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Gold price per tola gains Rs4,300 in Pakistan

September 30, 2026 4:32

Gold prices in Pakistan increased on Wednesday in line with their gain in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs441,636 after a gain of Rs4,300 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs378,631 after it accumulated Rs3,686, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Tuesday, gold price per tola reached Rs437,336 after a decline of Rs800 during the day. The international rate of gold increased by $43 to reach $4,191 per ounce. Meanwhile, the price of silver also increased by Rs20 to reach Rs6,578 per tola. [...]

S&P 500, Nasdaq advance as soft inflation tempers Fed rate-hike bets

September 30, 2026 4:21

The Nasdaq jumped more than 1% on Wednesday, leading gains among Wall Street’s main indexes, as a softer-than-anticipated inflation reading buoyed hopes that the Federal Reserve might not hike rates as soon as next month. A Commerce Department report showed the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index stood at 3.4% on an annual basis in August against estimates of 3.7%, per economists polled by Reuters. Separately, second-quarter GDP data showed that the US economy grew at a solid clip. “The PCE report today was under a microscope as participants try to get a handle on how aggressive the Fed needs to be with future rate increases,” said Steve Wyett, chief investment strategist at BOK Financial. Traders now see a roughly 38% chance of an October hike, compared to a more than 50% chance seen one day prior, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. Barclays analysts also noted that recent methodology changes in calculating PCE by the Bureau of Economic Analysis also contributed to a lower reading. Most megacap and growth stocks ticked higher, with Amazon and Apple up around 2% each, while Alphabet advanced 3%. Software stocks were some of the best performers, with Palo Alto Networks up 3.7%, Microsoft gaining 1.9% and Intuit adding 2.6%. On the other hand, chip stocks weakened, with Advanced Micro Devices and Broadcom falling nearly 1% each. At 11:49 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 29.41 points, or 0.06%, to 51,320.51, the S&P 500 gained 44.99 points, or 0.59%, to 7,715.83 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 285.41 points, or 1.07%, to 27,082.95. Five of the 11 S&P 500 sectors were trading higher, with information technology and energy leading gains. Real estate and financials .SPSY were the laggards. Comments from at least four Fed officials, including Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, are due later in the day. Choppy September coming to a close Despite weakness in September, driven by bond market volatility and elevated oil prices amid the US-Iran conflict, the benchmark S&P 500 and the Nasdaq were on pace for a second straight quarterly advance, if gains hold. The blue-chip index Dow differed, set for a quarterly fall and on track for its first monthly decline since March. On Wednesday, the yield on the 10-year Treasury bond held close to its highest level since June 2007. Crude oil prices rose, with the December contract for Brent crude futures moving higher. Warnings from leaders of the biggest AI companies earlier this month about the potential existential risks from the technology had also rattled the AI trade. The next test for AI appetite could be memory-chip giant Micron Technology’s earnings due after the bell. Among other movers, Hewlett Packard Enterprise climbed 5.9% after the AI server maker raised its long-term revenue growth forecast for its networking business and announced a $1.2 billion deal with Vultr. Moderna dropped 7.2% after brokerage Citigroup downgraded its rating on the biotech company to “sell” from “neutral”. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.01-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 1.14-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted 9 new 52-week highs and 18 new lows while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 38 new highs and 136 new lows. [...]

Rupee records gain against US dollar

September 30, 2026 4:10

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), 30000); iframe.style.height = height + 'px'; } } }); } The Pakistani rupee extended its marginal gains against the US dollar in the interbank market on Wednesday. The local unit closed the day at 277.11, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. On Tuesday, the Pakistani rupee settled at 277.12 against the dollar. Internationally, the US dollar stood near this year’s high versus the euro on Wednesday and was poised for the largest monthly rise against it for 14 months, powered by US growth and rising US interest rates in contrast to the energy and debt ‌worries swirling in Europe. Overnight, the euro dipped to its lowest since May 2025, at $1.1312, and traded nearby at $1.1339 in Asia. The euro is also testing support around 178 yen. Through September the US dollar is up nearly 2.5% on the euro, and the rising greenback also pushed its Australian counterpart below 70 cents for the first time since early August. The dollar also made a 16-1/2-month top on the Swiss franc overnight at 0.8358 francs. The franc has suffered, in part, because investors have gone looking for low-yielding alternatives to yen to sell in search of carry elsewhere. The yen has fallen out of favour as a short against the US dollar following US-Japan yen buying in July and August, which has been followed by warnings not to test their resolve, as well as a pickup ‌in the ⁠pace of Japanese rate hikes. The US dollar has fallen 1.5% on the yen in September. The Fed’s preferred inflation yardstick, US core PCE, is due out later on Wednesday though the market is focused on Friday’s US jobs report which, if strong, could reinforce expectations that US interest rates are on the rise. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, rose on Wednesday and were on track for significant monthly gains on stalled US-Iran peace talks and tightening US fuel markets. The Brent November futures contract , which expires on Wednesday, was up $1.12, or 1%, at $103.71 a barrel at 10:50 a.m. EDT. The more active December contract was up $2.65, or 2.8%, at $98.81. US West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.98, or 2.2%, at $91.98. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Wednesday BID Rs 277.11 OFFER Rs 277.31 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR lost 1 paisa for buying and gained 2 paise for selling against USD, closing at 278.06 and 279.13, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR gained 41 paise for buying and 52 paise for selling, closing at 315.10 and 318.13, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR gained 2 paise for buying and 3 paise for selling, closing at 75.68 and 76.25, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR gained 3 paise for buying and 4 paise for selling, closing at 73.99 and 74.48, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Wednesday BID Rs 278.06 OFFER Rs 279.13 [...]

‘Lifecycle completed’: Honda Atlas discontinues BR-V production in Pakistan

September 30, 2026 3:01

Honda Atlas Cars Ltd (HACL) has discontinued production of the Honda BR-V in Pakistan, with the HR-V, City, and Civic remaining in the company’s local lineup, Business Recorder learnt on Wednesday. A top official of HACL confirmed the development, saying the company had planned three to four months back to gradually halt the production of BR-V. “It is really a tall order to launch a new model in a current economic environment as BR-V was launched around 10 years ago,” they said, adding Honda Civic, City, and HR-V would continue to be offered in the local market. “It is hard to launch a new model with latest features in such tough business environment of the country. Secondly, the BR-V has completed its product lifecycle, and its production has now been discontinued.” Auto expert Usman Ansari said the BR-V, launched around 2016, was being sold at nearly three times its original price despite having old features and a non-turbocharged engine. He said that while the vehicle had the appearance of an SUV, “it was just a 7-seater van”. “The same vehicle [BR-V] was discontinued in India a few years ago. However, the shape of the vehicle was transformed in Malaysia and Indonesia where it is now being sold,” he said. [...]

Most Gulf stocks in red as Trump rebuffs Iran sanctions easing

September 30, 2026 1:57

Most Gulf equity markets closed lower on Wednesday, with little hope of a resolution to the Middle East conflict despite Qatari mediators stepping up efforts after US President Donald Trump denied making any concession to Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps urged American voters to unseat Trump’s congressional allies, coinciding with a celebrated milestone as US forces prepared to vacate their remaining bases in neighboring Iraq. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index eased 0.1% on Wednesday, hurt by a 0.5% fall in Saudi National Bank, the country’s biggest lender by assets. Energy giant Saudi Aramco, however, rose 0.2%. The Qatari benchmark dropped 0.7%, weighed down by a 2.3% slide in the Gulf’s biggest lender, Qatar National Bank . Dubai’s main share index fell 0.5%, dragged down by a 1.8% decline in top lender Emirates NBD . In Abu Dhabi, the index finished 0.6% lower. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index slipped 0.8%, with Commercial International Bank losing 1.3%. Investors remained focused on geopolitics as renewed efforts to secure a US-Iran deal offered little immediate reassurance, said Milad Azar, market analyst at XTB MENA. Regional export prospects brightened as Saudi Arabia resumed crude tanker loadings at its Red Sea terminal in Yanbu after restarting operations along the East-West Pipeline, according to shipping intelligence and trade sources. But persistent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz kept tensions elevated, with markets looking for concrete diplomatic progress, Azar added. Qatar pressed ahead with shuttle diplomacy aimed at de-escalating the seven-month conflict between Washington and Tehran, after Trump reiterated his forecast of an imminent Iranian capitulation. He rejected on Monday media reports of possible sanctions relief for Iran, writing on the Truth Social platform: “This is untrue. I offered them nothing.” Axios and CNN had cited unidentified US officials to report that Trump was willing to offer Iran sanctions relief and free up Iranian funds if Iran showed “concrete progress” on the nuclear issue. Saudi Arabia eased 0.1% to 10,441 Abu Dhabi dropped 0.6% to 10,070 Dubai lost 0.5% to 5,961 Qatar declined 0.7% to 9,245 Egypt down 0.8% to 51,895 Bahrain added 0.1% to 1,908 Oman fell 0.2% to 7,567 Kuwait eased 0.1% to 9,168 [...]

RBI's FX forward book tipped to shrink after touching $200 billion

September 30, 2026 12:42

MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India’s net forward dollar liabilities ballooned to a record $200 billion in August, per data released on Wednesday, as the central bank absorbed a surge in one-off policy-induced dollar inflows. Forward liabilities rose $63 billion month-on-month in August after hitting a record high of nearly $137 billion in July. Market participants now expect the stock of forward dollar liabilities to decline as the RBI deploys dollar-rupee sell/buy swaps, which bankers say are likely aimed at bringing forward the maturity of existing positions while also draining excess rupee liquidity in the banking system. The central bank’s forward book had swelled as it used buy/sell swaps to absorb dollars drawn by measures including discounted hedging facilities for overseas borrowings and foreign-currency deposits that were in force between June and September this year, and were aimed at strengthening India’s balance of payments. Indian rupee lingers around bottom of Asia FX pile as global headwinds deepen Under the arrangement, banks swapped the dollars with the RBI, adding to India’s foreign exchange reserves, while creating a corresponding forward dollar liability for the central bank. The measures attracted $143.5 billion between June 8 and September 18, with nearly $133 billion coming through foreign-currency deposits. The inflows lifted India’s FX reserves to a record high of $785.7 billion the week ended September 4. Analysts at DBS say a portion of existing FX reserves could be earmarked against the forward liabilities, helping to mitigate concerns that deposit maturities or debt repayments could trigger a sharp increase in dollar demand. “In the near-term, priorities will be to manage liquidity, gradually lower the sizeable forwards book, and support the domestic currency,” they said in a note. The absorption of inflows was done through buy/sell swaps concentrated in the three- to five-year maturities via a dedicated window opened by the RBI. The central bank has followed that up over the last three weeks with dollar-rupee sell/buy swaps in the foreign exchange market, with maturities largely in the 3-month to 1-year time frame, per bankers. Foreign exchange operations have soaked up an estimated $20 billion of excess rupee liquidity, with dollar-rupee swaps playing a prominent role. [...]

Sri Lankan shares finish nearly flat after previous session's fall

September 30, 2026 12:22

Sri Lankan shares ended little changed on Wednesday, after falling in the previous session. The CSE All Share index edged down 0.02% at 20,812.93. Sri Lanka’s central bank kept its key policy rate unchanged at 8.75% on Wednesday. Separately, the Colombo Consumer Price Index rose 8% year-on-year in September, following an 8% rise last month, the Statistics Department said. SMB Finance PLC and Softlogic Capital PLC were the top percentage gainers on the CSE All Share index, rising 33.3% and 9.9%, respectively. Hotel Sigiriya PLC and Lighthouse Hotel PLC were the top percentage losers on the CSE All Share index, falling 10.2% and 7.6%, respectively. Trading volume on the CSE All Share index fell to 58.8 million shares from 69.6 million in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover rose to 1.55 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($4.69 million) from 1.01 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 162 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 1.46 billion rupees, the data showed. [...]

State Bank of India buys nearly 40% of Reliance's $1.35 billion debt sale

September 30, 2026 11:39

MUMBAI: State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, led the demand for Reliance Industries’ 130-billion-rupee ($1.35 billion) 10-year debt sale completed on Wednesday, according to five sources familiar with the transaction. The state-run bank is estimated to have bought bonds worth nearly 50 billion rupees, or about 40% of the offering, they said. The bonds were rated “AAA” by rating agencies Crisil and CareEdge, and carried an annual coupon of 7.90%. An AAA rating is the highest credit rating, indicating an exceptionally strong capacity to meet debt obligations and a very low risk of default. Indian companies have accelerated domestic borrowing to secure funding costs before a potentially tighter monetary-policy stance from the Reserve Bank of India in the wake of high energy prices stoking inflation. The sources requested anonymity as they are not authorised to speak to the media. Indian firms ready $3 billion of debt issues with eye on potential RBI rate hike ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, SBI Pension Fund, and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance were among the largest investors in the issue, a source said. None of the companies responded immediately to Reuters emails seeking comment. Since long-dated high-quality papers are always in scarce supply, banks and insurers lapped it up even at a marginal premium, one of the investors said. The transaction follows the oil-to-telecom conglomerate’s 120-billion-rupee five-year bond sale two weeks ago, priced at a 7.47% coupon. It was the group’s first rupee debt issuance since November 2023, when it raised 200 billion rupees in what was then the largest local-currency bond sale by an Indian non-financial company. Delhi International Airport and miner Vedanta are among the companies that have already issued rupee-denominated notes this week, while Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is considering a bond sale of about 100 billion rupees. [...]

India benchmark shares log worst month since March as oil, global rate hikes spark outflows

September 30, 2026 10:46

Indian equity benchmarks logged their steepest monthly drop since March, while the rupee and the benchmark bond lost ground, as foreign investors fled risky assets after soaring oil prices kept inflation worries centre stage and global central banks hiked interest rates. The US Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate in September, along with central banks in Australia, Europe and Japan. Higher US rates are negative for emerging market stocks as they typically make bonds and the dollar more attractive investment bets. Foreign investors offloaded Indian shares worth $2.7 billion in September, taking their year-to-date outflows to $26.8 billion. “Global macro backdrop remained weak in September, with tensions in the Middle East and US Fed rate hike, while a busy local IPO market meant limited liquidity support for the falling market,” said Sunny Agrawal, head of fundamental equity research at SBICAPS Securities. The Nifty 50 retreated 6.1% during the month to 22,620.45, and the BSE Sensex declined 5.8% to 72,480.29. September is also the benchmarks’ second straight monthly fall. Analysts expect limited downside risk for benchmarks after the recent losses, but said any recovery will be capped by persistent Middle East risks and will hinge on earnings recovery. On Wednesday, the Nifty 50 and Sensex were marginally down by 0.42% and 0.07%, respectively. The Indian rupee was also among Asia’s worst-performing currencies in September and this quarter, down 0.7% and 1.2%, respectively. The benchmark 10-year bond fell for third straight month in September as bets of rate hikes from the RBI strengthened. The small-caps and mid-caps shed 3.4% and 7.6%, respectively, in September. All 16 major sectors declined, led by a 11.2% fall in the IT sector, which earns a large slice of its revenue from the US. Higher US rates curb client spending for IT firms. Regulatory developments over the month also adversely impacted several sectors such as financial services, capital markets and payments companies, according to Agarwal. Heavyweight financials lost 6.3% in September, as insurance regulator’s proposed caps on distribution commission added to broader market weakness. Bajaj Finserv, Cholamandalam Investment and Max Financial Services fell 14.4%, 12.8% and 12.7%, respectively, topping percentage losers among financials. Indexes tracking banks, private banks and state-owned banks also lost between 4.7% and 6.9%. Auto stocks fell 8.8%, snapping a five-month winning streak. Some analysts expect sales growth to moderate in coming months. Tata Group stocks were in focus, with Tata Investment Corp, Tata Chemicals and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle dropping 3.5%, 4.9% and 8.2%, respectively, as investor focus stayed on Tata Sons’ listing. Bucking trend, Coal India jumped 5.8% during the month on upbeat demand and earnings outlook. Heaviest-weighted HDFC Bank ended little changed in September, pausing after a more than 11% slide in the last two months, as investors await the CEO’s appointment. [...]

Pakistan’s banknote paper maker SPL resumes normal operations after major upgrade

September 30, 2026 10:41

Security Papers Limited (SPL), which makes banknote paper and other security documents, has resumed ‘normal operation and production’ after completing a strategic upgrade to enhance its banknote paper production capabilities, the company informed the PSX on Tuesday. “Security Papers Limited has completed the upgrade project of its Paper Machine 2 (PM-2),” read the notice. “The normal operation and production of the plant have resumed with effect from September 30, 2026. Production was temporarily suspended on July 25, 2026, for the installation and integration of modern components for the PM-2 machine,” it said. The company added that the upgrade enhances its technical capabilities to incorporate advanced, modern security features into its banknote paper production. Last year in March, SPL officially signed an agreement with Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), a global leader in security technology, for the upgrade of PM-2. The project aimed to enhance SPL’s production capabilities – to meet the latest international trends and incorporate advanced security features for banknote paper to accommodate the evolving requirements of the State Bank of Pakistan, which recently announced the launch of a new banknote series, the company at the time said. The estimated cost of the project was Rs3.4 billion, which included an international tender worth Euro 8.297 million awarded to Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), Germany. The upgrade was expected to be completed within 18 months. “This upgradation is vital to fulfilling the SBP’s requirements for the new banknote series,” Imran Qureshi, CEO of SPL said at the time. SPL was established in 1965 as a private company. It was converted into a public limited company in 1967. The company makes banknote paper and other security documents such as prize bonds, defence savings certificates, non-judicial stamp papers, passport papers, and cheque books, certificates for educational boards and degrees for universities. [...]

Copper climbs on China factory data, heads for third-straight monthly gain

September 30, 2026 10:41

Copper ticked higher on Wednesday and was set to post its third monthly gain in a row as factory activity in China returned to growth, although trading remained subdued ahead of a week-long holiday in the world’s biggest metals consumer. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 0.2% to $14,465 per metric ton as of 0930 GMT and on course for a monthly rise of around 1.2%. It has gained around 8.2% in the third quarter, having hit a record high of $14,875 on September 10. Activity in China’s copper-intensive manufacturing sector improved in September, with the official purchasing managers’ index rising to 50.1 from 49.8 in August. A private RatingDog survey showed factory activity expanded at a faster pace: its PMI measure rose to a five-month high of 52.1 from 51.5. Pre-holiday demand continued to drain copper in Shanghai Futures Exchange warehouses, as stocks declined by 17.8% from last week to 38,744 tons, the lowest since January 2024. The ShFE will close from Thursday for China’s National Day holiday, reopening on October 8. Copper is finding support from expectations of a relatively tight market balance over the coming quarters, said ING commodities strategist Ewa Manthey. “While uncertainty around global growth and trade policy remains a consideration, structural demand trends and constrained supply growth should help keep prices well supported through Q4,” she added. The domestic premium for physical copper in China has slipped from last week’s peak of 1,375 yuan ($205) a ton to 1,050 yuan a ton, but the Yangshan premium a gauge of appetite for imported copper – rose slightly to $119 a ton. Elsewhere, aluminium edged up 0.1% to $3,217 a ton, zinc fell 0.3% to $3,856.50, lead lost 0.3% to $1,893, nickel climbed 0.5% to $16,030 and tin dipped 0.1% to $54,005. [...]

India's sunflower oil imports seen up 30% on duty cut, industry official says

September 30, 2026 10:38

MUMBAI: India’s sunflower oil imports are likely to rise 30% in the 2026/27 marketing year to 3.5 million metric tons, as a cut in import duties has lowered prices and boosted demand, the head of a leading industry body told Reuters on Wednesday. The surge in sunflower oil imports is expected to reduce soyoil purchases by 10.7% to 5 million tons in the next marketing year starting from November 1, said Angshu Mallick, president of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). “Because of the duty cut, sunflower oil is now more affordable for consumers. The duty reduction is expected to boost consumption,” Mallick said on the sidelines of the Globoil conference. India last week cut the basic import duty on crude sunflower oil to zero from 10%. India’s August soyoil, palm oil imports rise on stocking Palm oil imports in the new year are likely to remain steady at around 8 million tons, although purchases could be affected by rising prices amid concerns over supplies due to the El Niño weather pattern, he said. Palm oil could trade at a premium to soyoil in 2027 as El Niño threatens production and rising biodiesel demand in top exporter Indonesia tightens supplies, Eddy Martono, chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association, said on Tuesday. India meets nearly two-thirds of its vegetable oil demand through imports, mainly palm oil, soyoil and sunflower oil from Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina, Russia and Ukraine. India’s total vegetable oil imports are likely to remain largely steady at 16.5 million to 17 million tons in the 2026/27 marketing year, although purchases could rise by 1 million tons if lower rainfall affects the domestic rapeseed crop, he said. Rapeseed is the main winter-sown oilseed crop in India with an oil content of nearly 40%, and typically plays a key role in determining the country’s edible oil supplies. The northwestern state of Rajasthan, which accounts for nearly half of India’s rapeseed production, received 22% less rainfall than average during the June-September monsoon season. [...]

Indian rupee lingers around bottom of Asia FX pile as global headwinds deepen

September 30, 2026 10:29

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee was among the worst performers in Asia this quarter and over the last 30 days, hit by worries over elevated crude prices and surging global bond yields that added to headwinds for local assets. The currency declined 0.7% on the month and 1.2% in the July-September quarter, averting steeper losses largely on the back of persistent interventions by the Reserve Bank of India. On Wednesday, it closed at 95.83 per dollar, up from 95.98 in the previous session. The South Asian unit navigated a tumultuous quarter, which saw benchmark Brent oil prices swing between $70 per barrel and nearly $110 as conflict between the US and Iran ebbed and flowed. “While higher oil prices may continue to weigh on the current account, we expect healthier capital flow dynamics and the RBI’s broad policy toolkit, including the potential to raise rates if necessary, to keep the rupee range bound,” analysts at Goldman Sachs said in a note. The Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy decision next week is expected to be a key driver, with markets widely anticipating a 25 basis point hike. The seven-month-old war in the Middle East has also stoked inflation concerns globally, which, alongside worries over developed market government finances, lifted bond yields to multi-year highs, hurting emerging market assets. The yield on 10-year and 30-year US Treasuries climbed 80 bps and 65 bps, respectively, over the quarter, while Indian bonds fared better, with the yield up only 40 bps locally. Equities, meanwhile, remained regional underperformers as foreign investors continued to give a cold shoulder to a market without clear AI opportunities. India’s benchmark stock index declined 5% compared to a roughly 1% gain for MSCI’s gauge of regional stocks. Much of the recent pressure on the rupee has been absorbed by persistent dollar sales by the RBI that helped the currency avert a test of its record low of 96.96 hit in the previous quarter. Measures to strengthen India’s balance of payments rolled out in June have collectively drawn inflows of $143 billion up to September 18, per central bank data, bolstering firepower to support the currency. [...]

South African rand edges up ahead of month-end economic data

September 30, 2026 7:50

JOHANNESBURG: The South African rand edged up in early trade on Wednesday ahead of a batch of month-end domestic economic data that ‌could provide fresh signals on the health of Africa’s largest economy. At 0716 GMT the rand traded at 16.3575 against the dollar , up roughly 0.3% from its previous close. Data from the South African Reserve ⁠Bank showed M3 money supply growth accelerated to 8.89% in August from 8.57% in July. Private sector credit growth rose to 7.47% from 7.41% in July, exceeding the 6.90% forecast in a Reuters poll. Later on Wednesday, the National Treasury, Statistics South Africa and the South African Revenue Service are due to release budget ‌balance, ⁠producer inflation and trade balance figures respectively. On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index was flat in early trade. South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond strengthened, as the yield fell ⁠7 basis points to 8.765%. In common with other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers such as US ⁠economic indicators and monetary policy. The greenback softened against a basket of currencies as investors awaited US ⁠inflation data for clues on the Federal Reserve’s next policy move. The US personal consumption expenditures price index is due at 1230 GMT. [...]

European shares set for first monthly loss in six as bond yields weigh

September 30, 2026 7:45

European shares were headed for their first monthly decline in six on Wednesday as inflation risks stemming from the Middle East war battered bond markets across the globe, driving borrowing costs higher. On the day, the pan-European STOXX 600 was up 0.7% at 642.69 points by 0722 GMT. The index is set to end the month with a 1.5% decline and the third quarter, nearly flat. A surge in global bond yields to multi-decade highs has put pressure on stocks in recent weeks as investors brace for higher interest rates to tame inflationary pressures from surging energy prices. Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump denied he would be willing to ease sanctions on Iran while Qatar pushed for peace talks. However, yields took a breather, with the 10-year German bund yield easing for a second day. Britain’s economy grew faster than previously thought in the second quarter, while France’s inflation reading for September came in higher than expected. September inflation data from Germany is due later in the day, which could offer clues into the health of the nation. Mining shares were among the gainers, led by advances in Boliden AB and Rio Tinto, while media shares were a drag. Glencore gained 1.4% after the company won approval to continue operations at its Hunter Valley thermal coal project in Australia until 2045. ‑Reuters [...]

Govt cuts petrol price by Re0.14, diesel by Rs1.89 per litre

September 30, 2026 6:43

The federal government on Wednesday cut the price of petrol by Re0.14 per litre to Rs387.40 and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.89 to Rs400.35 for Wednesday, October 1. Petrol went down from Rs387.54, while HSD price was reduced from Rs402.24. The Petroleum Division said the revised ex-depot prices were determined by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) under the petroleum pricing mechanism approved by the federal government. The revised prices will remain effective for October 1, 2026, under the federal government’s petroleum pricing mechanism. The Petroleum Division said the price revision was necessitated by global developments, including changes in Platts rates, premiums and incidentals. On Tuesday, the government reduced the price of diesel by Rs2.73 to Rs402.24 per litre and petrol by Rs1.49 to Rs387.54 per litre. Oil prices ‌rose on Wednesday and were on track for significant monthly gains on stalled US-Iran peace talks and tightening US fuel markets. The Brent November futures contract, which expires on Wednesday, was up $1.12, or 1%, at $103.71 a barrel at 10:50 a.m. EDT. The more active December contract was up $2.65, or 2.8%, at $98.81. US West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.98, or 2.2%, at $91.98. [...]

FBR extends tax return filing deadline to October 15

September 30, 2026 5:38

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) extended on Wednesday the deadline for filing income tax returns for tax year 2026 from September 30 to October 15. The extension will provide taxpayers additional two weeks to submit their income tax returns. The previous deadline for filing returns was September 30. “In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 214A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, the Federal Board of Revenue is pleased to communicate that the date of filing of Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2026, for the persons who are required to file their returns by September 30, 2026 is hereby extended up to October 15, 2026 in view of the requests from various trade bodies and tax bar associations,” the FBR said in a notification. The FBR’s notification came hours after a fake circular claiming an extension of the tax filing deadline was circulated on social media. On Monday, Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), urged the government and the FBR to extend the deadline for filing income tax returns by one month – moving the cutoff date to October 31, 2026 – to facilitate trade, industry, and other tax filers. The apex trade body had maintained that extension was not a concession but a practical necessity to ensure maximum tax compliance, broaden the tax base, and alleviate pressure currently faced by the business community, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and individual taxpayers. [...]

Barrick seeks security improvements before full construction of Reko Diq

September 30, 2026 4:48

Barrick Mining Corporation, a leading global mining, exploration and development company, has slowed development of its Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan, Pakistan and is reviewing its plans, saying improved security conditions are needed before it proceeds with a full construction schedule. “We are revisiting it because we need some sort of security improvement before we would embark on a full construction schedule at Reko Diq,” said Barrick CEO Mark Hill at the Mining Forum Americas. The CEO did not provide a new construction timeline for the project or quantify the impact of the slowdown in the presentation. The comments came as the security situation in Balochistan remains a significant concern, marked by a surge in militant activities and comprehensive counter-terrorism operations. In 2026, Pakistan’s security forces conducted over 40,000 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) nationwide, with more than 31,000 of these taking place in Balochistan alone. Barrick slows Pakistan’s Reko Diq project amid heightened security risks The Reko Diq project is operated by Canada’s Barrick Mining, formerly known as Barrick Gold Corporation, which holds a 50% ownership stake. The Balochistan government owns 25%, and Pakistani state-owned enterprises share the remaining 25%. Initial investment for the first phase was estimated at $4 billion, later revised to $5.6 billion. The total investment across two phases is projected to be approximately $7 billion, with phase two estimated at $3.5 billion. The mine is expected to have a life of at least 40 years, though a recent feasibility study revised the mine life to 37 years due to increased throughput, with potential to extend to 80 years. During peak construction, the project is expected to employ 7,500 people, and once in production, it will create 4,000 long-term jobs. The project is envisioned as a conventional open-pit and milling operation, producing a high-quality copper-gold concentrate. Phase one will process approximately 45 million tons of ore per annum, potentially doubling to 90 million tons in phase two. The Reko Diq project is expected to generate approximately $74 billion in free cash flow over 37 years, based on consensus long-term prices. [...]

Gold price per tola gains Rs4,300 in Pakistan

September 30, 2026 4:32

S&P 500, Nasdaq advance as soft inflation tempers Fed rate-hike bets

September 30, 2026 4:21

Rupee records gain against US dollar

September 30, 2026 4:10

Oil prices rise on stalled US-Iran talks and tight fuel markets

September 30, 2026 3:41

NEW YORK/LONDON: Oil prices rose on Wednesday and were on track for significant monthly gains on stalled US-Iran peace talks and tightening US fuel markets. The Brent November futures contract, which expires on Wednesday, was up $1.12, or 1%, at $103.71 a barrel at 10:50 a.m. EDT. The more active December contract was up $2.65, or 2.8%, at $98.81. US West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.98, or 2.2%, at $91.98. Brent is headed for a monthly gain of around 14%, its biggest since July, while WTI is on track for about a 5.5% rise. Qatar said on Tuesday it hopes that shuttle diplomacy between Tehran and Washington can lead to a breakthrough. However, US President Donald Trump denied reports by Axios and CNN that cited US officials as saying he was willing to give Iran sanctions relief and release frozen Iranian funds in return for “concrete” steps by Tehran on its nuclear programme. Iran Guards say seized US underwater drone in Hormuz On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia resumed oil tanker loadings from its Red Sea port of Yanbu after restarting operations on its East-West Pipeline. Goldman Sachs estimates Gulf oil exports have recovered to 23.3 million barrels per day over the last week, in line with their 2025 average, as exports doubled in September, it said in a note on Tuesday. Over the past five days, the 10-day average for total oil exports has held at 20.5 million bpd, or 89% of 2025 levels, JPMorgan estimated. OPEC+ oil-producing countries are likely to keep their oil production targets steady for November when they meet on Sunday, two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. “Recovering crude flows should temper supply-driven price pressures, although persistent product shortages and elevated freight costs are likely to keep the broader energy market tight,” analysts at Japanese bank MUFG said. Mideast oil exports rebound in September as Saudi Arabia boosts shipments The White House has urged the European Union to draw down emergency diesel inventories in an effort to lower global prices, according to two people familiar with the effort. Shrinking US fuel inventories supported oil prices, even as crude stocks grew. “Lower refining activity ushered in draws for both distillates and gasoline,” said Matt Smith, an analyst at Kpler. “Refining activity should gradually climb going forward, helping to protect product inventories from dropping to further lowly levels.” US gasoline inventories fell by 1.7 million barrels to 204.4 million barrels last week, while distillate stockpiles - including diesel and heating oil - dropped by 2.3 million barrels to 105.2 million barrels, Energy Information Administration data showed on Wednesday. US crude inventories, meanwhile, rose by 922,000 barrels to 427.3 million barrels in the week ended September 25, the EIA said, compared with analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 264,000-barrel draw. The spread between the two crude oil benchmarks also stretched to its widest in four months as traders monitored potential plans by the US to restrict diesel exports, which could create an oversupply in the US market and lead refiners there to process less crude. Trump is considering allowing sales of red-dyed diesel, instead of an export ban, to offer some price relief to consumers ahead of the November midterm elections. [...]

‘Lifecycle completed’: Honda Atlas discontinues BR-V production in Pakistan

September 30, 2026 3:01

FBR uncovers Rs9.41bn wealth statement fraud, registers money laundering case

September 30, 2026 2:07

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has uncovered a fraud involving the illegal revision of wealth statements to incorporate unexplained assets worth Rs9.41 billion, registering a criminal case under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010. The fraud was detected by the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation (Inland Revenue) through analysis of the FBR database with support from Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL), according to a press release issued on Wednesday. The analysis identified 85 taxpayers who, between March 2025 and June 2026, revised wealth statements for tax years 2014 to 2019 and added previously undeclared cash, physical gold, prize bonds, properties and business capital. Under the explanation to Section 116(3) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, a wealth statement cannot be revised after five years from the due date of the original return. FBR said all revisions identified in the fraud were made beyond the legally permitted period. In one case registered by the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation (Inland Revenue) Lahore, a taxpayer revised his wealth statement for tax year 2015 in May 2026 and inserted fictitious funds of Rs102.8 million. The taxpayer subsequently carried the amount forward through wealth statements up to tax year 2025 and used it to account for seven properties worth Rs64.41 million purchased in May and June 2026. The taxpayer failed to explain the source of the funds when questioned, while the tax sought to be evaded in the case exceeds Rs46 million, FBR said. Regional Directorates of Intelligence and Investigation (Inland Revenue) have launched 48 criminal inquiries across Pakistan, while proceedings in the remaining cases are under process. FBR said the money laundering case has been registered against the taxpayer and any abettors found involved, with further cases being processed. The tax authority said its data analytics would continue to detect manipulation of the tax system and warned that those involved in concealing unexplained wealth would face penalties and prosecution. [...]

Most Gulf stocks in red as Trump rebuffs Iran sanctions easing

September 30, 2026 1:57

India to launch offshore mineral auction in Andaman Sea

September 30, 2026 1:51

India’s federal Ministry of Mines said on Wednesday it would launch the auction of offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea on Thursday, reviving a push to develop domestic deep-sea mining after an earlier attempt failed to draw bids. The auction will cover two blocks in the Andaman Sea for the grant of a composite licence, the ministry said, adding that the move followed changes to the law in 2023 that allowed it to auction offshore mineral blocks. India does not plan to revive offshore mining auction in near term, sources say India announced its first offshore mineral auction in November 2024, offering 13 blocks, but cancelled that sale in December 2025 after repeated deadline extensions failed to attract enough interest. The ministry said offshore minerals including cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements were important for electric mobility, renewable energy systems and electronics. [...]

PSX: buying at bourse, KSE-100 settles with modest gains

September 30, 2026 1:41

Buying interest was observed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the benchmark KSE-100 Index closing with a gain of over 350 points on Wednesday. The benchmark index initially moved higher, climbing to an intra-day high of 171,492.52 during the opening hours of trading, indicating strong buying interest. However, the early gains were gradually eroded as the session progressed, with the index moving largely sideways around the 171,000 level through mid-day before coming under renewed selling pressure. The market remained under pressure during the second half, with the KSE-100 steadily declining and touching an intra-day low of 169,872.13 near the end. At close, the benchmark index settled at 169,969.32, up 368.92 points or 0.22%. Top positive contribution to the index came from HBL, MEBL, LUCK, FATIMA and FFC, as they cumulatively contributed 311 points to the index, brokerage house Topline Securities said in its post market report. “The KSE-100 gained 1.12% intra-day on selective buying but pared most gains amid profit-taking and geopolitical concerns over the US-Iran conflict, closing at 169,969 points, up 0.22% DoD,” it said. In a key development, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Tuesday unveiled a Strategic Action Plan for Pakistan’s Local Currency Bond Market (LCBM) under its International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported programme pledge to address market bottlenecks, while targeting deeper secondary-market liquidity, a broader investor base, more predictable government borrowing and reforms to the legal, tax and financial-market infrastructure governing rupee-denominated securities. The PSX on Tuesday came under renewed selling pressure as rising global crude prices and persistent Middle East geopolitical tensions triggered a late-session sell-off, pushing the KSE-100 Index below the 170,000-point level. The index fell 825.22 points, or 0.48%, to close at 169,600.41 points. Internationally, global bonds wobbled on Wednesday and were set for their worst month in years, hit by a toxic mix of deteriorating government finances, a glut of issuances and rising inflation as the seven-month-old US-Israeli war on Iran keeps energy costs elevated. Meanwhile, stocks fared ‌better, largely unfazed by the surge in bond yields and were upbeat in Asia. The rise in borrowing costs has been front-and-centre for investors, given that sovereign yields are an anchor for global markets, a reference price for investing in riskier stocks and a benchmark for mortgages and corporate borrowing. While a persistently higher risk-free rate increases the cost of refinancing for companies and weighs on growth, its impact on stocks has thus far been relatively limited. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares excluding Japan rose 0.2% in early trading and was on track for a monthly fall of just over 1%. Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.9% and was set to end the month little changed, while South Korea’s Kospi was headed for a monthly gain of 1.4%. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee extended its marginal gains against the US dollar in the interbank market on Wednesday. The local unit closed the day at 277.11, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index increased to 591.23 million from 568.04 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares declined to Rs20.19 billion from Rs20.81 billion in the previous session. Pak Int.Bulk was the volume leader with 73.45 million shares, followed by Kohinoor Spining with 58.39 million shares, and Tasdeeq Information with 50.88 million shares. Shares of 495 companies were traded on Wednesday, of which 253 registered an increase, 195 recorded a fall, and 47 remained unchanged. [...]

China extends two trade barrier probes into US till December 27

September 30, 2026 1:11

BEIJING: China’s commerce ministry has decided to extend two probes into US trade practices it launched in March by three months until December 27, according to ministry statements. The ministry said the decisions were made given the complexity of the cases, two separate statements, both dated September 27, showed. The announcements came days after China and the US held new trade talks and agreed to a two-month extension of their trade truce through to January 10 and tariff cuts on $60 billion of goods. China, US agree tariff cuts on $60bn of goods including agriculture, household items The two trade barrier investigations were initially launched on March 27 and were looking into US trade practices and measures that “disrupt global supply and industrial chains” and “hinder trade in green products”. They were counter-probes to US Section 301 investigations over forced labour and excess industrial capacity and were originally scheduled to conclude within six months, but could be extended. [...]

RBI's FX forward book tipped to shrink after touching $200 billion

September 30, 2026 12:42

Sri Lankan shares finish nearly flat after previous session's fall

September 30, 2026 12:22

Govt cuts petrol price by Re0.14, diesel by Rs1.89 per litre

September 30, 2026 6:43

Pakistan connected millions. Why has connectivity not translated into economic productivity?

September 30, 2026 6:23

Pakistan’s telecommunications transformation is one of the country’s major economic and technological achievements of the past two decades. In 2010, Pakistan crossed 100 million mobile subscriptions. A once-scarce service became accessible to millions. Competition expanded, private investment built networks, prices fell, and coverage moved far beyond the major cities. This was a collective achievement of the telecom industry, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), government policy, investors, and consumers. The revolution then moved from voice to data. Today, Pakistan has more than 200 million telecom subscriptions and over 150 million broadband subscriptions. The telecommunications highway was built. The harder question is what Pakistan has done with it. Connected, but not sufficiently productive Connectivity is a means to economic transformation, not its final measure. The World Bank defines a thriving digital economy in terms of job creation, innovation and the integration of data-driven solutions across the wider economy. On this wider test, Pakistan’s achievement is less convincing. The evidence is striking. The UNDP National Human Development Report 2024 found that 93.2% of respondents reported using the internet for entertainment, compared with 24.5% for work or business and 11.9% for education and learning. Only 4.7% reported accessing public services, while income-generating use was even lower: content creation at 3.4%, e-commerce at 2.4%, and freelancing at 1.9%. The gap begins even before productive use. GSMA’s 2025 assessment reported that mobile broadband covered 81% of Pakistan’s population, but only 29% used mobile internet, leaving a 52% usage gap. The weakness extends to government. The UN E-Government Survey 2024 ranked Pakistan 136th, with an EGDI score of 0.5096, compared with Singapore’s 0.9691. The problem, therefore, is no longer simply whether Pakistanis are connected. It is what that connectivity is being used to accomplish. Pakistan has become a highly connected society without yet becoming a comparably digitised and productive economy. Pakistan connected people much faster than it connected them to productive digital activity. International experience shows what changes when connectivity becomes economic infrastructure. India linked digital identity, bank accounts and interoperable payments at scale. According to the World Bank, its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connects around 430 million accounts and 70 million merchants and accounts for more than three-quarters of India’s retail digital transactions. In 2022 alone, UPI processed 74 billion transactions worth about $1.5 trillion. The economic value extends beyond replacing cash. Digital transactions reduce transaction costs, create financial histories, bring businesses into the documented economy and can improve access to formal credit. A small retailer who becomes digitally visible also becomes easier for banks to assess and finance. Estonia demonstrates the public-sector productivity dimension. OECD analysis reports estimate that digital signatures alone generate time savings equivalent to around 2% of GDP annually. Digital government therefore produces economic value by reducing the time and cost citizens and businesses spend dealing with the state. Singapore illustrates what happens when digitalisation spreads through the wider economy. Its Infocomm Media Development Authority reported that the digital economy reached 18.6% of GDP in 2024, up from 14.9% in 2019. More importantly, over two-thirds of that value came from outside the ICT sector, particularly finance, wholesale trade and manufacturing. Pakistan must recognise this distinction. A mature digital economy is not simply a larger telecommunications or IT sector. It is an economy in which digital technology raises the productivity of businesses, government and the wider economy. The next stage was recognised early. Pakistan did not fail to understand this transition. Much of the agenda was already visible more than fifteen years ago. During 2008–12, policy and regulatory discussions were moving beyond voice and network expansion. PTA and the State Bank of Pakistan worked on mobile-banking frameworks, including a joint regulatory mechanism. Work was undertaken on e-commerce infrastructure. Local-language content and applications were promoted, while mobile applications for education and agriculture were explored. The Universal Service Fund was extending broadband into underserved communities, including educational and community broadband centres. The agenda increasingly included e-government, e-health, e-education, e-agriculture, mobile banking and local applications. In 2010, an international expert forum in Islamabad examined “more-than-voice” applications in agriculture, health, payments and government services. By early 2012, the policy language explicitly spoke of moving from an infrastructure-based to a knowledge-based economy through localised content and applications. Yet, more than fifteen years later, Pakistan is still strengthening many of the foundations required to connect identity, payments, government data and end-to-end public services. The cost of this delay is economic, not merely technological. While Pakistan continued expanding connectivity, countries that integrated these components more rapidly converted them into digital transactions, financial inclusion, efficient public services and wider productivity gains. The World Bank’s Pakistan Development Update 2025 still identifies regulatory and institutional enablers, leadership ownership and coordination across governments as critical to realising these benefits. The problem, therefore, was not an absence of digital vision. Pakistan failed to sustain, integrate and scale that vision at the required speed. In a fast-moving digital economy, lost time means lost economic opportunity—and fifteen years is a long time for others to move ahead. The missing digital economy Pakistan now possesses important digital rails. NADRA provides extensive identity infrastructure. Branchless banking has expanded. Raast provides an instant-payment system. But the economic value comes from connecting these components and enabling end-to-end transactions. An online government form delivers limited efficiency if the applicant must print documents, obtain manual verification, visit an office and wait for approval. An SME is not fully digital if it can advertise online but struggles to receive payments, demonstrate turnover, obtain finance or complete regulatory processes electronically. The test should be simple: can identification, application, verification, payment, approval and delivery occur as one digital journey? This is particularly important in government. Every unnecessary interface adds processing time and administrative cost. It can also create opportunities for discretion, rent-seeking and corruption. Technology should remove unnecessary administrative interfaces rather than reproduce them on a screen. Digitalisation also has a fiscal dimension. Electronic payments create transaction records. Digital invoicing documents sales. Integrated tax systems improve visibility. Data analytics can identify anomalies. Together, these mechanisms can strengthen tax administration and make concealment of economic activity more difficult. The same documentation can benefit businesses. A small enterprise with a verifiable record of turnover and cash flow becomes easier for a financial institution to assess. Transactions that strengthen tax compliance can also improve access to credit. For Pakistan, where informality and a narrow tax base remain structural constraints, digitalisation should therefore be treated as part of fiscal reform, not merely technology policy. Pakistan should stop treating the digital economy as a technology-sector agenda. It is simultaneously a productivity strategy, a fiscal reform, a public-sector reform and an export-competitiveness strategy. Technology converged. Pakistan’s institutions did not. Telecommunications, spectrum, broadcasting, banking and payments, identity, taxation, data, cybersecurity and digital government remain spread across multiple regulatory and administrative regimes. Technology, however, no longer respects these boundaries. A smartphone can simultaneously be a telephone, bank, television, marketplace, classroom and government counter. For a digital business, institutional fragmentation has an economic cost. Multiple permissions, overlapping or ambiguous regulations, different compliance requirements and unclear institutional boundaries consume time and capital. They delay investment, increase legal and compliance costs and create uncertainty over which rules apply. What government sees as separate regulatory jurisdictions, investors experience as the cumulative cost and risk of doing business. Other jurisdictions responded to technological convergence through stronger coordination or converged regulatory arrangements. This does not require merging every regulator. It requires regulatory interoperability: clear boundaries, coordinated decisions and, where possible, a single pathway through which businesses can obtain approvals without navigating government institution by institution. The Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 potentially changes this architecture. It gives the Pakistan Digital Authority a broad mandate to develop the National Digital Masterplan, coordinate governments and sectoral regulators, develop the digital-economy strategy, oversee digital public infrastructure and establish standards for data, AI and emerging technologies. Its real test will be whether this mandate reduces the institutional cost of digital business rather than adding another layer. PDA now has an opportunity to help close that gap. AI changes the equation. Artificial intelligence makes the unfinished digital-economy agenda more urgent. Its economic significance is not simply another generation of applications; it is its capacity to raise productivity. McKinsey has estimated that generative AI could add $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually across 63 use cases. More importantly, empirical workplace evidence is beginning to measure the effect. An NBER study of 5,179 customer-support agents found that access to a generative-AI assistant increased productivity by 14% on average and by 34% among novice and lower-skilled workers. For Pakistan, this creates both opportunity and risk. The next phase of IT exports cannot depend principally on producing more programmers and freelancers to sell low-cost labour hours internationally. AI is increasingly able to assist with routine coding, testing, content production, customer support and administrative work. Competitive advantage is therefore likely to shift towards problem solving, AI integration, systems architecture, cybersecurity, data engineering, domain expertise and proprietary products. The old model sold hours. The emerging model will sell knowledge, solutions and intellectual property. The workforce implications are substantial. IMF analysis estimates that around 40% of employment in emerging markets is exposed to AI. Exposure does not mean 40% of jobs will disappear. AI will complement some workers while reducing demand for some tasks. But the direction of change is clear. Pakistan’s universities, engineering institutions, technical colleges and vocational training providers must respond accordingly. The objective cannot be to produce graduates who can write code or perform routine digital tasks. Training must increasingly combine AI, data, cloud systems, cybersecurity and automation with the capacity to solve problems in finance, agriculture, manufacturing, health, education and government. Pakistan needs graduates who can use technology to solve economic problems, not simply graduates who can operate technology. The public sector offers an equally large opportunity. AI can classify applications, identify missing information, translate forms into Urdu and regional languages, support voice-based interaction, answer routine questions and route complex cases to human officers. Combined with digital identity, interoperable data and electronic payments, it could help move Pakistan from digitised bureaucracy towards genuinely digital government. The justice system should also be part of this transition. AI should not replace judges or judicial decision-making. It can assist case management, document search and classification, transcription, translation, scheduling, procedural tracking and legal research. Faster administration of commercial, tax, property and contractual disputes would have direct economic value. An unresolved commercial dispute is not merely a judicial problem. It locks up capital, raises contractual risk and increases the cost of doing business. AI, however, cannot repair a badly designed process simply by being added to it. The process itself must be reconsidered first. From connectivity to productivity Pakistan enters the AI transition with an advantage it lacked at the beginning of the telecommunications revolution: much of the digital distribution infrastructure already exists. The country does not need to rebuild the highway. It needs to extract considerably more economic value from it. That requires completing and integrating digital rails, enabling end-to-end applications, reducing institutional fragmentation, strengthening trust and cybersecurity, documenting more economic activity and preparing the workforce for an AI-driven economy. Education policy, skills policy, digital policy and export policy can no longer be developed independently. The first revolution could be counted in SIMs and subscribers. The next should be measured through productivity, lower transaction costs, access to finance, documented economic activity, higher-value exports, government efficiency and better public services. Pakistan’s first telecommunications revolution connected the country. The AI revolution must now turn that connectivity into productivity. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners. [...]

FBR extends tax return filing deadline to October 15

September 30, 2026 5:38

Passengers overcame co-pilot who tried to crash flydubai flight, Netanyahu says

September 30, 2026 5:29

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: The co-pilot of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv tried to crash the plane after stabbing the pilot, but passengers then held him down while other pilots landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday. Describing the event as “a highly severe security incident,” Netanyahu said Saudi authorities would interrogate the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. The alleged assailant, who an Israeli official identified as an Omani national, was arrested after the plane landed, Netanyahu said. “All passengers are out of harm’s way,” Netanyahu, who described the passengers as being almost all Israeli, said in a video statement released by his office. The Israeli leader quoted a passenger as saying that passengers along with a member of the crew broke into the cockpit after the aircraft “entered a tailspin and began to dive” and found the co-pilot “trying to sabotage the plane’s systems.” “They saved many lives. They prevented a heavy disaster,” he said. An Israeli official had earlier told Reuters the plane transmitted emergency signals. The aircraft’s data appeared to show that it had suddenly and rapidly descended by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before a first emergency signal was sent, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Around the time the plane landed in Saudi Arabia, Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister’s office, told Reuters the incident was not believed to have been a hijacking, describing it as a “different incident”. The Israeli officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to brief reporters, said Israel’s current assessment is that the incident was an attempted “terror attack” and not related to any kind of mental health issue with either of the pilots. [...]

Pakistan will defend Saudi Arabia in any conflict, says Khawaja Asif

September 30, 2026 5:09

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Pakistan will defend Saudi Arabia in any conflict, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to the kingdom’s security amid renewed tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels. “We are there to help Saudi Arabia in any conflict, whether it is coming from the Houthis or a country or any other outfit that threatens Saudi Arabia’s security. We will be there to defend them,” Asif said in an interview with Al Jazeera. His remarks come as fighting between the Houthis and the Yemeni government has intensified, with Riyadh becoming increasingly involved in the conflict. The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and targeted ships in the Red Sea, while both sides have claimed attacks against each other. Pakistan has recently reaffirmed its security commitments to Saudi Arabia under bilateral and multilateral defence arrangements. On September 18, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan would go “to any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia, describing Islamabad’s commitment to the kingdom’s security as “unconditional.” Asif had also previously said Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia “practically and diplomatically” against the Houthis if the situation escalated. In his latest remarks, the defence minister said there was “absolutely no doubt” that the Houthis were committing aggression against Saudi Arabia. He said Pakistan was bound by an arrangement to defend the kingdom, adding that “whatever means are available at our disposal, they will be available to Saudi Arabia also.” Asif appeared to be referring to Pakistan’s defence agreements with Saudi Arabia. The two countries signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September 2025, under which an attack on either country is to be treated as an act of aggression against both. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are also part of the Makkah Defence Alliance with Türkiye. Signed on August 7, the pact provides for an attack on one member to be treated as an attack on all. The military chiefs of the three countries met in Riyadh last week and expressed a shared determination to “immediately translate” their commitments under the alliance into effective military cooperation. In his Al Jazeera interview, Asif described the Houthis as “enemies of Saudi Arabia,” saying “any enemy of Saudi Arabia is an enemy of Pakistan.” He also said Iran does not accept the Houthis as its proxy. “Some of these proxies have become rogue. I don’t have to go into history, I can give you multiple examples of that,” Asif said, adding that proxy groups launched by countries could develop their own agendas and eventually become “rogue” entities. [...]

Lahore to celebrate Basant for 10 days from Jan 29 to Feb 7 next year

September 30, 2026 4:43

Lahore will celebrate the Basant festival for 10 days from January 29 to February 7, 2027, with festivities suspended on February 5 for Kashmir Day, under a schedule approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday. The provincial government said the chief minister directed relevant authorities to begin preparations for the extended celebrations and ensure stronger arrangements for public safety and convenience than those made during this year’s festival. She described the festival as a gift for Lahore’s people to mark the arrival of 2027 and said it would help promote Punjab’s cultural heritage and the historic traditions of the provincial capital. Lahore hosted Basant from February 6 to 8 this year after an 18-year hiatus. The festival had been banned in 2007 following deaths and serious injuries linked to sharp kite strings, particularly among motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as incidents of celebratory gunfire. The latest schedule represents a revision to an earlier announcement. In August, Maryam had said Basant would be held from March 12 to 14, 2027. The Punjab government has also introduced rules for kite-flying and related activities ahead of next year’s festival. The Lahore district administration has mandated registration and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for kite and thread manufacturers as part of preparations for Safe Basant 2027. Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain Muhammad Ali Ijaz (retd) announced the launch of the Basant Portal 2027 and said all individuals and entities involved in manufacturing kites and related materials would be required to obtain formal approval through the district portal. Meanwhile, Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin has directed authorities to finalise a comprehensive beautification and cultural plan for the festival. At a meeting on earlier this month, Yasin reviewed preparations and directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to decorate major roads, entry points and heritage sites with themed floats, lighting and floral displays. PHA Director General Ahmad Usman Javed briefed the meeting on arrangements for the upcoming festival. The provincial government has said safety measures would remain a key priority as Lahore prepares for the extended Basant celebrations. [...]

S&P 500, Nasdaq advance as soft inflation tempers Fed rate-hike bets

September 30, 2026 4:21

Swiss Football Association withdraws support for Infantino

September 30, 2026 4:15

ZURICH: The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, the organisation said on Wednesday. The executive committee reversed its support for the Swiss soccer administrator in a meeting on September 25 after endorsing his candidacy in June. “The decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of developments over the past few months,” the SFV said in a statement. Gianni Infantino backs proposal for federation payments from FIFA “From the SFV’s perspective, various incidents raise fundamental questions regarding leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making processes within FIFA,” it added. [...]

Rupee records gain against US dollar

September 30, 2026 4:10

Iran says it receives US response to latest proposal as Washington pulls out of Iraq

September 30, 2026 4:04

BAGHDAD/DUBAI: Iran said on Wednesday it had received a US response to its latest proposal to resurrect the collapsed ceasefire in the Gulf, days after President Donald Trump said he had rejected it. Iran’s allies were celebrating on Wednesday after Washington withdrew the last of its forces from neighboring Iraq, where 4,500 US troops died in the biggest US war of the century. More than 200,000 Iraqi civilians were killed in chaos unleashed after US forces toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. Tehran views the pullout as a victory for its “axis of resistance” of allied armed groups and a step towards its aim of driving US forces out of the region. With the US-Israeli war against Iran now entering its eighth month, Iran put forward a proposal last week under which the United States would lift its blockade of Iranian ports and Iran would reopen the disrupted Strait of Hormuz within seven days. Trump said on Sunday he had rejected the proposal, although Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had not received a formal rejection. In a post on X on Wednesday, an Iranian government spokesperson said Araqchi had conveyed a US response to the Iranian government. Iran says its plan aims to restore an interim agreement that collapsed weeks after it was signed by Trump and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in June. Last week, Qatari mediators shuttled between US and Iranian envoys in New York on the sidelines of a meeting of the United Nations, the first proximity talks between the warring sides since the ceasefire unravelled. An official briefed on the talks, who is not Iranian and spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the Qataris had briefed Araqchi on the US response on Tuesday when Araqchi stopped off in Doha on his way home from New York. According to the official, the sides largely agree about the steps that are needed but still disagree about the order in which to take them. Iran wants an eventual deal to grant it control over the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil shipping route, which runs past its coast. Shipping through the strait has increased in recent weeks, with shippers charging high fees to brave the risk of attacks. But flows of crude oil, refined products, and natural gas remain substantially disrupted. In the latest incidents, Britain’s UKMTO maritime security body reported on Wednesday that two ships had been hit by projectiles the previous day. US withdrawal seen in Iraq as defeat for Washington US and Iraqi officials announced the withdrawal of the last American troops from bases in Iraq on Wednesday, fulfilling a plan agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden and carried out by the Trump administration while it wages war with Iran next door. The withdrawal was celebrated by Iran and its allies. It marked an “historic victory for the Iraqi Islamic resistance groups and honorable Iraqis and a crushing defeat for the American project,” said Abu Mojtaba al-Yasiri, a commander in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of armed factions. Iraq, which the United States invaded in 2003, and Tehran has established broad political and military influence there. The country has frequently become a proxy battlefield between the United States and Iran. Of the 18 US service members listed as killed since Trump launched “Operation Epic Fury” in February, seven died in Iraq. Washington blames groups in Iraq for striking neighbouring countries, most recently knocking out a big Saudi oil pipeline three weeks ago. The US withdrawal raises “the possibility that Iran’s proxies will feel increasingly empowered in the absence of a Western military presence,” said Baghdad-based political analyst Ahmed Younis. “These groups may attempt to expand their role in shaping state policies and consolidating their presence within key institutions.” At home in the United States, polls show the Iran war was unpopular from the outset. The disruption to global energy supplies and resulting surge in fuel prices have hurt Trump’s Republicans, trying to hang on to both houses of Congress in legislative elections five weeks away. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps urged Americans on Tuesday to vote out Trump’s allies. “Remove from power the evil, deceitful, and violent politicians who are responsible for America’s current state,” they wrote in a 26-page letter to US voters. “Make sure your politicians understand that the world has changed.” The war has intensified an economic crisis inside Iran, but Tehran has retained the ability to strike its neighbours and menace ships in the strait, where a fifth of global oil transited before the war. Trump says the war will be over soon and Iran will ultimately surrender. “I don’t know if they are going to give up yet but they’ll give up,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “They are doing very poorly.” [...]

‘Lifecycle completed’: Honda Atlas discontinues BR-V production in Pakistan

September 30, 2026 3:01

Modi speaks with Trump as India seeks interim deal with US

September 30, 2026 2:44

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump agreed to maintain close engagement to advance the countries’ strategic partnership, New Delhi said on Wednesday, as India’s trade minister holds talks in the United States aimed at securing an interim trade deal. In a telephone conversation, Modi and Trump reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies, the Indian Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. “The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain close engagement to deepen cooperation,” the statement said. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including efforts to promote global peace and security, it added. India trade minister to visit US for deal talks, New Delhi says India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the United States from September 29 to October 5 for talks on a proposed bilateral trade agreement and an interim arrangement. Goyal is due to meet US counterparts as part of efforts to advance a “balanced and mutually beneficial” India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, New Delhi said earlier this week. Goyal arrived in Milwaukee on Tuesday for a G20 trade ministers’ meeting and met chief executives and senior executives from US manufacturing and technology companies at a roundtable hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers, India’s trade ministry said. He was also scheduled to attend a meeting of G20 trade ministers in Wisconsin at the invitation of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. India-US trade deal can be finalised after tariff probe concludes, official says India and the United States have yet to reach agreement after months of negotiations, with New Delhi seeking improved terms in the proposed deal. Earlier this month, India said it had told Washington that new US tariff measures linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil could affect bilateral relations. [...]

3 Pakistanis among 5 crew killed in operation to recover hijacked vessel MT Honour 25: FO

September 30, 2026 2:22

Three Pakistanis were among five crew members killed during an operation to recover the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday. In a statement, the FO named the Pakistani victims as Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer, and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari. In April this year, pirates attacked and seized an oil tanker near the coast of Somalia, taking hostage a vessel carrying at least 10 Pakistani crew members, prompting Pakistani authorities to launch urgent rescue and diplomatic efforts. “The Government and people of Pakistan extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the FO said, adding that Pakistan prays for strength and comfort for the families and for the departed souls to rest in peace. “Four crew members were also injured, including three Pakistani nationals. The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital and are receiving medical care,” the ministry said. “The surviving crew members of MT Honour 25 have been brought safely ashore at Bandar Beyla.” The FO said Pakistan’s Embassy team in Djibouti was proceeding to Bandar Beyla to assist the Pakistani nationals. The government, through its Mission and relevant authorities, was in close contact with Somali authorities and other stakeholders, it added. On Tuesday, Puntland state television reported that Somalia’s Puntland security forces had rescued the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged petroleum products tanker seized by Somali pirates in April with at least 10 Pakistanis among the 17 crew members on board. [...]

Djokovic beats Borges to stay perfect at China Open

September 30, 2026 2:18

BEIJING: Novak Djokovic marked his return to the China Open after 11 years with a 6-3 7-6(2) win over Nuno Borges on Wednesday, extending his perfect record at the tournament to 30 wins without a loss. Djokovic controlled the round-of-32 contest with a strong first serve as Borges put up a good fight in the second set, but ultimately buckled under pressure. “In the second set when he started to play better, I struggled a little bit to stay fresh… played out a great tiebreak to close it out in two, so very happy for that,” said 39-year-old Djokovic, who is looking for a record-extending seventh title at the tournament, and his first of the season. World number six Djokovic cruised through the first set, getting a break in the second game as Borges struggled with errors. Borges looked better in the second as he drew the Serbian into tiring long rallies, but 24-times Grand Slam winner Djokovic frustrated the Portuguese with precise returns. Novak Djokovic says body feeling good ahead of China Open comeback Djokovic put the pressure on Borges in the tiebreak, winning a rally with a straight backhand down the sideline. As the Serbian stormed into a 5-1 lead, a nervous Borges hit a loose backhand down the sideline to bring up match point, and netted a return to hand Djokovic the win. Djokovic will next face local favourite Yunchaokete Bu, who saw off Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2 5-7 6-4. [...]

FBR uncovers Rs9.41bn wealth statement fraud, registers money laundering case

September 30, 2026 2:07

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... [...]

Oakbrook Center shooting: Police say all involved are in custody or accounted for

September 30, 2026 9:35

Oak Brook police said in a Facebook update at about 12:40 PM that officers were responding to an 'isolated shooting'Police are investigating a shooting at Oakbrook Center in suburban Chicago, with the DuPage County coroner called to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.Oak Brook police said in a... [...]

Russia warns it could use nuclear weapons if NATO cuts off Kaliningrad

September 30, 2026 9:17

NATO rejected Moscow’s claims and said its activities do not threaten Russian territoryRussia has warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempts to isolate Kaliningrad, its heavily militarised exclave on the Baltic Sea.According to Al Jazeera, a diplomatic document... [...]

Trump administration to send migrant deportees to Burundi under new deal

September 30, 2026 8:37

Trump administration to send migrant deportees to Burundi under new dealBurundi has agreed to accept migrants from other countries who are deported from the United States under President Donald Trump’s third-country deportation policy.However, Burundi will only accept people who have not... [...]

Macron tells Britain 'welcome back' after Burnham floats EU return

September 30, 2026 8:10

Macron tells Britain ‘welcome back’ after Burnham floats EU returnBritish Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to the UK potentially rejoining the European Union, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to declare, “Welcome back.”Burnham said his Labour... [...]

Tennessee woman's execution halted just an hour before lethal injection

September 30, 2026 7:47

Pike, now 50, was sentenced to death for the 1995 killing of 19-year-old Colleen SlemmerA federal appeals court halted the execution of Christa Gail Pike on Wednesday, about an hour before she was scheduled to be put to death in Tennessee.The 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals granted the stay in a... [...]

Police expose Nancy Guthrie 'new' ransom note

September 30, 2026 6:54

Days before the eight-month mark of Nancy Guthrie disappearance, a new possible ransom message has surfaced, which attracted attention in the case.While some believe the note is genuine, Pima County Sheriff's Office officials weighed in on its credibility.Authorities examined the message and... [...]

China extends US trade barrier investigations to December 27 amid ongoing talks

September 30, 2026 4:26

In a major political move, China has extended two ongoing trade barrier investigations into United States trade practices by three months, pushing the new conclusion deadline to December 27. According to statements released by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the extensions were granted due... [...]

US court halts execution of woman on death row at eleventh-hour

September 30, 2026 4:15

A US appeals court on Wednesday halted the execution of death row inmate Christa Pike in Tennessee, less than two hours before she was scheduled to become the first woman that state has put to death in more than two hundred years.The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a "short stay of... [...]

UK household energy bills forecast to see biggest rise in four years amid shortage crises and geo-political tensions

September 30, 2026 4:05

British households face the prospect of the sharpest energy bill hikes in four years, with leading forecasters warning that typical dual-fuel costs could surge significantly at the start of the year.Projections from energy analysts indicate that average annual bills could climb toward the... [...]

Republican chair warns Trump over South Korea's China ties

September 30, 2026 11:43

Republican chair warns Trump over South Korea’s China ties The Republican chair of the congressional committee has urged the Trump administration to scrutinize South Korea’s close ties with China, with a warning of posing significant risks to the United States. Representative John... [...]

German unemployement exceeds expectations, signalling weak autumn momentum

September 30, 2026 11:02

German unemployement exceeds expectations, signalling weak autumn momentumAccording to figures released by the Federal Labour Office, the unemployment in Germany rose significantly more than expected in September.Pointing to persistent structural weakness across Europe's largest economy, Federal... [...]

Andy Burnham says Britain should weigh EU options, including rejoining bloc

September 30, 2026 9:20

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has fundamentally shifted the UK's political landscape by stating that Britain must seriously weigh its long-term relationship options with the European Union, explicitly leaving the door open to eventually rejoining the bloc.Burnham has reopened one of the... [...]

Trump releases AI accord with tech executives, formally introduces 'super intelligence'

September 30, 2026 8:33

Trump releases AI accord with tech executives, formally introduces 'Super Intelligence'President Donald Trump and leaders from the nation's premier artificial intelligence firms have signed a high-profile voluntary accord at the White House, committing major tech corporations to a framework of... [...]

South Korea reveals why Zelenskyy disclosed secret POW transfer

September 30, 2026 8:33

South Korea reveals why Zelenskyy disclosed secret POW transferSouth Korea’s spy agency has revealed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s motive behind unilaterally disclosing secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. As per the South Korea National... [...]

Flydubai flight diversion to Saudi Arabia: Israel rules out hijacking

September 30, 2026 7:47

Flydubai flight diversion to Saudi Arabia: Israel rules out hijackingA Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying 174 passengers showed an unexpected diversion over Jordanian airspace to Saudi Arabia after the pilot triggered an emergency signal that initially raised fears of a hijacking. On... [...]

پاکستانی سرجن نے برطانیہ میں سنگل پورٹ روبوٹک گائناکولوجیکل سرجری میں نئی تاریخ رقم کردی

September 30, 2026 8:10

برٹش پاکستانی کنسلٹنٹ گائناکولوجسٹ اور روبوٹک سرجن ڈاکٹر عامر رضا نے برطانیہ میں سنگل پورٹ روبوٹک گائناکولوجیکل سرجری متعارف کرا... [...]

وزارت اطلاعات نے افغان طالبان حکومت کے الزامات کی تردید کر دی

September 30, 2026 8:10

وزارت اطلاعات نے افغان طالبان حکومت کے الزامات کی تردید کر دی، اور کہا کہ نورستان میں لڑائی کو پاکستان سے منسوب کرنے کا مقصد طالبان... [...]

وفاق کا ایس سی او سربراہی اجلاس کیلئے 45 بلٹ پروف گاڑیاں خریدنے کا فیصلہ

September 30, 2026 6:09

وفاقی حکومت نے شنگھائی تعاون تنظیم سربراہی اجلاس کے لیے 45 بلٹ پروف گاڑیاں خریدنے کا فیصلہ کرلیا۔کابینہ ڈویژن کے مطابق ایس سی او... [...]

ایاز صادق نے وزیراعظم کو اپوزیشن کیساتھ ہونے والے پس پردہ رابطوں کے بارے میں آگاہ کردیا

September 30, 2026 5:09

وزیر اعظم شہباز شریف اور اسپیکر قومی اسمبلی ایاز صادق کی ملاقات ہوئی۔جس میں اہم آئینی، قانونی اور پارلیمانی امور پر تبادلہ خیال کیا... [...]

عالمی امن، استحکام اور ترقی میں چین کا انتہائی اہم کردار ہے: وزیراعظم

September 30, 2026 5:09

فوٹو: پی آئی ڈیوزیر اعظم شہباز شریف نے چین کے قیام کی 77ویں سالگرہ کے موقع پر تقریب سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ میں چین کے صدر شی جن پنگ... [...]

یکم اکتوبر کے لیے پیٹرول اور ڈیزل سستا کردیا گیا

September 30, 2026 5:09

پیٹرولیم ڈویژن نے یکم اکتوبر کےلیے پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی قیمتوں میں کمی کا اعلان کردیا۔نوٹیفکیشن کے مطابق پیٹرول کی قیمت میں 14 پیسے... [...]

رانا ثناء اللّٰہ نے تحریک انصاف کیساتھ آف دی ریکارڈ مذاکرات کی تصدیق کردی

September 30, 2026 5:09

وزیر اعظم کے مشیر برائے سیاسی امور رانا ثناء اللّٰہ نے تحریک انصاف کے ساتھ آف دی ریکارڈ مذاکرات کی تصدیق کردی۔جیو نیوز... [...]

انکم ٹیکس گوشوارے جمع کروانے کی تاریخ میں توسیع کردی گئی

September 30, 2026 5:09

فوٹو: فائلفیڈرل بورڈ آف ریونیو نے ٹیکس فائلر بننے کےلیے گوشوارے جمع کروانے کی تاریخ میں توسیع کردی۔ ایف بی آر اعلامیے کے مطابق... [...]

اکتوبر کیلئے گھریلو سلینڈر 244 روپے 14 پیسے مہنگا ہوگیا

September 30, 2026 4:09

آئل اینڈ گیس ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی نے ماہ اکتوبر میں لیکوفائیڈ پیٹرولیم گیس کی قیمت بڑھادی۔اوگرا نے اکتوبر میں ایل پی جی کی فی کلو... [...]

ستمبر میں ایف بی آر کی مجموعی ٹیکس وصولی 1390 ارب روپے رہی، ایف بی آر ذرائع

September 30, 2026 4:09

ستمبر میں فیڈرل بورڈ آف ریونیو نے ٹیکس وصولی کا 100 فیصد ہدف حاصل کر لیا، مجموعی ٹیکس وصولی 1390 ارب روپے رہی، انکم ٹیکس کی مد میں 734 ارب... [...]

ایف بی آر نے 9 ارب 41 کروڑ روپے کے ویلتھ اسٹیٹمنٹ فراڈ کا سراغ لگا لیا

September 30, 2026 3:09

فیڈرل بورڈ آف ریونیو نے 9 ارب 41 کروڑ روپے کے ویلتھ اسٹیٹمنٹ فراڈ کا سراغ لگا لیا۔ 85 ٹیکس دہندگان نے پرانے ویلتھ اسٹیٹمنٹس میں غیر... [...]

کراچی: پرائیویٹ آرگنائزر فارم ہاؤس سے موبائل فونز لے کر فرار ہوگیا

September 30, 2026 3:09

کراچی میں گڈاپ کے ایک فارم ہاؤس سے پرائیویٹ آرگنائزر متعدد افراد کے موبائل فونز لے کر فرار ہوگیا۔پولیس حکام کے مطابق ایونٹ کی... [...]

وی سی بےنظیر بھٹو یونیورسٹی کے استعفے پر ابھی حتمی فیصلہ نہیں کیا: اسماعیل راہو

September 30, 2026 3:09

وزیر جامعات سندھ اسماعیل راہو۔وزیر جامعات سندھ اسماعیل راہو نے کہا کہ بےنظیر بھٹو شہید یونیورسٹی لیاری کے وائس چانسلر کا استعفیٰ... [...]

گورنر راج اور ایمرجنسی کیا ہے اور یہ کیسے نافذ ہوتی ہے؟

September 30, 2026 3:09

خیبر پختونخوا اسمبلی: فوٹو اے پی پی خیبر پختونخوا میں امن و امان کی صورتحال کے باعث وفاقی حکومت گورنر راج یا ایمرجنسی کے دو آئینی... [...]

پنجاب اسمبلی: قائمہ کمیٹی انسانی حقوق نے کرسچن میرج بل 2026 کی منظوری دے دی

September 30, 2026 3:09

پنجاب اسمبلی۔ پنجاب اسمبلی کی قائمہ کمیٹی برائے انسانی حقوق و اقلیتی امور نے کرسچن میرج بل 2026 کی منظوری دے دی۔لاہور میں لاہور میں... [...]

ایران میں دواؤں کی کمی تشویشناک شکل اختیار کر گئی

September 30, 2026 7:10

امریکی پابندیوں کے باعث ایران میں دواؤں کی کمی تشویشناک شکل اختیار کر گئی، بہت سی دوائیں نایاب ہیں، جو دستیاب ہیں، ان کی قیمتیں... [...]

سنگاپور نے سرکاری ملازمین کی شادیاں کرانے کا بیڑہ اٹھالیا

September 30, 2026 7:10

سنگاپور نے سرکاری ملازمین کی شادیاں کرانے کا بیڑہ اٹھالیا، شادی کرانے کی باضابطہ سروس کا آغاز کردیا گیا۔ اس قدم کی وجہ ملک میں بچوں... [...]

امریکی ایئرپورٹس پر مسافروں کی چیکنگ کرنے والے افسروں کی کرسیاں اُٹھوالی گئیں

September 30, 2026 6:09

امریکی حکام نے ملک بھر کے ایئرپورٹس پر مسافروں کو چیک کرنے والے افسروں کی کرسیاں اٹھوالیں۔ متعلقہ محکمے کا کہنا ہے کہ اس اقدام... [...]

ہندو مذہبی گروپ کی خاطر خواتین عملے کو ڈیوٹی سے ہٹانے پر ایفل ٹاور ڈائریکٹر نوکری سے فارغ

September 30, 2026 6:09

ہندو مذہبی گروپ کی آمد پر خواتین عملے کو چھٹی پر بھیجنے والے ایفل ٹاور ڈائریکٹر کو نوکری سے ہاتھ دھونے پڑ گئے۔ڈائریکٹر جنرل... [...]

آذربائیجان میں اسکارف پہننے والی طالبات کو اسکول سے نکال دیا گیا

September 30, 2026 6:09

آذربائیجان میں اسکارف پہننے والی طالبات کو اسکول سے نکال دیا گیا، ویڈیو سوشل میڈیا پر وائرل ہوگئی۔ویڈیو میں طالبات کو روتے... [...]

امریکا : شیر خوار سمیت چار بچوں کو گھر میں بے سہارا چھوڑ کر تفریحی دورے پر جانے والی ماں گرفتار

September 30, 2026 6:09

امریکا میں شیر خوار سمیت چار بچوں کو گھر میں بےسہارا چھوڑ کر کروز شپ کے تفریحی دورے پر جانے والی ماں کو گرفتار کرلیا گیا۔امریکی... [...]

دبئی سے اسرائیل جانے والی پرواز کے ایک پائلٹ نے دوسرے پر چاقو سے حملہ کیا: برطانوی میڈیا

September 30, 2026 5:09

فوٹو: رائٹرز متحدہ عرب امارات کی دبئی سے اسرائیل جانے والی پرواز کے ایک پائلٹ نے دوسرے پر چاقو سے حملہ کردیا۔برطانوی نشریاتی ادارے... [...]

تبوک سے متبادل طیارہ مسافروں لے کر تل ابیب پہنچ گیا

September 30, 2026 3:09

تبوک میں ایمرجنسی لینڈنگ کرنے والی پرواز کے مسافروں کو متبادل طیارے کے ذریعے تل ابیب پہنچادیا گیا۔تبوک میں اسرائیلی شہریوں کو تل... [...]

صومالیہ میں بحری قزاقوں نے جہاز کے عملے میں شامل 8 مصریوں کو رہا کردیا

September 30, 2026 2:09

صومالی بحری قزاقوں کی قید سے رہا ہونیوالے مصری قاہرہ پہچنے کے بعد خوش نظر آرہے ہیں۔مصری وزارت خارجہ کے مطابق صومالیہ میں بحری... [...]

امریکی محکمہ دفاع پینٹاگون کا 30 لاکھ افراد کا حساس ڈیٹا لیک ہوگیا

September 30, 2026 2:09

امریکی محکمہ دفاع پینٹاگون کا تقریباً 30 لاکھ افراد کا حساس ڈیٹا لیک ہوگیا۔ یہ ڈیٹا فوج کے ایک بہت بڑے حصے سے وابستہ افراد کا... [...]

اسرائیلی میڈیا نے ہنگامی لینڈنگ کرنیوالے طیارے کے اندر کی تصاویر جاری کردیں

September 30, 2026 1:09

اسرائیلی میڈیا نے ہنگامی لینڈنگ کرنیوالے طیارے کے اندر کی تصاویر جاری کردی ہیں، ہیں جن میں ایک شخص کے کپڑوں پر خون کے دھبے... [...]

عراق میں امریکا اور اتحادی ممالک کا فوجی مشن باضابطہ طور پر ختم ہوگیا: پینٹاگون

September 30, 2026 1:09

تصوہر سوشل میڈیا۔امریکی محکمہ دفاع پینٹاگون کے مطابق عراق میں امریکا اور اتحادی ممالک کا فوجی مشن باضابطہ طور پر ختم ہوگیا۔پینٹاگون... [...]

دبئی اور اسرائیل کے درمیان فضائی رابطے تیزی سے بڑھنے کی وجہ کیا ہے؟

September 30, 2026 12:09

فوٹو: اے ایف پی اسرائیل کی سب سے زیادہ پروازیں حاصل کرنے والے بین الاقوامی مقامات میں دبئی شامل ہے۔ دبئی اور تل ابیب کے درمیان عام... [...]

دبئی واپس موڑی گئی پرواز پھر اسرائیل کی جانب موڑ دی گئی: فلائٹ ڈیٹا

September 30, 2026 11:09

فوٹو: رائٹرز فلائٹ ڈیٹا کے مطابق دبئی واپس موڑی گئی پرواز پھر اسرائیل کی جانب موڑ دی گئی، جس کے بعد دبئی کی پرواز کو تل ابیب اترنے کی... [...]

امریکی افواج کا 23 سال بعد عراق میں مشن آج مکمل، انخلاء کر لیا

September 30, 2026 10:09

—تصویر بشکریہ رائٹرزامریکی افواج نے عراق میں 2 دہائیوں سے زائد عرصے پر محیط جنگ کے بعد اپنا مشن آج ختم کر دیا۔غیر ملکی میڈیا رپورٹس... [...]

اسٹاک مارکیٹ میں آج کاروبار کا ملا جلا رجحان، 100 انڈیکس میں 368 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ

September 30, 2026 11:09

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں آج کاروبار کا ملا جلا رجحان رہا جہاں 100 انڈیکس میں 368 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ ہوا۔ پی ایس ایکس بینچ مارک 100... [...]

سونا ایک بار پھر مہنگا

September 30, 2026 10:09

---فائل فوٹوعالمی اور علاقائی مارکیٹ میں سونے کی قیمت ایک بار پھر بڑھ گئی۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق 4300... [...]

ایف بی آر نے سیلز ٹیکس رولز 2006ء میں ترمیم کا نوٹیفکیشن جاری کر دیا

September 30, 2026 9:09

—فائل فوٹوفیڈرل بورڈ آف ریونیو نے سیلز ٹیکس رولز 2006ء میں ترمیم کا نوٹیفکیشن جاری کر دیا۔ نوٹیفکیشن کے مطابق مانیٹرنگ سسٹم سے منسلک... [...]

مالی سال 27-2026 کا سالانہ قرض منصوبہ جاری، 7 ہزار 20 ارب روپے کی فنانسنگ درکار

September 30, 2026 8:09

---فائل فوٹوحکومت نے مالی سال 27-2026 کے لیے سالانہ قرض منصوبہ جاری کردیا، جس کے تحت وفاقی مالی خسارے کے لیے 7 ہزار 20 ارب روپے کی فنانسنگ... [...]

خام تیل کی قیمت 103 ڈالرز فی بیرل سے تجاوز کر گئی

September 30, 2026 3:09

---فائل فوٹوعالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ ہو گیا، جس کے بعد برینٹ خام تیل کی قیمت 103 ڈالرز فی بیرل سے تجاوز کر گئی۔برینٹ... [...]

اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں آج کاروبار کا منفی دن، 100 انڈیکس میں 825 پوائنٹس کی کمی

September 29, 2026 2:09

فوٹو: فائلپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروبار کا آج منفی دن رہا جہاں 100 انڈیکس میں 825 پوائنٹس کی کمی ہوئی۔پی ایس ایکس بینچ مارک 100... [...]

ملک میں ایک تولہ سونے کی قیمت 800 روپے کم ہوگئی

September 29, 2026 11:09

ملک میں کاروباری ہفتے کے مسلسل دوسرے روز سونے کی قیمت میں کمی ہوگئی۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق ملک میں... [...]

پاکستان اور آئی ایم ایف کے درمیان مذاکرات کا آغاز

September 29, 2026 6:09

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان اور عالمی مالیاتی فنڈ کے درمیان ای ایف ایف پروگرام کے چوتھے جائزے کے مذاکرات کا آغاز ہو گیا۔وزارتِ خزانہ کے... [...]

سعودی عرب میں ینبع سے تیل کی ترسیل بحال، روزانہ 2 ملین بیرل لوڈنگ شروع

September 29, 2026 6:09

---فائل فوٹو سعودی عرب نے یمنی حوثیوں کے حملے کے بعد مشرقی مغربی تیل پائپ لائن کی بحالی کے ساتھ بحیرۂ احمر کی بندرگاہ ینبع سے خام تیل... [...]

تیل کی قیمت 106 ڈالرز فی بیرل کے قریب پہنچ گئی

September 29, 2026 3:09

---فوٹو بشکریہ عرب میڈیامشرقِ وسطیٰ میں تیل کی فراہمی متاثر ہونے کے خدشات کے باعث عالمی منڈی میں تیل کی قیمتیں مسلسل دوسرے سیشن میں... [...]

پی ایس ایکس: 100 انڈیکس میں 339 پوائنٹس کی کمی

September 28, 2026 2:09

فوٹو: فائلپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں آج کاروبار کا ملا جلا رجحان رہا جہاں 100 انڈیکس میں 339 پوائنٹس کی کمی ہوئی۔ پی ایس ایکس بینچ... [...]

سونے کی قمیت میں آج بڑی کمی ہو گئی

September 28, 2026 9:09

---فائل فوٹوامریکی شرح سود میں اضافے کی توقعات پر عالمی اور علاقائی مارکیٹ میں سونے کی قیمت مزید کم ہو گئی۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ... [...]

امن معاہدہ مسترد، عالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتوں میں اضافہ

September 28, 2026 3:09

---فائل فوٹوایشیاء میں کاروبار کے آغاز پر عالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتوں میں 1 فیصد سے زائد اضافہ ہو گیا۔ عالمی مارکیٹ میں تیل کی... [...]

پاکستان اور آئی ایم ایف کے درمیان آج سے باقاعدہ مذاکرات شروع ہوں گے

September 27, 2026 8:09

پاکستان اور آئی ایم ایف کے درمیان آج سے باقاعدہ مذاکرات شروع ہوں گے، وزارت خزانہ کے مطابق آئی ایم ایف کا وفد اسلام آباد پہنچ گیا... [...]

آئی ایم ایف کو چینی کا شعبہ ڈی ریگولیٹ نہ کرنے کی وجوہات سے آگاہ کیا جائے گا، مذاکرات کل شروع ہوں گے

September 27, 2026 1:09

فائل فوٹو پاکستان اور آئی ایم ایف کے درمیان باقاعدہ مذاکرات کل شروع ہوں گے، وزارت خزانہ کے ذرائع بتاتے ہیں کہ پاکستان کی طرف سے ساورن... [...]

The 15 worst-performing S&P 500 stocks during a dismal September

September 30, 2026 9:22

The S&P 500 has gained slightly in September, but three-quarters of its components have declined. [...]

Trump touts economic wins in battleground states — like a $54 billion Alaskan pipeline — as the midterms draw closer

September 30, 2026 9:16

President Donald Trump is spending time this week talking up big job-creating projects in battleground states. [...]

How the ‘AI put’ has become the only thing that matters for stocks

September 30, 2026 8:59

While investors worry a spike in global bond yields will trigger a selloff in U.S. equities, strategists at BofA Global Research say the real threat lies elsewhere. [...]

A brutal September for bonds points to an even darker October

September 30, 2026 8:56

September has been a brutal month for the bond market. If history is any guide, October might be even worse. [...]

I’m 71 and still working. I earn $108,000 a year. Am I doing the right thing?

September 30, 2026 8:45

“I have $152,000 in my IRA and Roth accounts.” [...]

U.S. bond yields post biggest jump in a generation as global rout rattles investors

September 30, 2026 8:32

Yields in the global bond market have risen with startling speed over the past few months, and the more than $30 trillion market for U.S. government debt certainly hasn’t been immune. [...]

Paramount’s mega debt sale reveals how higher bond yields are squeezing corporate America

September 30, 2026 7:42

‘Over the near term, we expect supply to fall off, unless someone has to borrow,’ says Invesco’s Matt Brill [...]

Billionaires like Ken Griffin are doling out tons of money to prove that a college degree still matters

September 30, 2026 7:21

Despite questions swirling around colleges and universities, Griffin’s $3 billion donation to Carnegie Mellon University is one of many from billionaires to colleges this year [...]

My friend’s pet-sitting business grosses $300,000 a year, but she pays herself $50,000. Should I start one too?

September 30, 2026 7:00