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OGRA directed to ensure compliance with data reporting requirements

April 6, 2026 6:13

The Cabinet Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices on Monday directed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to ensure compliance with data reporting requirements, accelerate digitisation efforts across the supply chain, and maintain close coordination with the oil marketing companies (OMCs) and other relevant stakeholders to support seamless implementation of the system, the Finance Division said in a statement. The committee met under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, to review the petroleum supply situation and market conditions following the recent price adjustment. “The meeting focused on ensuring supply continuity, maintaining market discipline, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms across the supply chain,” the statement read. Also read: Energy conservation: markets, malls to close at 8pm across country except Sindh As per the details, the committee placed particular emphasis on strengthening monitoring and data-driven oversight through the digital dashboard launched by OGRA, which is designed to provide real-time visibility of stock levels, sales, and supply conditions from depots to retail outlets. The dashboard is expected to serve as a central tool for tracking key indicators, including sales, inventory, and demand fluctuations, enabling timely identification of supply gaps and informed decision-making. “While acknowledging progress, the committee noted that data reporting from retail outlets remains below expectations, particularly given the scale of over 12,000 petrol pumps nationwide, and stressed the need to fully operationalise the system to realise its intended benefits.” The finance minister emphasised the importance of timely data integration and directed all stakeholders to ensure prompt and accurate sharing of information to support effective utilisation of the dashboard for decision-making. “OGRA was directed to ensure compliance with data reporting requirements, accelerate digitisation efforts across the supply chain, and maintain close coordination with oil marketing companies and other relevant stakeholders to support seamless implementation of the system. In this context, PSO will further enhance visibility across its retail network and strengthen reporting coverage on a priority basis. “To reinforce implementation, it was decided that joint teams comprising representatives of the Petroleum Division, OGRA, FIA, and Pakistan State Oil will be deployed to selected PSO petrol pumps in Islamabad to support timely data entry, improve stock transparency, and ensure operational compliance. The committee underscored the importance of institutionalising such mechanisms to strengthen oversight, enhance accountability, and promote consistency in reporting practices across the retail network.” The committee undertook a comprehensive review of petroleum stock positions, import plans, and refinery operations. “Members were informed that the overall supply position remains stable, with diesel stocks providing approximately 25 days of cover, petrol availability sufficient to meet current demand, and crude oil stocks at around 12 days of cover, supported by incoming cargoes and scheduled imports.” The Petroleum Division apprised the committee that import arrangements for the coming weeks are on track through a combination of commercial procurement and government-to-government engagements, while refineries continue to operate at optimal levels to maintain throughput and ensure efficient conversion of crude into refined products. The committee also noted the critical importance of reliable energy supply in supporting key sectors such as agriculture, fertiliser production, transportation, and industry, underscoring its role in sustaining economic activity and maintaining price stability. In light of recent price movements, the committee emphasised continued vigilance across the supply chain to prevent hoarding, speculative behavior, and any disruption in product availability. Also read: PM Shehbaz urges nationwide shift to EVs to cut fuel costs “The importance of closely monitoring demand patterns, including localised variations in consumption, was highlighted to support balanced supply management. The committee also underscored the need to discourage unauthorised storage and address market irregularities within the regulatory framework.” The committee also reviewed the gas supply situation, including stock positions of SNGPL and SSGC, and discussed options for managing gas availability for domestic consumers and its allocation between domestic and power sectors. Members emphasised a balanced, data-driven approach to ensure efficient utilisation of resources, particularly in view of seasonal demand and increasing reliance on LPG. [...]

IT firms, freelancers exempted from declaring export proceeds of up to $25,000

April 6, 2026 5:51

Pakistan central bank has exempted information technology (IT) companies and freelancers from declaring the receipt of export proceeds of up to $25,000, softening the services export reporting rules with an aim to accelerate growth of the country’s IT exports, according to a notification issued on Monday. Besides, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has continued to allow the IT firms and freelancers retain $5,000 per month or 50% of their export proceeds, whichever is higher, in their Exporters’ Special Foreign Currency Accounts (ESFCAs), according to a separate notification. “The thresholds of Form “R” and IRV [Inward Remittance Voucher] have also been revised to $25,000 (equivalent in other currencies),” SBP said in notification. “Earlier, the reporting threshold was set at above $10,000,” Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) President Zafar Paracha told Business Recorder. Also read: Pakistan allows all non-residents to operate bank accounts to boost foreign investment The central bank has, however, revised reporting requirements for commercial banks, mandating them to provide more detailed information – on behalf of IT companies and freelancers – regarding the purpose of their overseas payments. “Authorized dealers [banks] are advised to use these [Form ‘R’ for reporting inward remittances of above $25,000 and Form ‘M’ for outward remittances] revised formats with immediate effect for capturing the details of applicable inward and outward remittance transactions,” the central bank notification reads. The IT firms and freelancers are allowed to utilise the retained funds for the purposes, including import of goods, advance payments for imports, payment for foreign consultancy, software/IT services subscriptions, and freelancers of companies paying overseas vendors, it was learnt. “The funds available in the ESFCAs may be converted into PKR [Pakistani currency/rupee] at any time upon the request of the customer. However, these funds cannot be credited/transferred to any other FCY [foreign currency] account(s),” the central bank said. SBP press statement reads banks have been advised to digitalise Form “R” and Form “M” with auto-population functionality for the customer’s basic data to further promote ease of doing business. “SBP believes that these measures will significantly enhance operational efficiency and contribute meaningfully towards the growth of Pakistan’s IT exports.” Paracha further said the ease in regulations for the reporting would fast track the receipt of the export proceeds in the country, encourage the exporters to bring more foreign exchange in the country, and help boosting IT exports. Also read: Pakistan startups projected to continue gaining enhanced access to financing in 2026 It may be noted that Pakistan’s IT exports maintained a declining trend, with receipts decreasing to $365 million in February 2026, according to SBP data. The inflows of IT sector receipts had stood at $374 million in January 2026, down from $437 million in December 2025. Inflows of IT and IT-enabled services stood at $2.97 billion during the period of July to February. [...]

PM Shehbaz urges nationwide shift to EVs to cut fuel costs

April 6, 2026 4:53

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed the need to promote environment-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) nationwide, saying the shift could help conserve foreign exchange reserves amid rising global oil prices, state-run APP reported. Addressing a ceremony of provision of eco-smart EVs to the Islamabad Capital Traffic Police, the prime minister said such energy saving initiatives should be emulated by all the law enforcement agencies and provinces. Also read: Energy conservation: markets, malls to close at 8pm across country except Sindh He observed that a total of 15 electric vehicles were provided by the interior ministry, which ran on batteries without using petrol and oil, while another batch of vehicles would be inducted soon. Terming the initiative a significant one, the prime minister said these steps would cast positive impacts upon the country’s foreign reserves. The provision of eco-smart electric vehicles has been a part of the government’s energy-saving policy, according to the APP. The work on fuel economy and electric vehicles policy had kickstarted prior to the current regional crises, resulting in the procurement of the vehicles, it reported. [...]

Rupee gains ground against US dollar

April 6, 2026 3:47

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false, pointRadius: 3 }] }, options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { display: false } }, scales: { x: { title: { display: true, text: 'Date' } }, y: { title: { display: true, text: 'Closing Rate' } } } } }); The Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain, appreciating 0.01% against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Monday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.07, a gain of Re0.03, against the greenback. On Friday, the local unit closed at 279.10. Meanwhile, the US dollar was steady on Monday, while the yen flirted with the crucial 160 per dollar level as nervous investors took stock of the escalating Iran war. The euro eased 0.13% to $1.151 in early trading, while sterling last fetched $1.3187. The dollar index, which measures the US currency against six rivals, was at 100.2. The Australian dollar was 0.13% higher at $0.6893, wobbling near the two-month low it hit last week. Additionally, oil prices were little changed in choppy trade on Monday. Oil prices inched up in choppy trade on Monday, as investors awaited clarity on the status of talks between the US and Iran and remained ‌wary about sustained supply losses due to shipping disruptions. Brent crude futures were up 0.1% to $109.13 a barrel at 1326 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were trading up 0.69%, or 77 cents, at $112.31 per barrel. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Monday BID Rs 279.07 OFFER Rs 279.27 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR lost 8 paise for buying and gained 5 paise for selling against USD, closing at 279.31 and 280.13, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR lost 10 paise for buying and gained 14 paise for selling, closing at 321.28 and 324.42, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 3 paise for buying and remained unchanged for selling, closing at 75.97 and 76.86, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 6 paise for buying and 1 paisa for selling, closing at 74.27 and 75.05, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Monday BID Rs 279.31 OFFER Rs 280.13 [...]

Gulf equities mixed as investors await clarity on US-Iran talks

April 6, 2026 3:21

Gulf stock markets closed mixed on Monday as investors awaited clarity on reports of U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks that came after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran of “hell” unless the Strait of Hormuz was reopened. Trump warned in an expletive-laden Easter Sunday social media post that he would order strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges on Tuesday if the strategic waterway was not reopened. The United States and Iran have received the framework of a plan to end hostilities, but Tehran rejected an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump threatened to rain “hell” on Iran if it failed to reach a deal by the end of Tuesday. Brent crude futures inched 36 cents lower, or 0.33%, to $108.67 a barrel at 1222 GMT. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index eased 0.1%, hit by a 0.7% fall in the country’s biggest lender by assets Saudi National Bank. Elsewhere, oil major Saudi Aramco fell 0.2%. GCC markets posted mixed performances as geopolitical uncertainty kept investors on the sidelines. In the near term, trading is likely to remain cautious and highly responsive to headlines surrounding regional tensions, said Joseph Dahrieh, Managing Director at Tickmill. Dubai’s main share index dropped 0.7%, weighed down by a 3% slide in Emaar Properties . In Abu Dhabi, the index gained 0.3%. According to Dahrieh, emerging hopes of a potential de-escalation could underpin sentiment and provide a stabilizing effect. UAE official Anwar Gargash said any settlement of the U.S.-Iran war must guarantee passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Gargash warned that any deal that does not restrain Iran’s nuclear programme and its missile and drone arsenal would pave the way for “a more dangerous, more volatile Middle East.” The UAE was hit harder than any other Gulf state, according to regional officials, following Tehran’s retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes with missiles and drones that targeted Israeli and U.S. bases and key Gulf infrastructure in the region. The Qatari benchmark advanced 1.8%, buoyed by a 1.6% rise in the Gulf’s biggest lender Qatar National Bank . Meanwhile, two vessels carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Ras Laffan, Qatar, turned back after moving east toward the Strait of Hormuz, ship-tracking data showed on Monday. Qatar, the world’s second-largest exporter of LNG, directs most of its shipments to Asia. Iranian attacks, however, knocked out 17% of export capacity, with 12.8 million tonnes per year expected to remain offline for three to five years. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index gained 0.8%. Saudi Arabia eased 0.1% to 11,263Abu Dhabi added 0.3% to 9,625Dubai dropped 0.7% to 5,448Qatar advanced 1.8% to 10,346Egypt gained 0.8% to 47,652Bahrain was flat at 1,880Oman finished flat at 8,276Kuwait rose 1.1% to 9,135 [...]

Wall Street edges higher as investors assess Mideast resolution prospects

April 6, 2026 3:16

Wall Street’s main indexes inched higher on Monday after marking their biggest weekly jump in four months in the previous session, while investors assessed prospects of an end to the Middle East conflict. The U.S. and Iran were weighing the framework of a plan to end the hostilities, though Iran rejected any immediate move to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump set a Tuesday deadline to reopen the waterway. Still, investors drew some comfort from a report that indicated the U.S., Iran and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire. “The stock market is a very good barometer of future activities … investors are expecting a recovery from the selloff that we experienced,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. “Wall Street is willing to take a wait-and-see attitude, but is betting that the outcome is positive.” The S&P 500 information technology index was the biggest boost, up 0.4%, with chip-linked stocks leading the charge. Memory chipmaker Seagate gained 8.3% after Morgan Stanley added it to its top-pick list. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index was up 0.8%. Industrials and mining stocks fell 0.3% and 0.7%, respectively. Gains in JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs lifted the Dow. At 10:02 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 68.86 points, or 0.15%, to 46,573.53, the S&P 500 gained 22.22 points, or 0.31%, to 6,604.91 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 117.62 points, or 0.52%, to 21,992.14. Trading volumes on Monday were expected to be thin as many markets in Europe and Asia are closed for public holidays. The CBOE Volatility Index, also known as Wall Street’s fear gauge, ticked up 0.47 points to 24.34. Pete Mulmat, head of brokerage strategy and operations at IG North America, said stocks and the VIX index were up simultaneously as markets were buying into the Trump “deadline extension” trade and not on genuine optimism. Wall Street’s main indexes posted their first weekly gains in six weeks as the prospects of an end to the conflict soothed investor nerves. Markets will scrutinize domestic inflation readings this week to gauge if the conflict-driven spikes in energy prices have trickled into the U.S. economy. Friday’s data showed U.S. job growth rebounded more than expected in March, supporting the view the Federal Reserve could keep rates on hold. Money market participants are not pricing in any easing from the central bank this year, compared to two cuts they had expected before the war broke out, per CME Group’s FedWatch Tool. On Monday, the Institute for Supply Management’s non-manufacturing purchasing managers’ index for March came in at 54, slightly below estimates of 54.9, according to economists polled by Reuters. Among others, Soleno Therapeutics shares surged about 32% after Neurocrine Biosciences agreed to acquire the rare-disease drugmaker for $2.9 billion in cash. U.S.-listed shares of cryptocurrency-linked firms rose, with Coinbase and Strategy up 2% and 4.3%, respectively, as bitcoin prices edged higher. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.48-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 1.81-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted five new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 37 new highs and 31 new lows. [...]

India’s central bank keeps foreign debt investment limits unchanged for 2026-27

April 6, 2026 3:04

India’s central bank on Monday kept foreign debt investment limits unchanged for 2026–27, as foreign investors continue to hold lesser amounts of government bonds than permitted. The central bank, which revises these limits annually, said overall investment ceilings will increase in absolute terms as the pool of government debt increases. Here are the details: Foreign portfolio investment limits for 2026–27 were kept unchanged at 6% for government securities, 2% for state government securities and 15% for corporate bonds. The total investment limit for government securities was revised to 3.04 trillion rupees for the October–March half of 2026–27. Details on state debt maturity profile to whet auction, derivatives demand, investors say The aggregate notional limit for credit default swaps sold by FPIs was set at 5% of the outstanding stock of corporate bonds, with an additional limit of 3.30 trillion rupees for 2026–27. All existing and new FPI investments under the voluntary retention route will align with general route limits from April 1. [...]

India’s NSE to launch Platts‑based crude futures in tie-up with S&P Global Energy

April 6, 2026 1:23

India’s National Stock Exchange will launch exchange-traded derivatives based on Platts oil price benchmarks through a collaboration with S&P Global Energy, the bourse said on Monday. The move comes as India’s market regulator pushes to deepen commodity derivatives markets and attract greater institutional participation, including in metals and energy contracts. The products will offer tools for price discovery and risk management to refiners, importers, traders, financial institutions and investors seeking exposure to global Brent crude prices in a regulated domestic market, NSE added. India is one of the world’s largest crude oil importers and remains heavily exposed to swings in global oil prices. India’s NSE selects 20 merchant bankers for proposed IPO The exchange will initially roll out Dated Brent Crude Oil (Platts) futures contracts, using the Platts Dated Brent benchmark, NSE said in a statement. NSE said it has received regulatory approval for the launch and that the contracts will begin trading on April 13, 2026. [...]

Gold price per tola gains Rs1,100 in Pakistan

April 6, 2026 1:18

Gold prices in Pakistan increased on Monday in line with their gain in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs491,462 after a gain of Rs1,100 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs421,349 after it increased by Rs943, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Saturday, gold prices remained stable at Rs490,362. The international rate of gold was up by $11 to reach $4,687 per ounce (with a premium of $20). Meanwhile, the price of silver decreased by Rs50 to reach Rs7,744 per tola. [...]

KSE-100 gains over 800 points amid easing geopolitical tensions

April 6, 2026 12:46

A volatile session was observed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the benchmark KSE-100 Index swinging both ways during trading on Monday. The index opened on a negative note, with the benchmark index dropping to an intra-day low of 147,771.35. However, buying interest returned during the second half of the trading session, pushing the index to an intra-day high of 151,875.01. At close, the benchmark index settles at 151,207.81, up by 809.10 points or 0.54%. “Early pressure reflected heightened geopolitical concerns; however, sentiment took a decisive turn as optimism around a potential ceasefire and the anticipated reopening of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a strong late-session recovery,” said Topline Securities. “The rebound was led by aggressive value hunting and short covering, allowing bulls to regain control by the close,” it added. On the index front, key laggards, including UBL, BAFL, ATRL, POL, and NESTLE, collectively shaved off 716 points. Conversely, ENGROH, PPL, LUCK, HUBC, OGDC, and MCB lent support, adding 666 points to the index. With a US deadline approaching, the United States and Iran received the framework of a plan to end their five-week-old conflict on Monday. The Pakistani-brokered plan emerged from intense overnight contacts and proposes an immediate ceasefire, followed by negotiations on a broader settlement to be concluded within 15 to 20 days, a source aware of the proposals told Reuters. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was in contact “all night long” with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the source said. During the last week, Pakistan’s stock market remained under pressure amid escalating geopolitical tensions and persistently high global oil prices. The KSE-100 Index continued to exhibit volatility, declining by 1,309 points or 0.9% on a week-on-week basis to close at 150,398.70 points. Internationally, oil prices rose, bonds fell, and stocks ‌were mixed at the start of trading in Asia on Monday as US President Donald Trump vowed “hell” if Tehran does not meet his deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s repeated threats to destroy civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if the vital waterway is not open by Tuesday, have put traders on edge for reciprocal attacks by Iran on targets in the Gulf states. With liquidity thin, as many countries around the region observed holidays on Monday, S&P 500 e-mini futures sank 0.2%, while ⁠MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.5%. The Nikkei 225 rose 1.2%, as South Korea’s Kospi advanced 2%. Brent crude futures opened higher, rising 1.4% to $110.58 a barrel after members of the OPEC+ agreed on Sunday to raise its oil output quotas by 206,000 barrels per day for May. However, the increase will exist only on paper for several major producing countries behind the Strait of Hormuz that have sustained damage to oil production facilities and transport infrastructure since the war started. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain, appreciating 0.01% against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Monday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.07, a gain of Re0.03, against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index decreased to 457.21 million from 471.94 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares increased to Rs30.88 billion from Rs24.64 billion in the previous session. Cnergyico PK was the volume leader with 57.96 million shares, followed by WorldCall Telecom with 30.55 million shares, and Pak Refinery with 28.35 million shares. Shares of 483 companies were traded on Monday, of which 261 registered an increase, 153 recorded a fall, and 69 remained unchanged. [...]

Indian companies’ $7bn NDF hoard shows firms seized Indian rupee arbitrage window

April 6, 2026 11:59

MUMBAI: Indian companies’ activity in the non-deliverable forwards (NDF) market surged to over $7 billion on March 30, around seven times the average, signaling a rush to capture arbitrage opportunities created by banks unwinding positions following regulatory curbs. The unwinding followed the Reserve Bank of India’s imposition of restrictions on lenders’ net onshore open FX positions, prompting a rush to lower positions aimed at benefitting from gaps between onshore and non-deliverable forwards. With banks selling dollars in the domestic market and simultaneously buying them in NDF to close the trades, the spread between the two widened, creating arbitrage opportunities that corporates exploited by buying dollars onshore and selling in NDF. Clearing house data bears out how this fueled a surge in NDF activity. Client trading volumes in the NDF market jumped manifold to $7.54 billion on March 30, Clearing Corp of India data showed. India proposes reintroducing open-market share buybacks via exchanges Dollar selling dominated, with $7.51 billion of corporate dollar sales, while buying was a mere $24 million. The data indicates why the central bank’s curbs on size of banks’ onshore FX positions, announced on March 27, were not able to meaningfully lift the rupee. On March 30, the currency initially ticked up but fell to an all-time low past 95 per U.S. dollar eventually due to onshore corporate dollar demand. Since then, India’s central bank has intensified its regulatory crackdown and barred local lenders from offering clients NDF while disallowing companies from rebooking canceled forward contracts. The series of measures by RBI, especially the curbs on corporate activity, has helped boost the rupee with the currency trading around 93 per U.S. dollar. [...]

Sri Lankan shares close flat

April 6, 2026 11:52

Sri Lankan shares closed largely flat on Monday. The CSE All Share index settled up 0.04% at 21,126.60. Hunter & Company PLC and SMB Finance PLC were the top percentage gainers on the CSE All Share index, rising 15.2% and 14.3%, respectively. Kerner Haus Global Solutions PLC and Hunas Holdings PLC were the top percentage losers on the index, shedding 8.2% and 6.7%, respectively. Trading volume on the CSE All Share index rose to 82 million shares from 64.1 million in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover rose to 3.03 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($9.6 million) from 1.77 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 869.8 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 2.96 billion rupees, the data showed. [...]

India bonds jump on Mideast peace proposal, 10-year yield slides most in 15 weeks

April 6, 2026 11:49

MUMBAI: Indian bonds surged on Monday, with the 10-year yield falling the most in nearly 15 weeks, on hopes of an end to the Middle East war after the U.S. and Iran received the framework for a plan to end their five-week-old conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier threatened to unleash “hell” on Tehran unless it agrees by the end of Tuesday to a deal that would allow traffic to resume through the critical energy chokepoint. Iran has ruled out any immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. India’s benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond yield eased about 9 basis points to 7.0458%, its biggest single-day drop since December 24. The yield fell for the first time after advancing for the previous 12 sessions. Bond yields move inversely to prices. The market also cheered likely purchases by the Reserve Bank of India last week and a slimmer-than-expected state borrowing calendar. Clearing house data showed a cohort of investors that includes the RBI and other long-term investors net bought 96 billion rupees ($1.03 billion) of bonds on Thursday. States said they will sell about 2.54 trillion rupees of bonds in April-June, below market expectations of 3 trillion rupees. Separately, traders pulled overnight index swaps lower before the RBI policy decision on April 8. “I am not expecting any changes in policy rates or stance,” said Alok Singh, head of treasury at CSB Bank, adding that the RBI may raise its inflation forecast, while lowering its growth projections. Rates The one-year OIS rate fell 19.25 bps to 6.18%, while the most liquid five-year rate eased 14.5 bps to 6.6950%, both logging their biggest declines in three years. The two-year rate fell 14 bps to 6.64%, falling the most in more than 16 months. [...]

Palm slips on profit-taking, Thailand’s export restrictions caps fall

April 6, 2026 11:47

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures edged lower on Monday, as profit-taking pressured the market, though Thailand’s crude palm oil export restrictions capped the decline. The benchmark palm oil contract for June delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange shed 27 ringgit, or 0.56%, to 4,812 ringgit ($1,195.53) a metric ton at the close. Some profit-taking was witnessed as most bullish factors were already priced in, leaving the market without fresh guidance, said Anilkumar Bagani, commodity research head at Sunvin Group, a Mumbai-based brokerage. However, Bagani said the market recovered slightly from the early lows as news of Thailand’s crude palm oil export restriction began to spread. Thailand’s Commerce Ministry said it will tighten crude palm oil exports and control bottled palm oil prices starting from April 7, with biodiesel demand rising because of soaring global fuel prices driven by the Middle East conflict. Oil prices fell more than $2 in choppy trade, as investors awaited clarity on the status of talks between the U.S. and Iran and remained wary about sustained supply losses due to shipping disruptions. Weaker crude oil futures make palm a more attractive option for biodiesel feedstock. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were up 0.07%. The Dalian Commodity Exchange was closed for a public holiday. Palm oil tracks price movements of rival edible oils as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. Malaysia’s palm oil inventories probably dropped in March by the most in three years to stand at their lowest since last July, as a surge in exports more than offset a modest output increase, a Reuters survey showed. The ringgit, palm’s currency of trade, strengthened 0.07% against the dollar, making the commodity slightly more expensive for buyers holding foreign currencies. [...]

Details on state debt maturity profile to whet auction, derivatives demand, investors say

April 6, 2026 11:40

MUMBAI: The Indian central bank’s push for states to disclose the maturity profile of planned debt sales by state governments is seen supporting demand for these securities by providing long-term investors with greater clarity. In a first, nine Indian states announced the duration of their bond supply, issuing securities in specific benchmark tenor buckets as per a pre-announced calendar, the Reserve Bank of India said. Investors had long pushed for states to align their borrowing disclosures with the central government, which provides maturity details. The size of state debt issuance has grown in recent years, drawing close to parity with the size of India’s sovereign debt issuance in the financial year that ended March, increasing the importance of this category for fixed income investors. “For long-term investors like insurers, it would be easy to plan investments if the maturity buckets are known. This is what we had requested to the regulator as well,” said Vidya Iyer, head of fixed income at ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. India’s sub-sovereign borrowing costs surge above 8%, highest since July 2022 Of the 2.55 trillion rupees ($27.47 bln) that states plan to raise through bonds in the April–June period, 1.54 trillion rupees or 60% will come from the nine states providing maturity details. This move brings state borrowings a step closer to the borrowing framework of the central government, which specifies maturity-wise borrowing in its borrowing calendar, rating agency ICRA said. Bankers said that greater transparency on maturity profiles will enhance auction demand, noting that the lack of clarity previously had resulted in market anomalies, with uncertainty around both the size of supply and its distribution along the yield curve. Demand from insurers that are currently active in bond forwards should improve, Iyer said. “If we are getting some yield pick-up for a longer period (beyond 15 years), we are agnostic between state and central government debt. So instead of crowding the 10–15-year bucket, they could move upwards and elongate their borrowing.” Investors added that with clarity on the tenor of supply from states for the next three months, they could potentially increase their trades in derivatives like floating rate agreements (FRA) and bond forwards. FRA, a derivative instrument used to hedge interest rate fluctuations, is a contract between two parties where actual securities are not delivered and only the price differential is settled. Bond forwards, which were introduced by the RBI last year, mandate delivery of the underlying securities, a major demand from insurers. [...]

OGRA directed to ensure compliance with data reporting requirements

April 6, 2026 6:13

IT firms, freelancers exempted from declaring export proceeds of up to $25,000

April 6, 2026 5:51

PM Shehbaz urges nationwide shift to EVs to cut fuel costs

April 6, 2026 4:53

Oil edges up in choppy trade; US, Iran receive ceasefire proposal framework

April 6, 2026 3:55

LONDON: Oil prices inched up in choppy trade on Monday, as investors awaited clarity on the status of talks between the U.S. and Iran and remained wary about sustained supply losses due to shipping disruptions. Brent crude futures were up 0.1% to $109.13 a barrel at 1326 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were trading up 0.69%, or 77 cents, at $112.31 per barrel. The pricing moves in Asia trading on Monday were dwarfed by an 11% surge for WTI and an 8% rise for Brent during the previous trading session on Thursday, the biggest absolute price increase since 2020. The U.S. and Iran received the framework of a plan to end hostilities, but Iran rejected immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after President Donald Trump threatened to rain “hell” on Tehran if it did not make a deal by the end of Tuesday. Iran also said it had formulated its positions and demands in response to recent ceasefire proposals conveyed via intermediaries. The Strait of Hormuz, which carries oil and petroleum products from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, remains largely closed due to Iranian attacks on shipping after the war began on February 28. Some vessels, however, including an Omani-operated tanker, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran’s policy to allow passage for vessels from countries it deems more friendly. “The market is trying to realise what to expect going forward. The most important headline this weekend has been that some ships passed through the Strait,” said SEB Research analyst Ole Hvalbye. Hvalbye also highlighted that Europe continued to lose physical barrels and products to Asia due to the market tightening. Seeking alternative sources The Middle East supply disruptions have led to refiners seeking alternative sources for crude, particularly for physical cargoes in the U.S. and Britain’s North Sea. Spot premiums for U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude have jumped to all-time highs on competition between Asian and European refiners. Indian refiners have also postponed maintenance shutdowns of their units to meet local fuel demand. On Sunday, OPEC+, consisting of some members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, agreed to a modest rise of 206,000 barrels per day for May. “OPEC movements look to be challenged based on export availability,” said Rystad analyst Janiv Shah. Saudi Arabia also set the official selling price of May Arab Light crude oil to Asia at a record premium of $19.50 a barrel above the Oman/Dubai average, an increase of $17 from the previous month, Aramco said. Meanwhile, Russian supply has been disrupted recently by Ukrainian drone attacks on its Baltic Sea export terminals. Media reports on Sunday said its Ust-Luga terminal resumed loadings on Saturday after days of disruptions. Exports from the Black Sea port of Tuapse are set to rise to 794,000 metric tons in April, up 8.7% on a daily basis from 755,000 metric tons planned for March, according to two traders and Reuters calculations. [...]

Rupee gains ground against US dollar

April 6, 2026 3:47

Gulf equities mixed as investors await clarity on US-Iran talks

April 6, 2026 3:21

Wall Street edges higher as investors assess Mideast resolution prospects

April 6, 2026 3:16

India’s Reliance buys Venezuelan oil directly from PDVSA, document and data show

April 6, 2026 3:12

A unit of India’s refiner Reliance Industries has begun loading a 2-million-barrel cargo of Venezuelan heavy crude directly bought from state-run energy company PDVSA, according to a company document and shipping data on Monday. Since Caracas signed a flagship oil supply deal with Washington after the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro in January, only a small group of companies have been able to buy cargoes directly from PDVSA. Oil proceeds from any sales remain controlled by the United States through bank accounts administered by the Treasury Department, and commercial terms must follow U.S. guidance, according to U.S. licenses granted for the trade so far. On Monday, the Bahamas-flagged supertanker Helios, chartered by Reliance’s unit RIL USA, docked at PDVSA’s Jose terminal on Venezuela’s eastern coast and began loading its cargo of Merey heavy crude bound for India’s Sikka port, according to the document and ship tracking data from LSEG. Reliance denies purchase of Iranian-origin oil Reliance and PDVSA did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Venezuela’s crude exports to India, which resumed in late February after a 10-month pause through sales made by U.S. oil company Chevron and trading houses Vitol and Trafigura to several Indian refiners, have helped drain millions of barrels of oil inventories in recent weeks, the shipping data showed. The supertankers bound for India also are helping load cargoes faster at Jose, the country’s main oil port, accelerating overall crude exports. Venezuela’s oil exports to India rose to some 342,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, from 35,000 bpd in February, according to vessel tracking data. [...]

India’s central bank keeps foreign debt investment limits unchanged for 2026-27

April 6, 2026 3:04

India’s NSE to launch Platts‑based crude futures in tie-up with S&P Global Energy

April 6, 2026 1:23

Gold price per tola gains Rs1,100 in Pakistan

April 6, 2026 1:18

KSE-100 gains over 800 points amid easing geopolitical tensions

April 6, 2026 12:46

Indian companies’ $7bn NDF hoard shows firms seized Indian rupee arbitrage window

April 6, 2026 11:59

Sri Lankan shares close flat

April 6, 2026 11:52

Weak grid holding back solar boom in Pakistan: report

April 6, 2026 11:50

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has highlighted that outdated grid infrastructure is acting as a critical bottleneck to the country’s solar energy expansion, urging authorities to take urgent modernisation measures to support rising distributed generation and unlock the sector’s full potential. The CCP it its study on the solar market, proposed targeted reforms to remove entry barriers, enhance market transparency, and boost investment in the solar sector. The study, titled “Unlocking Green Potential: A Market Competition Study of Solar Energy in Pakistan,” identified key structural challenges and outlined practical measures to strengthen grid infrastructure, improve policy clarity, and enforce quality standards, aimed at fostering competition and driving sustainable growth in the sector. Among the key recommendations, the CCP has called for urgent modernisation of distribution networks, noting that outdated feeders and substations are ill-equipped to handle two-way power flows from distributed solar generation, leading to voltage fluctuations and limiting net-metering expansion. Pre-Feb 9, 2026 solar agreements: Nepra ensures existing net metering rates to continue The CCP has also emphasised the need for a national smart metering rollout and grid automation, including the deployment of advanced systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distribution Management Systems (DMS), to improve real-time monitoring, reduce losses, and enable efficient integration of renewable energy. Highlighting delays in power market reforms, the CCP has urged the government to fast-track implementation of the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM), suggesting interim measures such as pilot bilateral contracts for renewable energy, particularly for industrial clusters and Special Economic Zones, to unlock cheaper electricity and stimulate competition. The study raises serious concerns over product quality and consumer protection, recommending the establishment of accredited solar testing laboratories, mandatory compliance with international standards, and the introduction of digital verification systems to curb the circulation of substandard and counterfeit equipment. Punjab signs 15m euros solar energy grant accord with German bank To address regional disparities, the CCP proposed measures to extend solar benefits to rural areas, including off-grid solutions, targeted subsidies, and concessional financing, noting that current net-metering advantages remain largely concentrated in urban centres. The CCP further highlighted the growing importance of battery storage technologies, recommending incentives for solar-plus-storage systems and support for domestic battery manufacturing to reduce pressure on the national grid and enhance energy reliability for industrial and commercial users. At the same time, rapid global advances in battery storage, fuelled by electric vehicle (EV) innovation, present Pakistan with a timely opportunity to ease grid pressure and deepen competition in the energy market. To reduce import dependence in a challenging geopolitical climate and amid rising energy costs, the CCP has recommended the introduction of a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme alongside the development of dedicated renewable energy zones. These measures aim to stimulate domestic solar panel manufacturing, supported by targeted tax incentives, improved access to financing, and strategic international partnerships. Additionally, the study calls for the establishment of a National Solar Registry to address persistent data gaps, improve policy planning, and enhance transparency across the solar value chain. [...]

Trump says Iranians ‘willing to suffer’ for freedom

April 6, 2026 6:37

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump argued Monday that Iranians were willing to suffer for their freedom, saying the United States had intercepted communications urging to “please keep bombing.” Also read: Trump says Tuesday deadline to make a deal with Iran is final “They would be willing to suffer that in order to have freedom,” Trump told a press conference, a day before his deadline to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure and bridges if its leaders do not comply with US demands. [...]

Trump says Vance, Witkoff and Kushner talking with intermediaries in Pakistan

April 6, 2026 6:25

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Vice President JD Vance, US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, were talking with intermediaries in Pakistan. Asked by a reporter whether he expected JD Vance to continue talks with intermediaries in Pakistan on ending the war with Iran, Trump said the vice president was involved. “He is, and we have Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner talking,” Trump said, referring to the special envoy and his son-in-law. “They’re all unified and they’re all talking.” Asked about the possibility of Vance being part of an in-person meeting, Trump said, “could be.” Iran and the United States had received a plan to end hostilities that could come into effect on Monday and ‌reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a source aware of the proposals said earlier on Monday. A framework to end hostilities has been put together by Pakistan and exchanged with Iran and the US overnight, the source said, outlining a two-tier approach with an immediate ceasefire followed by a comprehensive agreement. “All elements need to be agreed today,” the source said, adding the initial understanding would be structured as a memorandum of understanding finalised electronically through Pakistan, the sole communication channel in ⁠the talks. [...]

OGRA directed to ensure compliance with data reporting requirements

April 6, 2026 6:13

IT firms, freelancers exempted from declaring export proceeds of up to $25,000

April 6, 2026 5:51

PM Shehbaz urges nationwide shift to EVs to cut fuel costs

April 6, 2026 4:53

Four killed in Israel’s Haifa after Iranian missile strike

April 6, 2026 4:22

Four people were killed in the Israeli port city of Haifa after what Israeli media said was an Iranian missile strike that hit a residential building late on Sunday. Israel says Haifa residential building suffers direct hit in Iran attack The bodies of the four people were recovered from beneath the rubble following hours of intensive search-and-rescue operations, the Israeli military said on Monday. [...]

Energy conservation: markets, malls to close at 8pm across country except Sindh

April 6, 2026 4:21

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired on Monday a high-level meeting to review petroleum consumption, energy conservation, and austerity measures, resulting in major decisions affecting business hours and public activities across the country. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), markets, bazaars, and shopping malls in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will now close at 8pm starting April 7. However, divisional headquarters in KP will be allowed extended hours until 9pm. Consultations were still ongoing regarding the timings in Sindh, the PMO said. The government has moved to shorten market hours as part of its austerity measures aimed at conserving energy amid rising fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict. Also read: Trump says Tuesday deadline to make a deal with Iran is final “The decision, taken in consultation with provincial governments, also applies to departmental stores and shops dealing in daily-use items. Meanwhile, restaurants, bakeries, tandoors, and other food outlets will be required to shut down by 10pm,” the PMO said. Marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial venues will not be allowed to operate after 10pm, while wedding functions at private homes will also be prohibited beyond that time. Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from these restrictions. The PMO confirmed that the new measures would come into effect from April 7 as part of a broader strategy to reduce energy consumption and manage fuel costs. The meeting was informed that the government had already initiated the transfer of petroleum subsidies through digital wallets, with over 100,000 transactions completed so far. “PM Shehbaz thanked the provincial leaderships for reaching a consensus on these measures, calling them crucial for national interest. He also expressed hope that Sindh, where consultations are still ongoing, will soon adopt similar policies.” Additionally, the prime minister announced that intercity public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad would be free for one month, with the federal government covering all costs. [...]

The Associated Press to cut under 5% of global news staff

April 6, 2026 4:05

The Associated Press will cut under 5% of its global news staff, as part of a restructuring of its U.S. operations, according to a memo sent to employees and seen by Reuters. The changes will be concentrated largely in the U.S. news team, with a small number of positions in other U.S.-based reporting units also being affected, the memo from AP Executive Editor Julie Pace said. Pace said the move was aimed at better aligning AP’s newsroom operations with the needs of its largest customers, as shifts in audience behavior continue to reshape the media industry. The restructuring comes amid a broader wave of layoffs across the global media industry as news organizations grapple with falling advertising revenue, declining traffic and shifts in how audiences consume news. In February, the Washington Post began laying off roughly a third of its workforce, including hundreds of newsroom staff, as it scaled back coverage and restructured operations. Other major outlets, including CNN, NBC News and Business Insider, have also announced layoffs in the past year as they accelerate pivots toward digital-first and video-led strategies. AP had laid off about 8% of its workforce in late 2024 in a similar push to modernize its operations and products. While AP’s revenue has remained stable, Pace said the organization must continue to adapt as legacy print newspapers account for a shrinking share of its customer base. Broadcasters, digital publishers and technology companies now generate the majority of AP’s revenue, reflecting wider changes in how news is distributed and consumed. The news cooperative will first seek voluntary departures from employees covered by its collective bargaining agreement, and the cuts will not affect AP’s ability to provide news coverage across all 50 U.S. states, Pace said. [...]

Trump says Tuesday deadline to make a deal with Iran is final

April 6, 2026 4:00

WASHINGTON:- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the Tuesday deadline he has set for Iran to make a deal is final, calling Iran’s peace proposal significant but not good enough. Trump has warned U.S. forces will unleash broad attacks on Iranian infrastructure if his Tuesday night deadline is not met. Iran has rejected Trump’s deadline. “They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step. It’s not good enough,” Trump told reporters during an Easter egg event for children on the White House South Lawn. US, Iran weigh peace plan as Trump’s ‘hell’ warning nears deadline “It could end very quickly, the war, if they do what they have to do. They have to do certain things. They know that, they’ve been negotiating I think in good faith,” he said. Trump’s senior aides have been negotiating with Iran indirectly through Pakistan, attempting to get a deal in which Iran will forswear nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the oil transit waterway. Iran said it wanted a permanent end to the war, not just a temporary ceasefire. Trump said it appeared the latest team representing the Iranian government is “not as radicalized” as others who have been killed in airstrikes,. “We think they’re actually smarter,” he said. Trump said if it were up to him, the United States would take control of Iran’s oil, but he said the American people would probably not understand such a move. [...]

IAEA says strikes near Iran nuclear power plant ‘must stop’

April 6, 2026 3:39

VIENNA: The chief of the UN nuclear watchdog on Monday warned attacks near Iran’s Bushehr atomic power plant “pose a very real danger to nuclear safety and must stop”. The facility, located in the south of the country and equipped with a 1,000-megawatt reactor, has been targeted four times since the US-Israeli war on Iran began. The latest strike was reported by Iranian state media on Saturday. READ MORE: IAEA says projectile hits near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, killing one Strikes near the operating plant “could cause a severe radiological accident with harmful consequences for people and the environment in Iran and beyond,” said Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on X. The IAEA analysed satellite imagery of the site, confirming the impact of the latest strike, which did not damage the power plant. Grossi added that one strike hit just 75 metres (246 feet) from the plant perimeter. “A nuclear facility and surrounding areas should never be struck,” he said. Bushehr, built with help from Russia, is Iran’s only operational nuclear power reactor, according to the IAEA. Russian state media reported that 198 workers at the plant were evacuated just after the latest strike, with about 100 Russian staff remaining at the site. [...]

Gas supply restored in Tehran after attack on infrastructure: state TV

April 6, 2026 3:36

TEHRAN: Gas supply was restored on Monday after being cut in parts of Tehran following an attack on gas infrastructure at a university in the city, state television reported. The strike, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, hit a gas pressure reduction station and metering facilities at Sharif University of Technology, causing a leak. “The attack did not result in a fire, and in less than half an hour, the gas leak was completely fixed,” state broadcaster IRIB said. READ MORE: Iran’s huge Gulf gas field is struck in major escalation It said the problem had been “resolved” and gas supply had resumed for residents in affected parts of Tehran. The attack also hit the university’s data centre, which houses an artificial intelligence facility, according to the Fars news agency. Iranian media carried footage showing extensive damage at the site, with twisted metal, debris and damaged structures across the area. [...]

Iran rejects ceasefire as deadline nears on Trump ‘hell’ ultimatum

April 6, 2026 3:26

DUBAI/WASHINGTON: The U.S. and Iran on Monday weighed a framework plan to end their five‑week-old conflict, as Tehran said it wanted a lasting end to the war and pushed back against pressure to swiftly reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary ceasefire. Iran conveyed its response to the U.S. proposal for ending the war to Pakistan, rejecting a ceasefire and emphasizing the necessity of a permanent end to the war, the official IRNA news agency said on Monday. US, Iran weigh peace plan as Trump’s ‘hell’ warning nears deadline The Iranian response consisted of 10 clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction, the agency added. Trump has threatened to rain “hell” on Tehran if it did not make a deal by 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT) Tuesday that would allow traffic to start moving again through the vital route for global energy supplies. [...]

The crisis of two halves: jobs in absence of skilled and skilled in absence of jobs

April 6, 2026 3:23

“Engineer ban jao” was the statement that echoed in many homes, in a time where employment after higher education was a guarantee not a lottery ticket. As for what the state of engineers, doctors, lawyers and other professionals is now, this is not a difficult question to answer. From being a cause of anticipation to being deemed as impossible to attain, it is the loss of this confidence that has inspired a myriad of financial and political upheavals in Pakistan. The explanation for how this happened lies in both a mismatch between education and workplaces, and the more strikingly failed attempt at a creation of new jobs. Where schools and universities fall behind The education system as it stands today is, to a certain degree, ill-equipped to provide students with the skills deemed necessary for a successful career in an ever-changing landscape. According to the World Bank Group there is a certain overarching skillset needed to thrive in the workplace today. This skillset is composed of foundational skills, which involve the use of basic cognitive faculties, social and emotional soft skills, which involve navigating interpersonal scenarios in the workplace, specialised skills which equip individuals with the necessary expertise, and digital skills which horizontally cut across different sectors and employments (skills and workforce development). Bearing this basic categorisation in mind, we conducted a survey across pertinent demographics in Pakistan and the results confirmed what we already suspected. When asked if the current scheme of education adequately prepares them for the job market, nearly 35% of respondents felt that they were severely underprepared for what was to come and that the system does not reduce this unease. When asked which particular aspects of the education system contribute to the overwhelming sense of disillusion they face, 39% of respondents highlighted the system’s overemphasis on examination and test-taking while others felt the rigidity of syllabi and inadequate research opportunities served to enhance the gap between their education and what future employers require of them. A further scrutiny of student sentiment from our research indicates that there is in fact a higher education crisis in Pakistan, the impacts of which can be felt beyond just a few institutes. The university to workplace skills gap not only results in a higher unemployment rate but also contributes to a conundrum where talented applicants have to settle for low-paying, menial jobs (Arooj). A fractured workforce Once the education side becomes clear, the other end of the path is no less demanding. Even when students push through university with the hope of finding stable work, the market rarely meets them halfway. Pakistan’s overall unemployment rate for 2024-2025 stands at 7.1% (“Labour Force Statistics – Pakistan Bureau of Statistics”), but this single figure hides the disparate conditions facing new graduates. 3.7 million in the age range of 15-29 are unemployed, with 1.2 million being female (“Labour Force Statistics – Pakistan Bureau of Statistics”). Survey responses exemplify this tension. A combined 81% of participants expect real difficulty finding a job that matches their skills, with most placing this challenge in the higher ranges of the scale. Only 34% felt their education prepared them well, which means many graduates begin their search already feeling off balance. While global unemployment has eased in recent years, and other South Asian countries have recorded gradual improvement, Pakistan has not shared that momentum. A key reason is that several major industries have not grown fast enough to absorb the expanding workforce. With 33.1% of workers still tied to agriculture (“Labour Force Statistics –Pakistan Bureau of Statistics”), a climate-sensitive and low-productivity sector, the economy continues to rely heavily on fields that offer limited upward mobility. At the same time, the informal sector absorbs millions of young workers, but with little structure, almost no legal protection and few opportunities to build experience that can translate into later employment. All of this narrows the range of stable options available to new graduates. Source: Labour Force Statistics 2024-2025 – Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (Sample of 54,832 households) Employers face their own pressures. A steady outward flow of skilled workers has made it harder for firms to fill specialised roles. In 2022 alone, more than 765,000 Pakistanis went abroad for employment, including over 92,000 highly educated professionals such as doctors, engineers, IT specialists and accountants (The Economic Times). This loss weighs heavily on sectors already operating below potential, with the textile industry, for example, working at roughly 40% of China’s productivity. Digital talent is also limited at a time when firms increasingly depend on data and technology. Unequal internet access and gaps in digital-skills training have slowed workplace adoption of new tools, according to Saad Gilani of the International Labour Organisation (Economist Impact). As a result, employers often struggle to find candidates who meet the technical and digital expectations of today’s work environment. Our recommendations: coupling competence with development Having navigated through the dilemma at both an educational and professional level, the question remains on a means of resolve. This is where, in our findings, two concepts came up: research and vocationalism. In relation to the former, there’s the fact that a mere 0.8% of our GDP is spent on higher education, including both provincial and federal funding (“| Ministry of Finance | Government of Pakistan |”). To understand why this has ramifications, on a societal scale, requires a recall to many of the educational deficiencies that we discussed earlier. A common theme was a lack of cognitive development and it is this development that is best enabled by proactive and independent thinking. Such thinking can only be a consequence of an approach based not on rote-learning and imitation but innovation, and this is where research comes in. Research: the means of cognitive progress Moving beyond a simple awareness of the idea of research, we propose three things. The first is the launch of comprehensive research and development internships for high-school students in public universities. Modelled on programmes of the calibre of RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) in American institutes and even at LUMS, it would allow for an early induction into what ethical research looks like. The second proposal, being straightforward on paper but excruciatingly difficult in practicality, is funding. Mandating stringent quotas for funds allocated for research output per university would curb both disparities in quality of academia and assist in maintaining transparency. The final recommendation is the most challenging to execute, however. Here, the problem is with the process rather than the output. With many students purchasing authorships for fabricated academic credentials, there is a growing culture of corruption in higher education (Nosherwan). This is why any genuine skill upgrades within the student body require steps by the Higher Education Commission that more readily enforce consequences for such conduct. These consequences could range from year-long suspensions to expulsion from the host institute. A side-effect of each of these suggestions is overcoming long-term job stagnation, as research leading to innovation can progressively embellish existing industries, alongside creating new ones. Take Silicon Valley for an example. You do not get a Facebook or Microsoft without the rigor of universities like Harvard that produce the talent to make those companies. The merits of vocationalism Vocationalism, the latter of the two solutions, takes a more direct approach. Having a focus on career-specific practices mitigates the foremost issue for every entry-level applicant: unfamiliarity. Transitioning straight from memorisation-based learning to fluid industries is not only improbable but futile. This is where vocational internships or apprenticeships come in, possessing an invaluable depository of technical knowledge that is not necessarily found in textbooks. The problem here in Pakistan is the status of vocationalism as an afterthought. Just a quarter of the people in our survey were aware of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), even though more than 83% of respondents stated that they would consider participating in a vocational program after being made aware of it. Memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with public and private sector universities are, therefore, crucial for building a bridge between students and these programmes. In other words, with access to the student pool of these institutes, a far more significant subset of the working population can be reached. Secondly, the more wide-reaching complication here is the resources of the commission itself. After the 18th Amendment, the decentralisation of education diluted NAVTTC’s enforcement capacity, leading to inconsistent implementation across provinces. Research published in the Khyber Journal of Public Policy highlights further constraints: no unified database to track training outcomes, heavy reliance on donor funding, bureaucratic delays and limited engagement with the private sector. These gaps mean that training programmes often fail to align with what employers actually need. Here, emphasis must be made by the national government on the recommendations of NAVTTC submitted this year. From adherence of the curriculum to global benchmarks to integration with a “green economy”, an implementation of standards is necessary for universally effective initiatives (“NAVTTC Submits Key Proposals to Enhance Technical Education”). This is, additionally, where universities and the broader public can chime in. When more individuals and organisations present a willingness for learning industry-relevant skills, the endorsement of these programs by HEC can follow. Holistically, it is with an amalgamation of theory and practice, research and vocational training, and policy and awareness that the trend of disarray can be turned. A crisis of two parts needs a scheme with two measures. This simultaneous advocacy for impactful research, on one hand, and industry-related skill training, on the other, is what can produce both a resurgence of key industries and a suitable labor force for it. Afterall, the most permanent prosperity requires the most expansive change. Works cited: Arooj, Bushra. “The Crisis in Pakistan’s Higher Education System.” How Tests, 13 Jul.2025, www.howtests.com/articles/the-crisis-in-pakistans-higher-education-system. “Employment by Economic Sector in Pakistan as of 2023.” Statista, www.statista.com/statistics/383781/employment-by-economic-sector-in-pakistan. https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/06/12/pakistans-unemployment-rate-stands-at-6-3-with-4-51-million-jobless/. Gilani, Saad. “Bridging the Skills Gap: Fuelling Careers and the Economy in Pakistan.” Economist Impact, https://impact.economist.com/new-globalisation/bridging-skills-gap-fuelling-careers-and-economy-pakistan. “Labour Force Statistics – Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.” Pbs.gov.pk, 2023, www.pbs.gov.pk/labour-force-statistics/. Mahnoor Nosherwan. “The Crisis in Pakistan’s Academic Research.” The Spine Times - the Spine Times, The Spine Times, 28 Oct. 2024, spinetimes.pk/the-crisis-in-pakistans-academic-research/. “| Ministry of Finance | Government of Pakistan |.” Finance.gov.pk, 2025, www.finance.gov.pk/survey_2025.html. “NAVTTC Submits Key Proposals to Enhance Technical Education.” Dawn, 8 Oct. 2025, www.dawn.com/news/1947294. “Pakistan’s Brain Drain Situation Aggravates: 7,65,000 Youths Moved Overseas in 2022, Official Data.” The Economic Times – HR World, 15 Dec. 2022, https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/pakistans-brain-drain-situation-ag gravates-765000-youths-moved-overseas-in-2022-official-data/96231903?utm_source=to p_news&utm_medium=tagListing. “Skills and Workforce Development.” World Bank Group, 25 Apr. 2025, www.worldbank.org/en/topic/skillsdevelopment. [...]

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اسرائیلی فوجی نے عمارت سے چھلانگ لگا کر خودکشی کرلی

April 6, 2026 5:04

فائل فوٹو۔ایک اسرائیلی فوجی نے عمارت سے چھلانگ لگا کر خودکشی کرلی۔ تل ابیب سے میڈیا کے مطابق غزہ میں جنگی جرائم میں ملوث فوجیوں کو... [...]

دشمن اپنے جرائم سے ایرانی فوج کو کمزور نہیں کر سکتے، مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای

April 6, 2026 5:04

مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای : فائل فوٹو ایرانی سپریم لیڈر مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای نے کہا ہے کہ دشمن اپنے جرائم سے ایرانی مسلح افواج کو کمزور نہیں... [...]

ایک رات میں ایران کو تباہ کر دیں گے، شاید وہ رات کل ہو سکتی ہے، ٹرمپ

April 6, 2026 4:04

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے کہا ہے کہ ایک رات میں ایران کو تباہ کر دینگے شاید وہ رات کل ہو سکتی ہے۔واشنگٹن میں پریس کانفرنس کرتے... [...]

امریکی صدر ٹرمپ کا ایران سے متعلق نامناسب الفاظ کے استعمال پر جواب

April 6, 2026 4:04

فوٹو: اے ایف پی امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ سے ان کے گذشتہ روز کے بیان میں نامناسب الفاظ کے استعمال پر سوال کیا گیا۔جس کے جواب میں ڈونلڈ... [...]

اسرائیلی انٹیلی جنس کی بڑی ناکامی، اپنے حامی کو ہلاک کردیا

April 6, 2026 4:04

اسرائیلی فوج کے سربراہ اور ملٹری اینٹیلی جنس چیف۔اسرائیلی انٹیلی جنس کی بڑی ناکامی سامنے آگئی، بیروت پر حملہ کرکے حزب الله رہنما کے... [...]

دنیا بھر میں ایرانی سفارتخانوں کی جم کر ٹرمپ کی ٹرولنگ

April 6, 2026 4:04

فوٹو: ایکس دنیا بھر میں ایرانی سفارتخانے دھمکیوں کو سنجیدہ لینے کے بجائے جم کر ٹرمپ کی ٹرولنگ کر رہے ہیں۔زمبابوے میں سفارتخانے نے... [...]

ہماری فوج عظیم، منگل کی ڈیڈ لائن حتمی ہے، ٹرمپ

April 6, 2026 3:04

اے ایف پیامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے کہا ہے کہ منگل کی ڈیڈ لائن حتمی ہے، ہماری فوج دنیا کی عظیم فوج ہے۔خبر ایجنسی کے مطابق وائٹ ہاؤس میں... [...]

ایران نے امریکی تجاویز پر اپنا ردعمل پاکستان کو بھجوادیا

April 6, 2026 2:04

فوٹو: فائلایران نے امریکی تجاویز پر اپنا ردعمل پاکستان کو بھجوا دیا ہے۔ ایرانی میڈیا رپورٹ کے مطابق ایران کا ردِعمل ظاہر کرتا ہے کہ... [...]

عباس عراقچی کی شریف یونیورسٹی پر امریکی و اسرائیلی بمباری کی مذمت

April 6, 2026 2:04

فائل فوٹوایرانی وزیر خارجہ عباس عراقچی نے ایران کی شریف یونیورسٹی پر امریکی اور اسرائیلی بمباری کی شدید مذمت کی۔سوشل میڈیا پر جاری... [...]

ایران کی شریف یونیورسٹی پر بمباری، امریکی رکن کانگریس یاسمین انصاری کا اظہار افسوس

April 6, 2026 1:04

ایک کروڑ آبادی والے شہر میں یونیورسٹی پر بمباری کیوں؟، یاسمین انصاری - فوٹو: فائلایران کی شریف یونیورسٹی پر بمباری پر امریکا کی رکن... [...]

ایران میں 24 گھنٹوں میں دوسری ایرانی پیٹروکیمیکل تنصیب پر حملہ

April 6, 2026 1:04

فوٹو: ترک میڈیا جنگ بندی اور مذاکرات کی باتوں کے دوران ایران کے پیٹرو کیمیکل پلانٹ پر حملہ کیا گیا، جنوبی پارس کے علاقے’عسلویہ‘ ... [...]

امریکا آبنائے ہرمز کھلوانے میں ناکام، ایران اہم مقام کو کیسے کنٹرول کررہا ہے؟

April 6, 2026 1:04

فائل فوٹو امریکا اپنے تمام تر دعووں اور دھمکیوں کے باوجود آبنائے ہرمز سے ایران کا کنٹرو ل ختم کروانے میں ناکام نظر آرہا ہے، جس کی... [...]

ایران میں پائلٹ ریسکیو مشن میں تباہ 2 امریکی طیاروں کی تفصیلات سامنے آگئیں

April 6, 2026 12:04

فوٹو: امریکی میڈیا ایران میں امریکی پائلٹ کو ریسکیو کرنے کے مشن میں تباہ ہونے والے 2 امریکی ٹرانسپورٹ طیاروں کے بارے میں تفصیلات... [...]

ایران میں امریکی ریسکیو آپریشن افزودہ یورینیم چرانے کا کور آپریشن ہوسکتا ہے، ایران

April 6, 2026 12:04

اسماعیل بقائی : فوٹو ایرانی میڈیا ترجمان ایرانی وزارت خارجہ اسماعیل بقائی کا کہنا ہے کہ ایران میں امریکی ایئرمین کا ریسکیو آپریشن،... [...]

واحد فعال جوہری بجلی گھر بوشہر کو اب تک 4 بار نشانہ بنایا جا چکا، ایران کا عالمی ادارے کو خط

April 6, 2026 12:04

فوٹو: روئٹرز ایرانی ایٹمی توانائی ادارے کے سربراہ محمد اسلامی نے جوہری توانائی کے عالمی ادارے کے ڈائریکٹر کوخط لکھ دیا، جس میں کہا... [...]

ایک سال میں پیٹرول 48.61 فیصد اور ڈیزل 101.18 فیصد مہنگا ہوا

April 6, 2026 3:04

ایک سال میں پیٹرول اور ڈیزل کتنا مہنگا ہوا؟ تفصیلات جیونیوز پر آگئیں۔دستاویز کے مطابق ایک سال میں پیٹرول 48.61 فیصد، ڈیزل 101.18 فیصد... [...]

پاکستان کی ٹیکسٹائل برآمدات میں ماہانہ بنیاد پر اضافہ

April 6, 2026 12:04

فائل فوٹوپاکستان کی ٹیکسٹائل برآمدات میں ماہانہ بنیادوں پر اضافہ ہوا ہے۔وزارت تجارت کے ذرائع نے کہا ہے کہ فروری کے مقابلے میں مارچ... [...]

پاکستان میں سونے کی اونچی اڑان جاری، آج مزید مہنگا

April 6, 2026 8:04

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان بھر کی صرافہ مارکیٹوں میں سونے کی اونچی اڑان جاری ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق فی... [...]

پاکستان کا امارات کے ساڑھے 3 ارب ڈالرز سمیت جون تک 4.8 ارب ڈالرز کی ادائیگیوں کا بندوبست

April 6, 2026 7:04

پاکستان نے متحدہ عرب امارات کے ساڑھے 3 ارب ڈالرز سمیت جون تک 4.8 ارب ڈالرز کی ادائیگیوں کا بندوبست کر لیا۔حکومتی ذرائع کا دعویٰ ہے... [...]

کراچی میں گیس لوڈشیڈنگ کا نیا شیڈول جاری

April 6, 2026 7:04

کراچی کے مختلف علاقوں میں گیس کی بندش کا نیا شیڈول نافذ کر دیا گیا۔ذرائع کے مطابق صبح ساڑھے 5 بجے سے 10 بجے دن تک گیس فراہم کی جائے... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں منفی رجحان

April 6, 2026 4:04

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے پہلے دن منفی رجحان دیکھا جا رہا ہے۔100 انڈیکس کاروبار کے دوران 1037 پوائنٹس کی... [...]

جنگ کے دوران پاکستان میں ایرانی کرنسی کی قدر میں چار گنا اضافہ

April 5, 2026 12:04

امریکا اور اسرائیل کی جانب سے ایران پر مسلط کردہ جنگ کے دوران پاکستان میں ایرانی کرنسی کی قدر میں اضافہ ہوا ہے۔ ایکسچینج کمپنیز... [...]

ایل پی جی کی 450 سے 500 روپے فی کلو تک فروخت جاری

April 5, 2026 6:04

---فائل فوٹوایل پی جی کی فی کلو سرکاری قیمت 310 روپے ہونے کے باوجود 450 سے 500 روپے فی کلو تک میں فروخت جاری ہے۔ گیس کی قلت سے پریشان اور... [...]

کراچی: ایل پی جی کی فی کلو قیمت ریکارڈ سطح تک پہنچ گئی

April 4, 2026 7:04

—فائل فوٹوکراچی میں ایل پی جی کی فی کلو قیمت 500 روپے کی ریکارڈ سطح تک پہنچ گئی۔صارفین کا کہنا ہے کہ ایک کلو ایل پی جی سرکاری نرخ سے 200... [...]

مظفرگڑھ: ایل پی جی کی قیمتوں میں مزید اضافہ

April 4, 2026 6:04

—فائل فوٹومظفرگڑھ میں ایل پی جی کی قیمتوں میں مزید اضافہ ہو گیا۔ضلع بھر میں ایل پی جی کی قیمت 530 روپے فی کلو تک پہنچ گئی ہے۔مظفر گڑھ... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے میں ملا جلا رجحان رہا

April 4, 2026 4:04

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے میں ملا جلا رجحان دیکھا گیا۔پی ایس ایکس میں گزشتہ کاروباری ہفتے میں 100 انڈیکس 1308... [...]

وائس چیئرمین پاکستان پیٹرول پمپ ایسوسی ایشن کا قیمتوں میں اضافہ پر خدشہ

April 3, 2026 5:04

فائل فوٹووائس چیئرمین آل پاکستان پیٹرول پمپ ایسوسی ایشن نعمان بٹ نے پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی قیمتوں میں اضافے پر اپنا خدشہ... [...]

رواں ہفتے ملک میں کتنی مہنگائی ہوئی؟ ادارۂ شماریات نے بتا دیا

April 3, 2026 8:04

— فائل فوٹو وفاقی ادارۂ شماریات نے مہنگائی سے متعلق ہفتہ وار رپورٹ جاری کر دی۔ادارۂ شماریات کی رپورٹ کے مطابق 1 ہفتے میں 15 اشیائے... [...]

ایئر لائن کرایوں میں اضافے کا امکان

April 3, 2026 7:04

—تصویر بشکریہ غیر ملکی میڈیاایندھن کی قیمتوں میں اضافے کے بعد ایئر لائنز کے کرایوں میں اضافے کا امکان بڑھ گیا۔کمرشل طیاروں کے جیٹ... [...]

پاکستان کی صرافہ مارکیٹوں میں سونا پھر مہنگا

April 3, 2026 7:04

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان بھر کی صرافہ مارکیٹوں میں سونا پھر مہنگا ہو گیا۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوسی ایشن کے مطابق فی تولہ... [...]

3 factors that could get software stocks going again after a brutal stretch

April 6, 2026 7:18

It may not be a quick turnaround for the software sector, but here are three themes investors should monitor as they consider whether to re-engage. [...]

As stocks approach a true comeback, here’s where investors can find the richest opportunities

April 6, 2026 7:06