Skip to the content Skip to the Navigation
Tariq Vohra Securities (Private) Limited
  • About
    • Vision & Mission
    • Management Profile
    • Details of Associated Companies
    • Management Rating
    • Auditors
    • Legal Advsor
    • Address
    • Contact Details
  • Services
    • Details of Branches
    • Online Trading
    • Details of Registered Agents
    • Mobile Trading
  • Governance
    • Board of Directors
    • Directors Profile
    • Sponsors
    • Audit Committee
    • Pattern of Shareholding
  • Investors Information
    • Financials
    • Statutory Auditors
    • NCB Auditors
    • Monthly LC
    • Monthly NCB
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Account Opening Form
    • Internet Trading Info
  • Investors Portal
    • Investors Complaint Contact
      • PSX Complaint Link
    • Pending Investors Complaint
    • Investors Grievances
    • Penal Action
    • SECP Complaint Link
    • Investors Education
    • Feed Back
    • Misc.
      • FAQ
      • Research
      • Useful Links
      • News

SECP Complaint Link

  1. HOME
  2. SECP Complaint Link

News

  • Business Recorder - Markets
  • Business Recorder - Business & Finance
  • Business Recorder - Latest News
  • The News International - National
  • The News International - World
  • قومی خبریں
  • بین الاقوامی خبریں
  • تجارتی خبریں
  • MarketWatch.com - Top Stories
  • MarketWatch.com - MarketWatch Breaking News Bulletins
  • MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse
Banana waste to textile fiber: SMEDA launches ‘innovative’ project
March 3, 2026 5:27
Banana waste to textile fiber: SMEDA launches ‘innovative’ project

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and other partners, has launched an innovative project aimed at transforming banana waste into eco-friendly textile fibre, it was learnt on Tuesday. The initiative, which aims to promote bio-economy and circular growth in Pakistan, was formally introduced during an inception workshop on ‘Bananas in Pakistan’s Bio-economy: Transforming Waste into Textile’ held on the sidelines of the flagship ‘Made in Pakistan - SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026’, according to a press release issued by SMEDA on Tuesday. SMEDA officials say the project is part of the ‘Elimination of Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains Integrated Programme”, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by UN agencies, with implementation partners selected across eight countries. Keeping in view the significance of climate-resilient initiatives in Pakistan, officials say SMEDA is the lead executing partner working alongside the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), Sindh Government departments, FAO and the National Textile University. It is meant for playing a role in helping Pakistan fight climate-related issues and contributing to national economic growth. Also read: Banana exports in jeopardy The inception workshop brought together policymakers, development partners, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore the potential of banana waste as a sustainable raw material for Pakistan’s textile and allied industries. Moderating the event, Sheharyar Tahir, GM Gender & Sustainability, SMEDA, said the project would run from 2026 to 2031 and 40,000 women would be engaged in it. He said young students would also be made part of the all-important project which was funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed by UN agencies. Implementation agencies had been selected across eight countries, he added. Citing studies, he said banana crop in Pakistan was cultivated over 40,000 hectares and tonnes of it are discarded or burnt. “This can be used to extract raw banana fibre and make products related to textile, handicraft, bags, packaging etc.” He said the initiative would focus on pilot projects, technology transfer, training and capacity building, certification support, market linkages and development of traceability systems. Amina Bajwa, Assistant FAO Programme, noted that Pakistan was among the most climate-vulnerable countries facing challenges such as agricultural emissions, residue burning, and environmental degradation. She emphasised that converting banana waste into high-value products offered a practical solution to reduce pollution while creating new income streams. “The collaborative efforts will help Pakistan earn revenue and it is the beginning of a journey toward sustainable bio-economy solutions,” she said. Dr Julius, FAO Programme Coordinator and Provincial Head Sindh, emphasised Sindh’s central role as the “epicenter of Pakistan’s banana economy”. He expressed concern over water intensity and post-harvest losses, with nearly 16% of bananas going waste. He stressed the need for further research and ensuring that the voice of farmers remained central to project design and implementation. During the workshop, Sheharbano, a seller of banana fibre products, shared her experience and expressed gratitude for SMEDA for providing support and a platform to showcase her products. She said the initiative had enabled her to earn a livelihood and motivated her to dedicate herself to promoting banana fibre products as a contribution to Pakistan’s economic progress. Talking to Business Recorder, agriculture expert, Dr Sohail Ahmed Otho, Assistant Professor Department of Plant protection. Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam said banana waste was not merely agricultural waste, but a highly effective economic tool for the textile industry. [...]

US stocks open sharply lower, joining global sell-off
March 3, 2026 4:33
US stocks open sharply lower, joining global sell-off

NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks tumbled early Tuesday, joining a global sell-off as markets worry about a long-running Middle East war boosting oil prices and inflation. About 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 2.2% at 47,837.16. The broad-based S&P 500 shed 1.9% to 6,749.42, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index slid 2% to 22,300.67. US stocks also opened decisively lower on Monday but strengthened throughout the day as investors appeared to bet on a fairly quick resolution that wouldn’t lead to a sustained hike in energy prices. But investors were more pessimistic on Tuesday. “Overnight, what we realized was that this is not going away so quickly” and is “meeting the standards of having a broad geopolitical impact,” said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. READ MORE: US stocks fall as Middle Eastern war lifts oil prices Oil prices surged again on Tuesday as Iran attacked additional energy facilities. Drones struck a fuel tank in Oman, and in the UAE an oil storage zone was hit by falling debris from an intercepted drone. The Strait of Hormuz, a key transport waterway, remained effectively empty. “US investors can only trust their positive psychology to some extent before they realize that, ‘Wait a minute, if this is a problem for everyone else in the world, maybe this should be a problem here too,’” Sosnick said. We’re talking about “something that could have an important inflationary impact,” he added. [...]

Middle East war is new ‘red flag’ for roiled tech market
March 3, 2026 4:26
Middle East war is new ‘red flag’ for roiled tech market

BARCELONA: The war between the US, Israel and Iran will raise “red flags” for tech firms that have invested in Middle East infrastructure, especially data centres needed to power AI, analysts have warned. The conflict marked the opening of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) telecoms trade fair on Monday morning in Barcelona, with would-be attendees blocked from travel and experts anticipating the fallout. Until this weekend, the Middle East “was investing heavily and making sure they drove the interest from key players” in siting tech infrastructure there, said Francisco Jeronimo, a specialist covering the Middle Eastern and European markets for data firm IDC. Now the war “will raise red flags for many vendors, because (the situation) becomes very unstable”, he added. READ MORE: Middle East fighting overshadows world telecom show In case of extended fighting, big players may “reconsider whether they will continue to invest”, Jeronimo said. Even now, the conflict is set to heavily impact distribution of smartphones and other gadgets across much of the world. Thanks to tax-free zones, Dubai “has been a very important hub for the region, but also for Western Europe” in terms of logistics, Jeronimo pointed out. “Any time there’s a disruption to global trade, the value chain is necessarily affected,” said Anne Hoecker, an analyst for Bain & Company. The potential knock-on effects are expected to pile on top of a tech market already upset by soaring prices for memory (RAM) chips, pumped up by giant AI developers’ investments in computing power. “The memory shortage is something that’s clearly affecting supply chains right now, and will have an impact on phones and laptop computers,” Hoecker said. Prices for the vital memory chips surged 40% in the final quarter of 2025 and are expected to climb further this year. Some major smartphone manufacturers like Samsung are already passing through the shock to end consumers. Jeronimo predicted the impact would lead to “the biggest drop ever in smartphone sales in 2026”. [...]

Aluminium rises as the Middle East conflict fuels supply worries
March 3, 2026 2:35
Aluminium rises as the Middle East conflict fuels supply worries

LONDON: Aluminium rose on Tuesday as traders remained alert to supply risks from the Middle East amid the U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran spilling into neighbouring countries. Benchmark aluminium on the London Metal Exchange was up 2.1% at $3,260 a metric ton in official open-outcry trading after hitting a one-month high of $3,315. The Middle East accounts for 8% of global aluminium capacity, and exports its products via the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, Iran vowed to attack any ship trying to pass through the Strait. Aluminium producers paused second-quarter premium offers to Japanese buyers. Norsk Hydro was seeking more information after QatarEnergy said it was stopping production of some downstream products in Qatar, including aluminium. QatarEnergy supplies gas to Qatalum, Norsk Hydro’s joint venture with a local company. Aluminium drifts to one-week high while rising stocks weigh on copper Signalling worries about the availability of the metal for nearby supply, the spread between the LME cash aluminium contract and the benchmark was last at zero in Tuesday’s volatile session compared with the last week’s discount of $12 a ton. Available aluminium stocks in the LME-registered warehouses fell to 375,525 tons, lowest level since September, after 45,325 tons of fresh cancellations in Malaysia’s Port Klang, daily LME data showed. Copper lost1.9% to $12,864in official activity after hitting $12,722, its lowest since February 19, as the U.S. dollar extended gains with the spike in energy prices and no end to hostilities in sight. A selloff in stocks and government bonds deepened, while precious metals were down sharply. “It’s a new world,” said Ben Davis, head of European metals and mining research at RBC Capital Markets. “It was surprising how muted the reaction was yesterday, but markets are clearly catching up now.” In other LME metals, tin slumped 7.7% to $49,550 with signsthat Myanmar’s Wa region was taking steps towards gradual restart of mining operations. Nickel was down 0.2% at $17,120. Indonesia nickel miners association said the government allotted a nickel ore output quota of 260 million tons for 2026. There will be an opportunity to propose revision on the quota, it added. Zinc fell 0.5% to $3,300 after hitting its one-month low of $3,248, lead lost 0.8% to $1,945.5. [...]

Indonesia to import more US crude oil amid Mideast war
March 3, 2026 12:55
Indonesia to import more US crude oil amid Mideast war

JAKARTA: Indonesia will import more crude oil from the United States to replace supplies from the war-torn Middle East, the archipelago’s energy minister said on Tuesday. Attacks by the United States and Israel on the Islamic republic and Iran’s retaliatory strikes in the region have disrupted crude flows, with the crucial Strait of Hormuz – through which about a fifth of global oil transits – effectively closed off. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said 20 to 25% of Indonesia’s total crude oil imports come from the Middle East and pass through the Strait of Hormuz. “For the crude oil we currently take from the Middle East, we are diverting part of it to purchases from the United States, so that we have certainty regarding the availability of our crude oil,” Bahlil told reporters. READ MORE: Oil rises as expanding US-Israel war with Iran heightens supply risks Indonesia imports the bulk of the oil it uses, most of it from Nigeria. Bahlil said 30% of Indonesia’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports also came from the Middle East, and the government would seek alternative suppliers. Bahlil said Indonesia had enough crude oil supply for three weeks and that it couldn’t import more because the country did not have adequate storage facilities. Indonesia has pledged to purchase $15 billion of US energy under a newly-signed trade agreement with the United States. President Prabowo Subianto has set a target for Indonesia to achieve energy self-sufficiency within the next five to seven years. [...]

Rupee records gain against US dollar
March 3, 2026 12:42
Rupee records gain against US dollar

Rupee's Performance Against US Dollar Since 04 March 2025 const ctx = document.getElementById('closingRatesChart').getContext('2d'); const closingRatesChart = new Chart(ctx, { type: 'line', data: { labels: [ "04-Mar-25", "05-Mar-25", "06-Mar-25", "07-Mar-25", "10-Mar-25", "11-Mar-25", "12-Mar-25", "13-Mar-25", "14-Mar-25", "17-Mar-25", "18-Mar-25", "19-Mar-25", "20-Mar-25", "21-Mar-25", "24-Mar-25", "25-Mar-25", "26-Mar-25", "27-Mar-25", "28-Mar-25", "03-Apr-25", "04-Apr-25", "07-Apr-25", "08-Apr-25", "09-Apr-25", "10-Apr-25", "11-Apr-25", "14-Apr-25", "15-Apr-25", "16-Apr-25", "17-Apr-25", "18-Apr-25", "21-Apr-25", "22-Apr-25", "23-Apr-25", "24-Apr-25", "25-Apr-25", "28-Apr-25", "29-Apr-25", "30-Apr-25", "02-May-25", "05-May-25", "06-May-25", "07-May-25", "08-May-25", "09-May-25", "12-May-25", "13-May-25", "14-May-25", "15-May-25", "16-May-25", "19-May-25", "20-May-25", "21-May-25", "22-May-25", "23-May-25", "26-May-25", "27-May-25", "29-May-25", "30-May-25", "02-Jun-25", "03-Jun-25", "04-Jun-25", "05-Jun-25", "10-Jun-25", "11-Jun-25", "12-Jun-25", "13-Jun-25", "16-Jun-25", "17-Jun-25", "18-Jun-25", "19-Jun-25", "20-Jun-25", "23-Jun-25", "24-Jun-25", "25-Jun-25", "26-Jun-25", "27-Jun-25", "30-Jun-25", "02-Jul-25", "03-Jul-25", "04-Jul-25", "07-Jul-25", "08-Jul-25", "09-Jul-25", "10-Jul-25", "11-Jul-25", "14-Jul-25", "15-Jul-25", "16-Jul-25", "17-Jul-25", "18-Jul-25", "21-Jul-25", "22-Jul-25", "23-Jul-25", "24-Jul-25", "25-Jul-25", "28-Jul-25", "29-Jul-25", "30-Jul-25", "31-Jul-25", "01-Aug-25", "04-Aug-25", "05-Aug-25", "06-Aug-25", "07-Aug-25", "08-Aug-25", "11-Aug-25", "12-Aug-25", "13-Aug-25", "15-Aug-25", "18-Aug-25", "19-Aug-25", "20-Aug-25", "21-Aug-25", "22-Aug-25", "25-Aug-25", "26-Aug-25", "27-Aug-25", "28-Aug-25", "29-Aug-25", "01-Sep-25", "02-Sep-25", "03-Sep-25", "04-Sep-25", "05-Sep-25", "08-Sep-25", "09-Sep-25", "10-Sep-25", "11-Sep-25", "12-Sep-25", "15-Sep-25", "16-Sep-25", "17-Sep-25", "18-Sep-25", "19-Sep-25", "21-Sep-25", "22-Sep-25", "23-Sep-25", "24-Sep-25", "25-Sep-25", "26-Sep-25", "29-Sep-25", "30-Sep-25", "01-Oct-25", "02-Oct-25", "03-Oct-25", "06-Oct-25", "07-Oct-25", "08-Oct-25", "09-Oct-25", "10-Oct-25", "13-Oct-25", "14-Oct-25", "15-Oct-25", "16-Oct-25", "17-Oct-25", "20-Oct-25", "21-Oct-25", "22-Oct-25", "23-Oct-25", "24-Oct-25", "27-Oct-25", "28-Oct-25", "29-Oct-25", "30-Oct-25", "31-Oct-25", "03-Nov-25", "04-Nov-25", "05-Nov-25", "06-Nov-25", "07-Nov-25", "10-Nov-25", "11-Nov-25", "12-Nov-25", "13-Nov-25", "14-Nov-25", "17-Nov-25", "18-Nov-25", "19-Nov-25", "20-Nov-25", "21-Nov-25", "24-Nov-25", "25-Nov-25", "26-Nov-25", "27-Nov-25", "28-Nov-25", "01-Dec-25", "02-Dec-25", "03-Dec-25", "04-Dec-25", "05-Dec-25", "08-Dec-25", "09-Dec-25", "10-Dec-25", "11-Dec-25", "12-Dec-25", "15-Dec-25", "16-Dec-25", "17-Dec-25", "18-Dec-25", "19-Dec-25", "22-Dec-25", "23-Dec-25", "24-Dec-25", "26-Dec-25", "29-Dec-25", "30-Dec-25", "31-Dec-25", "02-Jan-26", "05-Jan-26", "06-Jan-26", "07-Jan-26", "08-Jan-26", "09-Jan-26", "12-Jan-26", "13-Jan-26", "14-Jan-26", "15-Jan-26", "16-Jan-26", "19-Jan-26", "20-Jan-26", "21-Jan-26", "22-Jan-26", "23-Jan-26", "26-Jan-26", "27-Jan-26", "28-Jan-26", "29-Jan-26", "30-Jan-26", "02-Feb-26", "03-Feb-26", "04-Feb-26", "06-Feb-26", "09-Feb-26", "10-Feb-26", "11-Feb-26", "12-Feb-26", "13-Feb-26", "16-Feb-26", "17-Feb-26", "18-Feb-26", "20-Feb-26", "23-Feb-26", "24-Feb-26", "25-Feb-26", "26-Feb-26", "27-Feb-26", "02-Mar-26", "03-Mar-26" ], datasets: [{ label: 'Closing Rates', data: [ 279.77, 279.87, 279.82, 279.97, 280.07, 279.95, 279.97, 280.05, 280.21, 280.17, 280.27, 280.21, 280.22, 280.26, 280.37, 280.42, 280.26, 280.22, 280.16, 280.56, 280.47, 280.57, 280.73, 280.78, 280.56, 280.47, 280.60, 280.57, 280.46, 280.62, 280.72, 280.87, 280.77, 280.97, 281.07, 280.97, 281.07, 281.02, 280.97, 281.06, 281.22, 281.37, 281.47, 281.52, 281.71, 281.57, 281.67, 281.72, 281.61, 281.66, 281.77, 281.92, 281.97, 282.06, 281.97, 282.06, 282.17, 282.07, 282.02, 281.97, 282.12, 282.22, 282.17, 282.21, 282.47, 282.67, 282.96, 283.17, 283.41, 283.55, 283.64, 283.70, 283.87, 283.77, 283.72, 283.67, 283.72, 283.76, 283.95, 283.86, 283.97, 284.22, 284.36, 284.47, 284.56, 284.46, 284.72, 284.67, 284.96, 284.97, 284.87, 284.95, 284.97, 284.76, 284.22, 283.45, 283.21, 283.05, 282.95, 282.87, 282.72, 282.66, 282.57, 282.67, 282.56, 282.47, 282.45, 282.42, 282.22, 282.06, 282.01, 281.96, 281.95, 281.92, 281.90, 281.87, 281.86, 281.83, 281.8, 281.77, 281.75, 281.72, 281.71, 281.67, 281.65, 281.62, 281.61, 281.60, 281.56, 281.55, 281.52, 281.51, 281.50, 281.47, 281.46, 281.45, 281.46, 281.42, 281.43, 281.41, 281.37, 281.35, 281.32, 281.31, 281.27, 281.26, 281.25, 281.22, 281.21, 281.20, 281.17, 281.16, 281.15, 281.12, 281.11, 281.10, 281.07, 281.06, 281.05, 281.03, 281.02, 281.01, 280.97, 280.96, 280.92, 280.91, 280.90, 280.87, 280.86, 280.85, 280.82, 280.81, 280.78, 280.77, 280.76, 280.72, 280.71, 280.67, 280.66, 280.66, 280.65, 280.62, 280.61, 280.57, 280.56, 280.55, 280.52, 280.51, 280.47, 280.46, 280.45, 280.42, 280.41, 280.40, 280.37, 280.36, 280.32, 280.31, 280.30, 280.27, 280.26, 280.25, 280.22, 280.21, 280.20, 280.17, 280.16, 280.15, 280.12, 280.11, 280.10, 280.07, 280.06, 280.05, 280.02, 280.01, 280.0, 279.97, 279.96, 279.95, 279.92, 279.91, 279.90, 279.87, 279.86, 279.85, 279.82, 279.81, 279.80, 279.77, 279.76, 279.75, 279.72, 279.71, 279.70, 279.67, 279.66, 279.65, 279.62, 279.61, 279.60, 279.57, 279.56, 279.55, 279.52, 279.51, 279.50, 279.47, 279.46, 279.45 ], borderColor: 'black', borderWidth: 1, fill: false, pointRadius: 3 }] }, options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { display: false } }, scales: { x: { title: { display: true, text: 'Date' } }, y: { title: { display: true, text: 'Closing Rate' } } } } }); The Pakistani rupee registered marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Tuesday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.45, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. On Monday, the local unit closed at 279.46. Pakistan’s trade deficit significantly increased by 25% to $25.04 billion in the first eight months of the current fiscal year (8MFY26), as compared to the same period of the previous year, data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed on Tuesday. Internationally, the yen and ​euro were broadly lower on Tuesday as the widening Middle East conflict focused attention on countries ‌dependent on energy imports and how central banks may respond to inflation pressures. The US dollar benefited from safe-haven demand as the US and Israeli air war against Iran spilled out into neighboring countries. The euro steadied after sliding more than 1% as ​doubts swirled about when oil shipments from the region will be restored. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against ​a basket of currencies, traded at 98.49 after a 0.9% surge in the previous session. The euro ​edged up 0.07% to $1.1695. Euro sags, dollar gains as Iran war lifts energy prices The yen tacked on 0.09% to 157.2 per dollar after a 0.8% tumble in Monday’s session. Sterling ‌was little ⁠changed at $1.3407. Israel attacked Lebanon in response to strikes by Hezbollah, and Tehran kept up its missile and drone attacks on Gulf states. Qatar halted its production of liquefied natural ​gas on Monday, prompting ​precautionary shutdowns of oil ⁠and gas facilities across the Middle East. Europe and Japan are more exposed to higher energy costs than the US, which is a net energy exporter. Concerns that higher inflation will ​delay the Federal Reserve’s next cut in interest rates also boosted the dollar. A ​rate cut is ⁠no longer fully priced in until September, compared to previous expectations of July, based on pricing in the Fed funds futures market. Traders continue to price in two 25-basis-point cuts by year-end. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, rose more than $4 on Tuesday, soaring for a third session as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran widens, disrupting fuel shipments and heightening fears of further Middle East oil and gas supply disruption. Brent crude futures were up $4.94, or 6%, at $82.68 a barrel by 1028 GMT after touching their highest since July 2024 at $82.80. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $4.68, or 7%, to $75.91 after hitting its highest since June at $76.02. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Tuesday BID Rs 279.45 OFFER Rs 279.65 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR gained 13 paise for buying and remained unchanged for selling against USD, closing at 279.20 and 280.50, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR gained 1.34 rupee for buying and 2.14 rupees for selling, closing at 324.22 and 328.39, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR lost 8 paise for buying and 1 paisa for selling, closing at 75.63 and 76.77, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR lost 2 paise for buying and gained 23 paise for selling, closing at 73.91 and 74.91, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Tuesday BID Rs 279.20 OFFER Rs 280.50 [...]

Sri Lankan shares drop most since 2022 as Middle East conflict fans energy shortage fears
March 3, 2026 12:12
Sri Lankan shares drop most since 2022 as Middle East conflict fans energy shortage fears

COLOMBO/BENGALURU: Sri Lankan shares sank 5.4% on Tuesday, marking their worst single-day drop since the island nation’s 2022 financial crisis, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the conflict in Iran. The CSE All-Share index slid to 22,443.38, marking its worst day since April 2022. The Colombo Stock Exchange was closed for a local holiday on Monday, with markets having posted a 0.2% drop last week. Long queues have formed at fuel stations across the island nation as the Middle East conflict has stoked fears of oil shortages, but authorities have assured that the island nation has enough stocks for about 30 days. The conflict has pushed Brent prices past the $80 mark as the widening U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and threats to shipping via the Strait of Hormuz heightened fears of supply disruptions from the key Middle East producing region. Higher oil prices would hurt Sri Lanka’s trade balance, which meets most of its fuel requirements through imports. “The drop is very much because of the Iran strikes. We are seeing a bigger impact because Sri Lanka is sensitive to external shocks,” said Raynal Wickremeratne, Co-head of Research at Softlogic Stockbrokers. The nation of 22 million people is clawing its way back from a crisis brought about by a record shortfall of dollars in 2022, supported by a $2.9 billion loan programme from the International Monetary Fund. Sri Lanka exports about 50%-52% of its famed Ceylon Tea to the Middle East, which earned $1.5 billion last year. Remittances from nearly a million Sri Lankans working in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, also funnelled about $8 billion into the island nation’s foreign reserves in 2025. Most sectors closed in the red on Tuesday, with real estate stocks dropping 8.9% and consumer discretionary stocks posting a 7.5% decline. Tuesday’s decline also pushed the index to a year-to-date loss of 0.8%. [...]

Oil prices keep climbing as expanding conflict heightens supply risks
March 3, 2026 12:09
Oil prices keep climbing as expanding conflict heightens supply risks

LONDON: Crude oil benchmarks rose more than $4 on Tuesday, soaring for a third session as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran widens, disrupting fuel shipments and heightening fears of further Middle East oil and gas supply disruption. Brent crude futures were up $4.94, or 6%, at $82.68 a barrel by 1028 GMT after touching their highest since July 2024 at $82.80. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $4.68, or 7%, to $75.91 after hitting its highest since June at $76.02. The U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran has widened since Israel’s first attacks on Saturday, with Israel attacking Lebanon and Iran responding with strikes against energy infrastructure in Gulf countries and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes. Tankers and container ships are avoiding the waterway after insurers cancelled coverage for vessels and global oil and gas shipping rates soared. Concerns increased after Iranian media reported on Monday that a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards official said the Strait of Hormuz is closed and warned that Iran will fire on any ship trying to pass. “While there are concerns about oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a greater risk to the market would be Iran targeting additional energy infrastructure in the region. This could lead to more prolonged outages,” ING analysts said in a note. Stocks slide as Middle East conflict fans inflation fears United Arab Emirates authorities are dealing with a serious fire at Fujairah port, state media said on Tuesday. Since the start of attacks across the region, oil and gas infrastructure in several countries has been shut down because of damage or as a precautionary measure. Qatar has stopped liquefied natural gas production, Israel has stopped production at some gas fields, Saudi Arabia shut its biggest refinery and output in Iraqi Kurdistan has virtually ceased. In gas markets, benchmark Dutch contracts, British gas prices and European and Asian LNG prices all jumped. Analysts expect oil prices to remain elevated over the coming days while markets focus on the impact of the escalating conflict. Bernstein on Monday raised its 2026 Brent oil price assumption to $80 a barrel from $65 but said that prices could reach $120-$150 in an extreme case of prolonged conflict. Refined product futures are also gaining because Middle East processing facilities are at risk. U.S. ultra-low-sulfur diesel futures were up more than 11% at $3.22 a gallon after reaching a two-year high on Monday. Gasoline futures were up 5% at $2.49 a gallon. European gasoil futures gained 13% to $997.80 a metric ton after jumping 18% on Monday. [...]

After record crash, PSX rebounds sharply as KSE-100 surges over 5,100 points
March 3, 2026 10:37
After record crash, PSX rebounds sharply as KSE-100 surges over 5,100 points

A day after observing a massive selloff that saw the largest single-session decline in the bourse’s history, buying momentum returned to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining over 5,100 points on Tuesday. The stock market observed heightened volatility at the open, with the benchmark index initially dipping sharply toward the intraday low of 151,258.85 before witnessing aggressive buying interest. During the mid-session, the market moved in a range-bound pattern, moving between the 153,000 and 154,500 levels as participants consolidated gains. However, buying momentum picked up in the final hours of the trading session. The KSE-100 surged past the 156,000 mark and hit an intraday high of 158,217.01 before settling slightly lower by the end. At close, the benchmark index settled at 157,132.09, a gain of 5,159.10 points or 3.39%. On Monday, PSX suffered one of the most dramatic trading days in its history as mounting geopolitical tensions and sharp global risk aversion sparked a massive selloff, wiping out vast amounts of market value and shaking investor confidence nationwide. By the closing bell, the KSE-100 had fallen a staggering 16,089.17 points, i.e. 9.57%, settling at 151,973.00, marking the largest single-day point decline on record. Internationally, stocks resumed their ​selloff and the dollar strengthened in early Asian trading on Tuesday as investors considered the implications ‌of US and Israeli strikes on Iran on energy prices and the global economy. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1% to extend losses for a second day, led by a 2.5% tumble in Korean shares, while Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 slumped 0.8%. S&P 500 ​e-mini futures were down 0.2%. Stocks on ​Wall Street stabilised after a volatile session on Monday, which saw the S&P 500 rally from an early selloff to close ​flat and the Nasdaq Composite climb 0.4%, as investors bought the dip in markets after the conflict in the Middle East spilt over into Lebanon. With no end to hostilities in sight, an official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz is ​closed to marine traffic and the country will fire on any ship trying to pass. Oil and gas prices jumped on ​Monday, with Brent crude futures surging as much as 13% to $82.37 a barrel, the highest since January 2025, before settling up 7.1% at $78.07 ‌a ⁠barrel. In natural gas markets, benchmark European and Asian LNG prices leapt by around 40% on Monday. The surge in energy prices complicates the Federal Reserve’s efforts to keep inflation under control, with policymakers already showing signs of division around the impact of artificial intelligence on the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee registered a marginal gain against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Tuesday. At close, the local currency settled at 279.45, a gain of Re0.01 against the greenback. Volume on the all-share index declined to 770.69 million from 809.55 million recorded in the previous close. The value of shares decreased to Rs44.36 billion from Rs48.51 billion in the previous session. K-Electric Ltd. was the volume leader with 74.40 million shares, followed by WorldCall Telecom with 50.04 million shares, and Pak Elektron with 38.23 million shares. Shares of 480 companies were traded on Tuesday, of which 213 registered an increase, 228 recorded a fall, and 39 remained unchanged. [...]

Gold per tola sheds Rs13,900 in Pakistan
March 3, 2026 10:26
Gold per tola sheds Rs13,900 in Pakistan

Gold prices in Pakistan decreased on Tuesday in line with their loss in the international market. In the local market, gold price per tola reached Rs549,962 after a drop of Rs13,900 during the day. Similarly, 10-gram gold was sold at Rs471,503 after it decreased by Rs11,917, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). On Monday, gold price per tola reached Rs563,862 after a gain of Rs13,300 during the day. The international rate of gold was down by $139 to reach $5,272 per ounce (with a premium of $20). Meanwhile, the price of silver decreased by Rs1,146 to reach Rs8,904 per tola. [...]

Qatar leads Gulf declines on LNG halt, Middle East tensions
March 3, 2026 8:51
Qatar leads Gulf declines on LNG halt, Middle East tensions

Most Gulf stock markets fell in early Tuesday trading, led by Qatar, after it halted liquefied natural gas production, as rising Middle East tensions and precautionary regional energy shutdowns weighed on risk sentiment and stoked inflation fears. Israel broadened its campaign with new strikes on Iran and the Hezbollah, while Tehran launched missiles and drones toward Israel, several Gulf states and a British air base in Cyprus, raising concerns of a prolonged conflict. Qatar’s benchmark index shed 1.2%, pressured by a 2% drop in Qatar National Bank, the Gulf’s biggest lender by assets. The Gulf nationcondemned Iranian attacks on its territory and said it reserves complete right to retaliate in a letter to the UN Secretary General and the president of the Security Council on Monday. In Muscat, the index retreated more than 1% in broad declines, while the Kuwaiti index eased 0.1%. Bucking the trend, Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index rose 0.5%, lifted by a 1.9% climb in oil behemoth Saudi Aramco , while petrochemical maker Saudi Basic Industries Corp , of which Aramco owns 70%, added 2.8%. Oil prices rose for a third straight day on Tuesday as escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran and threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz heightened fears of supply disruptions from the key Middle East producing region. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz was closed and warned that Iran would set any ship attempting to pass on fire, Iranian media reported. Among individual stocks, Saudi’s budget carrier flynas extended declines to a third straight session, losing 2.9%, as the escalating war disrupted air travel in the region. Elsewhere, Bahrain’s index was little changed. Meanwhile, the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority said the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market would remain closed on March 2 and March 3, citing its supervisory and regulatory mandate over the country’s capital markets. [...]

European stocks slide, gas prices soar on Iran war
March 3, 2026 8:48
European stocks slide, gas prices soar on Iran war

LONDON: European stock markets slid further at the start of trading on Tuesday and the region’s natural gas prices soared once more as the Iran war shook financial markets. Frankfurt’s DAX index of top German companies shed 2.0 percent, the Paris CAC 40 lost 1.8 percent and London’s FTSE 100 retreated by 1.4 percent in value. The Dutch TTF natural gas contract, considered the European benchmark, shot up more than 33 percent having rocketed almost 40 percent on Monday after Qatar halted liquefied natural gas production following Iranian attacks on state processing facilities. [...]

Turkiye inflation rose slightly to 31.5% in February
March 3, 2026 8:45
Turkiye inflation rose slightly to 31.5% in February

ANKARA: Turkiye annual inflation rate rose slightly in February to a huge 31.5 percent, up from 30.7 in January after several consecutive months of falling, official figures showed on Tuesday. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 2.96 percent, compared with 4.8 percent in January, driven by housing and food costs, the TUIK statistics agency said. Food prices rose by 6.8 percent over the course of the month, and housing expenditure by 2.4 percent, the figures showed. Year-on-year, the price surges were particularly marked in education (up 55.7 percent), housing (42.3 percent) and food (36.4 percent). As usual, the figures were contested by independent economists from the Inflation Research Group (ENAG), who estimate consumer price inflation rose by 4.01 percent in February, rising to 54.14 percent over the past 12 months. Turkiye has experienced double-digit inflation since 2019, with the year-on-year figure over 30 percent for the past four years. It rose above 75 percent in May 2024 before beginning to slow. [...]

South African rand steady as geopolitical tensions drive safe-haven demand
March 3, 2026 7:17
South African rand steady as geopolitical tensions drive safe-haven demand

JOHANNESBURG: The South African rand held steady in early Tuesday trade, even as investors sought safe-haven assets amid escalating US and Israeli strikes on Iran and fears the conflict could broaden into a longer regional war and add to market uncertainty. At 0553 GMT, the rand traded at 16.1475 against the US dollar, little changed from Monday’s close of 16.1175. “At this stage, the ZAR is sitting on the sidelines, as attention is on the EUR and JPY because they import a great deal of oil and gas,” said Adam Phillips, treasury specialist at Umkhulu Treasury. The dollar firmed 0.2% against a basket of currencies, with gold - a major South African export - extending gains. Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers such as US policies, in addition to domestic economic data. South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond was also flat in early deals, with the yield at 8.16%. Phillips said there are worries that the conflict could drive up inflation, and economists are now expecting fewer interest rate cuts over the next six months. “I would be surprised to see the ZAR break below 16.00, just because of its beta status, but for the moment, 16.22 is the resistance level,” he noted. [...]

Shanghai stocks retreat from decade high; HK extends losses on Mideast conflict
March 3, 2026 7:10
Shanghai stocks retreat from decade high; HK extends losses on Mideast conflict

SHANGHAI: Shanghai shares briefly touched a decade high before reversing to trade lower by midday on Tuesday, while Hong Kong stocks extended their decline, as the Middle East war dampened sentiment and fuelled risk aversion across regional markets. The US-Israel war against Iran has broadened beyond direct strikes on Iranian territory, with Israel conducting air operations against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, while Iran launched missiles and drones on US targets across the Middle East. The benchmark Shanghai Composite index was down 0.07%, while the blue-chip CSI300 Index slipped 0.13%. In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng Index lost 0.29%, after falling 2.14% a day earlier. Defence stocks led market losses as investors engaged in profit-taking after recent gains, with the sector sub-index plunging 5.57%. Energy stocks outperformed broader markets, with the sector sub-index jumping 5.85% by midday, as rising oil prices fuelled by Middle East tensions boosted investor confidence in energy companies’ profits. Shares of oil giants CNOOC, PetroChina and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp hit their daily upside limits in morning trade. Energy stocks listed in Hong Kong rose 1.63%. “The Middle East conflict’s primary economic impact on China is through oil prices,” Citi analysts said in a note. “The oil shock could cause headline PPI to turn positive earlier than expected, while Chinese CPI is largely insensitive. Prolonged shipping disruptions would pose a secondary risk to China’s six-trillion-dollar trade activities.” Separately, Beijing and Washington have started talks on restarting reciprocal investment, a move that could be one of the few deliverables during an upcoming China visit by US President Donald Trump, the South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday, citing sources. Much of the market attention will be shifted to the annual meeting of China’s parliament convenes from March 5, where major economic targets and the year’s agenda will be mapped out. “As Beijing aimed to markedly raise the consumption ratio in its draft for the 15th Five-Year Plan, we believe Beijing will maintain its policy efforts to bolster consumption,” said Ting Lu, chief China economist at Nomura. “Specifically, we expect the National People’s Congress (NPC) meeting to confirm the actual scale of the fiscal subsidy, reiterate some structural measures, including providing childbirth subsidies and improving the social safety net.” [...]

Oil rises over $1 as Iran crisis disrupts Middle East supply
March 4, 2026 3:10
Oil rises over $1 as Iran crisis disrupts Middle East supply

Oil prices rose more than $1 on Wednesday as the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted Middle East output and halted exports from the region. Brent rose $1.11, or 1.4%, ​to $82.53 a barrel, after closing at its highest since January 2025 on ‌Tuesday. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 79 cents, or 1.1%, to $75.37, after settling at its highest since June. Israeli and US 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 its nearly 3 million bpd of output within days if exports do not resume. Iran has also targeted tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, through ​which about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Traffic ​remained effectively closed for a fourth day after Iran attacked five ships. However, comments from President Donald Trump ‌that ⁠the US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary helped keep a lid on crude price gains. Trump said he had ordered the US International Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade ​in the Gulf. But ship ​owners and analysts questioned ⁠if military escorts and insurance support would be enough to restore confidence. 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. Saudi oil giant Aramco is attempting to reroute some exports via the Red Sea to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, sources said. 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 barrels analysts projected. Official figures from ​the US government are expected later on Wednesday. [...]

Millions of dollars in crypto left Iranian exchanges after strikes
March 4, 2026 2:28
Millions of dollars in crypto left Iranian exchanges after strikes

PARIS: Outflows from Iranian crypto exchanges spiked in the hours after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday, two blockchain analytics companies said, although researchers added it was not possible to be certain what was behind the moves. Funds leaving Iranian crypto exchanges jumped sharply to hit more than USD2 million in the hour after the strikes began, US blockchain research company Chainalysis said. Reuters’ first reports of the strikes were around 0615 GMT on Saturday. British blockchain researchers Elliptic said outflows from Iran’s largest crypto exchange, Nobitex, peaked at USD2.89 million between 1100 and 1200 GMT on Saturday, a roughly eightfold increase compared with the previous day’s peak hourly outflows. Overall, crypto worth USD10.3 million left Iranian crypto exchanges between Saturday and Monday, Chainalysis said. Nobitex was not available for comment. The data gives a glimpse into the growing role of crypto in Iran, where activity tends to rise sharply after geopolitical shocks, blockchain researchers say. While estimates can differ widely, researchers say crypto transaction volumes hit USD8-11 billion in 2025, as state-linked actors and retail investors alike have turned to the digital currency. The United States is looking into whether specific crypto platforms have facilitated sanctions evasion by Iranian officials, Reuters reported in February. Crypto wallet addresses are pseudonymous - recorded on the blockchain as a string of letters and numbers - making it difficult to establish who is behind transactions. Chainalysis said it was not clear who had moved funds in the last few days or why. “Some of these flows are almost certainly ordinary Iranians moving funds in response to rising risk,” Chainalysis said. [...]

Middle East situation: Minister seeks allies’ help amid economic pressure
March 4, 2026 12:45
Middle East situation: Minister seeks allies’ help amid economic pressure

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik said on Tuesday that the government is fully aware of the current Middle East situation and its implications. “We’re taking measures to address the situation,” he said while speaking on Aaj News programme ‘News Insight with Aamir Zia’. Ali Pervez Malik emphasised that the duration of the conflict is uncertain, and Pakistan will need assistance from its allies to cope with additional economic pressures. He highlighted government efforts to navigate the challenges posed by regional tensions. The federal minister’s comments come as tensions escalate in the Middle East following US and Israel’s attacks on Iran, with concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies and regional stability. Malik noted many countries are now part of the Middle East conflict, and it’s unclear how long the situation will last. Therefore, as a responsible government, we must prepare for all scenarios within our financial means, whether it’s external accounts, energy stockpiles, or savings. We should operationalise every element. The federal minister also appealed to Pakistanis to conserve fuel, including petrol, and remain vigilant. “The energy market situation is also concerning,” he maintained. While mentioning that the government has made arrangements and there’s sufficient petrol and diesel stock in the country, the minister warned that rising energy prices could increase inflation in Pakistan. “Pakistan imports LNG from Qatar Energy, and now that the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, Qatar has suspended production. Our LPG imports from Iran may also be affected,” he said. “We need to be cautious,” Malik urged, emphasizing preparedness for potential challenges ahead. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Global energy prices soar
March 3, 2026 10:57
Global energy prices soar

LONDON: Global oil and gas prices jumped on Tuesday 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. Oil prices soared about 6percent to their highest since 2024 on Tuesday, rising for a third session as the US-Israel war against Iran widened, disrupting energy shipments from the Middle East and stoking fears of a prolonged conflict. Brent futures rose USD4.70, or 6.1 percent, to USD82.44 a barrel at 12:38 p.m. EST (1738 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate rose USD4.43, or 6.2 percent, to USD75.66. Brent was on track for its highest close since July 2024 and WTI for its highest since January 2025. Sugar, fertiliser and soy prices have all risen too. The conflict risks triggering a renewed spike in inflation that could choke off economic recovery in Europe and Asia if the war is prolonged in a region that accounts for just under a third of global oil production and almost a fifth of natural gas. Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest producer, on Tuesday said it may be forced to cut production by more than three million barrels per day in a few days if oil tankers cannot move freely to loading points, according to two Iraqi oil officials. As of Tuesday, Iraq has decreased production from the Rumaila oil field by 700,000 bpd and cut 460,000 bpd from the West Qurna 2 field, the officials said. Shipping at a standstill, oil and gas output slashed Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was closed for a fourth day after Iran attacked five ships, choking off a key artery accounting for about 20 percent of global oil and LNG supply. Crude tanker transits through the strait fell to four vessels on March 1, the day after hostilities broke out, versus an average of 24 per day since January, according to Vortexa vessel-tracking data. Three of the four were Iran-flagged. Hundreds of tankers loaded with oil and LNG are stranded near big hubs, such as the United Arab Emirates’ port of Fujairah, unable to reach customers in Asia, Europe and elsewhere. Some companies are trying to find alternative routes. Saudi oil giant Aramco 2223.SE is attempting to reroute some of its crude to its western Red Sea port of Yanbu, but sources, including buyers, traders and analysts, said Aramco’s east-west pipeline had limited capacity and could become a target of attacks by Iran’s allies. [...]

Failure to produce records before court: ATIR Lahore asks FBR to take strict action against taxmen
March 3, 2026 10:57
Failure to produce records before court: ATIR Lahore asks FBR to take strict action against taxmen

ISLAMABAD: Appellate Tribunal of Inland Revenue, Lahore, has directed the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take strict action against the tax officials, who failed to produce records before the court in a case of tax fraud despite specific directions of the court. According to the judgement of the ATIR in the matter of Bright Star Engineering Works vs Commissioner Inland Revenue, Zone-II Corporate Regional Tax Office, Lahore, from the non-corporative attitude of the concerned tax officials prima facia shows that there is something dubious and ulterior motive involved for which the record has not been produced before the court. Such conduct, if left unchecked, strikes at the very sanctity of statutory limitations, undermines transparency in tax administration, and erodes confidence in the integrity of the official record. However, despite the specific direction of the Bench, neither the concerned officers have appeared, nor a record of the case was provided for our satisfaction/examination. From all the facts recorded above, it is very much evident that departmental officials have playing ping pong with this forum but neither tendered a personal appearance nor faithfully discharged their obligation to produce the relevant record. Therefore, the matter warrants immediate inquiry in order to ascertain the responsibility and to take necessary and appropriate action against the responsible persons. The FBR should initiate the inquiry, fix responsibility, and take strict action against the responsible persons under the law. In these circumstances, the tribunal is handicapped in judging the exact volume of tax fraud or pinpointing who is actually negligent for the misplacement of the official record, the tribunal said. It is the tribunal’s strong apprehension that the initiation of the case might have been made with allegations of huge tax fraud, but ultimately, after thorough investigation, the show cause notice was issued for a nominal amount of Rs 180,264, which is also a lapse of five years when the case has become time-barred. There is a common practice among the departmental representatives to say that the record is not available. Therefore, a thorough probe is needed so that in the future such a kind of controversy does not arise, the tribunal added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Auto industry: FBR regulations influence cost structure, competitiveness: CCP
March 3, 2026 10:57
Auto industry: FBR regulations influence cost structure, competitiveness: CCP

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has disclosed that the Federal Board of Revenue’s regulations in the automobile industry directly influence the cost structure, competitiveness and localization levels of assemblers and importers. According to the CCP’s study, the automobile industry is annually contributing around Rs 302 billion in taxes through customs duties, sales tax, federal excise duty (FED), capital value tax (CVT), Income Tax and related levies. Local manufacturing contributes an estimated Rs302 billion annually in taxes through GST, FED, customs duty, and income taxes across the supply chain. Replacing domestic production with imports would reduce this multi-layered tax base to a single customs collection point, amplifying fiscal pressures and reducing long-term revenue potential. READ ALSO: BR RESEARCH: Autos: The road back looks different The FBR, through its Inland Revenue (IR) and Pakistan Customs Wing, plays a central regulatory role in the automobile industry by administering import tariffs, taxation policies, and customs procedures. Its mandate includes revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement of customs laws under the Customs Act, 1969 and related SROs. In the automotive sector, the FBR’s regulations directly influence the cost structure, competitiveness, and localization levels of assemblers and importers, the study added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

World Bank rates ASPIRE programme as satisfactory
March 3, 2026 10:57
World Bank rates ASPIRE programme as satisfactory

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has rated Pakistan’s Actions to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education (ASPIRE) Programme as satisfactory in both overall progress and achievement of development objectives, with USD 199.28 million fully disbursed, and USD 33.44 million additional financing has been approved for the project ahead of its extended closing in 2028. Financially, IDA credit to the tune of USD 199.28 million has been fully disbursed, while the additional financing under IDA credit, valued at USD 33.44 million, is in early disbursement stages. The original programme, approved in July 2020, has an extended closing date of June 30, 2028, under additional financing arrangements approved in June 2025. According to the Implementation Status & Results Report (ISR), the programme, supported under IDA credits, aims to help the government respond to school disruptions caused by crises, expand educational access, enhance quality, and strengthen sector resilience, with a focus on lagging districts. The January 19–23 Implementation Support Mission (ISM) confirmed fiscal year 2026 implementation readiness. All provincial Annual Work Plans (AWPs) received respective Provincial Grant Coordination Committee (PGCC) approvals, enabling alignment of fiscal year 2026 federal grant releases with approved AWPs. Federal grants for Quarter 1 and 2 have been processed for Sindh and Balochistan in December 2026, based on the timely submission of these provincial AWPs. Quarter 1 and 2 grants for Punjab and KP are currently in process after their respective PGCC approvals on 13 February 2026. The results for fiscal year 2026 are progressing, with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) targeting coordination, follow-up, and technical guidance for provinces. For DLR 1.2 (well-being and nutrition policies/plans), procurement of a Technical Assistance (TA) firm has been initiated, provincial focal points have been nominated, and coordination across provinces has been established; delivery timelines remain aligned with Period 6. READ ALSO: World Bank reaffirms commitment to 10-year development programme For DLR 14.1, the Out-of-School Children Challenge Fund (OOSC CF) design, the TA firm is onboard, inception completed, OOSC CF Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting convened, and diagnostics underway, with provincial consultations ongoing in February 2026. Content review for primary-level Student-Level Outcomes (SLO) coverage has commenced; enrollment in multimodal programs is exceeding the target; procurement for TA firm to support costed Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) implementation plans has been initiated; accelerated learning program implementation is progressing; and procurement is also underway for the TA for provincial assessment framework reviews which will contribute to the achievement of DLR 12.4 (alignment of provincial assessment frameworks with the National Achievement Test), and TA for horizontal data integration which will support the achievement of DLR 11.3 (horizontal data integration and reporting through the National Open Data Portal). Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

President LCCI for urgent, decisive policy measures to stabilize economy
March 3, 2026 10:57
President LCCI for urgent, decisive policy measures to stabilize economy

LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, has expressed deep concern over Pakistan’s rapidly widening trade deficit and mounting economic pressures, urging the government to adopt urgent and decisive policy measures to stabilize the economy and protect domestic industry. Referring to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Faheem ur Rehman Saigol noted that Pakistan’s trade deficit has crossed USD25 billion during the first eight months (July–February) of fiscal year 2025–26, signaling growing structural challenges within the economy. Faheem ur Rehman Saigol stated that a deficit of such magnitude poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability. He emphasized that the simultaneous decline in exports and surge in imports reflects structural weaknesses requiring immediate policy intervention. He urged the government to revisit trade and industrial policies and develop a comprehensive export-led strategy focused on diversification, industrial support, and discouragement of non-essential imports. LCCI President also expressed concern over renewed inflationary pressures. Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation increased to 7 percent on a year-on-year basis in February 2026, compared to 5.8 percent in January 2026 and 1.5 percent in February 2025. He observed that escalating electricity tariffs, fuel prices, and food costs are eroding purchasing power while simultaneously increasing production costs for businesses. Faheem ur Rehman Saigol called on the government to review the energy pricing framework and rationalize taxes and surcharges that are placing excessive burdens on both consumers and industry. He urged the federal government to formulate a coherent, business-friendly economic roadmap aimed at reducing the trade deficit, controlling inflation, strengthening domestic industries, and ensuring fiscal discipline. He reaffirmed that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the broader business community remain committed to working closely with the government to overcome economic challenges and place Pakistan on a path of sustainable and inclusive growth. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

AHCL-led consortium: PC Board requests CCoP to approve inclusion of FFC
March 3, 2026 10:57
AHCL-led consortium: PC Board requests CCoP to approve inclusion of FFC

ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission Board has requested the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) to approve the inclusion of Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) in the consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited (AHCL), the successful bidder for Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL). The decision was taken in the 249th PC Board meeting held here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission. In accordance with the terms of the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (SPSA), FFC was nominated by the AHCL-led consortium, with AHCL serving as the lead member. The PC Board, after due review, endorsed the nomination and confirmed that FFC fulfils the applicable eligibility and regulatory requirements. The proposed inclusion of FFC in the consortium is subject to approval by the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP)/Federal Cabinet, as required under the applicable framework. In a separate agenda item, the PC Board also recommended a revision in the fee structure of the Privatisation Commission, to be charged from the proceeds of privatisation transactions. The proposal aims to enable the Commission to move towards greater financial sustainability and to support its institutional strengthening and reform initiatives. The PC Board reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the privatization programme in a transparent, competitive, and rule-based manner to ensure optimal outcomes for the national exchequer. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Mobilink Bank, SEDF join forces for MSME financing
March 3, 2026 10:57
Mobilink Bank, SEDF join forces for MSME financing

KARACHI: Mobilink Microfinance Bank has entered into a five-year partnership with Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), Government of Sindh, to expand access to structured financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across priority economic sectors in the province. The collaboration will unlock up to PKR 1 billion in financing by combining Mobilink Bank’s lending capabilities with SEDF’s mark-up subsidy support to reduce the cost of capital for entrepreneurs and stimulate sustainable economic activity province-wide. The collaboration strengthens financing ecosystems for underserved and high-impact sectors, including agri value chains, livestock and dairy, poultry, fisheries, cold storage and logistics, renewable and alternative energy solutions, women-led enterprises, mining and mineral processing, and innovation-driven IT projects. Under the partnership, Mobilink Bank will extend short, medium, and long-term MSME financing, while SEDF will provide mark-up subsidy support of up to one-year KIBOR or 10 percent - whichever is lower - for an initial three-year period, extendable based on performance. Individual projects will be eligible for financing of up to PKR 5 million, with flexibility for expansion in innovative cases. Commenting on the partnership, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President & CEO, Mobilink Bank, said that small businesses are the backbone of Pakistan’s real economy and through this partnership with SEDF, Mobilink Bank is aligning financial innovation with policy support to expand access where it is needed most. “We want to channel affordable capital directly to local entrepreneurs, enable bottom-up economic growth, and unlock sustainable livelihoods across the province. This collaboration is about strengthening small businesses today to build a more resilient and inclusive economy for tomorrow”, he added. Zubair Ahmed Channa, Secretary, Investment Department, Government of Sindh, underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional financing ecosystems that support productive sectors across the province. The partnership reflects Mobilink Bank’s commitment to combine public policy support with private sector efficiency to drive inclusive growth, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in Pakistan’s emerging economic regions. The collaboration will enable MSMEs, particularly those in rural areas and women-led businesses, to invest in productivity, adopt green technologies, and scale their operations at lower borrowing costs and improved access to formal credit. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

NBP partners with Arcana Info to strengthen digital infrastructure
March 3, 2026 10:57
NBP partners with Arcana Info to strengthen digital infrastructure

KARACHI: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has embarked on the journey towards integration of technology systems via new Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) platform. The signing ceremony was held at NBP Head office, graced by Shaikh Ausaf Ahmed, Chief Technology Officer (A) from NBP and Amin ul Hafeez, CEO Arcana Info Pvt Ltd. This upgrade supports the Bank’s digital transformation and modernizes its IT setup. The ESB platform securely links NBP’s core system with other applications, allowing real-time transactions, faster response times, and better customer service across all channels. Sharing his views on the occasion, Ausaf Ahmed Shaikh, Acting Chief Technology Officer, said, “The ESB strengthens the Bank’s digital foundation, improves system stability, and prepares NBP for future growth. With this successful rollout, NBP continues building a secure, reliable, and future-ready technology environment to enhance customer experience and meet the demands of a fast-changing financial industry.” The new system also improves reliability and stability through centralized monitoring and stronger performance control. It boosts security, supports regulatory compliance, and ensures safe data exchange without any manual intervention. The platform accelerates the launch of new digital products and services, enabling rapid innovation without compromising on security or performance. By eliminating redundant connections and simplifying integration, it reduces system complexity and drives meaningful cost efficiencies. Powered by DevOps automation, the ESB streamlines updates and ensures seamless deployments, enhancing overall operational agility. This empowers technological teams to adapt swiftly to evolving business demands and raise customer expectations with greater speed and confidence. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Women Chambers of Commerce: BMG, BMP demand 50pc cut in fee
March 3, 2026 10:57
Women Chambers of Commerce: BMG, BMP demand 50pc cut in fee

KARACHI: S. M. Tanveer, Patron-in-Chief of United Business Group (UBG) and former Provincial Minister, along with Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Chairman of BMP-Progressive and Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), have jointly urged the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) and the Ministry of Commerce to grant a 50% reduction in the prescribed fee for amendment in Memorandum and Articles of Association for Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Referring to Notification S.R.O. 2077(I)/2025 concerning amendments in Schedule “E” of the Trade Organizations Rules, 2013, they noted that the amendment fee has been fixed at PKR 100,000 for all trade bodies. They emphasized that trade organizations are not initiating these changes voluntarily but are revising their constitutional documents strictly in compliance with directives issued by the DGTO. Both leaders highlighted that Women Chambers generally operate with limited financial resources and modest revenue streams, primarily dependent upon membership subscriptions. Despite financial constraints, these chambers play a pivotal role in promoting women entrepreneurship, building institutional capacity, and strengthening women-led enterprises at grassroots and national levels. S. M. Tanveer stated that facilitating Women Chambers at this critical juncture would reinforce the government’s commitment to women empowerment and inclusive economic growth. He stressed that regulatory compliance should not become an additional financial burden for institutions working to uplift women entrepreneurs. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon underscored that a special concession of 50% in the prescribed fee would significantly ease the financial pressure on Women Chambers and enables them to continue their vital role in enhancing women’s economic participation. He reiterated that supportive measures are essential to strengthen institutional development and sustainability of Women Chambers across the country. The leaders expressed hope that the DGTO and the Ministry of Commerce will give favourable consideration to this request in the larger interest of women empowerment and economic inclusivity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

EPBD sounds alarm over worsening trade gap
March 3, 2026 10:57
EPBD sounds alarm over worsening trade gap

ISLAMABAD: President Economic Policy and Business Development (EPBD) think tank and former minister Gohar Ejaz has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s worsening trade imbalance, highlighting that “no signs of export-led growth” have emerged amid a steep increase in the trade deficit. Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reveals that during the eight-month period from July to February, Pakistan’s trade deficit surged by nearly USD5 billion compared to the same period last year. Exports declined by USD1.5 billion, while imports rose by USD3.5 billion, deepening the country’s external economic vulnerabilities. “Exports and economic growth are the backbone of national economic security,” Ejaz said in a statement. “The government must urgently focus on reversing this trend before it threatens the stability of the entire economy.” The latest figures show exports dropping from USD22.07 billion in July–February 2024-25 to USD20.46 billion in the same period this year, while imports climbed from USD42.11 billion to USD45.50 billion. This has pushed the trade deficit to USD25.04 billion, up 25 percent year-on-year. Monthly data from February 2026 also reflects a continued slump in exports alongside stubbornly high imports, reinforcing fears that Pakistan is not benefiting from any meaningful export-led growth. Economists warn that if these trends persist, foreign exchange reserves could come under severe pressure, impacting currency stability and inflation. They urge policymakers to prioritize boosting exports, diversifying markets, and controlling unnecessary imports. As the government grapples with these challenges, Ejaz’s warning underscores the urgency for a strategic pivot towards export-led growth to secure Pakistan’s economic future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

Tajikistan via Gilgit: Aleem underscores need for direct land corridor
March 3, 2026 10:57
Tajikistan via Gilgit: Aleem underscores need for direct land corridor

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan floated an idea to establish a direct land corridor from Pakistan to Tajikistan via Gilgit to bolster economic ties between the two countries. The minister’s proposal came during his meeting with the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, here on Tuesday. Both of them held extensive discussions on enhancing bilateral relations, regional land connectivity, and trade cooperation. During the meeting, both sides emphasised the need to adapt to evolving regional dynamics through effective strategies. The Tajik ambassador also proposed that Pakistan consider offering special concessional tariffs to Central Asian states to expand the volume of bilateral trade. While highlighting the regional security situation, Abdul Aleem Khan issued a strong condemnation of terrorism entering Pakistan from Afghanistan, termed such conduct as unacceptable and detrimental to regional peace and stability. The minister remarked that by acting as a proxy for India, Afghanistan has demonstrated an obstructive stance that negatively impacts not only Pakistan but also the broader Central Asian region. He reaffirmed that significant growth in international trade is contingent upon improving communication and transport infrastructure, noting that enhancing trade activities with Central Asian States would prove instrumental for Pakistan’s economic stability. Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir expressed the keen interest of Tajikistan’s 15 million people in developing closer cooperation with their 250 million brothers and sisters in Pakistan. He highlighted that the establishment of new trade routes would open unprecedented avenues for economic activity and prosperity across the region. The ambassador also extended a formal invitation to Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan to visit Tajikistan, which the minister accepted, expressing his willingness to undertake the visit in the near future to provide practical shape to the proposed areas of cooperation. The meeting concluded with a mutual resolve to modernise trade routes and strengthen bilateral ties to achieve sustainable development. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to making Pak-Tajik cooperation more effective, ensuring that improved connectivity leads to shared prosperity for both nations and the wider region. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

MWC Barcelona: PM’s cashless economy initiative takes global stage
March 3, 2026 10:57
MWC Barcelona: PM’s cashless economy initiative takes global stage

KARACHI: Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem is evolving from innovation to infrastructure, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Cashless Economy Initiative, supported by the State Bank of Pakistan’s enabling policies, driving momentum at national scale. These views were shared by Aamir Ibrahim, Chairman of Mobilink Bank and JazzCash, during a fireside chat with GSMA Fintech Lead Brian Gorman at the Fintech and Commerce Summit, where he outlined how the government’s push to accelerate digital payments is gaining measurable traction. The Prime Minister’s initiative focuses on expanding digital payment adoption, strengthening public digital infrastructure, and digitising government to person and person to government transactions. At its core is the objective of reducing reliance on cash, broadening documentation of economic activity, and expanding access to formal financial services. Ibrahim noted that Pakistan’s digital financial transition is built on strong institutional foundations led by the State Bank of Pakistan. The launch of Raast, Pakistan’s instant payment system, has enabled an interoperable payments framework that connects banks and wallets across the country, allowing customers and merchants to transact seamlessly. Within this national framework, JazzCash has emerged as one of the largest contributors to digital transaction volumes. The platform now serves nearly 58 million customers and supports more than one million Raast QR enabled merchants nationwide. In 2025, JazzCash processed Rs 15 trillion in gross transaction value, equivalent to roughly 13 percent of national GDP. The shift is visible across the economy. Small retailers are accepting QR payments in place of cash. Salaried employees are paying bills and school fees digitally. Freelancers are receiving cross border income directly into mobile wallets. Government welfare disbursements are increasingly delivered through digital channels, reducing leakages and improving transparency. In 2025 alone, JazzCash disbursed over Rs 100 billion in government to person payments, supporting the state’s objective of efficient and direct benefit transfers. The platform also issues more than 200,000 digital loans daily, extending regulated financial tools to micro entrepreneurs and small businesses that previously operated outside the formal banking system. Merchant digitisation remains central to the cashless agenda. With over one million Raast QR enabled merchants and tap on phone capabilities that convert smartphones into acceptance devices, JazzCash has expanded digital payment acceptance into urban centres and smaller towns alike. Documented transaction histories are enabling merchants to formalise revenues and access working capital through regulated channels. International flows are also reinforcing the digital shift. Pakistan recorded USD 38 billion in remittance inflows during FY25, underscoring the importance of cross border financial flows to the national economy. JazzCash processed Rs 138 billion in international remittances in 2025, enabling funds to settle directly into digital wallets, where they can be used for payments, savings, and credit. Ibrahim emphasised that financial inclusion is not only about convenience. “Digital transactions create documentation,” he said. “Documentation strengthens transparency, improves credit access, and supports broader economic participation.” As Pakistan advances its cashless framework, the combination of government policy, regulatory leadership from the State Bank, and private sector scale is accelerating adoption. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026 [...]

France deploys aircraft carrier to Mediterranean over Iran war
March 3, 2026 9:42
France deploys aircraft carrier to Mediterranean over Iran war

PARIS: France is sending its flagship aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the widening conflict in the Middle East, President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday. “I have ordered the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, its air assets, and its escort of frigates to set course for the Mediterranean,” he said in a televised speech a day after he warned of the risk of the conflict spilling over Europe’s borders. The Charles de Gaulle carrier has been pulled out of a deployment in the North Atlantic. It made one stopover in the Swedish port of Malmo last week. Macron said he was also sending additional air defence units to Cyprus, a day after Iranian-made drones hit the British Royal Air Force (RAF) base of Akrotiri in the Mediterranean island. He said the frigate Languedoc and the “additional air defence assets” would arrive off Cyprus on Tuesday, as the conflict spreads after the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Saturday. Britain has also put a warship in position off Cyprus. READ MORE: Second US aircraft carrier to deploy to Middle East: reports “The United States of America and Israel decided to launch military operations, conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve of,” the French president said. But “the Islamic republic of Iran bears primary responsibility for this situation,” he said, citing Iran’s “dangerous” nuclear programme, support for regional proxies, and orders to shoot “its own people” during protests in January. Iran has responded by targeting Gulf states, Israel and US facilities across the Middle East, as well as threatening shipping in the area. ‘Self-defence’ “Today, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed. Around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this strait,” Macron said. “The Suez Canal and the Red Sea are also under strain and under threat.” “We have taken the initiative to build a coalition in order to pool the necessary resources, including military ones, so that traffic can be restored and secured in these sea lanes that are essential to the global economy,” he added. Macron said French forces had downed drones “in self-defence” during the opening hours of the conflict. READ MORE: US deploys aircraft carrier as Iran warns against attack “We reacted immediately and shot down drones in self-defence in the early hours of the conflict to defend the airspace of our allies, who know they can count on us,” Macron said, referring to defence agreements with Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France had deployed Rafale fighter jets over the UAE to protect its naval and air bases. France has hundreds of navy, air force and army personnel in the UAE. Its Rafale aircraft are stationed at Al-Dhafra base near Abu Dhabi. “These Rafales and their pilots are mobilised to ensure the security of our facilities,” Barrot told BFMTV in response to a question on French action over the weekend to neutralise Iranian drones. Barrot said that a hangar at a French base in the UAE was “hit by a drone” on Sunday. [...]

Drone attack sparks fire by Dubai’s US consulate
March 3, 2026 9:32
Drone attack sparks fire by Dubai’s US consulate

DUBAI: A drone attack caused a fire by the US consulate in Dubai late on Tuesday as Iran ramped up its targeting of American diplomatic missions in the Gulf. Residents told AFP they heard a bang and one said she then saw the blaze. Police cordoned off roads nearby and shooed away passersby trying to see the damage. “Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire resulting from a drone-related incident near the US Consulate has been successfully contained,” Dubai Media Office posted on X. The US embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones, setting off a small fire, in the early hours of Tuesday. The US embassy in Kuwait was struck on Monday, diplomatic sources told AFP after smoke was seen pouring from the building. The wealthy Gulf has been under Iranian bombardment since Saturday as part of the growing Middle East war, with airports and oil facilities among the targets hit. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the drone strike in Dubai and said all staff were safe. READ MORE: US embassy in Riyadh hit by drones, Saudi defence ministry says “A drone unfortunately struck a parking lot adjacent to the chancellery building and then set off a fire in that place. All personnel are accounted for,” he told reporters in Washington. Loud jet sounds could be heard on Tuesday over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ commercial hub whose skyline features the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Despite suffering over 1,000 attacks – more than the combined total for the other targeted countries, according to the foreign ministry – the UAE said it had no plans to hit back against Iran. “The United Arab Emirates reaffirms that it has not taken any decision to alter its defensive posture in response to the repeated Iranian attacks,” the foreign ministry statement said. “The UAE reiterates that it is not a party to this war and has not permitted the use of its territory, territorial waters or airspace for any attack against Iran,” it added. [...]

Khamenei to be buried in holy city of Mashhad: Iranian media
March 3, 2026 9:25
Khamenei to be buried in holy city of Mashhad: Iranian media

TEHRAN: Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be buried in the holy city of Mashhad, the Fars news agency said Tuesday. Khamenei, who led the country for 36 years, was killed at 86 during a wave of US-Israeli attacks on Saturday. He was originally from Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city, where his father is buried at the Imam Reza shrine. Before the burial, a “large farewell ceremony” will be held in Tehran, the Revolutionary Guards said on their Telegram account. No date for the burial was disclosed. READ MORE: Ayatollah Khamenei assassinated in US-Israeli airstrikes: state media After Khamenei’s death, power was entrusted to a three-man interim council until the Assembly of Experts elects his successor. It includes the president, the head of the judiciary and a jurist from the Guardian Council, the body that oversees legislation and vets electoral candidates. Fars, citing an official familiar with the process, reported that “for security reasons”, the assembly’s final meeting could be postponed until after Khamenei’s burial. Iranian media said the building housing the 88-member body in the holy city of Qom, south of Tehran, was hit Tuesday by US-Israeli strikes. Its main headquarters in the Iranian capital was also struck the day before. [...]

Lebanon to delay May elections due to conflict with Israel, officials say
March 3, 2026 7:30
Lebanon to delay May elections due to conflict with Israel, officials say

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s leaders have agreed on a plan to postpone parliamentary elections scheduled for May and to extend parliament’s term by two years after the resumption of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah this week and growing war in the Middle East, two senior Lebanese officials said. The sources said Lebanon’s president, prime minister and parliament speaker had agreed on the move on Tuesday. It would still require the approval of a majority of Lebanon’s 128-member legislature. Lebanon, which last held parliamentary polls in 2022, has been pulled into the war in the Middle East, with Hezbollah on Tuesday launching missiles at Israel for a second consecutive day and Israel sending troops into the south and carrying out waves of airstrikes. READ MORE: Israel strikes Beirut’s southern suburbs after Hezbollah attacks The theatre for numerous conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon was drawn into the spillover from the war between the United States, Israel and Iran on Monday, when Hezbollah opened fire with drones and missiles. With dozens of people killed in retaliatory Israeli strikes, Hezbollah’s move to enter the conflict has sharpened long-standing divisions in Lebanon over its status as an armed group - the only Lebanese faction to keep its weapons after the 1975-90 civil war. “It does not appear that conditions will be conducive to holding elections for some time,” one of the officials said. [...]

Iran will not ‘automatically’ fall after Khamenei’s death, shah’s widow tells AFP
March 3, 2026 7:10
Iran will not ‘automatically’ fall after Khamenei’s death, shah’s widow tells AFP

PARIS: Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s death is “historically significant” but will not “automatically” lead to the fall of the Iranian system, the widow of the country’s last shah told AFP in an interview Tuesday. “The passing of a man – however central he may be to the architecture of power – does not automatically mean the end of a system,” said Farah Pahlavi, three days after US-Israeli strikes on Iran killed Khamenei. The attacks on Iran have thrown the Middle East into turmoil and raised enormous questions about the fate of the Islamic republic following the death of the supreme leader and other senior figures. Pahlavi, 87, urged the international community to respect Iranian sovereignty and assist the people in following their own “destiny”. “What will be decisive,” she said, was “the ability of the Iranian people to unite around a peaceful, orderly and sovereign transition to a state governed by the rule of law”. She added that her son Reza Pahlavi, who has positioned himself as an alternative if the republic falls, “is in the process of preparing” such a transition. READ MORE: Ayatollah Khamenei assassinated in US-Israeli airstrikes: state media US-based Reza Pahlavi entered the global spotlight during nationwide protests that peaked in January, where many demonstrators chanted slogans favourable to the former shah’s son. In an X post on Tuesday, the 65-year-old called for national unity from Iranian ethnic minorities – said to be discriminated against under the current system – and appeared to urge them not to use the current conflict to press for separation. No ‘geopolitical calculations’ His mother, who has lived in exile in Paris since being driven out of Iran with her husband in the 1979 revolution, urged the international community to respect the Iranian people’s right to choose their own path forward. “What I want is for the international community to clearly support the fundamental rights of Iranians: the right to choose their leaders, to express themselves freely, to live in dignity and prosperity,” she said. “The support must go to the people, not to geopolitical calculations.” Pahlavi also called on Iranian authorities “to show restraint and avoid any bloodshed”. Unrest in Tehran in January prompted a violent crackdown, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) recording more than 7,000 deaths, mostly protesters, while warning the full toll was probably higher. In addition, more than 53,000 people have been arrested since January. Pahlavi told AFP in January that there was “no turning back” after the latest wave of protests, adding their “victory will not only be that of my country, it will also be that of peace, security and stability in the world”. The former empress was driven into exile with her husband, late pro-Western shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in January 1979 during a popular revolution that ousted the monarchy and brought the Islamic republic to power. [...]

Trump says ‘everything’s been knocked out’ in Iran
March 3, 2026 6:57
Trump says ‘everything’s been knocked out’ in Iran

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday boasted of wide damage on Iran inflicted by the US-Israel attack, while denying that Israel had forced his hand into launching the war. “Just about everything’s been knocked out,” Trump said as he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, answering his first questions from reporters since the strikes began on Saturday. Trump’s administration has given conflicting reasons for going to war, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Monday that the United States did so only after learning that ally Israel was going to strike. But Trump walked that back, saying that he acted to prevent Tehran launching an assault first. “Based on the way the negotiation was going, I think they (Iran) were going to attack first. And I didn’t want that to happen,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “So, if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand.” READ MORE: US lawmakers slam State Dept over lack of help for Americans stuck in Mideast amid Iran war The US president has also faced criticism for the lack of an apparent day-after plan for Iran, and he admitted that he was not sure how the situation would play out after the conflict. “I guess the worst case would be, we do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person, right?” Trump said, referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran’s supreme leader was killed in air strikes on the first day of the conflict. “I guess the worst case would be, we do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person, right?” said Trump. “That could happen. We don’t want that to happen.” Trump also told protesters in Iran to hold off any major moves until the situation had stabilized. He has also used the recent deadly crackdown on protests in Iran as a justification for the war. “We’ve said, don’t do it yet. If you’re going to go out and protest, don’t do it yet,” Trump added. He said that two waves of US-Israeli attacks on Iran had killed figures he had eyed as potential new leaders, adding that there had been a “substantial” new attack on a meeting to choose the new leadership. “Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” he said. “Now we have another group. They may be dead also, based on reports.” [...]

Russia urges Iran to protect civilians across Middle East
March 3, 2026 6:50
Russia urges Iran to protect civilians across Middle East

MOSCOW: Russian top diplomat Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday urged ally Iran to ensure safety of civilians across the Middle East during a call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Moscow’s Foreign Ministry said.  The call came after President Vladimir Putin agreed to relay to Tehran the security concerns of several Gulf states, which have come under Iranian retaliatory fire in recent days. Facing isolation from the West after sending troops to Ukraine, Putin has looked to strengthen partnerships in the Middle East, keeping close relations both with Iran and the Gulf monarchies. During the phone call with Araghchi, Lavrov stressed the need to “ensure the safety of the civilian population and civil infrastructure in all countries of the region”, according to the Russian readout.  READ MORE: EU urges ‘maximum restraint’ over Iran withdraws Middle East personnel The minister also “confirmed a fundamental position in favour of de-escalating the situation and rejecting the use of force”. The US and Israeli attacks on Iran which began on Saturday, followed by Iranian counterattacks on Gulf states and Israel, have prompted several countries to shut their airspace. The shutdowns have caused thousands of flight cancellations across Gulf nations – popular holiday destinations for Russian tourists – in what has become the biggest disruption to global travel since the Covid pandemic. Russia’s association of tour operators estimates that around 50,000 Russian tourists may now be stranded in the United Arab Emirates. [...]

Ukraine offers Gulf states air defence swap
March 3, 2026 5:42
Ukraine offers Gulf states air defence swap

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday offered US allies in the Middle East a swap of some of their air defence missiles in exchange for Kyiv’s vaunted drone interceptors, to better protect them from Iranian drone attacks. The Israeli and US strikes on Iran have triggered retaliatory Iranian strikes – including with drones – across the region. Russia has been using Iranian-designed Shahed drones throughout its four-year invasion of Ukraine, and Kyiv has developed a range of cheap and effective drone interceptors – aerial craft designed to hit incoming attack drones mid-air – that it says are world-leading. At the same time, Ukraine is struggling with a shortage of PAC-3 air defence missiles – expensive ammunition fired at incoming Russian missiles to defend Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. “The number one issue is how to protect their skies. We ourselves live with this question,” Zelensky said. READ MORE: Iran war enters fourth day in ‘smoke and blood’ as markets slide “Let’s speak about weapons that we’re short of: PAC-3 missiles – if they give them to us, we will give them interceptors,” he added. PAC-3 missiles, he said, do not work to protect against a barrage of hundreds of Shahed drones. “This is a fair exchange. We will certainly do this. And if the teams start working now, we’ll see what the result is,” Zelensky told journalists in Kyiv. The Ukrainian leader spoke on the phone with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed on Tuesday. Iran’s bombardment in the Gulf states has hit military bases but also civilian infrastructure such as residential buildings, hotels, airports and sea ports, rattling a region long seen as a refuge from Middle East conflict. Iran is relying heavily on its missile arsenal for its barrages – weapons that can be intercepted by PAC-3 air defence systems. [...]

Unbeaten South Africa face ‘fresh start’ in semi-final: Markram
March 3, 2026 5:38
Unbeaten South Africa face ‘fresh start’ in semi-final: Markram

KOLKATA: South Africa captain Aiden Markram on Tuesday said his team’s win over New Zealand in the group phase will count for nothing in the T20 World Cup semi-final, which will be a “completely fresh start”. The two teams clash at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens in the first semi-final on Wednesday, with both having never lifted a cricket World Cup. South Africa are the only unbeaten side in the last four and are trying to rid themselves of a reputation for choking in the final stages at World Cups. They have been the team to beat in this edition and got the better of New Zealand by seven wickets in a group game in Ahmedabad on February 15. “We had a good run against them in the group stages, but both teams have played a lot of cricket since then,” Markram told reporters. READ MORE: South Africa juggernaut faces knockout test against New Zealand “It’s a completely fresh start tomorrow and it being a semi-final which is exciting as well. “I don’t think it’s as straightforward as just being able to repeat that. We’ll try to bring our best game to the front again.” South Africa suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados, when they needed 30 off 30 balls with six wickets and lost by seven runs after a clatter of wickets. South Africa beat India and the West Indies in the Super Eights to have many marking them down as the favourites to lift the trophy. “With regards to being favourites or not, that’s all different people’s opinions,” said Markram. “Us as a team really just try to focus on putting good games of cricket together and playing that exciting brand that we’ve been trying to play for the last 18 months or so. Markram has led South Africa from the front with 268 runs including three half-centuries and a top score of 86 not out in seven matches. He holds an impressive captaincy record of 15 wins in 16 T20 World Cup matches with the only defeat in the 2024 final. “The senior guys in the team, we lean on them a lot. They help guide you and lead you when you have a few doubts,” said Markram. “I think because of that and a really strong group of players over the years, we’ve developed that. Fortunately it reflects well, but it’s definitely a reflection on the group as a whole.” [...]

Banana waste to textile fiber: SMEDA launches ‘innovative’ project
March 3, 2026 5:27
Banana waste to textile fiber: SMEDA launches ‘innovative’ project

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and other partners, has launched an innovative project aimed at transforming banana waste into eco-friendly textile fibre, it was learnt on Tuesday. The initiative, which aims to promote bio-economy and circular growth in Pakistan, was formally introduced during an inception workshop on ‘Bananas in Pakistan’s Bio-economy: Transforming Waste into Textile’ held on the sidelines of the flagship ‘Made in Pakistan - SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026’, according to a press release issued by SMEDA on Tuesday. SMEDA officials say the project is part of the ‘Elimination of Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains Integrated Programme”, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by UN agencies, with implementation partners selected across eight countries. Keeping in view the significance of climate-resilient initiatives in Pakistan, officials say SMEDA is the lead executing partner working alongside the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), Sindh Government departments, FAO and the National Textile University. It is meant for playing a role in helping Pakistan fight climate-related issues and contributing to national economic growth. Also read: Banana exports in jeopardy The inception workshop brought together policymakers, development partners, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore the potential of banana waste as a sustainable raw material for Pakistan’s textile and allied industries. Moderating the event, Sheharyar Tahir, GM Gender & Sustainability, SMEDA, said the project would run from 2026 to 2031 and 40,000 women would be engaged in it. He said young students would also be made part of the all-important project which was funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed by UN agencies. Implementation agencies had been selected across eight countries, he added. Citing studies, he said banana crop in Pakistan was cultivated over 40,000 hectares and tonnes of it are discarded or burnt. “This can be used to extract raw banana fibre and make products related to textile, handicraft, bags, packaging etc.” He said the initiative would focus on pilot projects, technology transfer, training and capacity building, certification support, market linkages and development of traceability systems. Amina Bajwa, Assistant FAO Programme, noted that Pakistan was among the most climate-vulnerable countries facing challenges such as agricultural emissions, residue burning, and environmental degradation. She emphasised that converting banana waste into high-value products offered a practical solution to reduce pollution while creating new income streams. “The collaborative efforts will help Pakistan earn revenue and it is the beginning of a journey toward sustainable bio-economy solutions,” she said. Dr Julius, FAO Programme Coordinator and Provincial Head Sindh, emphasised Sindh’s central role as the “epicenter of Pakistan’s banana economy”. He expressed concern over water intensity and post-harvest losses, with nearly 16% of bananas going waste. He stressed the need for further research and ensuring that the voice of farmers remained central to project design and implementation. During the workshop, Sheharbano, a seller of banana fibre products, shared her experience and expressed gratitude for SMEDA for providing support and a platform to showcase her products. She said the initiative had enabled her to earn a livelihood and motivated her to dedicate herself to promoting banana fibre products as a contribution to Pakistan’s economic progress. Talking to Business Recorder, agriculture expert, Dr Sohail Ahmed Otho, Assistant Professor Department of Plant protection. Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam said banana waste was not merely agricultural waste, but a highly effective economic tool for the textile industry. [...]

Pakistan, Turkiye call for restraint as Middle East tensions escalate
March 3, 2026 5:23
Pakistan, Turkiye call for restraint as Middle East tensions escalate

In a high-level telephone conversation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the rapidly intensifying crisis in the Middle East, expressing deep concern over recent hostilities and urging all parties to exercise restraint to avert further escalation. According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Iran and criticised subsequent “regrettable attacks on other brotherly Gulf countries.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Gulf leadership and underscored Islamabad’s readiness to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation and dialogue in the region. Both leaders agreed that “maximum restraint by all parties” is imperative to prevent the conflict from spiralling further. Read More: Erdogan calls for end to Iran war ‘bloodbath’ They also exchanged views on evolving developments in Afghanistan, resolving to maintain close and frequent contact in their shared pursuit of peace and stability. The conversation comes amid mounting international concern after a joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran triggered a broader regional flare-up, drawing responses from several Middle Eastern capitals calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to diplomacy. Turkey’s President Erdogan, speaking separately, has condemned the strikes on Iran as a clear violation of international law and stressed the urgency of diplomatic efforts to prevent further destabilisation across the Middle East. The Pakistani government has been actively engaging a range of regional partners this week, sharing concerns and urging restraint in calls with leaders from Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain and Syria. Islamabad has repeatedly emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy, rather than force, are the only viable paths to sustainable peace and stability in the region. [...]

PC board backs inclusion of FFC in AHCL-led consortium for PIA stake sale
March 3, 2026 4:50
PC board backs inclusion of FFC in AHCL-led consortium for PIA stake sale

The Privatisation Commission (PC) Board on Monday recommended to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) the approval of inclusion of Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) in the consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited (AHCL), the successful bidder for Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL). The decision was taken in the 249th meeting of the PC Board held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman, Privatisation Commission. According to the draft press release issued by the Ministry of Privatisation, FFC was nominated by the AHCL-led consortium in line with the terms of the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (SPSA), with AHCL acting as the lead member. The Board, after scrutiny and review, endorsed the nomination upon confirming that FFC meets the applicable eligibility and regulatory requirements. READ MORE: PC board takes key decisions on major privatisation initiatives However, the proposed inclusion will be subject to approval by the CCoP and the Federal Cabinet, as required under the relevant legal framework. In a separate agenda item, the PC Board also recommended a revision in the Privatisation Commission’s fee structure to be charged from the proceeds of privatisation transactions. The proposal is aimed at enhancing the Commission’s financial sustainability and supporting its institutional strengthening and reform initiatives. The Board reiterated its commitment to implementing the privatisation programme in a transparent, competitive and rule-based manner to secure optimal returns for the national exchequer. [...]

US stocks open sharply lower, joining global sell-off
March 3, 2026 4:33
US stocks open sharply lower, joining global sell-off

NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks tumbled early Tuesday, joining a global sell-off as markets worry about a long-running Middle East war boosting oil prices and inflation. About 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 2.2% at 47,837.16. The broad-based S&P 500 shed 1.9% to 6,749.42, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index slid 2% to 22,300.67. US stocks also opened decisively lower on Monday but strengthened throughout the day as investors appeared to bet on a fairly quick resolution that wouldn’t lead to a sustained hike in energy prices. But investors were more pessimistic on Tuesday. “Overnight, what we realized was that this is not going away so quickly” and is “meeting the standards of having a broad geopolitical impact,” said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. READ MORE: US stocks fall as Middle Eastern war lifts oil prices Oil prices surged again on Tuesday as Iran attacked additional energy facilities. Drones struck a fuel tank in Oman, and in the UAE an oil storage zone was hit by falling debris from an intercepted drone. The Strait of Hormuz, a key transport waterway, remained effectively empty. “US investors can only trust their positive psychology to some extent before they realize that, ‘Wait a minute, if this is a problem for everyone else in the world, maybe this should be a problem here too,’” Sosnick said. We’re talking about “something that could have an important inflationary impact,” he added. [...]

Macron to address nation on Middle East war
March 3, 2026 4:31
Macron to address nation on Middle East war

PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron will on Tuesday speak to the nation about the war in Iran and its consequences, the Elysee said, after France vowed to protect its nationals and bases in the Middle East. Macron, who on Monday warned that a widening war between the United States, Israel, and Iran risks spilling over to Europe’s borders, will deliver a televised address to the nation at 8:00 pm (1900 GMT). During a meeting of France’s defence council on Sunday, the French president said France would raise its defence posture in the Middle East to protect its nationals and bases there, and to support countries in the region targeted by Iran in retaliation for the Israeli-US strikes. Earlier Tuesday Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that France had deployed Rafale fighter jets over the United Arab Emirates to protect its naval and air bases. France has hundreds of navy, air force and army personnel based in the UAE. Its Rafale aircraft are stationed at Al-Dhafra base near Abu Dhabi. READ MORE: Iran war enters fourth day in ‘smoke and blood’ as markets slide “These Rafales and their pilots are mobilised to ensure the security of our facilities,” Barrot told broadcaster BFMTV in response to a question on French action in the UAE over the weekend to neutralise Iranian drones. “They have carried out operations to secure the airspace above our bases.” On Sunday, “a hangar at a French base in the United Arab Emirates was hit by a drone”, Barrot said. “Exchanges are multiplying to determine both how the country can defend itself against future attacks and how France can protect its interests there,” he added. France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier was however in the North Atlantic, as part of a previously planned multinational exercise, Barrot said, after he was asked if it had been sent to the Mediterranean. The United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Saturday, killing Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded by targeting US allies in the Gulf region. Debris from a drone interception caused a fire that was contained at an oil industry zone in the Fujairah emirate on Tuesday, authorities said. In Abu Dhabi, a drone struck a fuel tank terminal on Monday, causing a fire though operations were not impacted. [...]

England ‘not fearing anything’ against India, says Curran
March 3, 2026 4:30
England ‘not fearing anything’ against India, says Curran

MUMBAI: England will go into their T20 World Cup semi-final against India with no fear, said all-rounder Sam Curran on Tuesday, adding that their first job would be to silence a raucous home crowd. England will take on the favourites and hosts in front of 35,000 fiercely partisan fans in Mumbai on Thursday, with a place in the final against South Africa or New Zealand at stake. The noise will be deafening at times in the cauldron-like confines of the Wankhede Stadium. But Curran said that because he and many of his England teammates – such as Will Jacks at Mumbai Indians – play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), they will not be fazed. “It’s an experience as a young cricketer you dream of – playing India in the semi-final of a World Cup,” left-arm seamer Curran told reporters. READ MORE: Brook’s century powers England into T20 WC semis with win over Pakistan Curran was in the international wilderness a year ago but forced his way back into the England squad with eye-catching performances in T20 franchise leagues, including the IPL. “India are a quality side but we’ve played a lot of cricket here. We know how to play on these grounds and we know what to expect,” he said. “The IPL, no question, has helped a lot. Having played in the ground many times, there’s not many unknowns.” England experienced a hostile crowd at the Wankhede in their first match of the tournament when they beat Nepal in a final-ball thriller. It was Curran who bowled the nerveless final “death” over, conceding just five runs when Nepal needed 10, to stave off an embarrassing defeat. He then repeated the feat against Italy and has contributed with the bat from number six, scoring 149 runs so far with a best of 43 not out. “We’re not fearing anything and I’m sure both teams are really excited by the challenge,” Curran said, adding England could judge how well they were playing by the volume of the fans. “If the crowd are silent, England are probably going to be doing well. That’s our positive way of looking at it,” said Curran. It is the third T20 World Cup in a row that England will have played India in the semi-finals and each time the winners went on to lift the trophy. In 2022, England crushed India by 10 wickets in Adelaide and went on to 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. South Africa face New Zealand in the first semi-final on Wednesday. The final will take place on Sunday in Ahmedabad. “I guess this is what the last four or five weeks have been building for,” said Curran. “And hopefully we can take one more step towards the final.” [...]

Punjab by-polls: Notices served on minister, SAPM for 'violating' election code of conduct
November 21, 2025 1:33
Punjab by-polls: Notices served on minister, SAPM for 'violating' election code of conduct

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

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

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

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

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
MQM-P calls for new province in Sindh

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
US report validates Pakistan military edge over India: PM

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
Banned TTP poses serious threat to Pakistan security: UNSC panel

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

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

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 kill 23 Indian proxy terrorists in KP's Kurram

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
Pakistan to construct island to boost oil exploration: report

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

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
Security forces neutralise four terrorists in KP IBOs

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

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... [...]

Rachel Reeves predicts UK economy will outperform forecasts, but experts remain cautious
March 3, 2026 9:16
Rachel Reeves predicts UK economy will outperform forecasts, but experts remain cautious

Rachel Reeves predicts UK economy will outperform forecasts, but experts remain cautiousRachel Reeves insists Labour has ‘the right economic plan’ for a world that has become ‘yet more uncertain,' but experts have a different review.It was always going to be a bit of a stretch... [...]

Jeff Bezos's wife Lauren Sánchez recalls most 'special' moment from Italy wedding
March 3, 2026 8:38
Jeff Bezos's wife Lauren Sánchez recalls most 'special' moment from Italy wedding

Photo: Jeff Bezos's wife Lauren Sánchez recalls most 'special' moment from Italy weddingJeff Bezo's wife Lauren has reflected on the most "impactful" moment from their nuptials. As fans will be aware, the high-profile pair tied the knot in June 2025 on the island of San Giorgio... [...]

UN calls for investigation into deadly strike on school in Iran
March 3, 2026 5:15
UN calls for investigation into deadly strike on school in Iran

Graves are being prepared for the victims following an Israeli strike on a school in Minab, Iran, March 2, 2026. Iranian Foreign Media Department/ReutersThe UN human rights office on ​Tuesday urged what it called the forces behind a ‌deadly attack on a girls' school in Iran to... [...]

Pink breaks silence on major speculations about new career direction
March 3, 2026 5:14
Pink breaks silence on major speculations about new career direction

Photo: Pink breaks silence on major speculations about new career directionPink has set the record straight about recent rumours regarding her career's realignment. As fans will be aware, recently it was reported that she is taking over the place of Kelly Clarkson in her NBC show. Meanwhile,... [...]

Bill Clinton's 'wicked smile' from Epstein testimony goes viral
March 3, 2026 4:41
Bill Clinton's 'wicked smile' from Epstein testimony goes viral

US President Bill Clinton appeared before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee to testify about his alleged association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.In a videotaped deposition, the former president said under oath that Trump brought up Epstein at a golf tournament in... [...]

Mexico buries Jalisco cartel chief El Mencho as military crackdown continues
March 3, 2026 4:11
Mexico buries Jalisco cartel chief El Mencho as military crackdown continues

Mexico buries Jalisco cartel chief El Mencho as military crackdown continues - Photo: AFPThe leader of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been buried in a heavily guarded ceremony.A federal official said Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho' was laid to rest on Monday in a... [...]

Lauren Boebert: Lawmaker behind Hillary Clinton's leaked photo gets roasted over definition of inflation
March 3, 2026 3:20
Lauren Boebert: Lawmaker behind Hillary Clinton's leaked photo gets roasted over definition of inflation

US Congresswoman Lauren Boebert got roasted by Jimmy Kimmel for failing to answer a simple question from British journalist Piers Morgan. Kimmel showcased the clip where Morgan asked Boebert to explain inflation on his show. Morgan shared Kimmel's clip on Instagram with the caption,... [...]

Plane crashes into icy Hudson River near New York, two survive
March 3, 2026 3:00
Plane crashes into icy Hudson River near New York, two survive

Plane crashes into icy Hudson River near New York, two surviveA small plane crashed into New York’s Hudson River on Tuesday night, with dramatic images showing the plane slowly sinking into the freezing water.Two people were on board the Cessna 172 when it went down shortly after 8pm, east... [...]

Polls show most Americans oppose recent US strikes on Iran
March 3, 2026 2:29
Polls show most Americans oppose recent US strikes on Iran

Polls show most Americans oppose recent US strikes on Iran - Photo: ReutersA majority of Americans disapprove of the recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran ordered by President Donald Trump, latest polls shows.A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted over the weekend found that 43% of Americans disapproved of... [...]

FBI hunts for another high-profile missing case after Nancy Guthrie disappearance
March 3, 2026 10:32
FBI hunts for another high-profile missing case after Nancy Guthrie disappearance

Researcher goes missing as police expand search on Nancy Guthrie's disappearanceNancy Guthrie, mom of Savannah Guthrie, is still missing. Yet amid the frantic search for the 84-year-old, another high-profile disappearance case emerged.This time it is related to a veteran working on laboratories... [...]

Savannah Guthrie continues to receive support from Meghan Markle's close friend
March 3, 2026 9:32
Savannah Guthrie continues to receive support from Meghan Markle's close friend

Savannah Guthrie said "we feel the love and prayers from our neighbors"Meghan Markle’s close friend has continued to extend support to US TV anchor Savannah Guthrie following the abduction of her mother Nancy.Meghan’s friend supported Savannah after the Today show host and her sister... [...]

Global oil, gas shipping costs soar as Iran warns of Strait of Hormuz closure
March 3, 2026 9:20
Global oil, gas shipping costs soar as Iran warns of Strait of Hormuz closure

Global oil, gas shipping costs soar as Iran warns of Strait of Hormuz closureGlobal oil and gas shipping rates have surged to record high in the midst of the Middle East crisis as Iran threatened to close the major chokepoint Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Shipping through Strait of Hormuz holds... [...]

Cristiano Ronaldo flees Saudi: €61m private jet hits Madrid amid Middle East turmoil
March 3, 2026 9:11
Cristiano Ronaldo flees Saudi: €61m private jet hits Madrid amid Middle East turmoil

Cristiano Ronaldo flees Saudi: €61m private jet hits Madrid amid Middle East turmoilCristiano Ronaldo's luxury €61 million private jet left Saudi Arabia in the middle of the night as regional tensions reached a boiling point following a confirmed drone strike on the U.S. Embassy in... [...]

From aspirin to cream: White House links President Trump's neck rash to 'preventative' skin treatment
March 3, 2026 6:23
From aspirin to cream: White House links President Trump's neck rash to 'preventative' skin treatment

From aspirin to skin cream: White House links President Trump’s neck rash to ‘preventative’ skin treatmentOn Monday, during the Medal of Honor Ceremony, Donald Trump was seen with a rash on the side of his neck, which sparked speculation about the president’s current state... [...]

British Columbia daylight saving ends as province adopts permanent time
March 3, 2026 5:16
British Columbia daylight saving ends as province adopts permanent time

Daylight saving changes will soon be a thing of the past in the Canadian province of British Columbia.BC Premier David Eby announced on Monday that this Sunday will be the last time most British Columbians adjust their clocks for the twice yearly time change. The province will move to permanent... [...]

پی ٹی آئی نے حکومتی اجلاس میں شرکت کی شرط رکھ دی
March 3, 2026 6:03
پی ٹی آئی نے حکومتی اجلاس میں شرکت کی شرط رکھ دی

فائل فوٹوپاکستان تحریک انصاف حکومت کے بلائے گئے اجلاس میں شرکت کی شرط رکھ دی۔پی ٹی آئی کی سیاسی کمیٹی کے اجلاس کا اعلامیہ سامنے... [...]

بانی کی بینائی میں نمایاں بہتری آئی ہے، پمز کا معائنے کے بعد اعلامیہ
March 3, 2026 5:03
بانی کی بینائی میں نمایاں بہتری آئی ہے، پمز کا معائنے کے بعد اعلامیہ

فائل فوٹوپاکستان انسٹیٹیوٹ آف میڈیکل سائنسز انتظامیہ نے بانی پی ٹی آئی کے معائنے سے متعلق اعلامیہ جاری کردیا۔پمز اعلامیے کے... [...]

کراچی: امریکی قونصلیٹ کی سیکیورٹی کیلئے سڑکیں بند، ٹریفک کا شدید دباؤ رہا
March 3, 2026 4:03
کراچی: امریکی قونصلیٹ کی سیکیورٹی کیلئے سڑکیں بند، ٹریفک کا شدید دباؤ رہا

فائل فوٹوکراچی میں امریکی قونصل خانے کی سیکیورٹی کیلئے خلیق الزماں روڈ، ایم ٹی خان روڈ، ٹریفک کے لیے بند کرنے کے باعث اطراف کی سڑکوں... [...]

وزیراعظم اور ترک صدر کا امن کیلئے مشترکہ کوششیں جاری رکھنے پر اتفاق
March 3, 2026 4:03
وزیراعظم اور ترک صدر کا امن کیلئے مشترکہ کوششیں جاری رکھنے پر اتفاق

فوٹو: فائلوزیراعظم شہباز شریف اور ترک صدر اردوان نے مسلسل رابطے میں رہنے اور خطے میں امن کے لیے مشترکہ کوششیں جاری رکھنے پر اتفاق کیا... [...]

راولپنڈی: بشریٰ بی بی کی بانی پی ٹی آئی سے ملاقات کرا دی گئی
March 3, 2026 3:03
راولپنڈی: بشریٰ بی بی کی بانی پی ٹی آئی سے ملاقات کرا دی گئی

فائل فوٹو۔راولپنڈی اڈیالہ جیل میں بشریٰ بی بی کی بانی پاکستان تحریک انصاف عمران خان سے ملاقات کرا دی گئی۔جیل ذرائع کے مطابق بشریٰ بی... [...]

امریکا انسانیت کا دشمن ہے، مولانا فضل الرحمان
March 3, 2026 2:03
امریکا انسانیت کا دشمن ہے، مولانا فضل الرحمان

تصویر، جے یو آئی سوشل میڈیاجمعیت علماء اسلام سربراہ مولانا فضل الرحمان اسلام آباد میں واقع ایرانی سفارتخانے پہنچ گئے۔مولانا فضل... [...]

ایران پر حملہ غزہ سے توجہ ہٹانے کی نیتن یاہو کی کوشش ہے، خواجہ آصف
March 3, 2026 2:03
ایران پر حملہ غزہ سے توجہ ہٹانے کی نیتن یاہو کی کوشش ہے، خواجہ آصف

وزیر دفاع خواجہ محمد آصف نے کہا ہے کہ نیتن یاہو نے ایران پر حملہ کرکے بین الاقوامی توجہ غزہ سے ہٹانے کی کوشش کی ہے۔سماجی رابطے کی ویب... [...]

وزیراعظم ہاؤس جانے کا فیصلہ نہیں ہوا، بیرسٹر گوہر
March 3, 2026 1:03
وزیراعظم ہاؤس جانے کا فیصلہ نہیں ہوا، بیرسٹر گوہر

فائل فوٹوچیئرمین پاکستان تحریک انصاف بیرسٹر گوہر نے کہا ہے کہ وزیراعظم ہاؤس جانے کا فیصلہ نہیں ہوا۔اپوزیشن لیڈر کے چیمبر میں... [...]

وزیراعظم نے کل تمام پارٹی سربراہان اور پارلیمانی لیڈرز کو مدعو کیا، رانا ثناء
March 3, 2026 1:03
وزیراعظم نے کل تمام پارٹی سربراہان اور پارلیمانی لیڈرز کو مدعو کیا، رانا ثناء

فائل فوٹووزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے عالمی صورتحال پر پارلیمانی لیڈرز کا اجلاس کل طلب کرلیا۔وزیر اعظم کے سیاسی مشیر سینیٹر رانا... [...]

افغان طالبان رجیم کے نقصانات کے اعداد و شمار جاری، 464 کارندے ہلاک، 665 سے زائد زخمی
March 3, 2026 12:03
افغان طالبان رجیم کے نقصانات کے اعداد و شمار جاری، 464 کارندے ہلاک، 665 سے زائد زخمی

فوٹو: فائلوزیر اطلاعات عطا اللّٰہ تارڑ نے آپریشن غضب للحق میں افغان طالبان رجیم کے نقصانات کے اعداد و شمار جاری کردیے۔ عطا اللّٰہ... [...]

پی ٹی آئی قیادت جب تک بہنوں کی غلام رہے گی بات چیت آگے نہیں بڑھے گی: طلال چوہدری
March 3, 2026 12:03
پی ٹی آئی قیادت جب تک بہنوں کی غلام رہے گی بات چیت آگے نہیں بڑھے گی: طلال چوہدری

بات چیت سے قبل ان کو پہلے بہنوں کی غلامی سے نکلنا ہوگا، طلال چوہدری - فوٹو: فائلوزیر مملکت برائے داخلہ طلال چوہدری نے کہا ہے کہ پی ٹی... [...]

جنگ بڑی حکمت عملی کا چھوٹا حصہ ہوتا ہے، بڑی حکمت عملی ہمارے سامنے نہیں: سلمان اکرم راجہ
March 3, 2026 12:03
جنگ بڑی حکمت عملی کا چھوٹا حصہ ہوتا ہے، بڑی حکمت عملی ہمارے سامنے نہیں: سلمان اکرم راجہ

پاکستان تحریک انصاف کے رہنما سلمان اکرم راجہ نے کہا ہے کہ جنگ بڑی حکمت عملی کا چھوٹا حصہ ہوتا ہے، بڑی حکمت عملی ہمارے سامنے نہیں... [...]

عالمی صورتحال پر وزیراعظم نے پارلیمانی لیڈرز کا ان کیمرہ اجلاس طلب کرلیا
March 3, 2026 11:03
عالمی صورتحال پر وزیراعظم نے پارلیمانی لیڈرز کا ان کیمرہ اجلاس طلب کرلیا

فوٹو: فائلوزیراعظم نے عالمی صورتحال پر پارلیمانی لیڈرز کا ان کیمرہ اجلاس طلب کرلیا۔ذرائع کا کہنا ہے  کہ تمام جماعتوں کے پارلیمانی... [...]

سعودی عرب میں مقیم پاکستانیوں کے لیے الرٹ جاری کردیا گیا
March 3, 2026 11:03
سعودی عرب میں مقیم پاکستانیوں کے لیے الرٹ جاری کردیا گیا

پاکستانی سفارتخانہ ریاض۔پاکستان نے سعودی عرب میں مقیم اپنے شہریوں کے لیے الرٹ جاری کر دیا۔سعودی عرب میں موجود پاکستانی شہریوں کے... [...]

آپریشن غضب للحق، طالبان و فتنہ الخوارج کی ٹھل سیکٹر میں دراندازی کی کوشش سیکیورٹی فورسز نے ناکام بنادی
March 3, 2026 11:03
آپریشن غضب للحق، طالبان و فتنہ الخوارج کی ٹھل سیکٹر میں دراندازی کی کوشش سیکیورٹی فورسز نے ناکام بنادی

فوٹو: فائلآپریشن غضب للحق میں افواج پاکستان کی افغان طالبان اور فتنہ الخوارج کے خلاف موثر زمینی اور فضائی کارروائیاں جاری... [...]

ایران: ایلیمینٹری اسکول پر امریکی حملے سے پہلے کی ویڈیو جاری
March 3, 2026 10:03
ایران: ایلیمینٹری اسکول پر امریکی حملے سے پہلے کی ویڈیو جاری

ایران کے سرکاری ٹی وی نے ضلع میناب میں امریکی اور اسرائیلی فوج کے حملوں سے شہید 168 ایلیمنٹری اسکول کی طالبات میں سے چند کی آخری ویڈیو... [...]

ایرانی حملے: خلیجی ملکوں کے پاس ’انٹرسیپٹرز‘ کا ذخیرہ ختم ہونے کے خدشات
March 3, 2026 9:03
ایرانی حملے: خلیجی ملکوں کے پاس ’انٹرسیپٹرز‘ کا ذخیرہ ختم ہونے کے خدشات

فوٹو: بشکریہ انٹرنیشنل میڈیاایران کے مسلسل حملوں کے بعد خلیجی ملکوں کے پاس میزائل اور ڈرون گرانے والے ’انٹرسیپٹرز‘ کا ذخیرہ ختم... [...]

آیت اللّٰہ خامنہ ای کی تدفین مشہد میں ہوگی
March 3, 2026 8:03
آیت اللّٰہ خامنہ ای کی تدفین مشہد میں ہوگی

ایرانی سپریم لیڈر آیت اللّٰہ خامنہ ای کی تدفین تہران میں بڑے تعزیتی اجتماع کے بعد مشہد میں ہوگی۔ایرانی خبر ایجنسی کے مطابق آیت... [...]

امریکا کا آبنائے ہرمز کھلوانے کا فیصلہ
March 3, 2026 8:03
امریکا کا آبنائے ہرمز کھلوانے کا فیصلہ

امریکا کے صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے آبنائے ہرمز کھلوانے کا فیصلہ کرلیا، کہا کہ ضرورت پڑنے پر آبنائے ہرمز میں کمرشل جہازوں کیساتھ امریکی... [...]

دبئی میں امریکی قونصل خانے پر ڈرون طیارے سے حملہ
March 3, 2026 8:03
دبئی میں امریکی قونصل خانے پر ڈرون طیارے سے حملہ

دبئی میں امریکی قونصل خانے پر ڈرون طیارے سے حملہ، قونصل خانے کی عمارت میں لگی آگ پر قابو پالیا گیا ہے۔عرب میڈیا کے مطابق شہری دفاع کی... [...]

آیت اللّٰہ خامنہ ای کے بیٹے مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای ایران کے نئے سپریم لیڈر منتخب، اسرائیلی میڈیا
March 3, 2026 8:03
آیت اللّٰہ خامنہ ای کے بیٹے مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای ایران کے نئے سپریم لیڈر منتخب، اسرائیلی میڈیا

آیت اللّٰہ علی خامنہ ای کے بیٹے مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای کو ایران کا سپریم لیڈر منتخب کرلیا گیا۔ اسرائیلی میڈیا کی جانب سے مجتبیٰ خامنہ ای... [...]

امریکی سفارتی دفاتر براہ راست حملوں کی زد میں ہیں، مارکو روبیو
March 3, 2026 8:03
امریکی سفارتی دفاتر براہ راست حملوں کی زد میں ہیں، مارکو روبیو

امریکی وزیر خارجہ مارکو روبیو کا کہنا ہے کہ امریکی سفارتی دفاتر براہ راست حملوں کی زد میں ہیں، امریکی فوجیوں اور شہریوں کی سیکیورٹی... [...]

ہم طویل جنگ کیلئے مکمل تیار ہیں، ترجمان ایرانی وزارتِ دفاع
March 3, 2026 7:03
ہم طویل جنگ کیلئے مکمل تیار ہیں، ترجمان ایرانی وزارتِ دفاع

بریگیڈیئر رضا طلائىایرانی وزارت دفاع کے ترجمان بریگیڈیئر رضا طلائى نے کہا ہے کہ ہم طویل جنگ کے لیے مکمل تیار ہیں، دانشمندی نہیں کہ ہم... [...]

امارات میں بینکنگ سسٹم متاثر ہونے کی شکایات، موبائل ایپ اور ویب سائٹ ڈاؤن
March 3, 2026 6:03
امارات میں بینکنگ سسٹم متاثر ہونے کی شکایات، موبائل ایپ اور ویب سائٹ ڈاؤن

تصویر سوشل میڈیا۔متحدہ عرب امارات میں بینکنگ سسٹم متاثر ہونے کی شکایات سامنے آئی ہیں۔ صارفین نے شکایت کی کہ کئی بینکوں کی موبائل... [...]

ایران میں سب کچھ تباہ کردیا گیا ہے، ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ
March 3, 2026 5:03
ایران میں سب کچھ تباہ کردیا گیا ہے، ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ

تصویر، امریکی میڈیاامریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے کہا ہے کہ ایران سے اہداف کے حصول تک جنگ جاری رہے گی۔ایک بیان میں امریکی صدر نے کہا کہ... [...]

ایران نے سعودی تیل تنصیبات پر حملے کا ذمہ دار اسرائیل کو ٹھہرادیا
March 3, 2026 4:03
ایران نے سعودی تیل تنصیبات پر حملے کا ذمہ دار اسرائیل کو ٹھہرادیا

تصویر، فائل فوٹوایران نے سعودی عرب کی تیل تنصیبات پر حملے کا ذمے دار اسرائیل کو ٹھہرایا اور حملے کو اسرائیل کا فالس فلیگ آپریشن ... [...]

ایران بات کرنا چاہتا ہے، میں نے کہا اب بہت دیر ہو چکی ہے، ٹرمپ کا دعویٰ
March 3, 2026 4:03
ایران بات کرنا چاہتا ہے، میں نے کہا اب بہت دیر ہو چکی ہے، ٹرمپ کا دعویٰ

فوٹو: فائلامریکا کے صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے دعویٰ کیا ہے کہ ایران بات کرنا چاہتا ہے لیکن میں نے کہا اب بہت دیر ہو چکی ہے۔ سوشل میڈیا پر اپنے... [...]

بھارتی حکومت نے ایران جیسے دیرینہ اتحادی کو نظر انداز کیا، سونیا گاندھی
March 3, 2026 3:03
بھارتی حکومت نے ایران جیسے دیرینہ اتحادی کو نظر انداز کیا، سونیا گاندھی

تصویر، بھارتی میڈیابھارتی اپوزیشن جماعت کانگریس کی صدر سونیا گاندھی نے کہا ہے کہ بھارتی حکومت نے ایران جیسے دیرینہ اتحادی کو نظر... [...]

ایران: مجلس خبرگان رہبری کی عمارت حملے میں تباہ
March 3, 2026 3:03
ایران: مجلس خبرگان رہبری کی عمارت حملے میں تباہ

تصویر، ایرانی میڈیاایران کے شہر قُم میں مجلس خبرگان رہبری کی عمارت امریکا اور اسرائیل کے حملے میں تباہ ہوگئی۔ایرانی خبر ایجنسی کے... [...]

امریکا اسرائیل نے 9 ایرانی اسپتالوں کو نشانہ بنا ڈالا، عرب میڈیا
March 3, 2026 3:03
امریکا اسرائیل نے 9 ایرانی اسپتالوں کو نشانہ بنا ڈالا، عرب میڈیا

فائل فوٹوعرب میڈیا نے دعویٰ کیا ہے کہ امریکا اور اسرائیل نے حملوں میں 9 ایرانی اسپتالوں کو نشانہ بنایا ہے۔ عرب میڈیا کے مطابق اصفہان... [...]

ایران پر امریکا اسرائیل حملہ، عالمی اسٹاک ایکسچینجز میں کاروبار کا منفی رجحان
March 3, 2026 5:03
ایران پر امریکا اسرائیل حملہ، عالمی اسٹاک ایکسچینجز میں کاروبار کا منفی رجحان

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
پاکستان کی خلیجی ممالک کیلئے برآمدات رُک گئیں

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

 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
پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تیزی، 5159 پوائنٹس کا اضافہ

---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
سونے کی قیمتوں کی اونچی اڑان جاری

---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
پاکستان اور آئی ایم ایف کے مذاکرات کا آغاز

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 منڈی میں برینٹ خام تیل کی قیمت بڑھ گئی
March 2, 2026 4:03
مشرقِ وسطیٰ میں کشیدگی، عالمی منڈی میں برینٹ خام تیل کی قیمت بڑھ گئی

---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... [...]

مشرقِ وسطیٰ میں کشیدگی، عالمی مارکیٹ میں سونا بھی مہنگا
March 2, 2026 4:03
مشرقِ وسطیٰ میں کشیدگی، عالمی مارکیٹ میں سونا بھی مہنگا

---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... [...]

ایران پر حملہ: اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تاریخ کی بدترین مندی
March 2, 2026 4:03
ایران پر حملہ: اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں تاریخ کی بدترین مندی

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

ایران پر اسرائیلی، امریکی جارحیت، تیل کی قیمت میں 10 فیصد اضافہ
March 1, 2026 8:03
ایران پر اسرائیلی، امریکی جارحیت، تیل کی قیمت میں 10 فیصد اضافہ

ایران پر اسرائیلی اور امریکی جارحیت کے بعد تیل کی عالمی قیمتوں میں دس فی صد اضافہ ہوگیا، قیمت 80 ڈالر فی بیرل تک پہنچ گئی۔ماہرین کا... [...]

پیٹرول اور ڈیزل کے بعد مٹی کے تیل کی قیمت میں بھی اضافہ
March 1, 2026 6:03
پیٹرول اور ڈیزل کے بعد مٹی کے تیل کی قیمت میں بھی اضافہ

— فائل فوٹو آئل اینڈ گیس ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی  نے مٹی کے تیل کی قیمت میں اضافے کا نوٹیفکیشن جاری کر دیا۔نوٹیفکیشن کے مطابق مٹی کا تیل 8... [...]

پاکستان میں سونے کی قیمتوں میں آج بڑا اضافہ
February 28, 2026 8:02
پاکستان میں سونے کی قیمتوں میں آج بڑا اضافہ

—فائل فوٹوپاکستان بھر کی صرافہ مارکیٹوں میں سونے کی قیمتوں میں آج بڑا اضافہ ہوا ہے۔آل پاکستان صرافہ جیمز اینڈ جیولرز ایسوس ایشن کے... [...]

پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج: کاروباری ہفتے میں منفی رجحان رہا، 5107 پوائنٹس کی کمی
February 28, 2026 4:02
پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج: کاروباری ہفتے میں منفی رجحان رہا، 5107 پوائنٹس کی کمی

— فائل فوٹوپاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج میں کاروباری ہفتے میں منفی رجحان رہا۔کاروباری ہفتے کے دوران 100 انڈیکس 5 ہزار 107 پوائنٹس کم ہو کر 1... [...]

وزارت خزانہ نے فروری میں مہنگائی کی شرح کا تخمینہ ظاہر کردیا
February 27, 2026 4:02
وزارت خزانہ نے فروری میں مہنگائی کی شرح کا تخمینہ ظاہر کردیا

فائل فوٹووزارت خزانہ نے فروری میں مہنگائی کی شرح 6 سے 7 فیصد رہنے کا تخمینہ ظاہر کر دیا ہے۔وزارت خزانہ کے اعلامیے کے مطابق فروری میں... [...]

10 روپے کے نوٹ کی جگہ سکہ متعارف کرانے پر غور
February 27, 2026 6:02
10 روپے کے نوٹ کی جگہ سکہ متعارف کرانے پر غور

— فائل فوٹووفاقی کابینہ نے 10 روپے کے نوٹ کی جگہ سکہ متعارف کرانے پر غور شروع کر دیا ہے۔اس اقدام سے قومی خزانے کو 40 سے 50 ارب روپے کی... [...]

Moderna’s stock rallies as deal over a patent dispute clears vaccine pipeline
March 4, 2026 3:43
Moderna’s stock rallies as deal over a patent dispute clears vaccine pipeline

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

My rude, ungrateful relative gave her lawyer power of attorney — and has lived to regret it. Should I get involved?
March 4, 2026 1:30
My rude, ungrateful relative gave her lawyer power of attorney — and has lived to regret it. Should I get involved?

“A person who is used to controlling others does not like being controlled.” [...]

CrowdStrike gives upbeat earnings outlook as AI raises the stakes around cyberthreats
March 4, 2026 1:22
CrowdStrike gives upbeat earnings outlook as AI raises the stakes around cyberthreats

CrowdStrike’s CEO cited ‘elevated demand’ for the company’s Falcon cybersecurity platform in the AI era. [...]

Ross Stores touts ‘very strong start’ for spring shopping, boosting case for a retail rebound
March 4, 2026 1:18
Ross Stores touts ‘very strong start’ for spring shopping, boosting case for a retail rebound

Shares of Ross Stores jumped on Tuesday after the off-price clothing and home-goods chain said it expects sales gains this year, following what management said was a solid start to the spring shopping season. [...]

My mother will live in her second husband’s house if he dies before her. Will his kids be hopping mad?
March 4, 2026 1:00
My mother will live in her second husband’s house if he dies before her. Will his kids be hopping mad?

“She chose a lovely man whose family has a history of remarkable longevity.” [...]

Wall Street’s ‘fear gauge’ is rising as Iran conflict escalates. Here’s what investors should watch.
March 3, 2026 11:50
Wall Street’s ‘fear gauge’ is rising as Iran conflict escalates. Here’s what investors should watch.

The VIX hit its highest level since November. Here are some key tells investors should watch to determine when to buy back into stocks. [...]

Software stocks just quietly trounced chip stocks to a historic extent — but don’t get too excited
March 3, 2026 11:35
Software stocks just quietly trounced chip stocks to a historic extent — but don’t get too excited

The six-day outperformance of the software sector is merely a blip on the radar over a longer span. [...]

Here are the U.S. airlines most vulnerable to rising fuel prices
March 3, 2026 11:17
Here are the U.S. airlines most vulnerable to rising fuel prices

Citi draws out a surprisingly eclectic list of U.S. airlines more at risk from dramatic jet-fuel increases [...]

How Nvidia turned a steal of a deal into its secret weapon
March 3, 2026 11:07
How Nvidia turned a steal of a deal into its secret weapon

Building on the foundations of its $7 billion Mellanox acquisition, Nvidia has made networking sales a major driver of its growth [...]

The stock market’s wild swings are sending a message about the escalating Iran conflict
March 3, 2026 11:02
The stock market’s wild swings are sending a message about the escalating Iran conflict

Stocks swung violently Tuesday as investors tried again to assess the potential impact of the escalating military strife in the Middle East, sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes that resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei over the weekend. [...]

5 signs your $1M retirement portfolio can survive the new withdrawal reality
March 4, 2026 1:30
How Nvidia turned a steal of a deal into its secret weapon
March 4, 2026 12:46
Software stocks just quietly trounced chip stocks — but don’t get too excited
March 3, 2026 11:38
As Iran conflict ramps up, Trump still has options to keep gas prices in check
March 3, 2026 10:48
Wall Street’s ‘fear gauge’ is rising as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalates
March 3, 2026 9:44
Dow sheds 400 points, Nasdaq ends sharply down as Iran conflict weighs on stocks
March 3, 2026 9:07
Stocks clawing back losses in final hour as Middle East conflict intensifies
March 3, 2026 8:06
Blue Owl’s private-credit shocker has investors seeing shadows of Bear Stearns
March 3, 2026 7:17
Trump says when he’s done with Iran, oil prices will drop even lower
March 3, 2026 6:19
Here's what's behind the big losses for memory stocks
March 3, 2026 5:56
Jobless claims fall to lowest level since mid-May
July 3, 2025 12:36
Jobless claims stay low in latest week
February 13, 2025 1:33
Consumer credit growth soars in December
February 7, 2025 8:26
U.S. productivity slows down in fourth quarter while unit labor costs accelerate
February 6, 2025 1:34
Beyond to buy rights to Buy Buy Baby brand and reunite it with Bed Bath & Beyond
February 3, 2025 1:46
Trump asks Supreme Court to pause TikTok ban
December 28, 2024 12:32
Amazon says it had best-ever Thanksgiving Holiday week with record sales and number of items sold
December 3, 2024 2:05
U.S. stock futures and bond yields drop on reports Putin has updated nuclear doctrine
November 19, 2024 8:55
Charter Communications announces buyout deal for Liberty Broadband at terms above its previous proposal
November 13, 2024 1:52
General Motors unveils new all-electric Cadillac called the Vistiq with 300-mile range
November 12, 2024 1:53
Vestas Wind Systems stock slumps as company says margins to be at low end of guidance
November 5, 2024 8:39
Burberry shares rise on report Moncler could bid for it
November 4, 2024 8:36
Kazatomprom reports 17% increase in production during the third quarter
November 1, 2024 7:36
Anheuser-Busch InBev shares slip as sales come up shy of estimates
October 31, 2024 8:09
Wingstop’s stock slides 12% after profit falls short of estimates
October 30, 2024 12:22
  • About
  • Services
  • Governance
  • Investors Information
  • Investors Portal

Tariq Vohra Securities (Private) Limited

Address
Mezzanine floor, 91-C, Jami commercial Street 11, Phase VII, D.H.A.,Karachi
Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM
Saturday : 11:00AM–1:00PM

Tel
92 21 35311133
".

Disclaimer:
Tariq Vohra Securities Private Limited will not be responsible for any loss or damage that could result from interception by third parties (including hacking) of any information made available to you via this site.
Although the information provided to you on this site is obtained or compiled from sources we believe to be reliable, Tariq Vohra Securities Private Limited cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness of any information or data made available to you for any particular purpose.

Contents

  • About
    • Vision & Mission
    • Management Profile
    • Details of Associated Companies
    • Management Rating
    • Auditors
    • Legal Advsor
    • Address
    • Contact Details
  • Services
    • Details of Branches
    • Online Trading
    • Details of Registered Agents
    • Mobile Trading
  • Governance
    • Board of Directors
    • Directors Profile
    • Sponsors
    • Audit Committee
    • Pattern of Shareholding
  • Investors Information
    • Financials
    • Statutory Auditors
    • NCB Auditors
    • Monthly LC
    • Monthly NCB
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Account Opening Form
    • Internet Trading Info
  • Investors Portal
    • Investors Complaint Contact
      • PSX Complaint Link
    • Pending Investors Complaint
    • Investors Grievances
    • Penal Action
    • SECP Complaint Link
    • Investors Education
    • Feed Back
    • Misc.
      • FAQ
      • Research
      • Useful Links
      • News

Useful Links

Copyright © Tariq Vohra Securities (Private) Limited All Rights Reserved.

Powered by WordPress with Lightning Theme & VK All in One Expansion Unit by Vektor,Inc. technology.

MENU
  • About
    • Vision & Mission
    • Management Profile
    • Details of Associated Companies
    • Management Rating
    • Auditors
    • Legal Advsor
    • Address
    • Contact Details
  • Services
    • Details of Branches
    • Online Trading
    • Details of Registered Agents
    • Mobile Trading
  • Governance
    • Board of Directors
    • Directors Profile
    • Sponsors
    • Audit Committee
    • Pattern of Shareholding
  • Investors Information
    • Financials
    • Statutory Auditors
    • NCB Auditors
    • Monthly LC
    • Monthly NCB
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Account Opening Form
    • Internet Trading Info
  • Investors Portal
    • Investors Complaint Contact
      • PSX Complaint Link
    • Pending Investors Complaint
    • Investors Grievances
    • Penal Action
    • SECP Complaint Link
    • Investors Education
    • Feed Back
    • Misc.
      • FAQ
      • Research
      • Useful Links
      • News
PAGE TOP