News Archives for Print - 2008-04-10

Print - 2008-04-10

Global economy in peril: IMF

The global economic outlook is increasingly grim with the United States mired in a recession from a housing meltdown whose effects are still spreading, the IMF said Wednesday.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Chavez to nationalise Venezuela's top steelmaker

Venezuela will take control of the country's largest steelmaker in the second major take-over of foreign businesses in a week as President Hugo Chavez resumes his socialist drive to nationalise key industries.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Berlusconi says 100 percent sure to win Italy election

Italy's opposition leader Silvio Berlusconi said he was "100 percent" sure he would win a parliamentary election in four days' time and rejected any broad coalition with the centre left in the event of a draw. But Berlusconi also voiced concerns his oppon

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Algeria's desert glories dazzle, for a few

Saharan sand dunes stretch to the horizon at this oasis town of red clay where visitors can ride camels with Tuareg nomads and sleep on dunes under the stars. Timimoun should be easy to get to, but it isn't. It offers few comforts after a long, arduous jo

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Kenyan leaders under pressure to resume coalition talks

Kenyan leaders were Wednesday under pressure to resume talks on forming a coalition government in a bid to end a severe political crisis as police blocked demonstrators for the second day.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

China's Tibetan frontiers rekindle tradition of defiance

Across China's mountainous west, armed troops watch over the Tibetan monasteries and towns that have emerged as hotbeds of protest kindled by traditions of defiance and newer economic grievances.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Medvedev meets UN chief and takes swipe at West

Attempts to solve global problems outside the United Nations are counter-productive, Russian president-elect Dmitry Medvedev told the UN secretary-general on Wednesday.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Polls in Kosovo: Serbia cautioned

The United Nations cautioned Serbia on Wednesday against holding its May local elections among Serbs in newly independent Kosovo, saying the results would not be considered valid. "They are in violation of (UN Security Council Resolution) 1244 ... and wil

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Armenia's new president takes office amid protest

Serzh Sarkisian was sworn in as Armenia's new president on Wednesday as several hundred opponents gathered to lay flowers in memory of protesters killed contesting his election win. Sarkisian immediately appointed to replace him as prime minister Tigran S

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

'Bruiser' Cowen set to take helm in Ireland

Brian Cowen, the Irish finance minister who is expected to take over as prime minister next month, has a reputation as a no-nonsense lawmaker with a finely-tuned political brain. Cowen, 48, who was the only contender to succeed current premier Bertie Aher

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Hong Kong stocks tumble

Hong Kong stocks fell 1.4 percent in volatile trade on Wednesday, dragged down by losses in Chinese stocks, with oil and insurance shares leading the fall. But shares in China Coal, the country's second-largest coal producer, bucked the trend to jump as m

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

US stocks decline as WaMu dents banks

US stocks fell on Tuesday, after Washington Mutual Inc (WaMu) said it expects a large quarterly loss, raising concerns about results from the rest of the financial sector, while minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest meeting stoked fears of a recession

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Malaysian shares move up

Malaysian share prices closed up 0.2 percent on Wednesday after investors snapped up bargains in select blue chips and plantation stocks, dealers said. "The market continued to be very quiet today with investors staying on the sidelines after a tumble in

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Nikkei closes at week's low

The Nikkei share average fell 1.1 percent on Wednesday, marking its lowest close in a week as fresh worries about the US economy hit exporters and a brokerage downgrade on Tokyu Land Corp triggered a sell-off in property shares.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Taiwan stocks finish flat

Taiwan stocks held steady on Wednesday, as China plays such as Yulon Motor and Eva Airways gained but heavyweight contract chip maker TSMC fell as US economic concerns weighed on exporters. The main TAIEX share index slipped 0.06 percent, or 4.92 points t

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Thai shares slip slightly

Thai share prices closed 0.08 percent lower on Wednesday, following the regional trend on a day of light trading, dealers said. They said sentiment was also dampened by the Thai central bank's decision to leave its key interest rate unchanged at 3.25 perc

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Jakarta shares fall 3.1 percent

Indonesian share prices closed 3.1 percent lower on Wednesday on persistent fears that rising inflation may lead to further interest rate hikes, dealers said. They said fresh worries over the global economy sparked by an IMF report on the widening credit

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Chinese shares tumble 5.5 percent

Chinese main stock index tumbled more than 5 percent on Wednesday, ending a four-day rebound off 11-month lows, as large caps were sold after the market retreated from technical resistance.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

New Zealand shares drop

New Zealand share prices closed 0.85 percent lower on Wednesday, led down by bellwether stock Telecom in line with overseas markets, dealers said. The NZX-50 Index ended 30.23 points lower at 3,575.45 on turnover worth 147.70 million dollars (116.61 milli

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Singapore shares rally

Singapore share prices closed 1.30 percent lower on Tuesday on profit-taking ahead of key local economic data, dealers said. The blue chip Straits Times Index fell 40.70 points to 3,089.72 on volume of 1.59 billion shares worth 1.58 billion Singapore doll

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Yuan weaker

China's yuan ended slightly weaker on Wednesday after the central bank, acting through big state-owned banks, blocked it from breaching the psychologically key 7.0 mark against the dollar, dealers said, although the move did not imply a shift to slower yu

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Dollar falls as Japan investors sell

The dollar fell against the yen on Wednesday due to selling by Japanese investors, while sterling hit a record low against the euro on expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates later this week.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Dollar edges lower versus euro

The US dollar edged lower versus the euro on Tuesday as minutes of the last Federal Reserve meeting showed policy makers felt that a prolonged and severe economic downturn can't be ruled out.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Swiss franc drifts higher

The Swiss franc drifted slightly higher on Wednesday amid weakness in global equity markets and a lack of concrete economic data to drive trading. The safe-haven currency gained 0.04 percent against the euro compared to the New York close, trading at 1.59

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Australian dollar up

The Australian dollar gained ground for a sixth straight session on Wednesday, egged on by an upbeat outlook for the country's resource exports, though soft domestic data tempered the rally. In late trade, one Aussie dollar bought $0.9301, up from $0.9259

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Asian currencies: peso and ringgit inch up

Asian currencies moved in tight ranges on Wednesday as mixed signals from the global and US economy, including the dovish tone of minutes from the Federal Reserve, kept most investors on the sidelines. The Malaysian ringgit hit a one-week high and the Phi

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Pakistan football team returns

Pakistan's national football team returned from Taipei late on Wednesday night after two-nation tour they were victorious in three of the five internationals becoming part of future Fifa world ranking. Pakistan put up a fine display in Nepal, overwhelming

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

SNGPL annual sports festival

Three-day annual sports 2008 of the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) will start on Thursday at the Wapda Stadium Ferozpur Road. Up to 13 teams from all SNGPL regions, including head office would participate in the event, said a spokesman for SNGP

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Kallis, Chanderpaul and Zaheer get Wisden awards

South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis was on Wednesday named as the 'Leading Cricketer in the World for 2007' by the 2008 edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, cricket's major annual reference work. He became the fifth recipient of the award, introduc

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Sri Lanka blood youngsters in ODI series against West Indies

Sri Lanka will use the three-match one-day international series against West Indies which opens here on Thursday to kick-start their preparations for the 2011 World Cup. Sri Lanka have made sweeping changes to the squad which drew the preceding two-Test s

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Chelsea hope for third time lucky against Liverpool

Chelsea will not care if their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool later this month produces another turgid defensive stand-off as long as they finish third time lucky. Goals from Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard earned the Londoners a fourth t

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

South Africa eye hat-trick in sub-continent

A buoyant South Africa will be keen to capitalise on India's form and fitness worries ahead of Friday's third and final Test here to complete a hat-trick in the sub-continent. The visitors lead 1-0 in the series following their crushing win by an innings

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

ICC anti-corruption unit quizzes three Pakistan players

The International Cricket Council said Wednesday that its anti-corruption unit had interviewed three Pakistani players at the weekend. Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, batsman Younis Khan and bowler Umar Gul were quizzed by the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Securi

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Myanmar sets constitutional referendum for May 10

Myanmar's military government has scheduled a referendum on an army-drafted constitution for May 10, state television said on Wednesday. Copies of the charter-which Western governments have dismissed as a sham to entrench more than four decades of militar

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Smallest planet outside solar system found

The smallest planet discovered outside our solar system has been found by Spanish scientists. "I think we are very close, just a few years away, from detecting a planet like Earth," team leader Ignasi Ribas told a news conference on Wednesday.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

South Korea conservatives win parliament majority

The conservative party of South Korea's new president won a slim a majority in a Wednesday parliamentary election, which should give him the political muscle to push through reforms for Asia's fourth largest economy.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Afghan UN envoy urges sense of urgency on help

The new UN envoy to Afghanistan said on Wednesday he wants to inject a sense of urgency in efforts to co-ordinate help for the country. Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide arrived in Afghanistan last month aiming to improve coordination of international civilian

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Zimbabwe poll body says 'dangerous' to issue result

A lawyer for Zimbabwe's electoral commission said on Wednesday it would be "dangerous" for the High Court to order the release of presidential election results, as demanded by the opposition MDC.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

UN chief urges pre-vote restraint

UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday expressed deep concern about the continuing violence in Nepal on the eve of a landmark vote to decide the country's political future and urged all parties to show restraint. "The secretary general is deeply concerned abou

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Nepal hit by killings, bombings ahead of poll

Nepal was hit by fresh violence Wednesday, the eve of a landmark vote to decide the impoverished country's political destiny and scrap the monarchy. The polls, the climax of a 2006 peace deal that ended a bloody decade-long revolt by Maoists, are to elect

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Translation woes stall Saudi's Guantanamo hearing

A US war crimes court at Guantanamo reconvened on Wednesday over the case of a Saudi Arabian prisoner accused of plotting with al Qaeda to blow up ships, but the hearing was halted due to translation problems that have plagued the process.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Protesters promise 'suprise actions' during Argentina torch relay

Pro-Tibet protesters have promised "suprise actions" during the relay of the Olympic flame in Buenos Aires on Friday, but vowed they would not seek to extinguish the torch.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

'Bin Laden aide' wins appeal against deportation

Abu Qatada, a radical Muslim cleric dubbed "Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe", succeeded Wednesday in the latest step of his fight to avoid deportation from Britain.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

First Korean astronaut edges towards space station

South Korea's first astronaut closed in on the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday and was "preparing for docking," an official for Russia's Federal Space Centre said. "They are gradually getting closer to the International Space Station. They

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

North Korean leader orders navy to boost combat capability

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has ordered one of his naval units to increase its combat capability, state media said Wednesday, amid heightened tensions with South Korea. Kim gave the instruction during a morale-boosting visit to a naval command, accord

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

EU's Barroso to press for reforms in Turkey

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday he would urge Turkey to speed up reforms and show more interest in European Union membership during his first official visit this week.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Nine killed in Gaza

Two Israeli civilians and seven Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in an explosion of violence around the Gaza Strip border after Palestinian commandos stormed into Israel. The attack came after an early morning gunbattle left an Israeli soldier and a

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

France accused of killing witness in Hariri probe

The brother of a Syrian witness in the inquiry into former Lebanese premier Rafiq Hariri's assassination accused France of involvement in his murder in comments published on Wednesday.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Eight dead in fresh Afghan unrest: officials

A policeman and seven Taliban rebels were killed in fighting in southern Afghanistan, including a foreign airstrike that also wounded two civilians, officials said Wednesday. International forces' warplanes dropped bombs on a group of Taliban militants tr

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Democrats warn next president faces Iraq 'quagmire'

Anti-war Democrats Wednesday accused the White House of plotting to saddle the next president with a "quagmire" in Iraq, as the top US war general faced a second day of intense scrutiny in Congress.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Deadly fighting in Baghdad as Iraq marks Saddam ouster

Iraq marked the fifth anniversary Wednesday of the overthrow of Saddam Hussein with the nation still in turmoil, the capital under curfew and bloodshed gripping its most populous Shiite district. Iraqi officials said three mortar rounds slammed into Sadr

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Pound hits fresh record low versus euro

Sterling hit a record low of 80 pence per euro on Wednesday, pressured by fears of economic slowdown and expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates on Thursday. Speculation of an aggressive 50 basis point rate cut, rather than just 25 b

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Dollar slips in London

The dollar weakened broadly on Wednesday as investors contrasted Federal Reserve comments pointing to continued US economic weakness with expectations for further inflation-busting talk from the euro zone.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Indian rupee steadies

The Indian rupee crept up on Wednesday, after being stuck in a tight band for much of the day, as dollar sales by exporters more than offset purchases by oil firms. The partially convertible rupee ended at 39.995/40.005 per dollar and 0.04 percent stronge

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Wednesday midday trade: Wall Street falls on profit worry

US stocks slipped on Wednesday as United Parcel Service Inc's forecast for earnings shortfall and a surge in oil prices dampened the outlook for corporate results. The Nasdaq was down 1 percent. Stocks extended declines before midday as oil prices advance

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Credit spreads widen

European corporate credit spreads widened on Wednesday, tracking equity markets, but that failed to deter corporate borrowers, who continued to pump fresh supply onto the market.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Credit spreads widen

European corporate credit spreads widened on Wednesday, tracking equity markets, but that failed to deter corporate borrowers, who continued to pump fresh supply onto the market.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Indian shares climb

Indian share prices rose 1.3 percent on Wednesday on bargain-hunting by overseas funds, bucking a weaker global trend driven by worries about the financial sector, dealers said. They said local sentiment improved on expectations that the ruling Congress g

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Asian bonds weaken

Asian bonds broadly weakened on Wednesday after minutes from the US Federal Reserve's last meeting stoked fears of financial gloom engulfing the world's largest economy and spilling over to other regions.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Asian bonds weaken

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Philippines shares sag

Philippine share prices closed 0.7 percent lower Wednesday after the Federal Reserve painted a more pessimistic outlook for the United States economy, dealers said. The composite index lost 19.34 points to 2,961.78.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Closing stock market indices

Major stock markets outside the United States ended on Wednesday.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

UK's top share index down

Britain's main share index dipped slightly on Wednesday, dawdling on the eve of a key interest rate verdict as depressed banks overrode an energy sector fired up by stellar oil prices. The FTSE 100 ended down 6.3 points, or 0.1 percent, at 5,983.9, as sha

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Mining firms hope for Zimbabwe gold rush

The world's resource companies are lining up to rebuild Zimbabwe's once mighty gold mines and metal refineries if President Robert Mugabe's government falls. "It is often painted as a treasure trove for miners, and with solid reason," said Anne Fruehauf,

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

London cocoa, sugar and coffee higher

London cocoa, sugar and coffee futures surged on Wednesday as funds, partly encouraged by a soaring oil market, injected fresh money as prices hit buy-stops, traders said. The benchmark July cocoa contract hit a two-week high of 1,394 pounds a tonne befor

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Oil roars to record over $112 on US inventory drop

Oil surged to a record high over $112 a barrel on Wednesday after a government report showed a sharp drop in US inventories ahead of the summer driving season. US crude settled up $2.37 at $110.87 a barrel after peaking at $112.21 and eclipsing the previo

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Oil volatility drives rise in options trade

Wild price swings on the US crude oil market have driven a big increase in the use of options as traders seek more sophisticated ways to reduce risk and lock in profits. Open interest in crude oil options traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange surged

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Rotterdam vegetable oil prices

Wednesday's Rotterdam vegetable oil prices at 1600 GMT.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Rotterdam vegetable oil prices

Wednesday's Rotterdam vegetable oil prices at 1600 GMT.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

New York cotton futures settle higher

Cotton futures powered to a strong finish Wednesday as a fund-led commodity wide rally spilled into fiber contracts and the market could spike higher if investors sustain their buying spree, brokers said. The ICE Futures' May cotton contract rose 1.91 cen

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Grain, soya prices to remain high after USDA data

US government data released on Wednesday indicated prices for grains and soya will remain around record-high levels as demand from the food and fuel sectors holds strong, analysts said on Wednesday.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Copper prices climb

London copper futures ended 2.2 percent up at the London Metal Exchange on Wednesday as the dollar slipped on expectations for more aggressive US rate cuts than previously seen. A weaker dollar often increases appetite for metals as they become cheaper fo

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

London gold gains

Gold firmed more than 1 percent on Wednesday as the dollar slipped on growing expectations of further aggressive rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve and oil prices jumped, analysts said. Spot gold rose to a session high of $925.40 an ounce after falling t

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

US MIDDAY: cocoa and coffee up

US cocoa futures trading on ICE Futures US rallied in early trade Wednesday on investor and arbitrage buying, while coffee was mostly higher in quiet action. ICE Futures US May coffee up 0.70 cent at $1.339 per lb at 9:19 am (1319 GMT). Trading band $1.31

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

US MIDDAY: sugar rises

Raw sugar futures action on ICE Futures US at 8:58 am. EDT 258 GMT: May sugar contract rose 0.13 cent to 12.01 cents per lb. Range 11.82 to 12.05 cents. May contract volume 5,703 lots. Light buying by small investors and switch trade as players move posit

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

US MIDDAY: wheat down

Wheat was down 20 to 27 cents per bushel, May down 23-1/2 at $9.08 per bushel. Profit-taking, USDA forecast for increased global wheat stocks and rains in dry wheat areas of Texas lead way down. Early support from USDA forecast for US wheat ending stocks

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

US MIDDAY: corn climbs

Corn was Up 1-1/2 to 4 cents per bushel, with May up 2-3/4 at $5.94 per bushel at the Chicago Board of Trade. Support from USDA outlook for US corn ending stocks and wet US weather that is slowing spring fieldwork and corn plantings. Rally to record high

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

US MIDDAY: soyabeans higher

Soyabeans was up 6 to 15 cents per bushel, May up 13 at $12.64-1/2 per bushel. Market lifted by threat of renewed farmer strike in Argentina and gains in corn. Neutral reaction to updated USDA supply/demand data. Penson GHCO bought 200 May and Fortis boug

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

US MIDDAY: copper rises

US copper futures at the New York Mercantile Exchange's Comex division rose at the open on Wednesday, with support stemming from a weaker dollar. Active May copper gained 7.10 cents, or 1.8 percent, to $3.9615 a lb by 10:14 am EDT (1414 GMT). Range was $3

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

US MIDDAY: gold jumps

New York gold futures rebounded on Wednesday as the dollar weakened and crude oil jumped, prompting investors to buy bullion as an alternative investment. June gold was up $6.40 to $924.50 an ounce, reversing initial losses by 10:28 am EDT (1428 GMT). Ran

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Partly Facetious: eunuch dance at utility company!

"Sometimes I get so angry."

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Energy crisis, the costs of alternatives

According to the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO), the overall shortage of electricity in the country has surpassed 3200 megawatts. Ironically, the country's power generation capacity still stands at 19,440 MW (according to Economic Survey 2006-07)

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Budget 2008-Proposals

I wish to bring into light some proposals for the forthcoming budget so that appropriate steps may be taken accordingly in the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Public entry fee at Quaid's mausoleum?

Many people around the world live and die but very few of them sacrifice their life for a selfless cause, create history of a heroic achievement and the living nations in recognition of their achievements preserve their place of burial, which keeps on rec

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

World economy in crisis: what is to be done?

A fragile calm appears to have descended on global financial markets after several waves of turmoil driven by fears that the US economic convulsions, triggered by the nation's mortgage industry meltdown, could span out around the world economy. But the ri

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Opening balance of our national economy

According to 2nd Quarterly Report 2008 of State Bank, Pakistan is not likely to achieve its economic targets, a ground reality conceded, which I have been consistently forecasting in my regular columns for a long time and the said report has finally endor

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

The only way to win back tribal loyalties

British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith currently on a visit to Pakistan has stated that there are links between terrorist organisations operating in the UK and Pakistan. This is an obvious source of concern for both countries and is the reason behind greater

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Karachi violence beyond comparison

It would be a euphemism to describe what happened in Karachi on Wednesday as the diabolical political routine of the metropolis. Undoubtedly, the events relating to former federal minister, Dr Sher Afgan and former Sindh chief minister, Dr Arbab Rahim, ov

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Godown fire: 40 workers injured

As many as 40 workers received burn injuries when a fire broke out in Pak-China Chemical Factory's godown at Raiwind Road. Edhi Foundation sources said here on Wednesday that fire caused Rs 40 million losses to the owner of the factory. Seven units of Res

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Pak-Sri Lanka FTA to help two-way trade

Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dr Wijeratne Bandara Dorakumbure has said Pakistan and his country have signed free trade agreement (FTA) to promote their two-way trade. He was talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Muhammad Ali

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

World help sought for repatriation of Afghan DPs

The Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron), Najmuddin Khan on Wednesday sought help of the international community for the early and safe repatriation of Afghan refugees.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Foreign secretary-level Pak-India talks on May 20

The foreign secretary-level review of the Fourth Round of Pakistan-India composite dialogue will be held on May 20, 2008, in Islamabad to monitor the progress made in normalising the relations between the two countries so far.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Jail superintendent to appear before court

The Kot Lakhpat Jail superintendent will appear before court on April 10 with record of a convict named Azam Ali confined in a murder case. The High Court's orders came following a petition filed by Shaukat Ali accusing the jail superintendent of releasin

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Measures to protect ground water from pollution urged

Participatory canal system will prove farmer-friendly and a milestone in increasing agri-produce. Institutional reforms introduced in canal system have curbed the red-tapisim and first time in the history of the country farmers' organisations have been ma

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Lawyers to boycott courts today

Lawyers will boycott courts and stage a rally on The Mall Thursday. The bars will also hold their general body meetings to pass resolutions. Political and human rights activists, students and civil society members will also join the rally ending outside t

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Irrigation department to set up five hydropower units

Punjab Irrigation and Power Secretary Arif Nadeem has announced that the Irrigation Department is planning to set up five hydropower units on canals producing 25 megawatts of electricity to meet the current shortages.

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

LHCBA condemns manhandling of Sher Afgan

The Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), condemning the incident of manhandling of Dr Sher Afgan Niazi here on Tuesday, has called for an inquiry and disciplinary action against those responsible. The bar meeting held on Wednesday with its President

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Energy saver bulbs: Tusdec planning to set up CFC to encourage local manufacturing

The Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (Tusdec) is planning to set up a Common Facility Centre (CFC) to encourage local manufacturing of energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) with an ultimate objective to help bridge gap betw

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

LHC directs PC to pay dues to calligrapher

A division bench of the Lahore High Court has directed the Privatisation Commission to make arrangements and pay pension and emolument dues within one month to the petitioner Abdul Majeed a former calligrapher in Progressive Papers Limited (PPL).

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Qazi demands Dr Qadeer's release

Chief of Jamaat-i-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmed has called for the release of the architect of Pakistan's nuclear programmers. Talking to a private TV channel he condemned the reports about imposing new restriction on Dr Khan, adding that Dr Khan was still a

Published 10 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Previous Day

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Dec 24	278.53
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Dec 24	278.33
USD to Japanese Yen / Dec 24	157.14
USD to Swiss Franc / Dec 24	0.90
Pound Sterling to USD / Dec 24	1.25
Euro to USD / Dec 24	1.04

Stock	Volume
Germany DAX 30 / Dec 23	19,848.77
S&P 500 / Dec 24	6,040.04
India Sensex / Dec 24	78,472.87
Tokyo Nikkei / Dec 24	38,986.40
Nasdaq / Dec 24	20,031.13
Hang Seng / Dec 24	20,098.29
FTSE 100 / Dec 24	8,136.99
Dow Jones / Dec 24	43,297.03

Item	Value
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Dec 24	70.10
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Dec 24	17,785
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Dec 24	240,487.70
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Dec 24	2,616.87
Cotton US¢/pound / Dec 24	68.78
Petrol/Litre / Dec 25	252.10

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
Sec. Inv. Bank / Dec 24 Security Investment Bank Limited(SIBL)	5.99 ▲ 1.00 (20.04%)
Next Capital / Dec 24 Next Capital Limited(NEXT)	8.90 ▲ 1.00 (12.66%)
Pak Agro Pack. (GEM) / Dec 24 Pak Agro Packaging Limited (GEM)(GEMPAPL)	9 ▲ 1.00 (12.50%)
Ghani Chem. Ind. / Dec 24 Ghani Chemical Industries Limited(GCIL)	16.13 ▲ 1.47 (10.03%)
Pak Gulf Leasing / Dec 24 Pak-Gulf Leasing Company Limited(PGLC)	14.37 ▲ 1.31 (10.03%)
Popular Islamic / Dec 24 Popular Islamic Modaraba(PIM)	15.58 ▲ 1.42 (10.03%)
Mandviwala / Dec 24 Mandviwala Mauser Plastic Industries(MWMP)	16.59 ▲ 1.51 (10.01%)
Blessed Tex. / Dec 24 Blessed Textiles Limited(BTL)	301.77 ▲ 27.43 (10.00%)
Crescent Cotton / Dec 24 Crescent Cotton Mills Limited(CCM)	55 ▲ 5.00 (10.00%)

Stock	Price
S.G.Power / Dec 24 S.G. Power Limited(SGPL)	10.58 ▼ -1.18 (-10.03%)
Olympia Mills / Dec 24 Olympia Mills Limited(OML)	36 ▼ -4.00 (-10.00%)
J.A.Textile / Dec 24 J.A. Textile Mills Limited(JATM)	33.95 ▼ -3.77 (-9.99%)
Sanghar Sugar / Dec 24 Sanghar Sugar Mills Limited(SANSM)	26.16 ▼ -2.90 (-9.98%)
I.C.C. Ind. / Dec 24 ICC Industries Limited(ICCI)	9.85 ▼ -1.07 (-9.80%)
National Silk / Dec 24 The National Silk & Rayon Mills Limited(NSRM)	50.01 ▼ -5.43 (-9.79%)
Gulshan Sp. / Dec 24 Gulshan Spinning Mills Limited(GSPM)	4.10 ▼ -0.40 (-8.89%)
Crescent Fib. / Dec 24 Crescent Fibres Limited(CFL)	40.16 ▼ -3.81 (-8.66%)
Reliance Ins. / Dec 24 Reliance Insurance Company Limited(RICL)	11.55 ▼ -1.05 (-8.33%)

Stock	Volume
WorldCall Telecom / Dec 24 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	126,573,463 ▲ 0.05
Fauji Foods Ltd / Dec 24 Fauji Foods Limited(FFL)	66,984,381 ▲ 0.49
Cnergyico PK / Dec 24 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	66,471,663 ▼ -0.27
Pak Elektron / Dec 24 Pak Elektron Limited(PAEL)	38,651,653 ▼ -1.53
K-Electric Ltd. / Dec 24 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	36,108,956 ▼ -0.18
Sui South Gas / Dec 24 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)	33,467,532 ▼ -0.50
P.T.C.L. / Dec 24 Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd(PTC)	33,030,118 ▼ -1.31
TRG Pak Ltd / Dec 24 TRG Pakistan Limited(TRG)	29,441,264 ▲ 3.35
Pace (Pak) Ltd. / Dec 24 Pace (Pakistan) Limited(PACE)	28,106,970 ▼ -0.18

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