Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) of banking industry posted a phenomenal rise of over Rs 56 billion at the end of calendar year 2011 (CY11), creating new challenges and credit risks for the financial sector of Pakistan. Sources in the banking industry told
The Federal government has accepted the resignation of S Ali Raza, Chairman, Board of Directors of National Bank of Pakistan with immediate effect. This was stated in a communique sent to Karachi Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
The Federal government has accepted the resignation of S Ali Raza, Chairman, Board of Directors of National Bank of Pakistan with immediate effect. This was stated in a communique sent to Karachi Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
Barclays bid rates, maximum rates for payment of interest by authorised dealers on deposits (other than those brought under FE Circular No: 45 of 1985) and on deposits (brought under FE Circular No: 45 of 1985) - issued by the Foreign Exchange Rates Commi
The Federal government has accepted the resignation of S Ali Raza, Chairman, Board of Directors of National Bank of Pakistan with immediate effect. This was stated in a communique sent to Karachi Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
The Exchange Rates Committee of State Bank of Pakistan issued the following exchange rates bulletin here on Wednesday (March 07, 2012). Conversion rates for foreign currency deposits, DBC/FCBC, Special US$ Bonds and profits thereon and for forward cover f
The Supreme Court on Wednesday accepted documentary record presented by cabinet secretary Nargis Sethi as evidence to defend Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in a contempt of court case. A seven-member special bench comprising Justice Nasirul Mulk,
The Supreme Court on Wednesday accepted documentary record presented by cabinet secretary Nargis Sethi as evidence to defend Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in a contempt of court case. A seven-member special bench comprising Justice Nasirul Mulk,
International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde tapped a Chinese IMF official Wednesday as the Fund''s next secretary. Jianhai Lin, who has been acting secretary since November, will hold the key post of the department that is responsible
International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde tapped a Chinese IMF official Wednesday as the Fund's next secretary. Jianhai Lin, who has been acting secretary since November, will hold the key post of the department that is responsible f
International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde tapped a Chinese IMF official Wednesday as the Fund's next secretary. Jianhai Lin, who has been acting secretary since November, will hold the key post of the department that is responsible f
Vietnam's rice exports are forecast to fall to 6.6 million tonnes in 2012, down 7 percent from last year, the Agriculture Ministry said on Tuesday. Global rice trade in 2012 would fall 7 percent from last year to 32.8 million tonnes "due to lower import d
A US trade bill targeting Chinese imports goes against international rules and Beijing will not adjust the value of its currency to try to bridge a trade deficit that is Washington''''s problem to fix, China''''s commerce minister said on Wednesday. US Pr
Tea prices in Bangladesh fell sharply on Tuesday at a weekly auction, because poor quality end-of-season varieties were on offer, while supply was tight in the penultimate sale of the season, brokers said. The average price of Bangladeshi tea dropped to 1
A US trade bill targeting Chinese imports goes against international rules and Beijing will not adjust the value of its currency to try to bridge a trade deficit that is Washington''s problem to fix, China''s commerce minister said on Wednesday. US Presid
Chicago Board of Trade soft red winter wheat futures fell 2.2 percent on Tuesday, hitting a one-week low as a firming dollar cut demand for US commodities, traders said. Kansas City Board of Trade hard red winter wheat futures and MGEX spring wheat also p
A US trade bill targeting Chinese imports goes against international rules and Beijing will not adjust the value of its currency to try to bridge a trade deficit that is Washington's problem to fix, China's commerce minister said on Wednesday. US Presiden
The Philippines' exports of raw sugar to non-US buyers for the current crop year are likely to increase at least eightfold to a 21-year high of 300,000 tonnes amid high global prices. The projected export volume includes approved raw sugar exports of 55,5
A US trade bill targeting Chinese imports goes against international rules and Beijing will not adjust the value of its currency to try to bridge a trade deficit that is Washington's problem to fix, China's commerce minister said on Wednesday. US Presiden
Vietnam's coffee exports this month could ease to between 120,000 and 130,000 tonnes, or 2 million to 2.2 million bags, after an estimated 180,000 tonnes shipped in February, traders said on Tuesday. Falling supplies from Vietnam, the world's largest prod
The Federal Board of Revenue has termed one percent decrease in sales tax from 17 to 16 percent and no additional taxation in budget (2011-12) as impediments towards meeting the budgetary revenue target of the current fiscal year. Sources told Business
The Karachi Port handled 89,461 tonnes of cargo comprising1 52,563 tonnes of import cargo and 36,898 tonnes of export cargo including 2,757 loaded & empty containers during last 24 hours ended at 0700 hours on Wednesday. The total import cargo of 52,563 t
The Federal Board of Revenue has termed one percent decrease in sales tax from 17 to 16 percent and no additional taxation in budget (2011-12) as impediments towards meeting the budgetary revenue target of the current fiscal year. Sources told Business
Both contracts were lower on the forward cottonseed oilcake market on Wednesday in process of trading, dealers said. The March vaida closed at 768.50 but it opened with a fall of 20 paisa to Rs 768.30 and the May vaida closed at Rs 686.70, however, it los
The Federal Board of Revenue has termed one percent decrease in sales tax from 17 to 16 percent and no additional taxation in budget (2011-12) as impediments towards meeting the budgetary revenue target of the current fiscal year. Sources told Business
Spot rate failed to retain its gains after fresh decline in the NY cotton market, dealers said on the cotton market on Wednesday. The official spot rate was lower by Rs 50 to Rs 5,300, they said. Prices of seedcotton in Sindh were at Rs 1900-2300 and in t
Six British soldiers were killed when a massive explosion hit their armoured vehicle in Afghanistan, the military said Wednesday, taking the British toll in the war against Taliban insurgents to more than 400. The soldiers were on patrol in the restive so
Six British soldiers were killed when a massive explosion hit their armoured vehicle in Afghanistan, the military said Wednesday, taking the British toll in the war against Taliban insurgents to more than 400. The soldiers were on patrol in the restive so
Prices tended higher on the wholesale grain market on Wednesday as grams and Guwar maintained rising trend due to strong demand, dealers said. Commenting on the rising trend in the prices, commodity experts said that major reason behind the present trend
Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt has been appointed as new Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Born in 1955, Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt received his early education at PAF Public School, Sargodha. Subsequently, he joined Pakistan Air Force
ICE Canada canola futures slipped on Tuesday, as grains fell under pressure from weaker equities and crude oil, amid renewed concerns about global economic growth and Greek debt. Lower Canadian dollar underpinned canola. Benchmark May canola dropped $4.00
Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt has been appointed as new Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Born in 1955, Air Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt received his early education at PAF Public School, Sargodha. Subsequently, he joined Pakistan Air Force
Major banks and pension funds threw their weight behind Greece's bond swap offer to private creditors on Wednesday, making it increasingly likely that the deal will go through and clear the way for a bailout package to avert a chaotic default. A group of
Pakistan is participating in Thailand's largest-ever defence exhibition titled 'Defence and Security 2012' being held in Bangkok. The four-day international exhibition with the theme 'Be Prepared' will continue till March 8. The exhibition was opened by t
Major banks and pension funds threw their weight behind Greece's bond swap offer to private creditors on Wednesday, making it increasingly likely that the deal will go through and clear the way for a bailout package to avert a chaotic default. A group of
Pakistan on Wednesday refuted a report by International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which claims that Islamabad possesses up to 110 nuclear weapons and spent a whopping $2.2 billion on its atomic arsenal last year, terming it as an insidious prop
The global shipping slump is expected to last well into 2013 as a glut of vessels and a growing credit squeeze will challenge even the toughest companies in the seaborne sector, Moody's Investor Service said on Wednesday.
A top US general said Tuesday he plans to visit Pakistan in 10 days for talks that he hopes will reopen the border to supply convoys for Nato troops in Afghanistan. The vital routes have been closed to trucks ferrying supplies to coalition forces since No
Australia's resource-rich economy grew at a pedestrian 0.4 percent last quarter as business spending slipped from record highs, knocking the local dollar lower and keeping alive the chance of further cuts in interest rates. The quarterly rise in gross dom
A top US general said Tuesday he plans to visit Pakistan in 10 days for talks that he hopes will reopen the border to supply convoys for Nato troops in Afghanistan. The vital routes have been closed to trucks ferrying supplies to coalition forces since No
Employment in Ireland rose for the first time in four years in the final quarter of 2011, providing an unexpected boost for the euro zone member in its long battle to reduce its unemployment rate, the third-highest in the European Union. Seasonally-adjust
Moody's Investor Service on Wednesday downgraded ratings on Bank of India's debt programmes by one notch, citing an accelerated pace of asset quality deterioration, stressed core capital levels and increased pressure on profitability. Slowing economic gro
India could allow limited exports of cotton to cover existing sales commitments when ministers meet on the issue on Friday, government sources said, as exporters sought permission for 2.5 million bales to be released. The world's second-largest cotton pro
Iraq has approved the sale by Norway's Statoil ASA of its minority stake in a giant oil field to Lukoil OAO, making the Russian firm the sole foreign partner in one of Iraq's biggest new oil projects, two Iraqi oil industry sources said on Wednesday. Stat
Indonesia is to take more of the profits from its vast mineral resources by limiting foreign ownership of mines in a move likely to scare off new investment in the world's top exporter of thermal coal and tin. Under new rules announced on the energy minis
US companies increased their hiring in February, shoring up expectations that the labour market recovery has moved into a higher gear. Separate data on Wednesday showed wages grew much more quickly at the end of last year than originally estimated, good n
A robot caricaturist that can draw an accurate likeness of its subject in just three minutes was wowing the crowds on Wednesday at the world's biggest IT fair, but not every customer was satisfied. The robot, designed by Germany's Fraunhofer Institute, ta
Tens of thousands of South Africans staged a one-day national strike on Wednesday, hitting mining production, as the biggest labour group in the continent's largest economy flexed its muscles to remind the ruling ANC of its political clout. Gold Fields, t
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has suspended India's Kingfisher Airlines from its account settlement system due to non-payment of fees, dealing a fresh blow to the carrier as it seeks funds to stay aloft. The industry group's clearing
Dubai's index recorded its largest drop in more than two years on Wednesday as traders used declines in global stocks to book profits from the emirate's early-year surge, while other Gulf Arab markets also declined. Nine Dubai stocks fell more than 9 perc
Indian shares fell for a third straight session on Wednesday, led by market bellwether Reliance Industries, as a poor election result for the country's ruling Congress party appeared to pour cold water on an already-struggling reform agenda. The benchmark
Japan's Nikkei average fell for the third session on Wednesday as fears that Greece may not meet its bond swap deadline sapped risk appetite, while Brazil's weaker annual growth added to fears of a slowdown in the global economy. Investors offloaded Tokyo
US stocks rose on Wednesday, a day after the worst selloff in three months for Wall Street, as a report showed the US private sector added more jobs than expected last month. Banking stocks - Tuesday's big losers - helped drive gains. The S&P financial se
The Dow dropped more than 200 points on Tuesday, handing Wall Street its worst day in three months on renewed fears of a disorderly default in Greece and concerns that China's slowdown would hit global growth. Analysts have expected a pullback for weeks,
US Treasuries prices climbed on Tuesday as global growth concerns and fears Greece may not secure enough creditor support to avoid a disorderly debt default drove investors into the perceived safety of bonds. Investors fled stocks as emerging-market power
US Treasuries prices climbed on Tuesday as global growth concerns and fears Greece may not secure enough creditor support to avoid a disorderly debt default drove investors into the perceived safety of bonds. Investors fled stocks as emerging-market power
Taiwan stocks fell 0.44 percent to an over two-week closing low on Wednesday, joining global bourses in declines as risk aversion took hold, but smartphone maker HTC ended higher after saying its February sales rose from the previous month. The main TAIEX
Southeast Asian stocks fell on Wednesday with Singapore hitting a one-month low as Asian investors continued to worry over slowing global growth. With global stock markets under pressure and as the effects of central bank easing wear off, market players a
Hong Kong and China shares slumped to a third-straight loss on Wednesday, dragged by weakness in China Life Insurance as investors locked in profits ahead of corporate earnings later this month unlikely to produce pleasant surprises. The China Enterprises
Seoul stocks fell for a third consecutive session on Wednesday and hit a four-week closing low as risk appetite was sapped by worries over Greek debt and a slowing global economy. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 0.91 percent to a four-w
European stocks bounced from one-month lows on Wednesday, helped by an upbeat US job report and growing confidence Greece's bond swap offer to private creditors will succeed. As major banks and pension funds threw their weight behind Greece's bond swap of
A rally by recently beaten down mining stocks and banks helped haul Britain's leading shares index higher on Wednesday, as above-forecast US private payrolls data provided a positive signal ahead of Friday's key US February jobs report. The ADP National E
The yuan closed down slightly versus the dollar on Wednesday after the People's Bank of China set a weaker midpoint for a third day to track the dollar's global strength, traders said. The PBOC let the midpoint, or its reference rate from which the yuan c
Benchmark interbank lending rates maintained their downward trek on Wednesday driven by the huge cash boost from the European Central Bank but activity remained subdued as banks looked for gains in higher-yielding assets.
Risk currencies bounced off multi-week lows but were still seen vulnerable, while the Japanese yen held firm on Wednesday, as doubts over whether Greece can pull together a bond swap deal prompted players to cut exposure to risky assets. Among the biggest
The euro inched up from a three-week low against the dollar on Wednesday but was vulnerable to further losses on uncertainty about whether Greece would win sufficient support for a debt restructuring. A clutch of Greek pension funds and some foreign inves
The euro rebounded from a three-week low against the dollar on Wednesday but traders said uncertainty about a debt swap designed to avoid a Greek default should keep gains in check. By late morning, though, the currency climbed back toward an overnight hi
The euro dropped on Tuesday to its lowest level against the US dollar in two-and-a-half weeks as global economic growth concerns and fears about Greece's bailout led investors to shun risk. Worries about slowing growth also weighed on commodity currencies
Interbank buy/sell rates for the taka against the dollar on Wednesday. 81.57-81.78 (previous 81.58-81.80). Call Money Rates: 11.00-15.00 percent (previous 07.00-15.00 percent).
The Australian dollar fell to a six-week low on Wednesday as renewed concerns about Europe's debt crisis led investors to dump risk assets, while a disappointing growth reading at home kept alive expectations for further interest rate cuts. The Aussie sto
The Swiss franc tracked the euro slightly higher against the dollar on Wednesday as some investors took profits after bidding up the greenback through the last week. The franc rose 0.1 percent against the dollar compared to the New York close, trading at
Exporter dollar sales and dollar inflows into some local companies yanked the Indian rupee off a seven-week low on Wednesday, even though subdued global risk appetite and weak local shares weighed. The rupee ended at 50.28/29 to the dollar, marginally str
Most emerging Asian currencies slid on Wednesday as investors cut holdings in risky assets due to fresh doubts over Greece's bailout, with the Indonesian rupiah hurt also by a weak debt auction. The renewed Greek concerns pointed to more corrections for e
Sterling was weighed down versus the dollar on Wednesday with risk sentiment precariously balanced and investors reluctant to buy the currency, which is set to remain under pressure owing to the fragile UK economy and a weak technical outlook. Sterling ma
India on Wednesday named a 15-man squad for a one-off Twenty20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg on March 30. India squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Virat Kohli (v.capt), Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sh
Former champions AC Milan squeezed into the quarter-finals of the Champions League Tuesday, though not as comfortably as expected as they lost 3-0 at Arsenal to progress 4-3 on aggregate. Milan - who were conceding three goals in the Champions League for
The gold medal may be safely packed away in their luggage, and the drug tests may have come back clean. But any cheat clever enough to outwit the unprecedented anti-doping regime put in place for the 2012 London Olympics will be spooked by the knowledge t
Indonesia's sports ministry has threatened to pull funding from the national football team following a historic 10-0 thrashing by Bahrain in a 2014 World Cup qualifier, an official said Wednesday. FIFA last week launched an investigation into the match, i
New Zealand seized control of the first Test against South Africa Wednesday thanks to a stunning spell of three wickets in four balls from paceman Chris Martin. The Proteas ended the day at 191 for seven, with Jacques Rudolph (46) the only recognised bats
Pakistan cricket team left for Dhaka on Wednesday to feature in Asia Cup, starting on March 11 in Bangladesh's capital. Pakistan will play tournament's opener against hosts Bangladesh. Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Younis
The International Cricket Council (ICC) may waive its requirement for neutral match officials in a proposed One-day international series between Pakistan and Bangladesh next month. The three matches, which are subject to agreement by Bangladesh, would tak
A Council of Europe committee on Wednesday called for FIFA president Sepp Blatter to be investigated over his uncontested victory in last year's FIFA presidential election. A committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) says fur
Bangladesh's chief selector Akram Khan resigned from his post on Wednesday, citing interference from the country's cricket board president in team selection for the upcoming Asia Cup. Khan quit a day after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Mustafa
Australian athletes will continue to shake hands with their rivals at the London Olympics, saying not to do so would be an "embarrassment" despite a warning from Britain over the health risks. The British Olympic Association's (BOA) chief medical officer
Big-spending Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande kicked off their AFC Champions League campaign in style on Wednesday, thumping last year's beaten finalists Jeonbuk Hundai Motors of South Korea 5-1. Elsewhere, a stunning injury-time overhead kick from Brazi
Australian captain Michael Clarke and young paceman James Pattinson were Wednesday ruled out of the tri-series decider against Sri Lanka, as coach Mickey Arthur demanded a new strategy. Clarke scored a century in Australia's crushing loss to Sri Lanka as
Gaza's Hamas rulers said Wednesday they would stay on the sidelines if war breaks out between Israel and Iran, easing a key Israeli concern and distancing the Islamic militants from their sponsors in Tehran. The comments by Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum c
Military spending in Asia will top that in Europe for the first time this year, a London-based think-tank said Wednesday in its annual assessment of the strength of the world's armies. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said shifts i
Sonia Gandhi, president of India's ruling Congress party, vowed Wednesday to "correct the mistakes" that led to a mid-term drubbing in local polls and defended embattled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "We will have to sit down and look at the situation an
With fewer than nine months to go before Election Day, The Signal predicts that Barack Obama will win the presidential contest with 303 electoral votes to the Republican nominee's 235. How do we know? We don't, of course. Campaigns and candidates evolve,
US commanders say there are no plans to turn the Afghan war over to CIA control after 2014, with special operations answering to American intelligence officials. General James Mattis, who heads US Central Command, and Adm. Bill McRaven, the special operat
Mitt Romney reached out to conservatives suspicious of him and sought to assert himself as the inevitable Republican US presidential nominee on Wednesday, despite failing to deliver a knockout blow to his rivals in the biggest round of nominating contests