The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) recorded a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 1.98% for the week ended July 31, 2025, reflecting mixed trends across essential commodities. Notable price hikes were seen in gas, sugar, pulses, beef and vegetable ghee, while non-food items like ladies’ sandals registered the biggest increase of 55.62%. On a YoY basis, gas […]
The new tariff agreement between Pakistan and the US is expected to enhance market access, strengthen trade flows and boost exports from various sectors, thereby contributing to economic growth, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday. In a press statement, the ministry expressed satisfaction over the successful conclusion of tariff-related discussions with the US, adding […]
Local auto parts manufacturers have urged the government to adopt Thailand and Vietnam-style policies to help the sector grow and realise its export potential. “We face several challenges that hinder our growth. These include raw material dependency, cost penalties, low domestic volumes, high utility costs, security issues, perception barriers, lack of export incentives, poor infrastructure, […]
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) injected a record Rs13.33 trillion into the financial system on Friday through two major Open Market Operations (OMOs), signalling its continued effort to manage liquidity and stabilise financial markets. The injection was made through both conventional reverse repo purchases and Shariah-compliant Mudarabah-based instruments. Under the conventional OMO, the SBP […]
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah criticised the federal government on Friday for releasing only Rs3 billion this year out of the Rs78 billion it had committed for the K-IV water project for Karachi. He said the Sindh government had funded all associated components of the project itself. Speaking at the inauguration of the […]
The government on Friday gave a seven-month extension to traders in real-time electronic transmission of sales tax receipts to the computers of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), accepting the impracticality of the earlier deadlines and addressing one of the four concerns of the business community. The FBR issued a new statutory regulatory order to […]
The Pakistan Stock Exchange closed the week on a strong note on Friday as the KSE-100 index surged 1.18% to reach an all-time high of 141,035 points. The bullish momentum was driven by investor optimism following a landmark reciprocal tariff deal with the United States, under which Pakistan’s exports would face a reduced 19% tariff, […]
When Australia’s government decided to implement a world-first national youth social media ban, it was pitched as an antidote to a growing mental health crisis. As per DW, it followed intense debate about the dangers of social media, much articulated in the book, The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt. The American social psychologist argues that […]
The NDMA on Friday warned of continuing high flood threats in various rivers and streams. Minor flooding is expected at Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa, and Kalabagh, while moderate flood levels may occur at Head Marala and Guddu on the Chenab River. The body cautioned that the monsoon may intensify further towards the end of August. Meanwhile, […]
In a groundbreaking moment for wildlife conservation, Pakistan has unveiled its first-ever scientific estimate of the snow leopard population, 167 individuals, placing the country at number four globally among snow leopard range nations. This marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s environmental research and conservation efforts. The announcement was made during the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards […]