AGL 40.00 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
AIRLINK 127.04 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
BOP 6.67 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
CNERGY 4.51 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
DCL 8.55 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
DFML 41.44 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
DGKC 86.85 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
FCCL 32.28 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
FFBL 64.80 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
FFL 10.25 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
HUBC 109.57 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
HUMNL 14.68 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
KEL 5.05 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
KOSM 7.46 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
MLCF 41.38 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
NBP 60.41 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
OGDC 190.10 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
PAEL 27.83 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
PIBTL 7.83 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
PPL 150.06 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
PRL 26.88 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
PTC 16.07 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
SEARL 86.00 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
TELE 7.71 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
TOMCL 35.41 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
TPLP 8.12 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
TREET 16.41 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
TRG 53.29 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
UNITY 26.16 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
WTL 1.26 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
BR100 10,010 Increased By 126.5 (1.28%)
BR30 31,023 Increased By 422.5 (1.38%)
KSE100 94,192 Increased By 836.5 (0.9%)
KSE30 29,201 Increased By 270.2 (0.93%)
Nov 15, 2024 اردو ► PRINT EDITION ► BR MARKETS ► Dollar to PKR ►
Print - 2005-04-30
US Congress approves $2.6 trillion budget

US Congress approves $2.6 trillion budget

The US Congress late Thursday approved a $2.6 trillion budget plan for next year that calls for new tax cuts and spending reductions over the next five years. Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate pushed through the budget blueprint witho
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Emergis posts loss, stock hit as lawsuit looms

Emergis posts loss, stock hit as lawsuit looms

Electronic commerce company Emergis Inc reported a bigger first-quarter loss on Friday, reflecting lower one-time gains, and its stock fell sharply after it announced it has been served with a lawsuit seeking more than $64 million in damages. Montreal-bas
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Venezuela legal system seen as investment obstacle

Venezuela legal system seen as investment obstacle

Venezuela's unstable legal system is an obstacle to future investments by European Union states in the world's No 5 oil exporter, a senior European Commission official said. "In Venezuela, today, the development of investment faces an important problem. T
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Hitler long gone but legacy still haunts Germany

Hitler long gone but legacy still haunts Germany

You won't find Hitler Street in Germany these days; squares dedicated to the Nazi leader were also renamed as soon as the Third Reich fell and Adolf as a first name is now all but extinct. But 60 years after the Fuehrer killed himself on April 30, 1945, A
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
US Airways loss widens

US Airways loss widens

Substantial labour savings and other restructuring benefits could not stem the rush of red ink at bankrupt US Airways, which reported a wider first-quarter loss on Friday due to soaring fuel costs. The carrier has lost $427 million since entering bankrupt
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Bearish trend on ISE

Bearish trend on ISE

Fresh bearish assault moved the entire ready-board in minus territory at the Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) where sentiment of the market remained negative amid decrease in index. ISE Network Index decreased 94.48 points as the rate-based indicator moved
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
US Airways loss widens

US Airways loss widens

Substantial labour savings and other restructuring benefits could not stem the rush of red ink at bankrupt US Airways, which reported a wider first-quarter loss on Friday due to soaring fuel costs. The carrier has lost $427 million since entering bankrupt
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Bearish trend on ISE

Bearish trend on ISE

Fresh bearish assault moved the entire ready-board in minus territory at the Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) where sentiment of the market remained negative amid decrease in index. ISE Network Index decreased 94.48 points as the rate-based indicator moved
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
US finds China intellectual property piracy high

US finds China intellectual property piracy high

China's piracy of intellectual property remains "unacceptably high," the US Trade Representative's Office said on Friday, citing a special review of China's intellectual property rights enforcement. In a report, the USTR said it plans "to work with US ind
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Dull activity on LSE

Dull activity on LSE

Activity remained dull on Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE) with fuel and energy shares and banking stocks suffering fresh losses, amid high volatility because of lacking interest from the potential investors. The LSE-25 index was down 0.6 per cent or 24.03 poi
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Mobile phone virus spreads to 20 countries: expert

Mobile phone virus spreads to 20 countries: expert

A virus that spreads from cell phone to cell phone has made its way to 20 different countries around the world, a Finnish anti-virus expert said on Friday. "The Cabir virus has now been detected in 20 different countries... including in the US, China and
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Dull activity on LSE

Dull activity on LSE

Activity remained dull on Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE) with fuel and energy shares and banking stocks suffering fresh losses, amid high volatility because of lacking interest from the potential investors. The LSE-25 index was down 0.6 per cent or 24.03 poi
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Microsoft profit up, issues strong outlook

Microsoft profit up, issues strong outlook

Microsoft Corp on Thursday gave a positive outlook for the upcoming business year despite failing to meet its own and Wall Street revenue targets, and its shares edged higher. Quarterly profit nearly doubled as legal costs fell dramatically, and sales of
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Exports need to double in next five years: Shaukat

Exports need to double in next five years: Shaukat

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday said Pakistan was on course to meet the $14 billion export target, but had the potential of increasing these to $28 billion annually in next five years. "Countries with far less resources are way ahead of us... Lets n
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Microsoft profit up, issues strong outlook

Microsoft profit up, issues strong outlook

Microsoft Corp on Thursday gave a positive outlook for the upcoming business year despite failing to meet its own and Wall Street revenue targets, and its shares edged higher. Quarterly profit nearly doubled as legal costs fell dramatically, and sales of
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Exports need to double in next five years: Shaukat

Exports need to double in next five years: Shaukat

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday said Pakistan was on course to meet the $14 billion export target, but had the potential of increasing these to $28 billion annually in next five years. "Countries with far less resources are way ahead of us... Lets n
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Europe's economy gets the blues

Europe's economy gets the blues

The feel-bad factor hit Europe's economy in earnest with confirmation on Friday of a broad slide in consumer and business morale across the eurozone, a rise in French unemployment and downturn beyond the currency bloc too. Central bankers in Scandinavia a
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Exports need to double in next five years: Shaukat

Exports need to double in next five years: Shaukat

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday said Pakistan was on course to meet the $14 billion export target, but had the potential of increasing these to $28 billion annually in next five years. "Countries with far less resources are way ahead of us... Lets n
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
US confidence erodes, wage growth near standstill

US confidence erodes, wage growth near standstill

US consumers turned a bit more glum about the future in April as they struggled with record gasoline prices and sluggish wage growth, reports showed on Friday. Separate reports showed Midwestern manufacturing ticking along at a faster-than-expected rate t
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Japanese Prime Minister due today

Japanese Prime Minister due today

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will pay a two-day official visit to Pakistan from today for talks on bilateral relations, and regional and international issues. Senior officials of ministries of foreign affairs, finance, agriculture and economy
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Lamy stays on track to win WTO race

Lamy stays on track to win WTO race

France's Pascal Lamy strengthened his bid to take over as head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Friday when he emerged a clear first in the latest round of soundings of members, diplomats said. The race for the top job in world trade, which began
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Japanese Prime Minister due today

Japanese Prime Minister due today

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will pay a two-day official visit to Pakistan from today for talks on bilateral relations, and regional and international issues. Senior officials of ministries of foreign affairs, finance, agriculture and economy
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
New Iraq government under pressure to revive economy

New Iraq government under pressure to revive economy

With no letup in insurgent attacks, confidence in the new Iraqi government may rest on its ability to revive an economy torn by violence, business leaders and financiers said. Economic recovery will remain difficult unless the government takes tough measu
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Japanese Prime Minister due today

Japanese Prime Minister due today

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will pay a two-day official visit to Pakistan from today for talks on bilateral relations, and regional and international issues. Senior officials of ministries of foreign affairs, finance, agriculture and economy
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Dell to employ 10,000 in India

Dell to employ 10,000 in India

US personal computer giant Dell Inc announced Friday its Indian subsidiary will employ 10,000 people by year-end and will continue to expand thanks to a cheap and skilled local talent pool. Kevin Rollins, Dell's president and chief executive officer, said
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Risk management: SECP asks KSE to submit comprehensive proposals

Risk management: SECP asks KSE to submit comprehensive proposals

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has asked the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) to submit comprehensive proposals on the improvements required in the risk management framework for the futures market as sudden deviation will give rise
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Conditions ripe for China foreign exchange move

Conditions ripe for China foreign exchange move

Deepening reforms of commercial banks and the foreign exchange market have created conditions for China to unveil a long-awaited adjustment to the yuan exchange rate, a state-run financial newspaper said on Friday. The main outstanding issue was to choose
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Risk management: SECP asks KSE to submit comprehensive proposals

Risk management: SECP asks KSE to submit comprehensive proposals

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has asked the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) to submit comprehensive proposals on the improvements required in the risk management framework for the futures market as sudden deviation will give rise
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
UK home loans point to steadying house market

UK home loans point to steadying house market

British loan approvals for home purchase climbed to a seven month high in March, suggesting a cooling housing market is set to stabilise in coming months. The Bank of England said approvals for house purchase - loans agreed but not yet made - rose to 91,0
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Risk management: SECP asks KSE to submit comprehensive proposals

Risk management: SECP asks KSE to submit comprehensive proposals

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has asked the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) to submit comprehensive proposals on the improvements required in the risk management framework for the futures market as sudden deviation will give rise
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Lukoil underlying 2004 profit soars

Lukoil underlying 2004 profit soars

Top Russian oil firm Lukoil's net profit rose 11 percent in 2004, but excluding one-off gains in the previous year it leaped by 72 percent due to high oil prices and rising output, the firm said on Friday. Lukoil, of which number three US oil firm ConocoP
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Losers outnumber gainers on KSE

Losers outnumber gainers on KSE

The trend at the share market on weekend was quite wavering which reduced the daily volume, indicating that genuine investors had left before the closure of the market where losers signs outnumbered gainers. The KSE-100 index shed 39.83 points, or 0.56 pe
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Lukoil underlying 2004 profit soars

Lukoil underlying 2004 profit soars

Top Russian oil firm Lukoil's net profit rose 11 percent in 2004, but excluding one-off gains in the previous year it leaped by 72 percent due to high oil prices and rising output, the firm said on Friday. Lukoil, of which number three US oil firm ConocoP
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Losers outnumber gainers on KSE

Losers outnumber gainers on KSE

The trend at the share market on weekend was quite wavering which reduced the daily volume, indicating that genuine investors had left before the closure of the market where losers signs outnumbered gainers. The KSE-100 index shed 39.83 points, or 0.56 pe
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Fannie Mae portfolio shrinks

Fannie Mae portfolio shrinks

Fannie Mae, the largest US home funding company, on Thursday said its massive mortgage investment portfolio, which many lawmakers would like to slash, contracted for the fifth straight month in March. Fannie Mae said its portfolio fell by an annualised 13
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Losers outnumber gainers on KSE

Losers outnumber gainers on KSE

The trend at the share market on weekend was quite wavering which reduced the daily volume, indicating that genuine investors had left before the closure of the market where losers signs outnumbered gainers. The KSE-100 index shed 39.83 points, or 0.56 pe
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Fannie Mae portfolio shrinks

Fannie Mae portfolio shrinks

Fannie Mae, the largest US home funding company, on Thursday said its massive mortgage investment portfolio, which many lawmakers would like to slash, contracted for the fifth straight month in March. Fannie Mae said its portfolio fell by an annualised 13
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Proposal to levy ''Federal VAT'' on services rejected

Proposal to levy ''Federal VAT'' on services rejected

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has rejected the viewpoint of leading tax consultants that a federal tax would be introduced in the budget to levy value-added tax (VAT) on services sector, since CBR is already empowered to impose central excise duty in
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Pop Lodi unveils bid for Antonveneta, target of ABN

Pop Lodi unveils bid for Antonveneta, target of ABN

Italy's Banca Popolare di Lodi announced on Friday a 5.3 billion-euro ($6.85 billion) mostly share and bond bid to buy bigger rival Banca Antonveneta, the target of Dutch bank ABN Amro. Bringing to a head what has become a test case for cross-border banki
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Proposal to levy 'Federal VAT' on services rejected

Proposal to levy 'Federal VAT' on services rejected

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has rejected the viewpoint of leading tax consultants that a federal tax would be introduced in the budget to levy value-added tax (VAT) on services sector, since CBR is already empowered to impose central excise duty in
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Pop Lodi unveils bid for Antonveneta, target of ABN

Pop Lodi unveils bid for Antonveneta, target of ABN

Italy's Banca Popolare di Lodi announced on Friday a 5.3 billion-euro ($6.85 billion) mostly share and bond bid to buy bigger rival Banca Antonveneta, the target of Dutch bank ABN Amro. Bringing to a head what has become a test case for cross-border banki
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Proposal to levy 'Federal VAT' on services rejected

Proposal to levy 'Federal VAT' on services rejected

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has rejected the viewpoint of leading tax consultants that a federal tax would be introduced in the budget to levy value-added tax (VAT) on services sector, since CBR is already empowered to impose central excise duty in
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Banks push for financial services in trade talks

Banks push for financial services in trade talks

Investment banks are mounting a late bid to persuade trade negotiators to include opening up financial services markets in developing countries in the Doha Round of global trade liberalisation talks. Lobbyists said the banks are concerned China in particu
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Corporate tax rate to go down to 30 percent next year

Corporate tax rate to go down to 30 percent next year

The Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Ishrat Husain, said here on Friday that the corporate tax rate would further come down to 30-31 percent by the next fiscal year. He was speaking as chief guest at a symposium on ''Sustainable Growth in Financial Se
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
China may need $190 billion to help two banks: S&P

China may need $190 billion to help two banks: S&P

China may need $190 billion to fully recapitalise Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Agricultural Bank of China, and even then the lenders would have a tough time drawing foreign investors, Standard & Poor's said on Thursday. That figure was a hi
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Corporate tax rate to go down to 30 percent next year

Corporate tax rate to go down to 30 percent next year

The Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Ishrat Husain, said here on Friday that the corporate tax rate would further come down to 30-31 percent by the next fiscal year. He was speaking as chief guest at a symposium on 'Sustainable Growth in Financial Sec
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Bayer profit soars on strong plastics and chemicals

Bayer profit soars on strong plastics and chemicals

First-quarter operating profit at Germany's Bayer soared by over 50 percent, it said on Friday, beating even the most optimistic forecasts and underscoring an upswing in commodity chemicals. A day after sector leaders BASF and Dow Chemical reported buoyan
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Corporate tax rate to go down to 30 percent next year

Corporate tax rate to go down to 30 percent next year

The Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Ishrat Husain, said here on Friday that the corporate tax rate would further come down to 30-31 percent by the next fiscal year. He was speaking as chief guest at a symposium on 'Sustainable Growth in Financial Sec
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Bayer profit soars on strong plastics and chemicals

Bayer profit soars on strong plastics and chemicals

First-quarter operating profit at Germany's Bayer soared by over 50 percent, it said on Friday, beating even the most optimistic forecasts and underscoring an upswing in commodity chemicals. A day after sector leaders BASF and Dow Chemical reported buoyan
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
President sets aside FTO''s recommendations

President sets aside FTO''s recommendations

The President has set aside the recommendations of Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in a complaint by Razaque Steel against the Central Board of Revenue (CBR), and observed that the role of the FTO is to identify maladministration defined in the FTO Ordinance.
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
EU ups wheat export subsidy above 5 euros

EU ups wheat export subsidy above 5 euros

The European Union awarded 194,900 tonnes of free-market wheat at its export tender on Thursday with a subsidy of 5.89 euros a tonne, higher than last week but with a lower tonnage, official data showed. The news was officially released after the close of
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
President sets aside FTO's recommendations

President sets aside FTO's recommendations

The President has set aside the recommendations of Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in a complaint by Razaque Steel against the Central Board of Revenue (CBR), and observed that the role of the FTO is to identify maladministration defined in the FTO Ordinance.
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
India raises key short-term lending rate

India raises key short-term lending rate

The Reserve Bank of India announced Thursday a surprise 0.25 points hike in key short-term lending rates to 5.0 percent on concern that high oil prices will stoke inflation in Asia's fourth-largest economy. Analysts had widely expected the central bank to
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
President sets aside FTO's recommendations

President sets aside FTO's recommendations

The President has set aside the recommendations of Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in a complaint by Razaque Steel against the Central Board of Revenue (CBR), and observed that the role of the FTO is to identify maladministration defined in the FTO Ordinance.
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
East Europe farmers find new markets in EU

East Europe farmers find new markets in EU

Far from the nightmare many predicted, the first year of EU membership has opened up new markets for Eastern European farmers, but also mired some in the EU's legendary red tape. Traditionally EU-sceptic farmers quickly found a solid footing in Europe's s
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Intellectual Property Rights Organisation set up

Intellectual Property Rights Organisation set up

The government has established an Intellectual Property Rights Organisation under the Intellectual Property Rights Ordinance. This would be a regulatory body under the Cabinet Division and shall be responsible for enforcing international standards for int
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Gateway posts narrower net loss

Gateway posts narrower net loss

No 3 US personal computer maker Gateway Inc on Thursday posted a narrower net loss on strong sales of notebook PCs and forecast more progress in the company's long turnaround struggle. "We feel very, very positive about what we have been able to accomplis
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Intellectual Property Rights Organisation set up

Intellectual Property Rights Organisation set up

The government has established an Intellectual Property Rights Organisation under the Intellectual Property Rights Ordinance. This would be a regulatory body under the Cabinet Division and shall be responsible for enforcing international standards for int
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Gateway posts narrower net loss

Gateway posts narrower net loss

No 3 US personal computer maker Gateway Inc on Thursday posted a narrower net loss on strong sales of notebook PCs and forecast more progress in the company's long turnaround struggle. "We feel very, very positive about what we have been able to accomplis
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Intellectual Property Rights Organisation set up

Intellectual Property Rights Organisation set up

The government has established an Intellectual Property Rights Organisation under the Intellectual Property Rights Ordinance. This would be a regulatory body under the Cabinet Division and shall be responsible for enforcing international standards for int
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Bank of America Asia earnings up

Bank of America Asia earnings up

Bank of America, the world's second-biggest bank, said on Friday that net profit from its Asia unit rose nearly 14 percent last year, driven by lower borrowing costs and a stronger Hong Kong economy. The bank, which has a market value of US $181.9 billion
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Eight of a family burnt alive in apartment fire

Eight of a family burnt alive in apartment fire

Short circuit followed by fire took lives of eight members of a family in an apartment located in Gulshan-e-Iqbal in the wee hours on Friday. Eight members of a family were burnt alive when a fire broke out due to short circuit on the fourth floor of 5-St
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Bank of America Asia earnings up

Bank of America Asia earnings up

Bank of America, the world's second-biggest bank, said on Friday that net profit from its Asia unit rose nearly 14 percent last year, driven by lower borrowing costs and a stronger Hong Kong economy. The bank, which has a market value of US $181.9 billion
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Eight of a family burnt alive in apartment fire

Eight of a family burnt alive in apartment fire

Short circuit followed by fire took lives of eight members of a family in an apartment located in Gulshan-e-Iqbal in the wee hours on Friday. Eight members of a family were burnt alive when a fire broke out due to short circuit on the fourth floor of 5-St
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Hedge funds target more private equity-style deals

Hedge funds target more private equity-style deals

Hedge funds, longstanding players in M&A deals, are now trying to beat private-equity firms at their own game by bidding for companies themselves to boost returns that are sagging elsewhere. The invasion of private-equity territory is well underway in the
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Five Asian nations top US copyright piracy blacklist

Five Asian nations top US copyright piracy blacklist

China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines led a blacklist of Asian copyright violators released Friday by the United States, which sought tough action to combat piracy and counterfeiting of US goods. One country, Ukraine, remained in the categ
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Hedge funds target more private equity-style deals

Hedge funds target more private equity-style deals

Hedge funds, longstanding players in M&A deals, are now trying to beat private-equity firms at their own game by bidding for companies themselves to boost returns that are sagging elsewhere. The invasion of private-equity territory is well underway in the
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
17 Pakistani immigrants among 26 detained in Ukraine

17 Pakistani immigrants among 26 detained in Ukraine

Ukrainian border guards on Friday said they had detained 26 clandestine migrants from Vietnam, Pakistan and China in the Transcarpathia region in the west of the country. The group was made up of 17 Pakistani nationals, seven Vietnamese and two Chinese wh
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
China's Hainan Air returns to black for 2004

China's Hainan Air returns to black for 2004

China's Hainan Airlines Co Ltd, partly owned by global financier George Soros, returned to the black last year after posting a massive loss in 2003 because of the Sars outbreak. The airline, based in the sun-drenched southern resort island of Hainan, made
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Germany enjoying more comfortable ties with Poland

Germany enjoying more comfortable ties with Poland

Germany's delicate relationship with Poland, long overshadowed by memories of World War Two, has undergone a change for the better but some lingering tensions and new worries over jobs remain. The warm welcome given by Polish Catholics to the German who s
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
China's Hainan Air returns to black for 2004

China's Hainan Air returns to black for 2004

China's Hainan Airlines Co Ltd, partly owned by global financier George Soros, returned to the black last year after posting a massive loss in 2003 because of the Sars outbreak. The airline, based in the sun-drenched southern resort island of Hainan, made
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Banks and leasing companies raise car, home loans interest rate

Banks and leasing companies raise car, home loans interest rate

The banks and leasing companies have increased interest rates up to 13 percent for car and home loan schemes and they expect further increase before the end of the current fiscal year. A credit officer of a leading leasing company believed that interest r
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Aeroflot profit up 60 percent

Aeroflot profit up 60 percent

Russian airline Aeroflot increased its net profit 60 percent in 2004, the firm said on Friday, with growing numbers of affluent Russians attracted by its modernised fleet and bigger choice of destinations. Aeroflot said its net profit calculated according
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Banks and leasing companies raise car, home loans interest rate

Banks and leasing companies raise car, home loans interest rate

The banks and leasing companies have increased interest rates up to 13 percent for car and home loan schemes and they expect further increase before the end of the current fiscal year. A credit officer of a leading leasing company believed that interest r
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Aeroflot profit up 60 percent

Aeroflot profit up 60 percent

Russian airline Aeroflot increased its net profit 60 percent in 2004, the firm said on Friday, with growing numbers of affluent Russians attracted by its modernised fleet and bigger choice of destinations. Aeroflot said its net profit calculated according
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Banks and leasing companies raise car, home loans interest rate

Banks and leasing companies raise car, home loans interest rate

The banks and leasing companies have increased interest rates up to 13 percent for car and home loan schemes and they expect further increase before the end of the current fiscal year. A credit officer of a leading leasing company believed that interest r
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Bollywood pins hopes on big releases after flops

Bollywood pins hopes on big releases after flops

Prolific Bollywood is entering its summer film season desperate for success after a string of failures so far in 2005, but critics see little sign of new and different films to grab the attention of fans. Just one Bollywood movie in 12 has made money in t
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Prime Minister chairs pre-budget meeting

Prime Minister chairs pre-budget meeting

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz presided over a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister's House on Friday to review various proposals for the upcoming budget for next fiscal year and considered ways and means for increasing revenues development programm
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Volkswagen says VW Brand Group narrows first quarter loss

Volkswagen says VW Brand Group narrows first quarter loss

Volkswagen's core VW Brand Group narrowed its first-quarter loss as cost-cutting effects from its "ForMotion" efficiency programme offset declining car sales, Europe's largest carmaker said on Friday. VW's sportier Audi Brand Group remained the only profi
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Prime Minister chairs pre-budget meeting

Prime Minister chairs pre-budget meeting

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz presided over a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister's House on Friday to review various proposals for the upcoming budget for next fiscal year and considered ways and means for increasing revenues development programm
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Volkswagen says VW Brand Group narrows first quarter loss

Volkswagen says VW Brand Group narrows first quarter loss

Volkswagen's core VW Brand Group narrowed its first-quarter loss as cost-cutting effects from its "ForMotion" efficiency programme offset declining car sales, Europe's largest carmaker said on Friday. VW's sportier Audi Brand Group remained the only profi
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Deutsche Bank asset management grows

Deutsche Bank asset management grows

Deutsche Bank's UK institutional asset management unit suffered an outflow of funds again in the first quarter, while the bank's overall assets under management grew by 24 billion euros ($31 billion). The Asia-Pacific institutional asset management and th
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Pearson fights off critics, vows to keep Financial Times

Pearson fights off critics, vows to keep Financial Times

UK publisher Pearson, made a spirited defence of its strategy to shareholders on Friday and shot down persistent rumours that it may sell its flagship newspaper, the Financial Times. "We've very good reasons to believe we're emerging with some very
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Els takes command in Shanghai with 62

Els takes command in Shanghai with 62

World number three Ernie Els fired a sizzling 10-under-par 62 to open a four-stroke lead after the second round of the Asian Open on Friday. The South African carded eight birdies and closed with a brilliant eagle for a halfway total of 15-under 129 follo
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
China to dominate TT world champs but wary of too much

China to dominate TT world champs but wary of too much

China's all-conquering army of stars have vowed to blitz the field at the World Table Tennis Championships, but are wary that by doing so could bring changes to the sport they have ruled for so long. With the championships back in China for the first time
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
West Indies coach King looks on bright side

West Indies coach King looks on bright side

West Indies coach Bennett King insists he is seeing improvements in the Caribbean team despite them having already lost the Test series 2-0 to South Africa. The Australia-born King believes that he has noticed a changing culture in the side since he was a
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Advisory Board of PHF meets today

Advisory Board of PHF meets today

The first meeting of the Advisory Board of the Pakistan Hockey Eederation (PHF) will be held here on Saturday which will be followed by the Council meeting. It would be first meeting of the 11-member board established by the President, PHF, Tariq Kirmani
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
World table tennis rankings

World table tennis rankings

Latest world table tennis rankings ahead of Sunday's here start of the 48th world championships.
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Shoaib Malik faces match-throwing inquiry

Shoaib Malik faces match-throwing inquiry

Pakistan's cricket all-rounder Shoaib Malik has been fined and faces a misconduct inquiry after he deliberately threw a domestic Twenty20 Cup match, officials said on Friday. The 23-year-old Malik, leading his hometown Sialkot team, admitted conceding a m
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Qualifier McCulloch takes 6-2 lead over Stevens

Qualifier McCulloch takes 6-2 lead over Stevens

Qualifier Ian McCulloch grabbed a 6-2 lead over Welsh sixth seed Matthew Stevens as their World Snooker Championship semi-final got underway at the Crucible Theatre here on Thursday. McCulloch, a 100-1 outsider at the start of the tournament, compiled thr
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Kuznetsova reaches semi-finals

Kuznetsova reaches semi-finals

Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova was the first player to reach the semi-finals in Warsaw on Friday when she defeated eighth seed Silvia Farina Elia 6-3 6-4. The second seed struggled early on against the 33-year-old Italian, being taken to deuce six times and
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Tie-break expert Haas reaches semi-finals

Tie-break expert Haas reaches semi-finals

German fourth seed Tommy Haas surged into the semi-finals of the 323,250 euro (419,754 dollar) BMW Open with a 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5) win over Australian veteran Wayne Arthurs here on Friday. It is the first time Haas has reached the last four since 2000 an
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Ebay refuse to ban World Cup ticket sales

Ebay refuse to ban World Cup ticket sales

Online auction site ebay have told organisers of the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany they will not prevent people from trading black market tickets over their internet site. The organising committee (OK) asked ebay not to sell World Cup tickets but the a
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Safina stalked by Chinese as Na Li enters last-four

Safina stalked by Chinese as Na Li enters last-four

Dinara Safina reached her second semi-final in as many appearances at the Estoril Open on Friday, rolling over American Jill Craybas 6-4, 6-2. The Russian second seed was stopped in a last-four appearance at the Estadio Nacional in 2002 when she lost a se
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Pakistan and Taiwan all square after Davis Cup singles

Pakistan and Taiwan all square after Davis Cup singles

Pakistan were all square with Taiwan after the opening day's singles in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group I second round tie on Friday, with a shot at the competition's elite World Group at stake. Pakistan's ace Aisamul Haq overpowered Wang Yeu-Tzuoo
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Man claiming to be Yemen's envoy to Syria flees

Man claiming to be Yemen's envoy to Syria flees

A man claiming to be Yemen's ambassador to Syria said Friday he had fled to Britain to apply for political asylum after an alleged assassination attempt by the Yemeni authorities. Ahmed Abdel al-Hassani said he arrived in London with his family in the ear
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Sudan proves ally in US war on terrorism

Sudan proves ally in US war on terrorism

The Bush administration has forged a close intelligence partnership with Sudan, which has helped Washington's war on terrorism, the Los Angeles Times reported on Friday, citing government and intelligence officials. Sudan, which once welcomed Osama bin La
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Launch of US space shuttle delayed

Launch of US space shuttle delayed

NASA on Friday delayed for two months the launch of the space shuttle Discovery, over concerns that ice or pieces of insulating foam could break off and damage the orbiter, as in the deadly 2003 Columbia disaster. "We are here to let you know officially t
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
US presses China to install military-to-military crisis hotline

US presses China to install military-to-military crisis hotline

The United States pressed China to set up a crisis hotline between their military establishments in high-level defence talks held here Thursday amid US concerns over North Korea and a Chinese military build-up that has raised tensions with Taiwan, US defe
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Thailand charges 8 Muslim teachers with treason

Thailand charges 8 Muslim teachers with treason

Thailand charged eight Muslim male teachers on Friday of treason for masterminding violence which has killed more than 600 people in the restive, predominantly Muslim south since January last year. If found guilty, the men, who were arrested last year and
Published 30 Apr, 2005 12:00am
Previous Day