PSL has the pride of being owner and operators of largest number of five star hotels chain in Pakistan despite multifarious heavy taxes exceeding 20 in numbers on the hotel industry. Examples of these taxes are; bed tax, permit fee, municipal tax, bakery
PSL has the pride of being owner and operators of largest number of five star hotels chain in Pakistan despite multifarious heavy taxes exceeding 20 in numbers on the hotel industry. Examples of these taxes are; bed tax, permit fee, municipal tax, bakery
Computer hackers have taken to stealing data the easy way - by eavesdropping on phone and e-mail conversations to find the keys to seemingly impregnable networks, security experts say. The danger of attacks with insider information was illustrated earlier
So far this year, financial markets are not behaving as advertised. Stocks are down, bonds are up and the dollar is stronger - the exact opposite of what many large investors expected. Entering 2005, there was a reasonably strong consensus among strategis
German unemployment will average 150,000 more this year than in 2004, although the jobless total will fall in the second half of 2005, a German newspaper said on Sunday, citing the government's annual economic report. Berliner Zeitung said the rise in ave
China's fledgling private airline industry could take off in the first half of this year, using busy holiday travel seasons to launch their services, state media said Sunday. The first group of private airlines could begin operations in the next few month
South Korean manufacturing firms have turned less optimistic about the business outlook for the first quarter of 2005, hit by worries over an uncertain economic recovery, a government survey showed on Sunday. The Commerce Ministry said its business survey
The United States on Saturday opened large swaths of an Alaskan oil reserve for exploration in an effort to reduce the country's dependency to foreign oil. Interior Secretary Gale Norton signed a document finalising the Bureau of Land Management's plan ma
Four candidates from three continents seeking to lead the World Trade Organisation are to state their cases at a meeting here this Wednesday at the start of a campaign that remains too close to call. Luiz-Felipe de Seixas Correa of Brazil, Pascal Lamy of
South Africa's trade union federation COSATU said on Sunday it would send a fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe next month in defiance of President Robert Mugabe's government that says the team is not welcome. COSATU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said af
Money is no obstacle to rebuilding Indonesia's tsunami-ravaged Aceh, but foreign donors want assurances that funds cannot be skimmed off by corrupt officials, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said recently. Foreign donors are waiting to pour billions of d
Spain's stock market regulator on Saturday abandoned an investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the sale of brokerage firm FG Valores to global investment bank Merrill Lynch in 1996. Given a lack of evidence of wrongdoing following an inqui
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday urged Indian entrepreneurs to think "big", promising that his government would remove the "barriers to growth". "Our government will remove barriers to growth and encourage companies to become globally competitive
China's auditors have found more than 810 million dollars worth of malpractice at four state asset management groups charged with handling state-run banks' bad debts, state press said Saturday. Auditors discovered that the four companies bought non-perfor
England were 114 for four in reply to South Africa's first innings total of 247 when bad light ended play with 20 overs remaining on the third day of the fifth and final Test on Sunday.
Top seed Roger Federer and four-time champion Andre Agassi advanced to an Australian Open quarter-final showdown here on Sunday as Russia's women marched on relentlessly. World number one Federer stretched his unbeaten streak to 25 matches with a straight
New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming smashed an whirlwind 106 off just 57 balls in a nine wicket win over a rusty World XI here on Sunday, prompting rival captain Shane Warne to say he had never seen better hitting. Although brutal, the innings also displa
Threats from radical Hindu groups to disrupt Pakistan's test series in India later this year will not derail the tour, Pakistan's top cricket official said on Sunday. Activists of the radical Hindu party, Shiv Sena, have said they would attempt to disrupt
Michael Clarke steered Australia to the finals of the tri-series cricket competition with an unbeaten 103 as his team cruised to a nine-wicket win over Pakistan on Sunday. Pakistan, sent in to bat after rain had delayed the start, suffered overcast and da
Britain's coal industry, in sharp decline since the country's infamous miners' strike 20 years ago, could be set for a brighter future, thanks to high oil prices and the country's dwindling gas supplies. "The current climate is better than it has been for
Gold output in the world's biggest producer South Africa is expected to fall slightly this year, but a bigger slide is threatened if the local currency extends its bull run, a government expert said on Tuesday. South African gold production could nearly s
The Russian state-owned oil company Rosneft, new owner of the main production subsidiary of oil giant Yukos, Saturday announced a contract to supply China with 50 million tonnes of oil by 2010. Rosneft Vice-President Yury Matveyev announced the signature
Oil prices flirted with 50 dollars a barrel in New York this week amid freezing temperatures in the United States, while markets worried about a possible further output cut from Opec later this month. Among soft commodities, sugar reached the highest leve
The median overnight rate on the Egyptian pound slipped to 10-3/4 percent on Sunday from 11-1/2 percent on Tuesday before a long holiday, but dealers said banks were in no rush to trade as business resumed. They said banks still had more than a week to sq
South Korea's stock market is expected to go through a short-term correction before attempting to rise again in this week, dealers said on Friday. Sentiment would be undermined by overseas jitters, a foreign sell-off and uncertainties over upcoming econom
Egypt's benchmark stock market index closed at a record high on Sunday, helped up by telecoms firm MobiNil which rose on expectations of strong results and a reported price target upgrade, traders said. The Hermes index, the benchmark measure for Egypt's
Malaysian stocks are expected to continue firmer this week but gains may be modest as the market reverts to trading within a narrow range after its recent advance to 930 points, dealers said. They said underlying interest remains solid, with perhaps a spe
Hong Kong shares are expected to trade in a narrow range this week as fears of a US interest rate hike and a strengthening dollar weigh on investor sentiment, dealers said recently. They said investors would closely watch the dollar's movement on concerns
The Japanese yen retreated from a five-year high against the US dollar this week as anticipation of further interest rate hikes by the United States Federal Reserve continued to place pressure on Asian currencies.
Indonesian share prices are expected to trade mixed in this week in quiet business after a record-breaking session on Thursday, dealers said. "This week, I don't expect heavy transactions in our market," said Budi Ruseno, research analyst at Bhakti Capita
British investors will be hoping to finally kick-start the new year this week when a number of major companies deliver trading updates and the government publishes economic growth data. The FTSE 100 index of leading London shares closed at 4,803.3 points
Japanese share prices are likely to rebound in this week, when major firms such as NEC, Fujitsu and Honda Motor are expected to announce solid results for the last quarter of 2004, analysts said. The local market has been hit by losses on Wall Street and
Taiwan share prices are expected to consolidate this week, perhaps testing the 5,800 point level amid concerns over corporate results and a lack of fresh leads, dealers said. There were no signs that foreign funds were returning to the market as most inve
Europe's fourth quarter earnings season kicks off in earnest this week with a host of top firms expected to confirm strong profits last year but company forecasts will be key as markets eye a slowing 2005. Fourth quarter results are expected to show that
South Korean policymakers plan to meet on Monday to discuss steps to stabilise the wobbly local bond market, Yonhap news agency said on Sunday. Domestic government bond prices plunged on Friday, hit by worries about rising debt supply. The benchmark three
South Korean policymakers plan to meet on Monday to discuss steps to stabilise the wobbly local bond market, Yonhap news agency said on Sunday. Domestic government bond prices plunged on Friday, hit by worries about rising debt supply. The benchmark three
Germany's Deutsche Boerse may opt for a hostile bid for the London Stock Exchange at around 600 pence a share, Britain's Observer newspaper reported on Sunday. Deutsche Boerse made an 530-pence-a-share approach for Europe's premier financial market in Dec
Stock investors may want to fasten their seatbelts for this week, when a flurry of earnings and economic data will once again be in focus. Concerns over the Iraq elections and the outcome of the next meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Coun
The United States is trying to bring about the collapse of North Korea by increasing radio broadcasts to it and smuggling in transistor radios but its attempts will fail, a North Korean newspaper said on Sunday. US President George W. Bush vowed in his in
Hundreds of Kenyans fled their homes on Sunday after 13 people were speared or stabbed to death north-west of Nairobi in tribal clashes over access to water, residents and officials said. Four were killed when they were pulled from vehicles at impromptu c
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas was confident Sunday that the armed factions would soon call a formal cease-fire as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon acknowledged a respite in rocket attacks from Gaza. While militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jih
Iran said Sunday it was not taking talk of a US attack seriously, but nevertheless cautioned Washington that military action against the Islamic republic would be a "major strategic blunder". "It's nothing new. Once in a while America starts a psychologic
India and China will look to strategic issues such as the US-led war on terrorism and their energy security to expand on a steady improvement in ties during talks on Monday, officials and experts said. For the first time, their talks will focus on broader
Britain's opposition Conservative Party hoisted immigration to the top of the pre-election agenda on Sunday with a pledge of tough controls that drew accusations it was playing the "race card" to reverse dire opinion polls. The Conservatives, trailing Ton
Ongoing heavy fighting in the thick jungles of Myanmar between government troops and Indian separatists has left at least five rebels and 10 soldiers dead, a rebel leader said Sunday. Kughalo Mulatonu, a leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagalan
The ravages of modern warfare are too often compounded by ill-conceived and expensive post-war reconstruction projects that fuel a "feeding frenzy" of corruption and profiteering, according to a UN-funded report. The report, citing graft from Liberia and
Viktor Yushchenko became Ukraine's president Sunday and vowed to steer the nation toward the West, capping a popular revolt and a bitter months-long fight over the destiny of a nation historically entwined with Russia. "Our place is in the European Union,
Israeli scientists have developed a microwave weapon capable of taking out enemy combatants without causing them serious injury, the Hebrew daily Maariv reported Sunday. The new weapon was developed in a laboratory in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Ar
Four people including a local police chief have been killed by a roadside bomb blast in southern Afghanistan, officials said Sunday. Wazir Mohammed, police chief of Char Chino district of Uruzgan province, was killed with his father, his brother and his b
The European robot lab Huygens found liquid methane on the Saturn satellite Titan, a chemical that seems to have shaped the moon's peculiar landscape and weather system, scientists said Friday in their first detailed assessment of the probe's mission. "We
At least 28 Afghan children have died from outbreaks of whooping cough and measles in central Afghanistan in the past week, the public health minister said on Sunday. The public health ministry has rushed medical teams and equipment by road and air to pre
At the age of 69 Jan De Beer has come to seek his fortune digging for diamonds. Vast high-tech mines may provide the bulk of the global diamond market but next to South Africa's Vaal river hundreds of prospectors still make a living using a basic pick, sh
A delegation of top energy companies from Latin American countries, Canada, UAE and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday visited Pakistan Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation (Picic) and discussed investment possibilities in Pakistan. Th delegation, led by c
Four Abrams tanks roll past grazing cows and sheep on a hunt for insurgents suspected of using an open field to fire mortars at a US army combat outpost nearby. "Make sure you scan those rooftops. That's where all the bad guys are," Sergeant Ronnie Underw
While we discuss the topic, let me refresh the memories of the valued readers of these columns that Pakistan got independence in 1947. This means that the age of Pakistan on August 14, 2005 will be 58 years. Pakistan is going through a process. Even after
The dog-droopy eyes, spray of grey hair and rumpled suits may not have set many hearts aflutter, but nowadays Albert Einstein's image is guarded as jealously as that of the hottest Hollywood celebrity. From entertainment moguls to educational innovators,
The two main roads leading to southern Iraq have become veritable death traps, plagued by insurgents who have turned to a new tactic -- carjacking -- to terrorise the public and earn fast cash. Sixteen Iraqis were killed in a massive ambush by insurgents
The government has reportedly decided not to notify separate the power distribution tariffs for the eight distribution companies of Wapda due to questions on tariff and possible subsidy to the distribution companies with higher T&D losses. The government
In the 20th century the prevailing slogan was decolonisation followed by internationalism, based on economic and political "reconstruction" and "development." While reconstruction was fully implemented to rehabilitate the war-devastated economy of Europe,
Those who had studied closely the State Bank's first quarterly report for FY05 released only about three weeks ago must feel puzzled by the sudden change in tone in the Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) issued on 19th January, 2005. The quarterly report gav
The nationalist parties of Sindh have finalised the arrangements for their strike call of January 24, while law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) have taken extra security measures throughout the province to cope with any untoward incident. According to details
Draft policy has been prepared to redefine and strengthen role of Pakistan Muslim League in socio-economic uplift mainly welfare of the poor, and ensure justice amongst individuals, society and federating units, make Pakistan as economic force in the regi
Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated with religious fervour in Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur, Zafarwal, Sambrial and Ugoki areas on Friday. The prayers were offered at different mosques and open places in the city and other parts of Sialkot district. On this occasion, str
Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces, General Endriatono Sutarto visited Pakistan's Field Hospital in Latnno on Sunday morning. Sutarto greatly appreciated the efforts of Pakistani doctors in providing the basic outdoor and indoor medical fac
People of Sui could not offer Eid prayers because curfew-like situation was created in the area. The army was patrolling and severe tension was prevailing in the area, while law-enforcement agencies had demolished 37 homes in the area and arrested 90 loca
Two persons were killed and four others sustained injuries in a firing incident at Shanti Nagar Chak 72/10-R, some 50 kilometres from here on Saturday night. Police said that Ayub (26) and Hanooq (30) were sitting at a chowk in the village when Moon, Abro
Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley inaugurated the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago on Saturday. Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Jehangir Karamat was present, on the occasion. Welcoming the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Consulate, the Chicago May
More than one third of the local population above 50 years of age is suffering from Osteoarthritis with no less than 4.5 million Karachiites inflicted with the condition, experts said addressing a seminar at Liaquat National Hospital (LNH). Speakers inclu
Contingent of Pakistan Navy participating relief efforts in Banda Aceh, has set up a hospital in tsunami hit Indonesian town, Samalanga. Hundreds residents of calamity hit Indonesian town thronged the hospital the first-ever in the area after Tsunami had
National Assembly (NA) Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain has said the national economy had attained a strong position due to the effective and flexible policies of the government. Talking to different delegations, including exporters and farmers, on Sunday he
Sindh National Front (SNF) Chairman Mumtaz Ali Bhutto on Sunday again invited MQM chief Altaf Hussain to fully support the strike call of the Sindh nationalist parties for January 24 (Monday) on the Balochistan issue. A SNF press release issued here on Su
Farhat Hussain Shah has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by a British Court here over the weekend, for kidnapping an old man from Faisalabad last year and demanding 18,000 pounds ransom from his sons. British Metropolitan Police Kidnap Unit, in coo
Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated amid tight security and in severe cold in southern Punjab on Friday. Punjab Constabulary, Elite Force and police were patrolling in the city while police guards were deployed at places of worship while policemen in plain clothes
An earthquake of mild intensity measuring 4, 9 on international richter scale jolted Islamabad on Saturday evening. According to preliminary analysis of Meteorological Station Peshawar the earthquake originated at 1636 hours and its epicenter lied about 1
Haj flights of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) carrying pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will reach Pakistan on Tuesday. More than 150, 000 Pakistani Haj pilgrims after performing Haj would start returning home by 496 PIA flights, which would continue the
The construction work, under phased programme, has started to carve out the new dual-carriage grand highway between Islamabad and Muzaffarabad by the National Highway Authority of Pakistan, official sources said. The sources told APP here on Sunday that t
Former General Secretary of Kissan Board Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Ilyas died here on Sunday and his funeral prayer was offered at Mansoora. The acting Ammir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Chaudhry Rehmat Ilahi, Naib Ameer, Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam Saleemi, Deputy Secr
The Transport Department miserably failed in checking of overcharging of fares from the commuters coming from various cities to provincial metropolis after celebrating Eid ul Azha. It has become a routine of the bus crew to charge exorbitant rates from th
Punjab Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal President (MMA) Hafiz Muhammad Idrees speaking at a function at Mansoora here on Sunday urged the Muslims to forge unity in their ranks. He said: "There is no Aurengzeb, Abdullah bin Auf in the ranks of Muslims and the Musli
Intense snowfall has closed Muzaffarabad's road links with Rawalpindi and other cities. Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Mansehra have received snowfall after several years gap. Gilgit received a snowfall after 10 years gap, Meteorological Department sources said
The skin disease and butcher cuts are causing damage to the tune of $22.80 million per annum as 30 percent of hides and skins become inappropriate for export as quality leather. This was stated by Agha Saidain, convener, Hide and Skin Improvement Committe
Punjab Minister for Communication and Works, and Secretary General of Pakistan Muslim League, Punjab, Chaudhry Zaheer ud Din has said that the PML would take along its allies in the district governments' election and would make a clean-sweep. While talkin
Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in a meeting with a delegation of German investors here on Sunday said that present government policies were in conformity with line to promote foreign investment in the country. The chief minister said that wi
Government would continue reconciliation efforts with the opposition on important national issues, President Pakistan Muslim League, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said on Saturday. Talking to PTV, Shujaat said, no operation was being carried out in Balochistan
Minister for Religious Affairs, Ejaz ul Haq has appreciated Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz for his efforts and care enabling all the pilgrims to carry out their Haj rituals in absolute ease and comfort. "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques a
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, accompanied by Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui, Advisor on Local Government Waseem Akhtar and Naib City Nazim Tariq Hassan visited various localities of Karachi on Saturday, the second day of Eidul Azha to take stock of t
Tribal elders belonging to scenic valley of lower Kanigaram in South Waziristan Agency have highly appreciated Governor NWFP Lieutenant General Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah (Retd) for increasing the development budget of Fata to Rs 9 billion which was below