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Shipping giant Maersk suspends bookings in Gulf ‘until further notice’

March 4, 2026 6:47

COPENHAGEN: Danish shipping giant Maersk said Wednesday that it was suspending bookings in the Gulf “until further notice”, following a risk assessment as the Middle East conflict spreads across the region. “We are temporarily suspending cargo booking acceptance in and out of UAE, Oman (all ports apart from Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only) until further notice. This is with immediate notice,” Maersk said in a statement. It added that “exceptions will be made for critical foodstuff, medicine and other essential goods.” The company also added that the measure does not apply to Jordan and Lebanon. Two of its vessels are currently in the Gulf. Also read: Maersk suspends vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz Maersk had said Sunday that it was halting passage through the Suez Canal and the narrow Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. It followed several shipping groups who had made similar announcements after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards first declared the strait closed on Saturday. On Wednesday they said they had “complete control” over the vital waterway, through which around 20 percent of global seaborne oil passes, and warned that any vessels seeking to pass risked damage from missiles or stray drones. With energy prices already spiking, US President Donald Trump had said the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through the crucial shipping route. [...]

CBOT soybeans edge lower on China demand uncertainty, Brazil harvest

March 4, 2026 6:39

BEIJING: Chicago soybean futures edged lower on Wednesday, pressured by uncertain Chinese demand and the ongoing harvest in Brazil. The most-active soybean contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) lost 0.09% to $11.69-1/2 a bushel by 0400 GMT. The Middle East conflict, meanwhile, provided some support for soy and grains in the previous trading sessions. Markets are monitoring any revival in Chinese demand after Beijing met the 12 million-metric-ton soybean purchase target pledged to the White House, though traders remained sceptical amid high US prices. Top US and Chinese trade negotiators are expected to meet in mid-March, signalling that plans for a summit between US President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping remain on track despite US strikes on Iran, Bloomberg News reported. Meanwhile, CBOT wheat rose 0.35% to $5.76 a bushel despite improving US crop weather and ample global supplies. Rain in the US wheat belt has improved conditions, weighing on prices, though dryness in some areas remains a concern, analysts have said. CBOT corn rose 0.06% to $4.46-3/4 a bushel, supported by strong export demand. The US Department of Agriculture confirmed private sales of 196,000 metric tons of US corn for shipment to unknown destinations in the 2025/26 marketing year. Commodity funds were net sellers of CBOT corn, wheat and soy futures, traders said on Tuesday. [...]

S&P 500, Nasdaq rise as oil worries moderate

March 4, 2026 6:17

NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks mostly rose early Wednesday, shaking off the prior session’s losses as worries about oil prices moderated and a US employment report beat expectations. CFRA Research’s Sam Stovall cited President Donald Trump’s pledge to direct the Navy to provide safe passage to oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway where traffic has slowed considerably since the US-Israeli siege on Iran, sending oil prices higher. “It seems as if the market is shaking off some of the uncertainty surrounding Iran,” Stovall said. READ MORE: Wall St falls as ME conflict stokes inflation worries About 10 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.2 percent at 48,428.69. The broad-based S&P 500 added 0.1 percent at 6,820.91, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.4 percent to 22,594.55. Meanwhile, a report showed private employers added 63,000 jobs in February, more than the 48,000 that economists projected, according to payroll firm ADP. The ADP figures marked a “continuation of the upward trend in job growth since the end of last year,” said a note from Oxford Economics. “This supports our assumption for broad labor market stabilization.” But Oxrod added that “an emerging risk is whether heightened policy uncertainty from geopolitical events and tariff changes undermines business confidence and reduces hiring intentions, particularly for small firms.” [...]

Middle East crisis: Qatar declared force majeure on gas exports

March 4, 2026 4:40

Qatar declared force majeure on gas exports on Wednesday amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, with sources saying it may take at least a month to ‌return to normal production volumes. The move means global gas markets will experience shortages for weeks even in the unlikely scenario the conflict ends today, as Qatar supplies 20% of global liquefied natural gas. Force majeure is a clause that frees parties from liability if any failure to meet supply obligations is due to events beyond their control. State energy giant Qatar Energy (QE), which stopped producing gas this week, will fully shut down gas liquefaction on Wednesday, two sources familiar with the matter said. They asked not to be named because they are not allowed to speak to the media. QE won’t restart the facility for at least two weeks, according to ⁠initial estimates of the situation in the region, the sources said. Once the restart decision is taken, it will take another two weeks to turn gas into a super-chilled fuel and reach full capacity, the sources added. The company did not respond to a request for comment. Qatar accounts for about 20% of global LNG exports, all of which transit the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has ground to a near-halt amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation. Qatar supplies Europe and predominantly Asian markets, with over 80% of its customers in China, Japan, India, South Korea, Pakistan and other countries in the region. QE has started contacting some of its clients in Asia ‌and ⁠Europe, but has not told them how long the shutdown might last, sources told Reuters. The production halt has intensified competition between the Atlantic and Pacific basins for LNG cargoes, sending European and Asian gas prices and LNG freight rates to multi-year highs. [...]

Rupee records marginal gain against US dollar

March 4, 2026 3:54

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At close, the local currency settled at 279.42, a gain of Re0.03 against the greenback. On Tuesday, the local unit closed at 279.45. Globally, the dollar rallied to a three-month high in early trading in Asia on Wednesday, with ‌investors retreating from the euro as the growing conflict in the Middle East sparked fears of a sustained rise in energy prices. The euro traded down 0.3% at $1.1581, extending losses into a third day after earlier hitting its weakest since late November. Financial markets resumed their selloff on Wednesday as growing fears of a surge in inflation rippled across stocks and bonds after Israeli and US forces pounded targets across Iran, prompting a rush for cash among investors. The US ⁠dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was up 0.2% at 99.284, its strongest since November 28. Against the yen, the dollar was flat at 157.68 yen. Moreover, oil remained within sight of multi-month highs on Wednesday as the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted Middle East energy flows, although prices pared ‌gains after a report that Iranian operatives sought talks with the US to end the conflict. Brent crude was up 27 cents, or 0.3%, to $81.67 per barrel at 1438 GMT, after hitting a high of $84.48 and a low of $80.30 earlier in the session. On Tuesday, Brent closed at its highest since January 2025. US West Texas Intermediate ⁠crude was down 53 cents, or 0.7%, to $74.03, a day after settling at its highest since June. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Wednesday BID Rs 279.42 OFFER Rs 279.62 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR lost 18 paise for buying and gained 5 paise for selling against USD, closing at 279.38 and 280.45, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR gained 53 paise for buying and 99 paise for selling, closing at 323.69 and 327.40, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 16 paise for buying and 8 paise for selling, closing at 75.79 and 76.85, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 9 paise for buying and 12 paise for selling, closing at 74.00 and 75.03, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Wednesday BID Rs 279.38 OFFER Rs 280.45 [...]

Pakistan cuts gas for some industry buyers as Middle East war upends supply: report

March 4, 2026 3:43

Pakistan’s largest gas distributor was set to cut supplies to some of its industrial customers, suggesting growing strain in one of the economies most dependent on energy exports from Qatar, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. According to the report, the conflict in the Middle East has caused the most extensive disruption to the global energy trade since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, blocking the Strait of Hormuz and shuttering giant energy facilities including Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas export plant. This happened after Israel and the US carried out attacks on Iran, followed by Tehran launching retaliatory strikes on regional bases. The situation led to disruption at the Strait of Hormuz. Also read: What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important for oil? The strait lies between Oman and Iran and links the Gulf north of it with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. It is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just 2 miles (3 km) wide in either direction. During the last energy crunch four years ago, Pakistan suffered acutely from an economic crisis and was unable to afford sky-high prices and the country was forced to grapple with hours of daily blackouts, according to the report. In the short-term, the current crisis comes with an unexpected silver lining for an economy under pressure — it could help the country avoid expensive purchase agreements with Qatar which it no longer needs. Samiullah Tariq, head of research at Pakistan Kuwait Investment, said shifting to cheaper alternatives like imported coal “could be a blessing in disguise”, the report said. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, in a notice to the customers, said it could not provide regasified LNG to fertiliser plants from midnight Wednesday, having been notified of disruptions from its own supplier, Pakistan State Oil, just five days into confrontations in the Persian Gulf. “That suggests even lengthier disruptions would almost certainly prove both painful and costly.” The situation “could be serious” if five or more shipments of LNG were affected, Masanori Odaka, analyst at Rystad Energy, was quoted as saying in the report. “Current spot prices are well beyond what Pakistan is likely willing to pay,” he said. “So I will say the alternatives to sourcing LNG cargoes are limited.” A history of deferment and payment difficulties would also put Pakistan at a disadvantage.” For the month of March, according to Bloomberg, the country has received two cargoes, making it likely any gap can be filled with domestic production and coal imports. In April and May, however, the shortfall could extend from around half or one LNG shipment to two or three, according to Evan Tan, LNG analyst from commodities research group ICIS — too much to fill with domestic fixes. Meanhwile, Pakistan has asked Saudi Arabia to route oil supplies through the Red Sea port of Yanbu after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted shipping, the petroleum ministry said in a press release on Wednesday. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik raised the issue in a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, according to a ministry statement. The minister said most of Pakistan’s energy imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz and the government was monitoring the situation closely to ensure the continuity of supplies. [...]

UAE bourses slide after markets reopen from two-day halt during Iranian attacks

March 4, 2026 2:28

Stocks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi sank on Wednesday as markets reopened after a two-day halt following Iran’s unprecedented wave of missile and drone attacks on the UAE over the weekend. U.S. forces continued nonstop operations against Iran on Wednesday as Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iranian missile and air-defence targets. Dubai’s main share index slid 4.7%, its biggest intraday drop since May 2022, in broad-based declines led by blue-chip developer Emaar Properties 4.9%, while budget airline Air Arabia retreated 5%. Airlines and the tourism sector rushed to respond to more than 20,000 flight cancellations, while governments moved quickly to repatriate travellers stranded in the Middle East. Meanwhile, top lender Emirates NBD dropped 5%. In Abu Dhabi, the index ended 1.9% lower from the 3.6% loss in early trade, with the country’s biggest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank losing 5%. Among energy stocks, Dana Gas and TAQA were down 5% and 4.9%, respectively. ADNOC — the parent across the fuel distribution, drilling, logistics, and gas chain — came under pressure, the entire complex sold off in tandem. Aldar Properties was down 5%. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank plunged 4.9%. The UAE’s third-largest lender by assets said it has restored its mobile banking app after a disruption that also hit its contact centre, with some features still being reinstated. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi exchanges said on Tuesday that they would temporarily set the lower price limit for securities at -5% from -10%. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has told listed companies to immediately assess financial and operational exposure and promptly disclose any material information that could influence investor decisions. The UAE’s Capital Markets Authority closed the ADX and DFM on March 2 and March 3, an extraordinary step outside usual holiday and mourning closures. The closure froze trading in billions of dollars’ worth of listed assets as investors awaited clarity on the scale of damage from the weekend strikes on airports, ports and residential areas across both emirates. It sent investors the message that regulators are prioritising orderly price discovery over a volatility rollercoaster, said Ahmad Assiri, a research strategist at Pepperstone. “Because the Saudi market has already absorbed the initial shock, recovering from a 5% Sunday drop to post gains by Tuesday, the UAE reopening is expected to follow this recovery template to some extent,” Assiri said. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index finished 1.2% higher, on course to extend the previous session’s gains, led by an increase of 1.3% in Al Rajhi Bank. Jabal Omar Development - which runs the Jabal Omar complex of hotels and property within walking distance of the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca - advanced about 6%, following a steep rise in annual profit. Elsewhere, budget airline flynas jumped 4.3%, ending a three-session losing streak. However, oil major Saudi Aramco slipped 2.3%. Oil prices rose about 1% as U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted Middle East supplies, but the pace of gains slowed from past sessions after President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. Navy could escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. In Qatar, the index added 0.8%, with Qatar Islamic Bank advancing 2.2%. However, Industries Qatar eased 0.3%, as the petrochemical maker announced plans to suspend and cut some products. Muscat’s index rose 0.4%, whereas the Bahraini index was down 1.3%. The Kuwaiti index fell 0.6%. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index retreated 0.6%. [...]

Sri Lankan shares end higher on healthcare, IT gains

March 4, 2026 2:23

Sri Lankan shares closed higher on Wednesday, led by gains in healthcare and IT stocks. The CSE All-Share index settled up 0.6% at 22,577.41 points. Paragon Ceylon PLC and Kotmale Holdings PLC were the top percentage gainers on the CSE All-Share index, rising 25% and 24.3%, respectively. Trading volume on the index fell to 171.3 million shares from 371.6 million in the previous session. The equity market’s turnover fell to 4.68 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($15.1 million) from 9.56 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 220.2 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 4.56 billion rupees, the data showed. Separately, a submarine attack on an Iranian ship off the coast of Sri Lanka has left at least 101 people missing, one dead and 78 injured, sources in Sri Lanka’s navy and defence ministry told Reuters on Wednesday. [...]

Firmer China factory data lift copper, other base metals

March 4, 2026 11:47

LONDON: Copper prices rebounded from two sessions of losses on Wednesday on better-than-expected private factory data from top metals consumer China. Aluminium prices extended gains to the highest in over a month on supply worries from the widening war in the Middle East, a key producer of the metal. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange gained 1.5% to $13,150 a metric ton by 1030 GMT. LME copper had shed 3% over the past two sessions on worries that the Mideast conflict will undermine economic growth and metals demand. China’s factory data was mixed, with the official purchasing managers’ index tracking large state-owned manufacturers coming in slightly weaker. But the metals market focused on a second survey of smaller, private producers that topped analysts’ forecasts, with new order volumes rising for the ninth successive month. “The PMIs were good, we’re going in the right direction, with positive growth again and good orders. People are going long again on copper,” said Robert Montefusco at broker Sucden Financial. “But we’ve got to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Middle East because we’ve been having some very large swings this week.” LME aluminium climbed 1.7% to $3,305 a ton, having touched $3,318 for its strongest since January 29 after Norway’s Norsk Hydro announced on Tuesday a controlled shutdown of its aluminium joint venture in Qatar. LME aluminium has gained 5% this week after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks against Iran over the weekend. The region accounts for around 8% of global aluminium capacity. The disruption “hits a market that was already tight,” Ewa Manthey, commodities strategist at ING, said in a note. Falling LME inventories, elevated premiums and a tightening spread between the LME cash contract and benchmark three-month indicated tight supply even before the conflict, she added. Among other metals, LME zinc gained 1.3% to $3,312, lead rose 0.8% to $1,950.50, nickel advanced 3.3% to $17,680 and tin jumped 6.1% to $51,800. [...]

Palm ends lower tracking Chicago soyoil, profit-taking

March 4, 2026 11:44

JAKARTA: Malaysian palm oil futures fell on Wednesday after three straight sessions of gains, pressured by weaker Chicago soyoil prices and profit-taking. The benchmark palm oil contract for May delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange (BMDE) lost 8 ringgit, or 0.19%, to 4,178 ringgit ($1,059.87) a metric ton at the close. “Today’s crude palm oil future is tracking the softer Dalian and Chicago soyoil to take profit after the recent rally and will be trading in the range of 4,150-4,300 ringgit per ton based on current crude prices,” a Kuala Lumpur-based trader said. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract gained 0.46%, while its palm oil contract was up 0.22%, after falling as much as 0.49% earlier in the session. Soyoil on the Chicago Board of Trade was down 0.27%. Palm oil tracks the price movements of rival edible oils as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. Malaysia’s palm oil stocks likely fell for a second straight month in February, reaching a four-month low, as seasonal output declines outweighed slower exports, a Reuters survey showed. India’s palm oil imports rose 10.1% in February to a six-month high, as its widening discount to rival oils prompted refiners to ramp up purchases and cut imports of sunflower oil, according to five dealers. Oil prices rose 3% on Wednesday as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran disrupted Middle East supplies, but the pace of gains slowed from past sessions after President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. Navy could escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Stronger crude oil futures make palm a more attractive option for biodiesel feedstock. [...]

Oil surge drags Indian rupee to record low; importers scramble to hedge

March 4, 2026 11:34

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee fell to its all-time low on Wednesday, as mounting concerns of a prolonged conflict along a major oil-and-gas corridor in the Middle East heightened the risk of a deeper energy shock and unsettled markets. Brent crude extended its rally to a fourth consecutive session, while global stocks slumped as investors braced for anoil shock that could reignite inflation and delay interest rate cuts worldwide. The Indian rupee, Asia’s worst-performing currency this year, slipped to a record low of 92.3025 per dollar before closing at 92.15, falling 0.7% in its worst single-day slide in over a month. Intervention by the Reserve Bank of India helped limit losses in the face of heightened dollar demand from local corporates, including oil companies. U.S. and Israeli forces have pounded Iran since Saturday and Iranian drones and missiles have struck Gulf oil refineries and U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, raising concerns over the impact on oil importing economies such as India. “The primary concern for India and China is the passage of crude through the Strait of Hormuz,” said Abhishek Goenka, chief executive at FX advisory firm IFA Global. “While RBI will most likely be present (in FX markets)… Typically, the intervention in such cases is more light-touch as one does not know how much more the situation could worsen.” Traders said that there was a rush among importer clients to cover near-tenor liabilities. India’s benchmark equity indexes - the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 - fell more than 1% each, while the yield on the 10-year benchmark bond rose 4 bps. The intensifying conflict has also made currency hedging more expensive for Indian importers, while the Nifty India volatility index climbed to 21, its highest since May 2025, indicating a spike in investor anxiety. Economists say a sustained rise in oil prices can create growth and inflation pangs for the global economy. Analysts at Goldman Sachs say that if oil prices rise to $85 per barrel, the Philippines and Thailand would likely experience the largest price increases, with India and China likely to see a more modest rise in inflation. [...]

Indian shares slide as Mideast conflict ratchets up oil prices, stokes inflation fears

March 4, 2026 11:30

Indian shares extended their slump on Wednesday, while the rupee hit a lifetime low and bonds slid as the Middle East conflict sent oil prices higher, raising inflation concerns and rattling financial markets globally. The Nifty 50 fell 1.55% to a six-month closing low of 24,480.50 and the BSE Sensex shed 1.4% to an 11-month low of 79,116.19. The benchmarks have lost about 4% each in three sessions. Other Asian markets slid 4.1%, with a record-breaking market crash in South Korea, on worries that a wider Middle East war could deliver an energy shock that raises inflation and delays rate cuts. Brent crude futures rose 3.1% to $83.95 a barrel by 10:00 GMT. They have gained about 18.7% in four sessions. A sustained rise in crude oil prices could push up inflation and hurt growth in India, which imports 80% of its crude needs. “For India, any sharp spike in oil prices has implications for current account deficit, fiscal deficit and inflation, while also placing downward pressure on the rupee,” Macquarie analysts, led by Suresh Ganapathy, said. Fifteen of the 16 major sectors logged losses on Wednesday. The broader small- and mid-caps lost 2.1% and 2.2%, respectively. The Nifty India volatility index jumped to 21.14, settling at its highest level since May 9, 2025, indicating a spike in investor anxiety. “The Middle East conflict is dominating sentiment for now and markets always take the easy way out, which is to exit when in doubt,” said Arun Kejriwal, founder of Kejriwal Research and Investment Services. “In the near term, fresh investments are unlikely as investors will be cagey and pruning portfolios,” Kejriwal said, adding that though India could find some relief on crude through Russian imports and domestic inflows may offer support, stocks where earnings are hit from recent disruptions will be hammered. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that Moscow was ready to increase oil supplies to China and India, according to Interfax news agency. Among individual stocks, Larsen and Toubro, which has significant exposure to the Middle East, tumbled 4.5% after losing 5% in the previous session. Nifty heavyweights HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank lost 1.2% and 0.6%, respectively, while oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries fell 1%. Oil marketing companies, such as Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation lost about 4.8%-5.5%. Tyre makers such as MRF, JK Tyre and Ceat lost 2.7%-8%. Airline operator Interglobe Aviation dipped 2.8% after losing 6.4% in the previous session as the conflict forced domestic carriers to cancel flights to the Middle East and parts of Europe. [...]

Selling returns to bourse, KSE-100 sheds over 1,300 points

March 4, 2026 10:05

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) observed yet another volatile trading session, as the benchmark KSE-100 lost over 1,300 points on Wednesday. Trading opened on a negative note with the KSE-100 seeing a sharp dip amid immediate selling pressure, dragging the benchmark index to an intraday low of 154,790.73. However, the market made a strong comeback by mid-morning, pushing the KSE-100 towards an intraday high of 157,962.47. Selling pressure resumed by early afternoon, dragging the benchmark index lower. At close, the KSE-100 Index settled at 155,777.21, down by 1,354.88 points or 0.86%. “Overall sentiment remained fragile amid escalating geopolitical tensions, which dampened global risk appetite,” said Topline Securities in a note. The brokerage house shared that the local bourse followed the regional Asian markets, which largely traded in the red, mirroring the broader risk-off environment. “On the other hand, the Exploration & Production (E&P) sector outperformed the broader market, as international oil prices moved higher in response to the ongoing conflict, lending support to energy stocks,” it added. Index-heavy constituents—including ENGROH, UBL, NBP, HBL, and LUCK—emerged as key laggards, collectively dragging the index down by 891 points during the session, said Topline. On Tuesday, PSX staged a powerful and confidence-restoring rebound as aggressive value buying in heavyweight sectors helped the PSX recover sharply from the previous session’s historic rout, signalling a decisive shift in market sentiment from panic to opportunity. The benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed 5,159.10 points or 3.39% to close at 157,132.10 points. Internationally, Asian markets skidded on Wednesday, with investors cutting crowded positions in gold and chipmakers on worries a wider Mideast war could deliver an energy shock that raises inflation and delays rate cuts. Shares in Seoul dived 4% to take two-day losses beyond 11% as ‌fast-money and foreigners bailed out of a market that had soared on memory chipmakers’ vast AI-driven profits. The selloff dragged the won to a 17-year low. Japan’s Nikkei slid 2.5% in a third straight session of losses. Japan and South Korea are major energy importers. Benchmark Brent crude oil futures are up more than 12% for the week at $81.40 a barrel, though they came off highs after ⁠US President Donald Trump ordered an insurance guarantee on Gulf shipping and said the navy may escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. US and Israeli forces have pounded Iran for four days, and Iranian drones and missiles have struck Gulf oil refineries and also US embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. On Wall Street, indexes pared their earlier losses, but the S&P 500 closed 0.8% lower amid fears of potentially prolonged higher oil prices. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee registered a marginal gain, appreciating 0.01% against the US dollar, in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.42, a gain of Re0.03 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index declined to 622.69 million from 770.69 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares decreased to Rs29.95 billion from Rs44.36 billion in the previous session. Unity Foods Ltd was the volume leader with 117.21 million shares, followed by K-Electric Ltd. with 64.94 million shares, and Trust Sec. & Bro.(R) with 56.76 million shares. Shares of 479 companies were traded on Wednesday, of which 201 registered an increase, 213 recorded a fall, and 65 remained unchanged. [...]

Gold climbs over 1% as US-Israeli strikes on Iran fuel safe‑haven demand

March 4, 2026 8:51

Gold prices rose over 1% on Wednesday, rebounding from a more ‌than one-week low hit in the previous session, as escalating US-Israeli air strikes against Iran and heightened geopolitical uncertainty supported safe-haven demand. Spot gold gained 1.6% to $5,168.69 per ounce as of 0249 GMT. US gold futures for April delivery added 1.1% to $5,178.40. On Tuesday, bullion fell more than 4% to its lowest since February 20, weighed by a firmer dollar and ⁠dimming rate-cut prospects as inflation concerns were intensified by fears of a potentially prolonged Middle East conflict. “I think for gold to shrug this off over the course of a number of days wouldn’t be surprising because it has tended into its own narrative and has been resilient despite whatever the dollar is doing, despite what yields have been doing since the beginning of last year,” said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at Tastylive. Global oil and gas prices surged as the US-Israeli war on Iran halted energy exports from the Middle East, ‌with ⁠Tehran attacking ships and energy facilities, closing navigation in the Gulf and forcing production stoppages from Qatar to Iraq. Global stock markets slid as the disruption of Middle East energy supplies exacerbated investor concerns about inflation. “Higher oil prices as a result of escalating geopolitical tensions in Iran added to inflationary ⁠concerns and complicated the outlook for monetary easing,” said Christopher Wong, a strategist at OCBC. Investors expect the US Federal Reserve to hold rates at the end of its next two-day meeting on March ⁠18, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool. “The underlying fundamentals (for gold) have not materially shifted. Structural drivers such as geopolitical uncertainty, policy unpredictability and portfolio diversification needs remain intact,” ⁠Wong added. Spot silver advanced 3.5% to $84.92 per ounce on Wednesday, after falling more than 8% in the last session. Spot platinum added 2.7% to $2,139.56 per ounce, while palladium gained 1.6% to $1,673.87. [...]

OGDCL strikes major oil & gas discovery in Kohat

March 4, 2026 8:30

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), one of Pakistan’s largest exploration and production (E&P) companies, has made significant oil and gas discoveries at its Baragzai X-01 (Slant) exploratory well in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The listed E&P disclosed the development in its notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday. “We are pleased to inform that OGDCL, operator of Nashpa Exploration License (65% working interest), together with its joint venture partners - Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) (30%) and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) (5% carried interest) - has made an oil and gas discovery over lockhart limestone at its exploratory well Baragzai X-01 (Slant), located in District Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” read the notice. OGDCL shared that during cased-hole Drill Stem Test (DST-05) in Lockhart Limestone, the well flowed at a rate of 3,765 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 11.2 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of gas, through a 32/64“ choke at a wellhead flowing pressure of 4,080 psig. “Baragzai X-01 (Slant) well was spud-in on December 30, 2024 as an exploratory well in the Nashpa Exploration License to test the hydrocarbon potential of Lockhart, Hangu, Lumshiwal, Samana Suk, Shinawari, Datta and Kingriali formations. “The well was successfully drilled down to a total depth of 5,170 meters into the Kingriali Formation. Based on the wireline logs evaluation, four cased hole drill stem tests were earlier conducted in Kingriali, Datta, Samana Suk + Shinawari and Hangu + Lumshiwal formations, which also resulted in oil and gas discoveries.” OGDCL shared that the latest oil and gas discovery will contribute toward mitigating the energy supply-demand gap through indigenous resources and will add to the hydrocarbon reserves base of OGDCL, its joint venture partners, and the country. [...]

UAE bourses slide after markets reopen from two-day halt during Iranian attacks

March 4, 2026 2:28

Sri Lankan shares end higher on healthcare, IT gains

March 4, 2026 2:23

Oil prices up 1% as Iran crisis disrupts Middle East supply

March 4, 2026 12:36

LONDON: Oil prices rose about 1% on Wednesday as U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted Middle East supplies, but the pace of gains slowed from past sessions after President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. Navy could escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent rose $1.1, or 1.4%, to $82.52 a barrel by 1143 GMT, after closing on Tuesday at its highest since January 2025. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 40 cents, or 0.5%, to $74.96, after settling at its highest since June. Prices pared gains, with the WTI contract briefly turning negative, after the New York Times reported operatives from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence signalled openness to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to talks on ending the war, citing officials briefed on the matter. “The primary near-term driver for oil prices remains the US-Iran conflict,” said OANDA senior market analyst Kelvin Wong. “At this stage, only clear signs of de-escalation could mitigate or reverse the current bullish trend for WTI, and such signals are currently lacking.” Israeli and U.S. forces struck targets across Iran on Tuesday, prompting Iranian strikes against energy infrastructure in a region that accounts for just under a third of global oil production. Iraq, the second-largest crude producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has cut output by nearly 1.5 million barrels a day, about half its production, due to storage limits and the lack of an export route, officials told Reuters. They said the country may have to shut nearly 3 million bpd of output within days if exports do not resume. Leadership council takes over: Israel says warplanes hit Tehran again after killing Khamenei Iran has also targeted tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flow. Traffic through the Strait remains effectively closed. Trump said the U.S. Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait if necessary, adding that he had ordered the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade in the Gulf. “While oil prices declined on the headline, we think the insurance proposal is likely in a concepts-of-a-plan stage and question whether there has been sufficient coordination with the multiple international tanker insurers,” RBC analyst Helima Croft said. Saudi Aramco seeks to reroute crude away from Strait of Hormuz, sources say Countries and companies have begun seeking alternative routes and supplies. India and Indonesia said they were looking for other energy supplies, while some Chinese refineries were shutting or moving up maintenance plans. In the United States, crude stocks rose by 5.6 million barrels last week, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures, well above the 2.3 million projected by analysts. Official figures from the U.S. government are expected later on Wednesday. [...]

Pakistan seeks Saudi oil supplies via Yanbu port after Hormuz disruption

March 4, 2026 12:08

KARACHI: Pakistan has asked Saudi Arabia to route oil supplies through the Red Sea port of Yanbu after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted shipping, the petroleum ministry said in a press release on Wednesday. The request comes as war in the Middle East has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint through which a large share of the world’s oil and most of Pakistan’s fuel imports pass, raising concerns about supply security for import-dependent economies. “He further highlighted that Saudi Arabian sources had assured security of supplies through the Port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, which can help meet energy requirements,” read the release, adding that one vessel has been arranged to sail to Yanbu to lift crude for Pakistan. Riyadh reaffirmed it would support Pakistan in meeting its emergency energy needs, it added. Pakistan, KSA to deepen ties in energy and minerals Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik raised the issue in a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, according to a ministry statement. The minister said most of Pakistan’s energy imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz and the government was monitoring the situation closely to ensure the continuity of supplies. Saudi Arabia has also been seeking to divert some crude exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu to bypass Hormuz as shipping through the strait slows due to the conflict, according to sources familiar with the matter. [...]

Pakistan’s OGDCL plans output boost as LNG supply risks rise

March 4, 2026 11:58

KARACHI: Pakistan’s state natural gas producer OGDCL is preparing to raise output for the first time in recent years as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East choked supply, its managing director said. High electricity tariffs and rapid rooftop solar adoption have reduced demand for natural gas in recent years, forcing Pakistan to renegotiate long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contracts with Qatar and domestic producers to cut output. On Monday, Qatar halted LNG production after Iran targeted the country following the U.S.-Israeli strikes over the weekend. Here are the new developments: OGDCL aims to raise natural gas output by 5% to 865 million cubic feet per day. OGDCL strikes major oil & gas discovery in Kohat The company also plans to boost crude oil production by 14% to 40,000 barrels per day, as the conflict has disrupted shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. OGDCL’s Managing Director, Ahmed Lak, emphasised potential further increases with new discoveries. “This potential can be fully monetised subject to offtake by the buyers,” Lak said. Pakistan is exploring the option of reducing LNG terminal regasification due to undelivered Qatari cargoes, industry sources said. The move could relieve pressure on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, sources added. [...]

Firmer China factory data lift copper, other base metals

March 4, 2026 11:47

Palm ends lower tracking Chicago soyoil, profit-taking

March 4, 2026 11:44

MRPL declares force majeure on gasoline export cargoes for March, April, traders say

March 4, 2026 11:40

NEW DELHI: India’s Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals declared force majeure on all upcoming gasoline export cargoes amid the Middle East conflict that has disrupted crude oil flows from the Gulf, two traders said on Wednesday. The company had already awarded two to three cargoes via tenders for early March loading and is in discussion with buyers on settling those supplies, one of the traders said. MRPL has swap agreements with traders to receive crude cargoes in exchange for supplying refined fuel, the trader added. The state-run refiner, which runs a 300,000-barrel-per-day refinery in the southern state of Karnataka, exports about 40% of its refined fuel output. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman, a conduit for about a fifth of oil consumed globally, has virtually stopped after Iranian attacks on vessels in the wake of U.S. and Israeli strikes that interrupted energy trade flows. Indian refiners’ Jan crude processing slips MRPL did not immediately respond to a Reuters email request for comment. A source with the company, who sought anonymity, confirmed the force majeure. Indian refiners fill about 40% of their crude needs through purchases from the Middle East, in addition to sourcing from spot markets and processing domestic oil. India is scouting for alternative sources to importing crude, liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas, a government source said on Tuesday. In January, MRPL said it was exploring purchases of Venezuelan oil after the refiner halted imports of Russian oil to comply with Western sanctions. India’s crude inventories are sufficient to meet demand for about 25 days. Refiners also hold a 25-day inventory of gasoil, gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas, the government source added. [...]

Oil surge drags Indian rupee to record low; importers scramble to hedge

March 4, 2026 11:34

Indian shares slide as Mideast conflict ratchets up oil prices, stokes inflation fears

March 4, 2026 11:30

Rupee records marginal gain against US dollar

March 4, 2026 10:06

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At close, the local currency settled at 279.42, a gain of Re0.03 against the greenback. On Tuesday, the local unit closed at 279.45. Globally, the dollar rallied to a three-month high in early trading in Asia on Wednesday, with ‌investors retreating from the euro as the growing conflict in the Middle East sparked fears of a sustained rise in energy prices. The euro traded down 0.3% at $1.1581, extending losses into a third day after earlier hitting its weakest since late November. Financial markets resumed their selloff on Wednesday as growing fears of a surge in inflation rippled across stocks and bonds after Israeli and US forces pounded targets across Iran, prompting a rush for cash among investors. The US ⁠dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was up 0.2% at 99.284, its strongest since November 28. Against the yen, the dollar was flat at 157.68 yen. Moreover, oil prices rose 3% on Wednesday as the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted Middle East supplies, but the pace of gains slowed from past sessions after President Donald Trump suggested the US Navy could escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent rose $2.67, or 3.3%, to $84.07 a barrel by 0659 GMT, after closing on Tuesday at its highest since January 2025. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $2.24, or 3%, to $76.8, after settling at its highest since June. Both benchmarks have risen about 5% or more in the past two sessions. [...]

Selling returns to bourse, KSE-100 sheds over 1,300 points

March 4, 2026 10:05

Govt monitoring petroleum supplies amid Gulf tensions: Aurangzeb

March 4, 2026 9:47

As escalating tensions in the Gulf region continue to rattle global energy markets and disrupt supply chains, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday assured that the government is closely monitoring the petroleum availability and remains engaged with key stakeholders to prevent potential supply disruptions. The assurance came during a meeting with Robert Jan Siegert, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Pakistan, along with a delegation from Engro Corporation and Engro Vopak Terminal Limited (EVTL). The delegation included Ahsan Zafar Syed, President of Engro Corporation; Ammar Shah, CEO of EVTL; and Yasir Ali, Vice President & Chief Government Relations Officer of Engro Corporation, read a statement on Wednesday. The meeting included an exchange of views on the evolving regional situation and its potential implications for energy markets and supply chains. The finance minister noted that the government is closely monitoring developments and remains engaged with relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate availability of petroleum products and to manage potential supply challenges. Meanwhile, the delegation shared general industry perspectives on logistics and supply considerations amid international market volatility. During the meeting, Aurangzeb underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to strengthening economic cooperation with the Netherlands. He noted that long-standing partnerships with reputable international investors contribute positively to Pakistan’s economic development, facilitate trade and investment, and reinforce confidence within the global business community. The Dutch envoy reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to further expanding bilateral economic ties. He highlighted the presence of Dutch enterprises in Pakistan and emphasised that successful partnerships between Pakistani and Dutch companies demonstrate the potential for deeper economic collaboration between the two countries. During the meeting, the Engro team briefed the finance minister on the operations of Engro Vopak Terminal Limited, a joint venture between Royal Vopak of the Netherlands and Engro Corporation. The delegation noted that the terminal has been operating at Port Qasim since 1996 and plays an important role in Pakistan’s industrial and energy supply chains by handling key chemical imports used by downstream industries, as well as a significant share of marine LPG supporting household energy needs. The delegation also shared perspectives regarding the future operating arrangements of the terminal and the importance of maintaining continuity in specialised infrastructure that supports industrial production and supply-chain stability. They highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the partners and the broader contribution of such investments to Pakistan’s economic landscape. The finance minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating a supportive environment for credible foreign investment and assured the delegation of the government’s cooperation in addressing matters relating to ongoing economic partnerships. [...]

CCP approves ISE Towers REIT asset transfer to subsidiary after Phase-I review

March 4, 2026 9:37

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) approved the proposed restructuring and transfer of designated real estate assets of ISE Towers REIT Management Company Limited to its subsidiary, ISE Realty Company Limited. CCP received a pre-merger application on January 23, 2026, jointly filed by ISE Towers REIT Management Company Limited and ISE Realty Company Limited. The transaction is being carried out pursuant to a Scheme of Compromise, Arrangement, and Reconstruction dated November 17, 2025. ISE Towers REIT Management Company Limited, formerly Islamabad Stock Exchange (Guarantee) Limited, is a licensed Non-banking Finance Company (NBFC). ISE Realty Company Limited, incorporated in October 2025, is a public limited company engaged in real estate development and marketing, including commercial and mixed-use projects. Under the approved scheme, designated real estate assets and liabilities of ISE Towers REIT will be transferred to ISE Realty Company Limited, followed by a reorganisation of shareholding through the issuance of shares to the existing shareholders of ISE Towers REIT. Following the restructuring, ISE Towers REIT will function as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to facilitate the launch and management of a REIT Scheme. The CCP’s review noted that ISE Realty Company Limited has been incorporated specifically to implement the restructuring scheme and is not currently operational in the relevant market. The assessment further determined that the transaction involves internal restructuring and transfer of assets within related entities. CCP concluded that the proposed transaction is unlikely to create or strengthen a dominant position in the relevant market, substantially lessen competition, or create barriers to entry. The assessment also found that the transaction would not adversely affect market dynamics. Accordingly, the Commission has authorised the transaction. The restructuring aims to facilitate the launch of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) structure in Pakistan. Such initiatives can contribute to the formalisation and development of Pakistan’s real estate sector by promoting institutional investment, enhancing transparency, and improving efficiency in real estate management. [...]

Energy crisis in Strait of Hormuz could hit Pakistan’s exports: APTMA

March 4, 2026 8:55

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) on Wednesday voiced concerns that Pakistan’s export and industrial sectors are facing mounting risks as the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Strait of Hormuz disrupts the supply of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), driving energy prices higher and threatening the country’s power security. In a letter addressed to Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and other government ministers, including Minister of Energy Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, and other officials, the APTMA urged the government to take immediate measures, including suspending levies on fuel oil and boosting domestic gas production, to safeguard energy availability and protect export competitiveness. “We write to draw your urgent attention to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the region and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This situation is constricting the supply of oil and LNG to Pakistan and poses serious risks for the power sector and for the industry’s energy security,” read the letter. APTMA noted that the sharp rise in energy prices is expected to widen Pakistan’s current account deficit, while supply availability itself remains uncertain. “At the same time, higher energy costs will directly affect the competitiveness of the export sector. This creates a double impact on the economy: the dollar value of imports will rise significantly while exports, which are already under pressure, will face further risk,” APTMA warned. The association was of the view that even if the conflict stabilises in the coming weeks, disruptions in energy supply chains and prices are likely to persist for several months, which creates a serious concern for export industries. APTMA urged the government to immediately suspend the carbon levy and the petroleum development levy on RFO on an urgent basis. “This would make RFO a financially viable option for captive power generation for export industries. Given the current disruption in international supply lines, export of surplus RFO is also unlikely in the near term, ensuring sufficient supply in the domestic market,” it said. Moreover, APTMA also called for the removal of the cap on production from domestic gas fields and allocation of additional domestic gas to the power sector. Gulf conflict hits Pakistan fertiliser sector as Agritech shuts urea plant “The power sector currently relies heavily on imported LNG, particularly from Qatar, whose supply is facing serious disruptions in the present crisis. In this context, increased production from domestic gas fields and its allocation to the power sector would allow greater power generation from local resources and help reduce reliance on the uncertain supply of expensive imported LNG during the current crisis,” it said. The APTMA urged the government to take timely action and prevent a further decline in Pakistan’s export earnings during a period of external stress. [...]

Trump rates Iran war as ‘15 out of 10’

March 4, 2026 9:39

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Wednesday rated the US performance in the war with Iran as a 15 on a scale of 10, saying the Islamic republic’s leaders were rapidly being killed, and vowing to push on. Trump’s comments came as the conflict expanded on its fifth day, with a US submarine sinking an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka and fresh blasts across the Middle East. “We’re doing well on the war front, to put it mildly. Somebody said on a scale of 10, where would you rate it? I said about a 15,” Trump told a gathering of tech bosses at the White House. “We’re in a very strong position now, and their leadership is just rapidly going. Everybody that seems to want to be a leader, they end up dead.” Trump added that Tehran’s arsenal of ballistic missiles was being “wiped out rapidly.” He repeated his justifications for attacking Iran, saying Tehran was on its way to obtaining a nuclear weapon. “When crazy people have nuclear weapons, bad things happen,” Trump added. The US leader pledged that he would “continue forward” with the joint air campaign with Israel that has already slain Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei on its opening day on Saturday. Also read: Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei confirmed dead: Trump Trump’s administration has faced criticism after days of mixed messages about the rationale for the war, given the Republican’s previous campaign boasts about starting “no new wars.” ‘Paying in blood’ He has yet to spell out his plan for what happens after the war or to say whether he wants a wholesale change in Iran’s government, or to work with remnants who would deal with Washington. Trump has pursued a policy of working with figures from the Venezuelan government following the US toppling of Nicolas Maduro in January – and making a deal to extract Venezuelan oil. The White House said Wednesday that Iran’s clerical government was being “absolutely crushed” and was “paying in blood” – but declined to confirm Trump wanted regime change in Tehran. But Trump is “actively considering” a US role in Iran after the American-Israeli operation against the country concludes, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “I think it’s something the president is actively considering and discussing with his advisors and his national security team,” Leavitt told a briefing. Leavitt also rejected as “false” reports that Trump had agreed to arm Kurdish separatist militia in Iran so that they could rise up against the government. But she confirmed that Trump had spoken to Kurdish leaders. The Wall Street Journal reported Trump was considering supporting Kurdish groups. Leavitt also said the United States and Israel expected to “complete and total dominance” over Iranian airspace in the “coming hours”, echoing comments made earlier by the Pentagon. [...]

Macron urges Netanyahu to avoid ground offensive in Lebanon

March 4, 2026 7:59

PARIS: France’s President Emmanuel Macron said he urged Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to “refrain from a ground offensive” in Lebanon in their first phone call since last summer. “I called on the Israeli prime minister to preserve Lebanon’s territorial integrity and to refrain from a ground offensive,” Macron said on X, after Israeli ground forces pushed into several border towns and villages in southern Lebanon. Lebanon, a former French protectorate, was drawn into the Middle East war on Monday when the group Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes at the weekend. Also read: French president calls for urgent meeting of UN security council on Iran The French president said he also spoke to Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, stressing the need for Hezbollah “to immediately cease its attacks against Israel and beyond”. Relations between Macron and Netanyahu soured last summer after the French leader declared France’s intention to recognise Palestinian statehood. France formally recognised a Palestinian state in late September, before a fragile ceasefire took hold in the Gaza Strip the following month. In a letter sent in mid-August, Netanyahu had complained the French plan to recognise a Palestinian state was fuelling antisemitism – to which Macron responded that the fight against antisemitism should “not be weaponised”. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said in early September that his government would not agree to Macron visiting so long as Paris planned to recognise a Palestinian state. [...]

Shipping giant Maersk suspends bookings in Gulf ‘until further notice’

March 4, 2026 6:47

Allen’s record ton powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup final

March 4, 2026 6:47

KOLKATA: New Zealand’s Finn Allen blasted the fastest century in T20 World Cup history in Kolkata on Wednesday as his side hammered South Africa by nine wickets to reach the final. Chasing 170 to win the first semi-final, Allen hit an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, to obliterate the previous mark of 47 balls by Chris Gayle, as New Zealand raced home with 7.1 overs to spare. Allen went on a rampage as he finished with two fours, two sixes and a four off successive balls to hit the winning runs and reach his hundred with a roar of delight at Eden Gardens. Tim Seifert hit 58 in a 117-run opening stand with Allen off just 9.1 overs to set up the victory romp. Seifert hit two sixes and seven fours while Allen bludgeoned eight sixes and 10 fours in a brutal display of controlled power hitting. Also read: England have belief and skills to take down India, says Brook New Zealand, who edged into the semi-finals on net run rate but are seeking a first World Cup title, will play either India or England in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad. Spinners Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie took two wickets each to restrict South Africa to 169-8 after New Zealand elected to field first. The 2024 runners-up South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, had been unbeaten in seven matches but slumped to 77-5 before Marco Jansen hit an unbeaten 55 to give the total some respect. Seifert reached his fifty off fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. Allen raised his half-century off 19 balls. Kagiso Rababa bowled Seifert in the 10th over but it wasS South Africa’s only success. Spinners Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie earlier took two wickets each before Tristan Stubbs (29) and Jansen put on 73 for South Africa. Jansen hit two fours and five sixes in his 30-ball knock. McConchie struck first in the second over with his off-spin to send back Quinton De Kock for 10 and Ryan Rickelton next ball, but Dewald Brevis avoided the hat-trick. Left-arm spinner Ravindra had Markram caught in the deep by Daryl Mitchell for 18. David Miller fell for six to Ravindra five balls later, with Mitchell again taking the catch at long-on. South Africa had lost half their side in 10.2 overs when Jimmy Neesham cut short Brevis’s knock on 34. Ferguson bowled Stubbs but Jansen hit him for six to reach his fifty. Pace bowler Matt Henry, who arrived back only on Tuesday night after going home for the birth of his child, took 2-34. [...]

At least 87 dead after US sinks Iranian warship

March 4, 2026 6:20

GALLE: A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday, killing at least 87 sailors and leaving dozens missing, officials said. The sinking came as the war sparked by a joint US-Israel attack on Iran continued to spread across the Middle East. “An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo,” US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters in Washington. He called the attack “quiet death” and the first US sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II. “Like in that war,” Hegseth said, “we are fighting to win.” The Sri Lankan navy recovered the bodies of 87 sailors from waters near the southern city of Galle, but 61 remained missing, police and defence officials said. “A search is still on for the others,” a navy official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Also read: Trump says 48 Iranian ‘leaders’ killed in US attack Earlier, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said Sri Lankan forces had rescued 32 sailors, many wounded, from the stricken Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. The rescued sailors are being treated in Galle, where an AFP photographer saw the first batch of over two dozen bodies being transported into a hospital on Wednesday evening. The vessel issued a distress call at dawn but had completely sunk by the time a rescue ship reached the area within an hour, leaving only an oil patch on the surface, said Sri Lankan navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath. The warship was travelling after reportedly attending a military exercise in India’s eastern port of Visakhapatnam. The attack was just 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Galle, the local navy said. Iran has not yet commented on the sinking. Tehran’s ambassador in Colombo, Alireza Delkhosh, was not immediately available for comment. Sampath said Sri Lanka’s response to the distress call was in line with its maritime obligations. “This is within our search and rescue area in the Indian Ocean,” Sampath told AFP. Sri Lanka has remained neutral and has repeatedly urged dialogue to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Just over a million Sri Lankans are employed in the region, and they are a key source of foreign exchange for the country emerging from its worst-ever economic meltdown in 2022. Both Sri Lanka’s navy and the air force said they were not releasing footage of the rescue because it involved the military of another state. Police stepped up security outside the Galle hospital as the wounded Iranians were brought there. [...]

S&P 500, Nasdaq rise as oil worries moderate

March 4, 2026 6:17

World Obesity Day: count of fat people rises to an alarming level in Pakistan

March 4, 2026 6:16

Observing the World Obesity Day 2026 in Pakistan on Wednesday, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malik noted that nearly 38 million Pakistanis – approximately one in three adult people – were living with obesity, terming the situation alarming. He emphasised that obesity was a major modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, placing growing pressure on the country’s health system. “Obesity cost Pakistan an estimated $3.41 billion in 2019, warning that the economic burden will rise significantly without sustained intervention,” Dr Malik said. Addressing participants at the event organised by the ministry in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, according to a ministry (MONHSRC) statement, the minister gave a call for an “urgent need for coordinated national action against obesity in Pakistan”. Also read: Pharma firms introduce advanced medications to help patients control diabetes, obesity Stressing prevention, he underscored the need to improve lifestyles, promote balanced diets, discourage excessive fast-food consumption, and increase physical activity. Malik reiterated that obesity prevention had been integrated into national health planning, including under the Prime Minister’s Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus (2024–2029), aimed at addressing the obesity – diabetes continuum through awareness, behaviour change, and early screening. He observed that women and urban populations were disproportionately affected, while childhood obesity was steadily increasing. Secretary MONHSRC, Hamed Yaqoob, stated that obesity was a complex, chronic disease influenced by biological, environmental, and social factors, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to improving understanding, reducing stigma, and expanding access to person-centred care. Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, Maja Mortensen, welcomed the constructive dialogue and emphasised that partnerships promoting knowledge-sharing and innovation were essential for sustainable, evidence-based health solutions. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen prevention strategies, enhance policy measures, and foster multi-sectoral collaboration to combat obesity and safeguard public health in Pakistan. [...]

Use of Afghan soil for terrorism unacceptable, COAS says during Wana visit

March 4, 2026 4:52

Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday said the use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups to carry out terrorist activities against Pakistan was unacceptable, as he visited Wana in South Waziristan to review the security situation along the western border, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. During the visit, the army chief laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument and offered Fateha to pay homage to the martyrs who rendered supreme sacrifices in defence of the country. He reaffirmed that the sacrifices of msrtyrs remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s security and resilience. The COAS was given a comprehensive briefing on the security environment, ongoing intelligence-based operations, and border management measures. He was also briefed in detail on the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil Haq and the latest developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Read More: Operation Ghazb lil Haq: 481 Afghan Taliban killed, 696 injured in latest clashes: minister Interacting with officers and troops deployed in forward areas, Gen Munir commended their professionalism, operational vigilance, and high morale during the ongoing skirmishes. He lauded their steadfast commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in the region. Referring to cross-border threats, the army chief emphasised that the use of Afghan soil by “Fitna al Khawarij” and “Fitna al Hindustan” for acts of terrorism against Pakistan was unacceptable and that all necessary measures would be taken to neutralise threats emanating from across the border. The COAS reiterated that lasting peace between the two sides was contingent upon the Afghan Taliban renouncing support for terrorism and terrorist organisations. Expressing satisfaction over the operational preparedness of the Pakistan Army, he conveyed full confidence in the combat readiness, synergy, and resilience of the formations deployed along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Upon arrival in Wana, the COAS was received by the Corps Commander Peshawar, the ISPR added. [...]

Middle East crisis: Qatar declared force majeure on gas exports

March 4, 2026 4:40

US Senate likely to reject bid to curb Trump’s Iran war powers

March 4, 2026 4:10

WASHINGTON: The US Senate is set to vote Wednesday on a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military strikes on Iran, in the first congressional test of support for a conflict launched without explicit approval from lawmakers. The bipartisan measure, introduced by Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican Rand Paul, would require the withdrawal of US forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress authorises the campaign. But with Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the upper chamber of Congress and largely backing the president’s decision to attack Iran alongside Israel, the resolution is widely expected to fail. The vote comes five days into a rapidly expanding conflict that has already killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior figures in Tehran, while US troops have died in Iranian strikes and a drone attack on a US base in Kuwait. READ MORE: Pentagon identifies first US soldiers killed in Iran war Democrats argue Trump unconstitutionally bypassed Congress when he ordered the air campaign and say the administration has offered shifting explanations for the war. “Let me say it this way, there was no presentation of any evidence in that room…that suggested that the US faced any imminent threat from Iran,” Kaine told AFP after a classified briefing from administration officials. Republicans have largely rallied behind their leader, though some have signaled their support could erode if the war expands or drags on. “Roadside bombs coming out of Iran have maimed and killed hundreds, if not thousands, of Americans,” Lindsey Graham, one of Trump’s top loyalists in the Senate and a longtime advocate of confronting Iran, posted on X. “They mean it when they say ‘death to America.’ I’m glad we didn’t let it go further. I’m glad we didn’t let them build more missiles.” ‘Knocked out’ For the resolution to pass, Democrats would need at least four additional Republicans to join Paul if every senator votes. At least one Democrat, Pennsylvania centrist John Fetterman, has already said he will oppose it. READ MORE: Iran Guards say launched more than 40 missiles at US, Israeli targets Even if the measure cleared both the Senate and the House – where a vote on a similar resolution is expected Thursday – Trump could veto it, and Congress would need an almost certainly unattainable two-thirds majority in both chambers to override him. Governments around the world have scrambled to evacuate citizens stranded by the war in the Middle East, triggered by the US-Israeli strikes that killed Khamenei and prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. Cities such as Dubai and Riyadh – long seen as insulated from the region’s turmoil – have been drawn into the crisis as the conflict spreads across Iran’s neighborhood. The debate in Congress over Trump’s authority to wage war reflects broader unease on Capitol Hill about the scope and duration of the military campaign. Administration officials told lawmakers in classified briefings this week that the operation could last weeks and may require additional funding from Congress. Lawmakers from both parties say the Pentagon could soon seek emergency funds to replenish weapons stockpiles and sustain the campaign. The war powers resolution invokes the 1973 War Powers Act, passed after the Vietnam War, which allows Congress to force votes on military engagements and limits unauthorized conflicts to 60 days. Democrats acknowledge the measure faces steep odds but say forcing lawmakers to take a public position on the war is essential. [...]

India eye special performance to conquer ‘street-smart’ England

March 4, 2026 4:07

MUMBAI: India will need a “special performance” to beat a “street-smart” England in their T20 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai, bowling coach Morne Morkel warned on Wednesday. Sanju Samson’s sparkling 97 not out enabled India to chase down 196 against the West Indies in a winner-takes-all clash on Sunday in Kolkata. Morne said India would again need someone “to put their hand up” against Harry Brook’s side on Thursday night to keep the nation’s dream of a home World Cup win alive. Morkel agreed India had not put together a flawless display in the tournament yet, but said that did not matter. “We haven’t really spoken about the perfect game,” Morne told reporters at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium after India’s final training session before Thursday’s big clash. “It’s not about how you get to the semi-finals. It’s about the next two games, how we’re going to play there. “I think the quality of this team has been shown that on the day somebody will put their hand up. “Then hopefully, especially tomorrow night, we can put that special performance in.” It is the third T20 World Cup in a row that India will play England in the semi-finals. Both previous times the winners went on to lift the trophy. READ MORE: England ‘not fearing anything’ against India, says Curran In 2022, England crushed India by 10 wickets in Adelaide and beat Pakistan in the Melbourne final. Two years ago India won in Guyana by a similarly dominant 68 runs before downing South Africa in Barbados. This time, though, India will have the backing of 35,000 fiercely partisan fans in Mumbai. “It’s a big occasion tomorrow night here, a semi-final, a great stadium to play a great game of cricket,” said Morkel. “So hopefully the boys can rock up tomorrow and just be calm and execute those skills.” India are leaving nothing to chance in their preparations. Training on Tuesday night was delayed by an hour so it did not coincide with a lunar eclipse, which is considered unlucky in India. “I was told about the lunar eclipse and the session was pushed backwards,” admitted Morkel. “I think the most important thing to focus on was the quality the guys put in at training, which was great to see.” India hosted the T20 World Cup in 2016 and lost in a Mumbai semi-final to eventual champions the West Indies. India are wary of the threat posed by England, who were shaky in the group phase but powered through the Super Eights with wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand. “They’re a team that’s street smart. Obviously there’s a lot of quality in their side,” said Morkel. “Their batting is deep, which makes them a very dangerous side. With the ball, they’ve got a lot of attacking options. “The way they approach a T20 game, fearless, trying to take the game on, will give you opportunities. “Tomorrow is going to be a good shoot-out between two aggressive teams.” South Africa play New Zealand in the first semi-final later on Wednesday. [...]

France says planning G7 finance meeting on Mideast

March 4, 2026 4:06

PARIS: France said Wednesday it is planning a meeting of G7 finance ministers on the Middle East crisis for early next week, as the war fuels fears for the global economy. “I have spoken with various counterparts, in particular Scott Bessent, who is the US treasury secretary. And we agreed to hold a meeting which will take place at the beginning of next week,” French Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure told Franceinfo radio. “We want to let a week go by to see how the conflict develops, how the markets evolve. We’ll have the finance ministers and the central bank governors there as well.” France currently holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven advanced economies, which also includes Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. A first meeting of finance ministers under the French presidency was held on January 27. Lescure said next week’s meeting was expected to be an exchange of views. “We’re going to listen to what is coming up from the ground, from businesses, from economists in these different parts of the world,” he added. “The idea is to be able to discuss the state of the situation, so that we can assess any responses that might be needed, if we have to act. “In a conflict which is currently a local conflict in one region but has global repercussions, it is obviously essential that we coordinate.” Fuel prices The war sparked by the US-Israeli bombing of Iran launched on Saturday has led to a sharp fall in stock markets, particularly in Europe and Asia. Since the start of the week, France’s benchmark CAC40 index has lost more than five percent. Its German equivalent, the Dax, has fallen by nearly six percent, while London’s FTSE 100 has dropped nearly four percent. “We’re not in a stock market crash,” said Lescure, urging people to “keep their cool”. Investors are concerned about a sharp rise in oil and gas prices caused by disruptions to supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles around 20 percent of the world’s seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. READ MORE: Oil prices rise 3% as Iran crisis disrupts Middle East supply They fear a resurgence of inflation, similar to the rise in prices triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim they have “complete control” of the strategic waterway and warned that any vessels seeking to use it risk damage from missiles or stray drones. But US President Donald Trump said the US Navy was ready to escort tankers through the key shipping route, which limited losses on Wall Street on Tuesday. READ MORE: US natural gas futures leap as conflict disrupts global supplies Like many countries, France is watching for the impact of the war on petrol prices. Junior energy minister and government spokesperson Maud Bregeon told BFMTV on Wednesday they expected a “limited” short-term increase of “a few cents”. “As for what happens next, it will depend on how intense the conflict becomes,” she added. But she stressed there was “no risk whatsoever of a disruption to fuel supplies” thanks to stockpiles and diversified imports. Asked about the possibility of measures to offset any price increases, she said it was “far too early to talk about that” and that the priority was to work towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Lescure said inspections would be carried out to ensure any increases in fuel prices were “reasonable”. [...]

Iran claims ‘complete control’ of Strait of Hormuz: Here are the latest developments

March 4, 2026 4:02

PARIS: Iran claimed total control of the key energy transit Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, the war’s fifth day, as Israel hit Iran with fresh strikes and advanced into Lebanon against Tehran-backed Hezbollah. Here are the latest developments: Khamenei funeral postponed The funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that was due to take place on Wednesday evening has been postponed, state television announced, “in anticipation of unprecedented turnout”. A new date will be announced later, it said. Iran ‘trying’ to appoint successor Iran is “trying” to quickly appoint a successor to Khamenei as supreme leader, despite the ongoing US-Israeli bombardment, state TV reported. “God willing, the leader will be appointed at the earliest opportunity. We are close, but the situation is a war situation,” said Ahmad Khatami, a member of the assembly responsible for selecting a new leader. Guards claim control of Hormuz The Revolutionary Guards said Iranian forces had “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for world oil and gas supplies, and any vessels seeking to pass risked damage from missiles or stray drones. READ MORE: Hormuz shutdown could force Iraq, Kuwait to curb oil output within days, JP Morgan says Trump said Tuesday the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through the crucial Gulf shipping route. Israel enters Lebanon The Israeli army entered the southern Lebanon town of Khiam, Lebanese state media reported on Wednesday, as part of a ground incursion against Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israel’s expanded campaign of strikes in Lebanon killed at least 11 people, including in areas outside Hezbollah’s traditional strongholds, according to officials and state media. READ MORE: Lebanon sucked deeper into war as Hezbollah, Israel trade blows Hezbollah hits Israel Hezbollah said it had targeted the headquarters of Israel Aerospace Industries, in central Israel, overnight with a drone attack and had also launched a missile at a drone control base. READ MORE: Lebanon sucked deeper into war as Hezbollah, Israel trade blows Drone targets Saudi oil Saudi Arabia intercepted a drone attack targeting its massive Ras Tanura refinery, the defence ministry said, following an earlier hit on the complex this week. UAE, Qatar intercept drones, missiles The UAE’s ministry of defence said its air defences “successfully engaged today (March 4, 2025) with 3 ballistic missiles and detected 129 drones, of which 121 drones were intercepted while 8 fell on state territory”. Qatar’s military said it was targeted “at dawn today, by 10 drones and 2 cruise missiles coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” with all of the projectiles intercepted by its forces. Cosco halts Gulf shipping Chinese shipping giant Cosco, which operates one of the world’s biggest oil tanker fleets, said it is suspending from Wednesday services to and from countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. More Israeli strikes in Tehran The Israeli military said it had begun a fresh wave of strikes on Tehran, as an AFP journalist reported a fresh explosion in the northeast of the Iranian capital. The army said it had struck “dozens” of targets, including security command centres in Tehran, and had shot down an Iranian fighter jet over the capital. The military said it had struck overnight a facility “for the storage, production, and launch of ballistic missiles – including Ghadr missiles – in Isfahan in western Iran”. Iran says ready for long haul Iran has no intention of negotiating with the United States and can continue the war for “as long as we want”, Mohammad Mokhber, a senior aide to the late Ayatollah Khamenei, told state TV. READ MORE: Qatar LNG, Saudi refinery, Israeli oil, gas fields down due to Mideast strikes Iranian frigate sinks off Sri Lanka Sri Lanka said an Iranian navy frigate with 180 crew sank just outside the island’s territorial waters after an explosion. No information was immediately available on the cause. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 “critically wounded” sailors had been rescued and “a few bodies” recovered after the sinking. Spain PM hits back at Trump Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hit back at President Donald Trump’s criticisms of Madrid’s refusal to let US planes use its bases to attack Iran. “No to war,” he said, a day after Trump threatened to sever all trade with Spain. Stocks tumble The Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges reopened sharply lower after a two-day trading suspension over Iran’s missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. READ MORE: Stocks slide as Middle East conflict fans inflation fears Stock markets across Asia were pummelled as panic-selling spread, with Seoul shares collapsing more than 12 percent. Oil rose. Jordan withdraws diplomats Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said that his country had evacuated all staff from its diplomatic mission in Tehran, with all staff now back in the country. [...]

Kuwait says girl killed as Iran targets Gulf

March 4, 2026 3:55

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s health ministry said on Wednesday an 11-year-old girl was killed after being hit by falling shrapnel following waves of Iranian attacks across the Gulf. Iran’s neighbours have borne the brunt of much of Tehran’s response since the US and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran over the weekend with at least 13 people killed in the region, including seven civilians. Washington has also said four US servicemen were killed in Kuwait. The US embassy in Kuwait was targeted by drones, while its energy infrastructure has also been hit in recent days. “Resuscitation was performed in the ambulance while the girl was being transported to the hospital,” the health ministry said in a statement. READ MORE: Iran Guards say launched more than 40 missiles at US, Israeli targets “Attempts continued for nearly half an hour upon arrival at Al-Amiri Hospital. However, she passed away due to her injuries,” it added. Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it intercepted a drone targeting its massive Ras Tanura refinery on the Gulf coast, days after an earlier Monday strike on the complex forced some operations to halt following a fire. “Initial estimates indicate that the attack was carried out by a drone and did not result in any damage,” the ministry said in a statement. The war continued to rattle the Gulf elsewhere with stocks dropping sharply in the United Arab Emirates on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi exchanges after a two-day trading suspension. The main Dubai index fell 4.7 percent, while Abu Dhabi’s dropped nearly two percent. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar said they had intercepted Iranian drone and missile barrages, with the UAE reporting it engaged three ballistic missiles and intercepted 121 of 129 drones, while Qatar said it shot down 10 drones and two cruise missiles. Earlier, Kuwait’s military said it detected incoming projectiles and was working to intercept the missiles and drones in its airspace. In Saudi Arabia, the defence ministry said two cruise missiles were intercepted over an area south of the capital Riyadh, which is also home to the sprawling Prince Sultan air base, and several drones were destroyed after entering its airspace. Qatar authorities also announced they had dismantled two spy cells linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, its official press agency reported. “Close surveillance made it possible to arrest 10 suspects: seven were tasked with spying and gathering information about vital and military infrastructure in the country, and three were meant to carry out sabotage operations,” the agency said. Iranian missiles and drones have slammed Gulf states’ cities and infrastructure, upending relations with Tehran and placing the neighbours on a potential course for greater military confrontation. [...]

Pakistan cuts gas for some industry buyers as Middle East war upends supply: report

March 4, 2026 3:43

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... [...]

Gulf shipping crisis deepens amid geopolitical tensions: Can global powers manage oil supply shortfall?

March 4, 2026 10:05

Gulf shipping crisis deepens amid geopolitical tensions: Can global powers manage oil supply shortfall?The U.S.–Iran conflict widened on Wednesday after a U.S. strike hit an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, deepening a crisis that has paralyzed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for a... [...]

US, UK split on crypto collaboration: Can Bitcoin help secure a new deal?

March 4, 2026 7:36

US, UK split on crypto collaboration: Can Bitcoin help secure a new deal?The Bitcoin battle turns on between the two powerful countries around the globe, the UK and the U.S.British and U.S. regulators are divided over how to test blockchain-based versions of financial securities, with Britain... [...]

White House officially nominates 'Kevin Warsh' as Fed chair to Senate: Here's why

March 4, 2026 6:37

White House officially nominates 'Kevin Warsh' as Fed chair to Senate: Here's whyThe U.S. government has decided to nominate a candidate for the Fed chair to the Senate.The White House has submitted the nomination of Kevin Warsh for the Fed chair to the Senate, as the president previously stated... [...]

Thomas Fugate: Trump's pick for terrorism prevention renews concerns amid war

March 4, 2026 4:03

US President Donald Trump's decision to attack Iran has sparked intense debate among Americans, with some of his media supporters questioning his logic in joining what they see as Israel's war. Critics argue that Trump's policies abroad put American lives at risk, fueling fears of terrorist... [...]

Kim Jong Un searches for reason to join Iran war in viral memes

March 4, 2026 12:14

Memes featuring North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have gone viral in Pakistan and several Middle Eastern countries since the United States and Israel began attacking Iran last week.The memes depict the Korean leader desperately searching for a reason to get involved in the conflict and support... [...]

Trump to meet tech giants: White House energy pledge aims to shield consumers ahead of midterms

March 4, 2026 12:00

Trump to meet tech giants: White House energy pledge aims to shield consumers ahead of midterms US President Donald Trump is set to host a high-profile summit today at the White House with the CEOs of the world’s leading technology companies-including Google, Meta, and OpenAI-to... [...]

China achieves breakthrough in high-speed satellite-to-ground laser communication

March 4, 2026 11:07

China achieves breakthrough in high-speed satellite-to-ground laser communicationChina has successfully achieved a significant breakthrough by testing a laser communication link between a high-orbit satellite and the ground, achieving a two-day data transfer at 1 gigabit per second over a... [...]

Savannah Guthrie receives exciting update in mom Nancy abduction case

March 4, 2026 10:56

“We’re aware of it and we’re looking into it, just like any other piece of evidence.”US TV host Savannah Guthrie has received an exciting news in her mother Nancy abduction case one mother after disappearance.The Today co-host has received a major update in the case... [...]

US, Ecuador launch joint military operation against drug trafficking

March 4, 2026 9:42

US, Ecuador launch joint military operation against drug trafficking The US and Ecuadorean forces have begun joint operations, targeting powerful drug trafficking networks in the South American country. According to the US military's Southern Command, the recent operation is aimed at... [...]

Texas primary results: John Cornyn, Ken Paxton head to runoff in heated US Senate elections

March 4, 2026 8:13

Texas primary results: John Cornyn, Ken Paxton head to runoff in heated US Senate electionsThe Texas Senate election follows a crucial schedule, prompting a significant shift as Texas Republicans head into three months of campaigning and mudslinging. This comes after the U.S. Sen. John... [...]

China's Two Sessions 2026: Key decisions, economic targets and policy shifts to watch

March 4, 2026 6:13

China’s Two Sessions 2026: Key decisions, economic targets and policy shifts to watchChina’s biggest political meeting “Two Sessions” is set to take place this week, aiming to lay down the country's roadmap under the new Five Year Plan. Two Sessions start on Wednesday and... [...]

Ecuador drug war intensifies as US and local forces launch operations

March 4, 2026 5:07

Ecuadorian and US forces have launched joint operations in Ecuador targeting groups involved in drug trafficking, according to the US military’s Southern Command.The command confirmed the operation on Tuesday, saying the actions were aimed at combating illicit drug trafficking in the region.... [...]

South Korea markets sink as Kospi records worst day in decades amid Iran conflict

March 4, 2026 4:42

South Korea’s stock market suffered a major sell off Wednesday as the Kospi index plunged more than 12 percent, putting it on track for its worst trading day in decades.According to a report by CNBC, the sharp decline comes amid rising geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict involving... [...]

Roy Cooper projected winner in North Carolina Democratic Senate race

March 4, 2026 4:22

Roy Cooper has been projected as the Democratic nominee for the US Senate in North Carolina, according to a The Associated Press.The former governor won the Democratic primary and will face Republican candidate Michael Whatley in the general election in November. Whatley has received backing from... [...]

Steve Toth claims lead against Dan Crenshaw in Texas Congressional race

March 4, 2026 4:01

Steve Toth declared victory on Tuesday night in his campaign to unseat incumbent Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the Republican primary for Texas’ 2nd Congressional District.The Associated Press had not officially called the race as results continued to come in, but early returns showed the state... [...]

ایران نے سفارتکاری کے ذریعے جنگ سے گریز کی کوشش کی، صدر مسعود پزشکیان

March 4, 2026 7:03

اے ایف پیایرانی صدر مسعود پزشکیان نے کہا ہے کہ ایران نے سفارت کاری کے ذریعے جنگ سے گریز کی کوشش کی لیکن امریکا اور اسرائیل نے کوئی... [...]

وزیرخزانہ کی زیر صدارت پٹرول مانیٹرنگ کمیٹی کا اجلاس، ایندھن کے ذخائر تسلی بخش قرار

March 4, 2026 6:03

وزیر خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب۔وزیرخزانہ محمداورنگزیب کی زیر صدارت پٹرول مانیٹرنگ کمیٹی کا اجلاس ہوا۔ وزارت خزانہ کے اعلامیہ کے مطابق... [...]

بلوچستان: قلات میں زلزلے کے جھٹکے، شدت 4.6 ریکارڈ

March 4, 2026 6:03

بلوچستان کے ضلع قلات میں زلزلے کے جھٹکے محسوس کیے گئے ہیں۔زلزلہ پیما مرکز کے مطابق زلزلے کی شدت 4.6 اور گہرائی 25 کلومیٹر ریکارڈ کی گئی... [...]

ڈاکوؤں کے 2 گروہوں نے سرینڈر کردیا، ڈی پی او رحیم یار خان

March 4, 2026 6:03

فائل فوٹوڈسٹرکٹ پولیس آفیسر رحیم یار خان عرفان علی سموں نے کہا ہے کہ ڈاکوؤں کے 2 گروہوں نے سرینڈر کردیا ہے۔ڈی پی او رحیم یار خان کے... [...]

پی ٹی آئی سیاستدانوں سے ملاقات اور بات سے انکاری، یہ رویہ ٹھیک نہیں، رانا ثناء

March 4, 2026 4:03

فائل فوٹووزیراعظم شہباز شریف کے معاون خصوصی برائے سیاسی امور سینیٹر رانا ثناء اللّٰہ نے کہا ہے کہ تحریک انصاف سیاستدانوں سے ملاقات... [...]

وزیراعظم کی زیر صدارت پارلیمانی و سیاسی رہنماؤں کا اجلاس، اندرونی کہانی سامنے آگئی

March 4, 2026 3:03

تصویر، پی آئی ڈیوزیراعظم شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت پارلیمانی اور سیاسی رہنماؤں کے اجلاس کی اندرونی کہانی سامنے آگئی۔ذرائع کے مطابق... [...]

پاکستان کی سعودی عرب سے متبادل تیل سپلائی روٹ کی درخواست

March 4, 2026 3:03

تصویر، ریڈیو پاکستانپاکستان نے سعودی عرب سے بحیرۂ احمر میں واقع بندرگاہ ینبع کے ذریعے متبادل تیل سپلائی روٹ کی درخواست کر... [...]

کراچی سمیت ملک بھر میں بجلی کی فی یونٹ قیمت میں اضافہ

March 4, 2026 3:03

فائل فوٹوکراچی سمیت ملک بھر کےلیے فی یونٹ بجلی 1 روپے 63 پیسے مہنگی کردی گئی۔نیشنل الیکٹرک پاور ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی نے فیول پرائس... [...]

قومی ایئرلائن کو یو اے ای کیلئے یومیہ دو پروازوں کی اجازت مل گئی

March 4, 2026 2:03

قومی ایئرلائن کو متحدہ عرب امارات کے لیے یومیہ دو پروازوں کی اجازت مل گئی۔کراچی ایئرلائن ذرائع کے مطابق پی آئی اے یومیہ ایک پرواز... [...]

آئی جی سندھ آپریشن نجات مہران کی کارکردگی سے مطمئن

March 4, 2026 2:03

فائل فوٹوانسپکٹر جنرل سندھ پولیس جاوید عالم اوڈھو نے آپریشن نجات مہران کی کارکردگی پر اطمینان کا اظہار کیا ہے۔کراچی میں آئی جی... [...]

افغانستان سے دہشت گردی ہورہی ہے، فیلڈ مارشل

March 4, 2026 2:03

فوٹو: آئی ایس پی آر فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر نے کہا ہے کہ فتنہ الخوارج اور فتنہ الہندوستان کا افغانستان کی سر زمین پاکستان کے خلاف... [...]

بریگیڈیئر (ر) راشد نصیر کی عادل راجہ کے خلاف ایک اور کامیابی

March 4, 2026 1:03

عادل راجہ : فائل فوٹو بریگیڈیئر راشد نصیر کو پاکستان میں مطلوب یوٹیوبر عادل راجہ کے خلاف برطانوی عدالت میں ایک اور کامیابی مل... [...]

وزیراعظم کا لبنانی ہم منصب سے ٹیلیفونک رابطہ، اسرائیلی جارحیت کی مذمت

March 4, 2026 1:03

فائل فوٹو۔وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے لبنان کے وزیراعظم نواف سلام سے ٹیلیفونک رابطہ کیا اور لبنان پر اسرائیلی جارحیت کی مذمت... [...]

لاہور: چھٹی سے واپسی پر دوبارہ چارج نہ لینے والا سول جج عہدے سے برطرف

March 4, 2026 12:03

18 روز کی چھٹی پر بیرون ملک جا کر واپس نہ آنے والے سول جج کو عہدے سے برطرف کر دیا گیا۔ اس حوالے سے جاری نوٹیفکیشن کے مطابق سول جج سرمد... [...]

پارلیمانی لیڈرز، سیاسی جماعتوں کے سربراہان کو سیکیورٹی صورتحال پر ان کیمرا بریفنگ

March 4, 2026 12:03

فوٹو: پی ٹی وی وزیراعظم ہاؤس میں پارلیمانی لیڈرز اور سیاسی جماعتوں کے سربراہان کو سیکیورٹی صورتحال پر ان کیمرا بریفنگ دی گئی، جس میں... [...]

ایران پر حملوں کے لیے کانگریس سے منظوری لینے کی قرارداد مسترد

March 4, 2026 10:03

فائل فوٹوامریکی سینیٹ نے کانگریس کی منظوری کے بغیر ایران پر حملے روکنے کے لیے صدر ٹرمپ پر دباؤ ڈالنے کی قرارداد مسترد کردی۔سینیٹرز... [...]

ایران کے خلاف غیرضروری جنگ لڑی جارہی ہے، سابق سربراہ ایم آئی سکس

March 4, 2026 10:03

فائل فوٹوبرطانوی خفیہ ایجنسی ایم آئی سکس کے سابق سربراہ جان سوارز نے کہا ہے کہ ایران کے خلاف غیرضروری جنگ لڑی جارہی ہے۔ امریکی ٹی وی... [...]

روس یورپ کو گیس سپلائی روکنے پر غور کرسکتا ہے، ولادیمیر پیوٹن

March 4, 2026 9:03

فائل فوٹوروسی صدر ولادیمیر پیوٹن نے کہا ہے کہ توانائی کی قیمتوں میں اضافے کے بعد روس یورپ کو گیس سپلائی روکنے پر غور کرسکتا ہے۔اپنے... [...]

ٹرمپ کے کئی اتحادیوں کا مشرق وسطیٰ میں کشیدگی سے دور رہنے پر زور

March 4, 2026 9:03

تصویر امریکی میڈیاامریکی اخبار نیویارک ٹائمز نے اپنی ایک رپورٹ میں کہا ہے کہ صدر ٹرمپ کے بہت سے اتحادیوں نے ان پر اور ان کی میک... [...]

فی الحال ایران میں امریکی زمینی افواج داخل کرنے کا ارادہ نہیں، ترجمان وائٹ ہاؤس

March 4, 2026 8:03

فائل فوٹوترجمان وائٹ ہاؤس کیرولائن لیویٹ نے کہا ہے کہ فی الحال ایران میں امریکی زمینی افواج داخل کرنے کا ارادہ نہیں۔میڈیا سے گفتگو... [...]

ایران پر بہت مضبوط پوزیشن میں ہیں، ٹرمپ

March 4, 2026 8:03

اسکرین گریبامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا کہنا ہے کہ ہم ایران کے معاملے میں بہت مضبوط پوزیشن میں ہیں، اگر ہم ایران پرحملہ نہ کرتے تو ایران... [...]

بھارت کا ایران کیخلاف امریکی بحریہ کو بندرگاہیں دینے کے الزام پر ردعمل

March 4, 2026 6:03

فائل فوٹوبھارت نے ایران کے خلاف جاری تنازع میں امریکی بحریہ کو بندرگاہیں دینے کا الزام مسترد کردیا۔امریکی وزارت دفاع کے سابق مشیر... [...]

یو اے ای کے تعلیمی اداروں میں 1 ہفتے قبل ہی اسپرنگ بریک کا اعلان

March 4, 2026 5:03

اے ایف پیمتحدہ عرب امارات کے تعلیمی اداروں میں مقررہ وقت سے 1 ہفتے قبل ہی اسپرنگ بریک کا اعلان کردیا گیا۔یو اے ای کے تعلیمی اداروں میں... [...]

ٹرمپ کا آبنائے ہرمز ہر صورت کھلوانے کا اعلان

March 4, 2026 4:03

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے ہر صورت آبنائے ہرمز کھلوانے کا اعلان کردیا ہے۔آبنائے ہرمز کی بندش جاری ہے، ایران نے اعلان کر رکھا ہے کہ... [...]

2001 سے امریکا نے دس ملکوں پر بمباری کرکے 9 لاکھ 40 ہزار انسان قتل کیے

March 4, 2026 4:03

فائل فوٹو۔نائن الیون کے بعد امریکا نے دنیا میں 3 جنگیں لڑیں۔ 10 ممالک پر بمباری کی اور 9 لاکھ 40 ہزار انسانوں کی جانیں لیں۔ صرف 4 ممالک... [...]

اسرائیلی فوج نے تہران میں بمباری کرکے اہم شخصیت کو قتل کردیا، اسرائیلی میڈیا کا دعویٰ

March 4, 2026 4:03

فوٹو: ایکس اسرائیلی فوج ترجمان اسرائیلی فوج نے تہران میں بمباری کرکے اہم شخصیت کو قتل کر دیا۔عرب میڈیا کے مطابق اسرائیلی میڈیا نے... [...]

سابق ملکہ ایران فرح دیبا پہلوی کا ایران کی صورتحال پر پہلا تبصرہ

March 4, 2026 4:03

فرح دیبا پہلوی۔سابق ملکہ ایران فرح دیبا پہلوی نے ایران کی صورتحال پر پہلا تبصرہ کیا ہے۔ سابق شاہ ایران محمد رضا شاہ پہلوی کی... [...]

اسرائیلی فوج کا ایرانی لڑاکا طیارہ مار گرانے کا دعویٰ

March 4, 2026 4:03

فوٹو: اے ایف پی اسرائیلی فوج نے تہران پر نئے حملوں میں ایک ایرانی لڑاکا طیارے کو مار گرانے کا دعویٰ کیا ہے۔ اسرائیلی فوج کا کہنا ہے کہ... [...]

امریکا کا 17 ایرانی بحری جہاز ڈبونے کا دعویٰ، بحری جہاز پر حملے کی ویڈیو جاری کردی

March 4, 2026 3:03

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چین کا ثالثی کیلئے نمائندہ خصوصی مشرق وسطیٰ بھیجنے کا اعلان

March 4, 2026 3:03

فائل فوٹوچین نے ثالثی کےلیے اپنا نمائندہ خصوصی مشرق وسطیٰ بھیجنے کا اعلان کردیا۔چینی وزیر خارجہ وانگ ای نے خطے کی تازہ ترین صورتحال... [...]

ملک میں پیٹرول، ڈیزل کے وافر ذخائر موجود ہیں، اوگرا

March 4, 2026 2:03

آئل اینڈ گیس ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی نے کہا ہے کہ ملک میں اس وقت پیٹرول اور ڈیزل کے وافر ذخائر موجود ہیں۔ترجمان اوگرا کے مطابق شہری... [...]

پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کے ذخائر فی الحال وافر مقدار موجود ہیں: محمد اورنگزیب

March 4, 2026 10:03

محمد اورنگزیب — فائل فوٹووزیر خزانہ محمد اورنگزیب نے کہا ہے کہ پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کے ذخائر فی الحال وافر مقدار موجود ہیں۔سلیم مانڈوی... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں منفی رجحان، 1354 پوائنٹس کی کمی

March 4, 2026 9:03

---فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے تیسرے دن منفی رجحان دیکھا گیا۔پی ایس ایکس بینچ مارک 100 انڈیکس کاروبار کے... [...]

سونے کی قیمتوں کو ریورس گیئر لگ گیا

March 4, 2026 9:03

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

خلیجی ممالک تجارتی مال بھیجنے کیلئے بھاری وار رسک سرچارج کا نفاذ

March 4, 2026 5:03

—فائل فوٹوخلیجی ممالک تجارتی مال بھیجنے کے لیے بھاری وار رسک سرچارج کا نفاذ کر دیا گیا۔ایک شپنگ کمپنی ہیپگ لوائیڈ لائن نے فی کنٹینر... [...]

عالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتیں مزید بڑھ گئیں

March 4, 2026 3:03

— فائل فوٹوامریکا اور اسرائیل کی جانب سے ایران پر حملوں کے بعد عالمی منڈی میں خام تیل کی قیمتیں مزید بڑھ گئیں۔برینٹ خام تیل کی قیمت 83... [...]

ایران پر امریکا اسرائیل حملہ، عالمی اسٹاک ایکسچینجز میں کاروبار کا منفی رجحان

March 3, 2026 5:03

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔ عالمی اسٹاک ایکسچینجز میں کاروبار کا منفی رجحان رہا، امریکی ڈاو جونز 713 پوائنٹس کمی سے 48 ہزار 191 ہے، امریکی ایس این... [...]

پاکستان کی خلیجی ممالک کیلئے برآمدات رُک گئیں

March 3, 2026 10:03

— فائل فوٹوپاکستان کی خلیجی ممالک کے لیے برآمدات رُک گئیں۔پورٹ ذرائع کا کہنا ہے کہ کراچی پورٹ ٹرمینلز نے خلیجی ممالک کے لیے... [...]

آئی ایم ایف سے مذاکرات کا دوسرا دن، ورچوئل بات چیت جاری

March 3, 2026 6:03

پاکستان اور بین الاقوامی مالیاتی فنڈ کے درمیان آج دوسرے دن ورچوئل مذاکرات ہوں گے۔ذرائع کے مطابق ابھی یہ طے ہونا باقی ہے کہ... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تیزی، 5159 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ

March 3, 2026 5:03

---فائل فوٹو پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے دوسرے دن مثبت رجحان دیکھا گیا۔پی ایس ایکس بینچ مارک 100 انڈیکس کاروبار کے... [...]

سونے کی قیمتوں کی اونچی اڑان جاری

March 2, 2026 10:03

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

پاکستان اور آئی ایم ایف کے مذاکرات کا آغاز

March 2, 2026 7:03

پاکستانی حکام اور بین الاقوامی مالیاتی فنڈ کے درمیان مذاکرات کا آغاز ہو گیا، مذاکرات 11 مارچ تک جاری رہنے کا امکان ہے۔ذرائع کے... [...]

مشرقِ وسطیٰ میں کشیدگی، عالمی مارکیٹ میں سونا بھی مہنگا

March 2, 2026 4:03

---فائل فوٹومشرقِ وسطیٰ میں کشیدگی کے باعث عالمی مارکیٹ میں سونے کی قیمتوں کو بھی پر لگ گئے۔عالمی بازار میں سونے کا بھاؤ 87 ڈالرز کے... [...]

مشرقِ وسطیٰ میں کشیدگی، عالمی منڈی میں برینٹ خام تیل کی قیمت بڑھ گئی

March 2, 2026 4:03

---فائل فوٹوحالیہ امریکا و اسرائیل کے ایران پر حملے کے بعد برینٹ خام تیل کی قیمت میں اضافہ ہوا ہے۔مشرقِ وسطیٰ میں جنگ کے باعث تیل کی... [...]

ایران پر حملہ: اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تاریخ کی بدترین مندی

March 2, 2026 4:03

ایران پر اسرائیل اور امریکا کے حملے کے بعد پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے کے پہلے دن تاریخ کی بدترین مندی دیکھی... [...]

Bitcoin climbs over $73,000 and touches one-month high on resilience to Middle East conflict

March 4, 2026 5:16

Bitcoin must hold above $70,000 on any future pullback to build on those gains, one analyst said. [...]

The 4% rule is done — 5 signs your $1 million retirement portfolio can survive the new withdrawal reality

March 4, 2026 5:11

Here’s what financial planners know but many retirees discover too late. [...]

Moderna’s stock rallies as settlement of a patent dispute clears vaccine pipeline

March 4, 2026 5:08

The deal would provide ‘certainty’ for Moderna’s vaccine portfolio. [...]

‘Does travel insurance cover war?’ Interest in coverage spikes as Iran conflict, global issues rattle travelers.

March 4, 2026 5:04

Travel insurance demand is surging. If you’re thinking of purchasing a policy for an upcoming trip, then here’s what to keep in mind [...]

Apple’s new $599 MacBook Neo borrows iPhone chip to make play for budget-laptop market share

March 4, 2026 4:54

Apple wraps up three days of product launches with its cheapest laptop yet. [...]

‘I’m overworked.’ Here’s how to step back from your job without killing your career.

March 4, 2026 4:45

Many workers are looking to take a breather from their job or to scale back their high-stress career without quitting altogether. It can be done. [...]

Why a billionaire Tesla investor just bought 1 million Nvidia shares

March 4, 2026 4:25

Leo Koguan, one of Tesla’s biggest individual shareholders, is convinced AI is not a bubble: “It is only the beginning.” [...]

Should you buy or sell a home now? What the Iran conflict means for the spring home-buying season.

March 4, 2026 4:22

Mortgage rates dipping below 6% raised hopes for an active spring home-buying season. Then the U.S.-Iran conflict erupted. [...]

‘He has been emotionally abusive’: My father, 75, is on oxygen and destitute. What do I owe him?

March 4, 2026 4:15

“He has less than $20,000 to his name and no income besides Social Security.” [...]

Economy gained strength in February despite Winter Storm Fern. ISM survey hits 3½-year high.

March 4, 2026 3:56

The largest part of the U.S. economy expanded in February at the fastest pace in three and a half years, a survey showed, as businesses adjusted to high tariffs and sales and new orders rose. [...]

This billionaire Tesla investor just bought a million shares of Nvidia

March 4, 2026 4:50

ISM survey suggests service-sector businesses are adjusting to Trump’s tariffs

March 4, 2026 3:13

Violent stock-market swings are sending a message about the Iran conflict

March 4, 2026 2:08

U.S. private-sector hiring picked up in February, ADP data show

March 4, 2026 1:23

Economic calendar: Watch for ADP employment data and ISM service-sector update

March 4, 2026 1:01

The key comment a Blackstone exec made on the state of private credit

March 4, 2026 12:09