15, 2026 12:09

امریکا پلٹ برطانیہ کے شہزادہ ہیری اور انکی اہلیہ میگھن مارکل نے 2 ہی روز پڑھانے کے بعد دونوں بچوں کا اسکول اچانک ختم کردیا۔برطانوی... [...]

ایٹمی تنصیبات پر حملوں کی تحقیقات کی جائے، ایران کا بین الاقوامی ایٹمی توانائی ایجنسی سے مطالبہ

September 14, 2026 11:09

فائل فوٹوایران نے بین الاقوامی ایٹمی توانائی ایجنسی سے مطالبہ کیا ہے کہ پرامن ایٹمی تنصیبات پر حملوں کی قانونی، ادارہ جاتی اور... [...]

ابوظبی : شیخ عبداللّٰہ بن زاید کے مصر اور کویت کے وزرائے خارجہ سے ٹیلی فونک رابطے

September 14, 2026 10:09

شیخ عبداللّٰہ بن زاید نے مصر اور کویت کے وزرائے خارجہ سے ٹیلی فونک رابطے کیے ہیں۔متحدہ عرب امارات، مصر اور کویت کے وزرائے خارجہ نے... [...]

امریکی صدر ٹرمپ کی مقبولیت میں 2 فیصد اضافہ ہوا ہے، رائٹرز، اپسوس پول

September 14, 2026 10:09

امریکی صدر ٹرمپ کی مقبولیت میں 2 فیصد کا اضافہ ہوا ہے۔رائٹرز، اپسوس پول کے مطابق ٹرمپ کی مقبولیت کی شرح ان کی صدارت کے دوران اپنی کم... [...]

آبنائے ہرمز میں آئل ٹینکر میں دھماکا، پاسداران انقلاب

September 14, 2026 8:09

فائل فوٹوایران کی پاسدارانِ انقلاب نے کہا ہے کہ آبنائے ہرمز میں بارودی سرنگوں سے ٹکرانے کے بعد ایک آئل ٹینکر میں دھماکا ہوا ہے۔اپنے... [...]

اماراتی وزیر خارجہ اور قطر کے وزیراعظم و وزیر خارجہ کا علاقائی صورتحال پر رابطہ

September 14, 2026 8:09

ابوظبی: اماراتی وزیرخارجہ شیخ عبداللّٰہ بن زاید اور قطر کے وزیر اعظم و وزیر خارجہ شیخ محمد بن عبدالرحمن آل ثانی کے درمیان علاقائی... [...]

ایران امریکا کے ساتھ فوری طور پر معاہدہ کرنا چاہتا ہے، ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ

September 14, 2026 8:09

فائل فوٹوامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے کہا ہے کہ ناکام ہوتا ہوا ایران امریکا کے ساتھ فوری طور پر اور شدت کے ساتھ معاہدہ کرنے کا خواہاں... [...]

ڈیزل کی قیمتوں میں اضافے کی وجہ ٹرمپ ہیں: چک شومر

September 15, 2026 4:09

امریکا میں ڈیزل کی فی گیلن قیمت تاریخ کی بلند ترین سطح پر

September 14, 2026 12:09

امریکا میں ڈیزل کی فی گیلن قیمت تاریخ کی بلند ترین سطح 6 اعشاریہ 2 ڈالر سے اوپر چلی گئی۔ عالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتوں میں اتار... [...]

مانیٹری پالیسی: اسٹیٹ بینک کا شرحِ سود 11.50 فیصد پر برقرار رکھنے کا فیصلہ

September 14, 2026 10:09

—فائل فوٹواسٹیٹ بینک کی مانیٹری پالیسی کمیٹی نے شرح سود ساڑھے 11 فیصد پر برقرار رکھنے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے۔ پالیسی اجلاس میں 10 اراکین میں... [...]

ملک میں سونے کے بھاؤ میں کمی ریکارڈ

September 14, 2026 9:09

---فائل فوٹوملک میں سونے کی قیمتوں میں اتار چڑھاؤ کا سلسلہ جاری ہے، آج سونے کے بھاؤ میں کمی ریکارڈ کی گئی ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز... [...]

فیول ریلیف اسکیم پر پیٹرولیم ڈیلرز کا اظہارِ تشویش

September 14, 2026 9:09

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان پیٹرولیم ڈیلرز ایسوسی ایشن نے فیول ریلیف اسکیم پر تشویش کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے کہا ہے کہ فیول ریلیف اسکیم پر عمل درآمد... [...]

خام تیل کی قیمت 107 ڈالرز سے تجاوز کر گئی

September 14, 2026 3:09

---فائل فوٹو عالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتوں میں 2 فیصد سے زائد اضافہ ہو گیا۔سعودی عرب میں اہم آئل پائپ لائن کی بندش اور خطے میں حوثیوں... [...]

رواں مالی سال کا دوسرا مانیٹری پالیسی اجلاس آج ہوگا

September 14, 2026 1:09

رواں مالی سال کا دوسرا مانیٹری پالیسی اجلاس آج ہوگا۔ اسٹیٹ بینک کا پالیسی ریٹ 11.50 فیصد ہے۔مالیاتی شعبے کی اکثریت کا اندازہ ہے کہ شرح... [...]

ایران سے پاکستان کی درآمدات میں 17 فیصد اضافہ

September 13, 2026 10:09

---فائل فوٹوخطے میں غیر یقینی صورتحال کے باوجود ایران سے پاکستان کی درآمدات میں اضافہ ریکارڈ کیا گیا ہے۔ذرائع وزارت تجارت کے مطابق... [...]

آئی ایم ایف جائزہ مذاکرات، پاکستان کو نئے اہداف اور شرائط سے آگاہ کیے جانے کا امکان

September 13, 2026 6:09

---فائل فوٹو آئی ایم ایف مشن کی رواں ماہ پاکستان آمد کی تاحال تصدیق نہیں ہوسکی، جبکہ وزارت خزانہ کے ذرائع کے مطابق امکان ہے کہ آئی ایم... [...]

58 ارب ڈالر کے بجلی پیداوار و ترسیل کے 11 سالہ پلان کی مشروط منظوری

September 13, 2026 4:09

---فائل فوٹونیپرا نے انٹیگریٹڈ سسٹم پلان 35-2025ء کی مشروط منظوری دے دی۔نیپرا کے مطابق آئندہ 11 سال میں بجلی کی پیداوار اور ترسیل کے شعبوں... [...]

ملک میں ایک تولہ سونے کی قیمت 400 روپے بڑھ گئی

September 12, 2026 1:09

فائل فوٹو ملک میں کاروباری ہفتے کے آخری روز سونے کی قیمت میں اضافہ ہوگیا ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق... [...]

مٹی کا تیل 17روپے 35 پیسے فی لیٹر مہنگا

September 12, 2026 10:09

—فائل فوٹوحکومت نے مٹی کا تیل 17 روپے 35 پیسے فی لیٹر مزید مہنگا کر دیا۔اوگرا کی جانب سے مٹی کے تیل کی قیمت میں اضافے کا نوٹی فکیشن جاری... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج: کاروباری ہفتے میں منفی رجحان رہا

September 12, 2026 6:09

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج کی ہفتہ وار اپ ڈیٹ سامنے آ گئی، کاروباری ہفتے کے دوران کاروبار کا منفی رجحان رہا۔پاکستان اسٹاک... [...]

پیٹرول اور ڈیزل مزید مہنگا کردیا گیا

September 11, 2026 6:09

فائل فوٹو آئندہ تین روز کیلئے پیٹرول اور ڈیزل مزید مہنگا کردیا گیا۔ جس کا نوٹیفکیشن جاری کردیا گیا۔نوٹیفکیشن کے مطابق پیٹرول 5 روپے... [...]

پی ایس ایکس: خام تیل کا اتار چڑھاؤ 100 انڈیکس پر اثر انداز

September 11, 2026 3:09

پی ایس ایکس 100 انڈیکس اور خام تیل کا بھاؤ کاروباری دن میں ایک دوسرے کے مخالف رہے۔ تیل کا بھاؤ بڑھا تو انڈیکس گرا اور انڈیکس بڑھنے پر... [...]

‘He does not have a spouse or children’: My son has a serious genetic disease. What should I do with my $1.3 million estate?

September 15, 2026 12:15

“He is also the sole beneficiary of my 403(b) accounts.” [...]

‘My total balance should be $20 million’: I invested $1.1 million in a crypto platform. Have I lost it all?

September 15, 2026 12:01

“I invested on the recommendation of an executive vice president of a major New York investment bank.” [...]

AI doomsday fears are arriving at the worst possible time for the stock market

September 14, 2026 11:19

The latest cracks in the AI trade are emerging at a particularly troubling time for investors. [...]

The murky AI milestone that has some of the industry’s leading voices increasingly on edge

September 14, 2026 9:57

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and others are warning that AI models may be able to build on themselves, without the help of humans. It’s a concept known as recursive self-improvement. [...]

The oil market is sending an increasingly loud warning about gas prices at the pump

September 14, 2026 9:31

Oil buyers are paying much more to get a barrel of crude oil immediately as the Iran conflict threatens global supplies. [...]

Chip stocks were a safe AI play. Now they’ve turned into the market’s pain trade.

September 14, 2026 9:11

A slowdown in the pace of AI development wouldn’t necessary dent spending, but there are other reasons semiconductor investors may want to take a measured approach. [...]

CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks lead software stocks to a never-before-seen feat

September 14, 2026 9:11