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Nov 18, 2024 اردو ► PRINT EDITION ► BR MARKETS ► Dollar to PKR ►
Print - 2004-10-09
Biggest polio eradication drive starts in Africa

Biggest polio eradication drive starts in Africa

The biggest polio eradication campaign ever launched in Africa kicked off simultaneously in 23 Sub-Saharan countries Friday, with the goal of immunising 80 million children under five over the next four days, organisers said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Palestinian girl killed

Palestinian girl killed

A nine-year-old Palestinian girl was killed Friday by Israeli troops in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanun, medics told AFP.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US details plan to quell Iraq insurgency

US details plan to quell Iraq insurgency

US military and civilian officials have identified 20 to 30 towns and cities in Iraq that must be pacified before nation-wide elections can be held in January, the New York Times reported on Friday.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Biman skids off runway; 25 injured

Biman skids off runway; 25 injured

At least 25 people were injured when a Bangladesh Biman Airlines Fokker aircraft skidded off the runway in bad weather after landing in the north-eastern city of Sylhet on Friday, officials at the airport said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
UN Council adopts new anti-terror resolution

UN Council adopts new anti-terror resolution

The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Friday for a Russian-initiated resolution that seeks to expand the prosecution and extradition of terrorist groups and individuals, including Chechen separatists.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Sri Lankan shares up

Sri Lankan shares up

Sri Lanka stocks moved up slightly on Friday after three days of profit taking, as investors bought select blue chip shares, brokers said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Indian shares flat

Indian shares flat

India's key share index ended steady at a 5-1/2-month high on Friday as investors awaited the start of the earnings season next week for cues, while high crude oil prices muted gains.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US Stocks: Friday's unofficial close

US Stocks: Friday's unofficial close

Stocks fell on Friday, pressured by declines in the drug and semiconductor sectors and by slower-than-expected US jobs growth in September.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Corporate bonds resist weak US data

Corporate bonds resist weak US data

Short-covering of euro corporate bonds helped the European market resist weaker-than-expected US September jobs data on Friday, leaving spreads broadly unchanged by the end of the day.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Corporate bonds resist weak US data

Corporate bonds resist weak US data

Short-covering of euro corporate bonds helped the European market resist weaker-than-expected US September jobs data on Friday, leaving spreads broadly unchanged by the end of the day.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
FTSE-100 holds gain as drugs rebound to seal week's rise

FTSE-100 holds gain as drugs rebound to seal week's rise

Britain's top shares ended little changed for the third straight day on Friday to seal a 0.8 percent rise over the week, as a rebound by GlaxoSmithKline and the major drugs stocks countered jitters about the health of the US economic recovery.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Sterling jumps versus dollar

Sterling jumps versus dollar

Sterling leapt three quarters of a percent against the dollar on Friday following weaker than expected US employment data, but fell to eight-month lows against the euro on the British interest rate outlook.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Dollar falls broadly in London

Dollar falls broadly in London

The dollar fell broadly on Friday as dovish comments from several US central bankers raised doubts over the health of the world's biggest economy ahead of a crucial US jobs report.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Oil holds over $52 as rally pauses, frets on outages

Oil holds over $52 as rally pauses, frets on outages

Oil prices took time out on Friday from this week's succession of record highs, but anxiety over outages in the US Gulf, Nigeria and Norway in the run-up to winter left little hope of relief for consumers.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
London cocoa ends up

London cocoa ends up

London cocoa futures settled higher on Friday after a sharp surge in the New York market sent local and speculative participants rushing to cover their short positions, dealers said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Ivory Coast aims for better cocoa, less smuggling

Ivory Coast aims for better cocoa, less smuggling

The head of Ivory Coast's cocoa marketing, Lucien Tape Doh, wants to ensure the country remains the world's top grower by improving bean quality and clamping down on smuggling to its neighbours.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
World oil ends above $53 on supply worries

World oil ends above $53 on supply worries

Oil prices hit another record on Friday, trading as high as $53.40 a barrel, on supply worries ahead of a planned oil worker strike in Nigeria and delays in post-Hurricane Ivan US output recovery efforts. US light crude settled at $53.31 a barrel, up 64 c
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
World oil ends above $53 on supply worries

World oil ends above $53 on supply worries

Oil prices hit another record on Friday, trading as high as $53.40 a barrel, on supply worries ahead of a planned oil worker strike in Nigeria and delays in post-Hurricane Ivan US output recovery efforts. US light crude settled at $53.31 a barrel, up 64 c
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
London sugar futures higher

London sugar futures higher

London sugar futures closed higher on trade buying in light volumes on Friday, with many traders absent for London sugar week, dealers said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

Friday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

Friday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
New York cotton settles mixed

New York cotton settles mixed

NYBOT cotton futures finished mixed Friday in trade featuring small speculators, with most players sidelined to wait for release of a key government report next week, analysts said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US rice farmers back lifting of Cuba embargo

US rice farmers back lifting of Cuba embargo

American rice farmers pledged on Thursday to lobby for the end to US trade and travel sanctions against communist-run Cuba, which has rapidly become their third largest market after Mexico and Japan.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Gold spikes to six-month peak in Europe, eyes new highs

Gold spikes to six-month peak in Europe, eyes new highs

Gold shot to its highest since early April on Friday afternoon in Europe as funds seized on a surging euro after weak US jobs data cast doubt on the pace of monetary tightening there, traders said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
LME copper near 16-year high

LME copper near 16-year high

Copper prices made further gains in Friday's trading on the London Metal Exchange (LME), hitting peaks last seen nearly 16 years ago because of Chilean supply worries, Chinese interest and fund buying, dealers said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US MIDDAY: coffee futures dip on weather reports

US MIDDAY: coffee futures dip on weather reports

US coffee futures finished in negative territory Friday, with speculators taking positions on the prospect of more rain refreshing trees in top producer Brazil's coffee belt early next week, traders said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US MIDDAY: sugar higher on speculative fund

US MIDDAY: sugar higher on speculative fund

NYBOT raw sugar ended higher Friday on steady speculative fund and trade buying, with the sweetener poised to scale levels not seen since 2001 on the back of bullish fundamentals and technicals, brokers said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US MIDDAY: wheat gains on export sales

US MIDDAY: wheat gains on export sales

Soft red winter (SRW) wheat futures at the Chicago Board of Trade were higher early on Friday on follow-through from the firm close on Thursday, traders said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US MIDDAY: corn sags on harvest pressure

US MIDDAY: corn sags on harvest pressure

Chicago Board of Trade corn futures sagged by midday Friday on US harvest pressure and positioning ahead of Tuesday's USDA October crop supply and demand report.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US MIDDAY: soya mixed on harvest pressure

US MIDDAY: soya mixed on harvest pressure

Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures were mixed on Friday on harvest pressure and light positioning before Tuesday's USDA crop report, which is widely expected to forecast a record US soya crop, brokers said.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US MIDDAY: copper soars on speculative buying

US MIDDAY: copper soars on speculative buying

Copper futures shot up to highs dating back 16 years on Friday as strikes, declining inventories and a falling dollar combined with bullish technicals, which traders said sparked a rash of fund and speculative buying.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold rises to six-month high

US MIDDAY: gold rises to six-month high

COMEX gold futures rose to a fresh six-month high Friday morning as a less-than-expected gain in US September payroll jobs undercut the dollar and boosted investment in the safe-haven metal.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
LHC allows stage plays and dramas

LHC allows stage plays and dramas

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday taking up a petition against closure of Shahzad Theatre, Faisalabad granted provisional permission to stage plays, dramas etc.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Azerbaijan naval chief arrives

Azerbaijan naval chief arrives

Rear Admiral Shohin Sultanov, Chief of the Naval Staff Azerbaijan Navy, currently on an official visit to Pakistan, arrived here on Friday morning.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Ghumman condemns Sialkot blast

Ghumman condemns Sialkot blast

The State Minister for Investment and Privatisation Umer Ahmed Ghumman has strongly condemned the Zainabia mosque bomb blast incident and termed a conspiracy to disrupt the peace and sectarian harmony of Sialkot district.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Yemeni delegation calls on Soomro

Yemeni delegation calls on Soomro

The visiting delegations of Shoora Council of Yemen, led by the Speaker Abdul Aziz Abdul Ghani and Malaysian Senate led by the Speaker Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh separately called on Chairman Senate, Mohammedmian Soomro and discussed matters pertaining to th
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
CBR gets computers to check pirated optical discs export

CBR gets computers to check pirated optical discs export

Three international organisations, working to protect the intellectual property rights of music, software and film industries, have donated computer equipment to Central Board of Revenues (CBR) to help it check the export of pirated optical discs from Pak
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Khalilzad praises Pakistan's positive role

Khalilzad praises Pakistan's positive role

The US Ambassador to Kabul Dr Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday commended Pakistan for having played a positive role with regard to the registration of the Afghans who are still refugees in Pakistan.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Role of SECP

Role of SECP

The Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is responsible for resolving the problems of the investors, but instead of this, it is backing up all the illegal activities of the companies by favouring them through unjust decisions against the co
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Engineers at work

Engineers at work

Irrespective of its largest-ever size, it is a pleasant fact that the Federal Cabinet comprises the highest number of qualified and professional members in the history of Pakistan.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
The suffering middle class

The suffering middle class

Our stock market was near about 6000 points and all the credit was taken by our financial wizard PM Shaukat Aziz who also claimed to have turned our economy around.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
New Indonesian president faces tough task to fight graft

New Indonesian president faces tough task to fight graft

Incoming Indonesian leader Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono faces a near-impossible task to fight corruption, but one graft-busting official who has transformed his district into a paragon of honesty offers hope for the task ahead.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Six rules for prime ministers

Six rules for prime ministers

Shaukat Aziz, our ex-finance minister, is probably the most welcome prime minister in Pakistan to assume this portfolio. The welcome mat was not rolled out for some sentimental or political reasons or on the basis of a populist slogan.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Let it be a people's war against terrorism

Let it be a people's war against terrorism

Shocking as the ghastly killing of 42 people and injuries caused to 100 in a pre-dawn powerful car bomb blast in Multan on Thursday was, understandable should be the spontaneous violent public protest on the tragedy.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
SMEDA offers legal assistance

SMEDA offers legal assistance

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), according to a report in this newspaper the other day, has established a Legal Services Wing with a view to extending assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) throughout the country
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Red alert in Karachi

Red alert in Karachi

Law enforcing agencies were put on red alert here in Karachi on Friday in the wake of recent incidents of terrorism in Multan and Sialkot, and strict security measures taken by police and rangers were observed at mosques and Imam Bargahs.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Lahore LB by-polls: CEC bans public meetings, processions

Lahore LB by-polls: CEC bans public meetings, processions

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Chief Justice Irshad Hasan Khan (Retd) has directed that there will be no public meetings, processions in connection with forthcoming Local Government by-elections at union councils of Lahore district.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Can you believe it?

Can you believe it?

After years of disgrace in the cricketing world and the recent fatal destruction caused by the "Hurricane Ivan", the people of the Caribbeans have a lot to cheer about. Their cricket team has made them proud once again but after a very long period of time
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
SHC orders action against illegal construction

SHC orders action against illegal construction

The Sindh High Court (SHC) division bench on Friday ordered Chief Controller of Building (CCOB), Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) to take immediate action against illegal construction on plot CT 5/4,5, Old Town, Mithadar, here.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
BRIDGE NOTES: Rashidul Ghazi makes an impression in individual contest

BRIDGE NOTES: Rashidul Ghazi makes an impression in individual contest

The World Individual Bridge Championship was held in Verona, Italy, between 8th to 13th September this year. It was one of the world's prestigious bridge tournaments. The championship was organised by the World Bridge Federation and sponsored by Generally
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
'Afghan government set to end drugs menace'

'Afghan government set to end drugs menace'

Dr Nanguylai Tarzai, Ambassador of Afghanistan in Pakistan, has expressed the resolve of his government to play effective role for elimination of drug trade in his country.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
SPORTS WORLD: Aqeel, the hero in Davis Cup win

SPORTS WORLD: Aqeel, the hero in Davis Cup win

For the third consecutive year Aqeel Khan, the country's upper level tennis player, exhibited magnificent pluck and resilience and brought a high sense of flair to give Pakistan victory over New Zealand in the Asia-Oceania Group I Davis Cup tussle.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Pak-Afghan border closed today due to polls

Pak-Afghan border closed today due to polls

Pak-Afghan border at Torkham will remain closed on Saturday both for vehicular and pedestrian traffic as Afghans would go to polls for first the presidential election in the country, an Afghan official told Business Recorder on Friday.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Picic allowed to open 10 new branches in 2004

Picic allowed to open 10 new branches in 2004

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed Pakistan Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation (Picic) to open 10 new branches in 2004 to expand its network in the country.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Folk songs of Alam Lohar

Folk songs of Alam Lohar

The other day, a friend presented me a cassette of songs listening to which created an overpowering nostalgia for an age, which had produced a large number of versatile vocalists. Captioned Wajaan Mariyan, it contained 16 songs of late folk singer Alam Lo
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Fake stationery sellers held

Fake stationery sellers held

City Police Station Rawalpindi has raided a shop and arrested its owners Dawar Khan and Abdullah Khan in Bara Market Rawalpindi and recovered a huge quantity of fake pens and ballpoints from their possession.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
BOOK REVIEW: Some thoughts on insurance

BOOK REVIEW: Some thoughts on insurance

The story of Pakistan Insurance industry is the story of constant toil and effort, of ups and downs and that of a struggle for survival in the face of cut throat competition, financial and legal constraints widespread and multifarious unethical practices
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
10-year research revamping plan unveiled

10-year research revamping plan unveiled

Sindh Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Bashir Ahmed Sheikh on Friday unveiled a 10-year programme, costing Rs 3.5 billion, to revamp the academic and research programme.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
An age-old love affair

An age-old love affair

Mankind and paper have had an intimate relationship for two thousand years. A world without books, newspapers or wallpaper would be inconceivable today. But how did paper manage to conquer our daily lives in the course of history? A journey through time,
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Mauritius premier due on October 11

Mauritius premier due on October 11

Prime Minister of Mauritius Paul Raymond Berenger will arrive here on a three day visit to Pakistan on October 11 to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
CAPITAL CULTURAL SCENE: Buying spree for winter

CAPITAL CULTURAL SCENE: Buying spree for winter

There is definitely a chill in the air after the last downpour. Woollies might have to come out a little early this year. The shops have put their goods on sale with discounts up to fifty percent. And the people are slowly but surely gearing towards Eid m
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
German chancellor to arrive on October 10

German chancellor to arrive on October 10

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder will arrive here on October 10 for a two-day official visit for talks with Pakistani leadership on regional and international issues and boosting bilateral trade and economic ties.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
At the heart of three faiths: the Dome of the Rock - I

At the heart of three faiths: the Dome of the Rock - I

For the three major religions of the world the Dome of the Rock holds profound meaning. The area is steeped in religion, traversed by many of the Holy Prophets of God, revered by all three faiths. Yet therein lies the rub, for coveted by the three faiths,
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
CURRENT TOPICS: Prime Ministers galore

CURRENT TOPICS: Prime Ministers galore

Shaukat Aziz is our 23rd Prime Minister. Thank God we had democracy only for 28 years out of Pakistan's total life of 57 or else he would have been 53rd. India on the other hand had only 12 since independence. Either we do not have trustworthy and compete
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Pakistani women invited to Kuala Lumpur seminar

Pakistani women invited to Kuala Lumpur seminar

Pakistani women's associations, particularly those dealing with textile and apparel, have been invited to an international Muslim women's textile and apparel conference being held on December 2 and 3 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Inhumanity all around - I

Inhumanity all around - I

The way man sheds the blood of another man is proving the mistrust which was expressed by the angels at the time of placing Adam as Khalifa on the earth. In this context, the Holy Qura'n refers to Surah 30 of Al-Baqar which says: "And when thy Lord said u
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
FPCCI invited to private sector moot in Bahrain

FPCCI invited to private sector moot in Bahrain

The 11th private sector meeting for the promotion of trade and joint venture investment among Islamic countries will be held in Manama, Bahrain, from February 5 to 7 next year.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
In search of better living: Locals keep immigrants at bay

In search of better living: Locals keep immigrants at bay

Emigration in search of safety, greener pasture and a lifestyle that seemingly ensures protected future to the people less fortunate in their own country has always been the main motivational factor for people to abandon their ancestral homes and prefer t
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Seminar

Seminar

A seminar on "Strengthening trade and investment ties between Japan and Pakistan" is being held here on Saturday. The seminar is being jointly organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), Expo
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Call for focussing on goods transportation

Call for focussing on goods transportation

Pakistan Railways (PR) Chairman, Malik Asif Hayat, has stressed the need for paying more attention to goods transportation, besides passenger service in order to increase income of the organisation.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
The Weather

The Weather

The weather report on Friday (October 08) and the forecast for Saturday (October 09, 2004).
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
NWFP to provide interest-free loans to poultry farmers

NWFP to provide interest-free loans to poultry farmers

The NWFP government has decided to provide interest-free loans to its poultry farmers and hopefully the process of disbursement of these loans will be started within next few months.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Key stock market movements at 1700 GMT on October 08

Key stock market movements at 1700 GMT on October 08

The latest close of key indices on major world stock exchanges and the London closing values of the euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound and gold bullion (previous day's closes in brackets).
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
'India spending 3 percent of GDP on defence'

'India spending 3 percent of GDP on defence'

Lieutenant General V. R. Raghavan ((Retd), Advisor, Delhi Policy Group has said that India is spending three-percent of GDP on defence, while sustainable economic development could be helpful in curtailing defence expenditures of any country.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Homeopathic department to be opened at NIH

Homeopathic department to be opened at NIH

Minister of State for Health Shahnaz Sheikh has said that a homeopathic department will be opened in the National Institute of Health (NIH) for provision of qualitative homeopathic medicines.
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
Closing of sterling rates

Closing of sterling rates

Closing of sterling rates at 1730 GMT - on Friday (October 08, 2004)
Published 09 Oct, 2004 12:00am
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