KARACHI (July 04, 2008): Country's foreign exchange reserves declined by $1.4 million to $11.2845 billion from $11.2859 billion in last week. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday issued latest statistics of the foreign reserves, which depict that the reserves held by SBP has declined by 30.2 million during the weeks ended on June 28, 2008.

ISLAMABAD (July 04, 2008): The 15th Saarc Summit will focus on food security and energy crises to further enhance co-operation among the member countries of the region to face these challenges collectively. This was stated by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama while addressing a press conference here at local hotel along with High Commissioner of Sri Lanka.

UNITED NATIONS (July 04, 2008): The United Nation Economic and Social Council wrapped up its debate in the high-level segment on Tuesday night amid calls for the international community to take serious steps to rectify the imbalances, contradictory policies and inequities at the root of the current global financial turmoil sparked by the massive run-up in food and energy prices.

ISLAMABAD (July 04, 2008): The UK government will double its assistance for Pakistan up to 480 million pounds by 2011. The UK assistance will continue to focus on health, good governance and reconstruction of earthquake-hit areas. This was stated by British Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander in a meeting with Finance Minister Syed Naveed Qamar here on Thursday.

KARACHI (July 04, 2008): The Provincial Minister for Industries, Rauf Siddiqi, who is also the chairman of the Sindh Small Industries Corporation (SSIC) has approved Rs 139.689 million SSCI budget for the fiscal 2008-09 showing a deficit of Rs 30.689 million.

LAHORE (July 04, 2008): Pepperl+Fuchs, a leading German firm manufacturing all kinds of industrial sensors, arranged a workshop in Lahore the other day on "Factory Automation" solutions being provided by them.

LAHORE (July 04, 2008): The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday severely criticised the government for unprecedented 31 percent increase in the gas prices and 68 percent in captive power generation and termed it a big blow to an already hard pressed industry.

KARACHI (July 04, 2008): The Karachi Port handled 94,913 tonnes of cargo including 52,995 tonnes of import, 41,918 tonnes of export cargo and 3,818 loaded and empty containers (TEUs) during last 24 hours ended at 0700 hours on Thursday.

KARACHI (July 04, 2008): Karachi Shipping Intelligence report incorporating changes till 7 am on Thursday (July 03, 2008).

ISLAMABAD (July 04, 2008): The spokesperson of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Talat Waseem on Thursday said that increase in Haj and Umrah fares was due to fuel adjustment in view of rapidly increasing oil prices. Talking to PTV, she said oil crisis is a global issue, which had affected all sectors of life including transport and electricity. However, the Haj ministry would take a final decision in this regard, she added.