News Archives for Print - 2017-05-05

Print - 2017-05-05

Pak-Iran banking channel to boost trade up to $5 billion: FPCCI

The State Bank of Pakistan will soon select some Pakistani banks to facilitate bilateral trade with Iran to the level of US$ 5 billion in a year, President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Zubair Tufail, told Business Re

Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Agri credit skewed in favour of Punjab

It is encouraging to see that agricultural credit in the economy is increasing at a fairly rapid rate. According to the latest data released by the State Bank, commercial banks disbursed agricultural credit amounting to Rs 409 billion during the first eig
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
A strange case

In the backdrop of the civil-military tensions over the Dawn leaks affair, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar has taken umbrage at the security/intelligence agencies' inability to secure sensitive installations such as the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) Wa
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
'To have or to be'?

"It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor"- Seneca Historically, trade in societies was based on the 'barter' system that envisaged kind in exchange for kind. For example, grain was exchanged for cloth
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Punish the real culprit(s)!

Facing the storm unleashed by the leaking of the Cyril Almeida story, "Act Against Militants or Face International Isolation, Civilians Tell Military," the Nawaz Sharif government labelled it as being 'fabricated and planted." The PM Office's initial stat
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Benefits of contract manufacturing

The true potential of contract manufacturing in Pakistan is yet to be tapped. The industry is in doldrums due to the sheer negligence and unregulated policies of the Drug Regulation Authority of Pakistan. Contract Manufacturing is also referred as 'Third
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Social injustice

No wonder, social scientists and psychologists rightly point to social injustice as a breeding ground for most ills in the society stimulating anxiety, stress, depression, crime, extremism, rebellion and anarchy. A bird eye view of the social fabric of ou
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Future of PSM: NA body to discuss government's line of action today

National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production headed by Asad Umar will meet on Friday (today) to discuss government's final line of action regarding Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) rehabilitation by the Privatisation Commission.
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
PTI leaders again barred from holding PC at PID building

The government on Thursday, once again, barred the leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding a press conference at the building of Press Information Department (PID), citing rules do not permit any opposition party to use the facility. The ga
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Offshore companies: PML-N leaders accuse Imran of running away from accountability

The leaders of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) have claimed that Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan is running away from his accountability over offshore companies and collecting funds for his party from abroad. Addressing a news conference
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Code of conduct: IHC bars ECP from proceeding against Imran

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has suspended proceedings against Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan in code of conduct violation case on the directives of Islamabad High Court (IHC). The IHC on Thursday barred the ECP from any furth
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

PIA to start direct flights to Central Asian states

In addition to the commitment for shared economic prosperity and to enhance regional connectivity, Advisor to PM on Aviation Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan stated that direct connectivity of PIA flights to Central Asian States will be started soon which will no
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Musharraf will come back to hold corrupt accountable: APML

Giving reaction to the statement of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Khursheed Shah, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Joint Secretary Information (JSI) Shehzad Arabi Satti on Thursday said that the APML Chairman will surely come to Pakistan to ho
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Land purchase process: CDA causes massive loss to exchequer: AGP

The Capital Development Authority in collaboration with a leading land developer and builder has caused multibillion rupees financial losses to the national kitty as well as small landowners in land purchase process for sector H-16 and I-17 in 2008-09.
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Balochistan to be biggest beneficiary of CPEC: PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that Balochistan will be the biggest beneficiary of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar Port and all other mega projects being pursued by our government. According to a statement, the PM expressed t
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

PM destined to go, claims Siraj

Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Sirajul Haq, has said that the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was destined to go and he should not make it a point of prestige now. "Mr Prime Minister, there are some political norms. The nation is demanding your resignation
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Faisal Hayat, driver hurt in road mishap

Pakistan Peoples Party stalwart Faisal Saleh Hayat was injured in a road accident on Motorway when the vehicle carrying him to his home town Shah Jewna collided with a trailer on Thursday morning. Faisal had recently rejoined PPP in the presence of Asif Z
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

LHWs salary: SC grants a week to finance secretary

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted a week to the federal finance secretary over a matter relating to non-payment of salaries to lady health workers in the country. Appearing before a three-judge bench led by Justice Gulzar Ahmad in the matter, the fina
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Vast investment opportunities exist in industry & other sectors: Shahbaz

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that vast investment opportunities exist in Agriculture, Industry, Transport, Energy and other sectors in Pakistan, especially Punjab. A conducive environment for investment has been made available in
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

2018 general election: Monitoring wing set up to ensure transparency, fairness: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, former Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza on Thursday said that monitoring wing has been set up to ensure transparency and fairness in 2018 general election. He expressed these views while addressing a high level meeting
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Boy killed by blasphemy lynch mob in Hub

A 10-year boy was killed and five others were wounded Thursday when a mob attacked a police station in an attempt to lynch a Hindu man charged with blasphemy in Hub, Balochistan, officials said. It was the third major vigilante attack linked to accusation
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
Forex reserves move up

The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan increased by $12 million to $16.062 billion during the week ended April 28, 2017. According to SBP data, the total liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the country stood at $21.004 billi
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The 'Banana Man'?

"You know the days when everyone knew his or her place..."
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Jinnah University for Women: over 1000 students get degrees at Convocation

As many as 1060 students were awarded degrees in their respective disciplines at the convocation of Jinnah University for Women, held at the varsity's auditorium, here on Thursday. Some of them were awarded gold medals and merit certificates for securing
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Mayor accuses KE of charging exorbitant electricity bills

Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar on Thursday accused the K-Electric of sending inflated bills to its consumers. He also expressed concern over prolonged power load-shedding during sweltering summer. "Continuous load-shedding and inflated bills will provoke cit
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Plastic industry: Customs values of different raw materials revised

Directorate General Customs Valuation (DGCV) has revised the customs values of different raw materials of plastic industry. According to revised valuation, the DGCV has decided to determine the Customs values under section 25-A of Customs Act 1969 due to
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

WHO team shocked over pathetic state of government hospitals

The dire state of public hospitals in Karachi has worried the delegation of World Health Organisation that is in the city on a mission against Chikungunya. According to sources in the health department, the delegation members have said if the sanitation c
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Missing aides of Zardari: SHC orders formation of JIT

Close aides of former president and co-chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari including Ghulam Qadri Mari are still unaccounted for as the police failed to recover them. Sindh High Court (SHC) ordered to form a Joint Investigation Team
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

APNS hails Pemra's action

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society has appreciated the action, though belated, taken by Pemra to cancel the license of channels owned by Axact. APNS in a statement, has stated that the entry and existence of 'rogue elements' in the ranks of media has not
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Seafood export rises 15.09 percent

Pakistan's seafood export grew to $276.269 million in July-Mar, 2016-2017, up by 15.09 percent, according to official figures. Seafood export growth now stands at $36.231 million in July-Mar, 2016-2017 from $240.038 million in July-Mar, 2015-2016, Pakista
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

'American poetry Mushaira' held

The US Cultural Attaché A J Jagelski underlined the importance of art and poetry as important outlets for people to express themselves peacefully while speaking at the 'American Poetry Mushaira' earlier here on Thursday. In honour of National Poetry Month
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
Sindh lags far behind in terms of development: Governor

Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair has observed that Islamic finance is fast growing globally as the future of Islamic banking remains bright not only in Muslim countries but also in non-Muslim countries. Addressing the participants at the inauguration of six
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
Minister eyes 20 percent rise in production of livestock, fisheries

Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Muhammad Ali Malkani has said that poverty can be alleviated at grass root level through concrete and timely steps for the betterment of livestock farmers. He expressed these views talking to two members of Remou
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Importance of technical, vocational education highlighted

Highlighting the importance of technical and vocational education and training, the representatives of public and private sector on Thursday resolved that co-operation between them would pave way for better delivery of technical and vocational training am
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Senate body meets in Turbat

A meeting of nine-member Senate Special Committee on CPEC was held in Turbat on Thursday under its Chairman Taj Haider. The meeting was briefed about the short, medium, and long term projects to be completed under CPEC. Speaking on the occasion, Senator T
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Budget proposals: Telecom sector seeks tax harmonisation, duty reduction

The telecom sector has proposed to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to abolish customs duty/sales tax on imported mobile phones, eliminate SIM issuance and IMEI taxes and end FED/GST on data services, besides harmonisation of taxes across all provinces
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

2nd 'Made in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa' Expo from May 6

The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) will hold the second edition of 'Made in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa' two-day exhibition in Islamabad from May 6 to 7. Briefing the media persons at the chamber house on Thursday, SCCI President Haji Mohammad Afza
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Illegal trade of organ transplantation touches $2 billion mark: Swati

The illegal human organs transplantation business in Pakistan has reached around $2 billion, as a kidney is bought from a poor person for Rs 50,000 and sold to an influential patient at Rs 5 million each in connivance with doctors and paramedics.
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
First Ministerial review of Pakistan-Italy SEP held in Rome

The First Ministerial review of the Pakistan-Italy Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) was held in Rome on Thursday, says a press release issued here. The Pakistan side was led by Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, and the Italian
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

NA standing body approves 'The Holy Quran Act, 2017'

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has approved 'The Holy Quran (Education and Propagation, Recitation by Sighting, Translation, Learning by Heart and Correct Pronunciation) Act, 2017'. The bill moved by M
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Importers buy US soybeans, Black Sea rapeseed

Importers have in recent weeks purchased about 65,000 tonnes of soybeans to be sourced from the United States and more than 100,000 tonnes of rapeseed with the Black Sea region seen as the likely source, European traders said on Thursday. The soybeans are
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

SC resumes hearing of petition seeking disqualification of Imran, Tareen

The Supreme Court was urged on Thursday to declare Imran Khan disqualified from the membership of the Parliament on the grounds that he failed to disclose assets and offshore companies before Election Commission of Pakistan. A three-member bench of the Su
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Dar lauds launching of 50-year history book of Asian Development Bank

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday said that remarkable work was done by documenting 50 years history of the Asian Development Bank and highlighting its stentorian role in the economic development and growth of Asia-Pacific region.
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Abid Sher blames KP government for delay in power projects

Minister of State for Water and Power, Abid Sher Ali has blamed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for not co-operating with the federal government to execute power generation projects, meant to end the energy crisis in the country. While addressing at a n
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
SECP registers 884 companies in April

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) during the month of April registered a record number of 884 companies, witnessing an increase of 40 percent as compared to same month of preceding year. During the first 10 months of current fiscal
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Gardener dies in honey bees attack

A gardener died and five others got injured in Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) following a swarm of honey bees attacked them after some unknown person disturbed their nest. According to detail, 40-year-old Gulzar Ahmed died of the attack of honey bees
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

NIO's meagre budget irks National Assembly body

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Thursday was shocked to know that National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) gets only around Rs 5 million annually for research and development. "Most members own V8 cars that are more e
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Imran slams government move to undermine Nepra's working

Chairman Pakistan Threek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan on Thursday expressed serious concern over the government's attempt to undermine the autonomous working of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) by curtailing its powers. In a statement, th
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

FTO plays positive role in increasing national revenue: President

President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said that Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) plays a positive role in increasing national revenue by building taxpayers confidence and by addressing systemic issues. He expressed these views after FTO Abdur Rauf Chaudhry sub
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Names of 6 additional LHC judges approved by SC

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Thursday approved names of six additional judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC) for permanent appointment while turned down confirmation of a judge in the court.
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Libor
Transmission line project: Pakistan, Japan sign $24 million loan agreement

The governments of Japan and Pakistan on Thursday signed a loan agreement amounting to Japanese Yen 2.665 billion (equivalent to $ 24 million) for implementation of 'Islamabad-Burhan Transmission Line Reinforcement Project (phase-I).' Ambassador of Japan
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
Huge investment opportunities exist for Japanese investors: PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan now offers great investment opportunities in various sectors that can be utilised by Japanese investors. He was talking to Nobuo Kishi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan who called on hi
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Spot-fixing: NA body seeks impartial inquiry

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Co-ordination has expressed serious concern over the incidents of spot-fixing and directed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to conduct an impartial inquiry and punish the players and other people, i
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Cotton
'There is no representation of exporters on any forum to discuss industry issues,' argues President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry

BR Research recently visited the entrepreneurial city of Sialkot to discuss the issues faced by export industries with the President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Mr. Majid Raza Bhutta and industry representatives. The conversati
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

'EDF: Fix it or finish it': MoC rejoinder

Ministry of Commerce refutes categorically the said article, which relies entirely upon hearsay and innuendo. The said article conveys false and unsubstantiated opinion. Established in 1992, Export Development Fund (EDF) was meant to "strengthen and devel
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Writer's response

Ministry's lengthy reiteration of the provisions of the EDF Act, and a breakdown of allocations, doesn't address our principal line of enquiry: correlation between EDF spending and export gains. It is not the intent but tangible gains that our column ques
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Three militants convicted by military courts executed

Military say authorities have executed three Pakistani Taliban militants after they were convicted by military courts over links to acts of terrorism. In a statement, it said the latest executions were carried out Thursday. Govt has executed 428 prisoners
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Aaj TV - Friday's schedule

All timings are in PST (Pakistan Standard Time).

Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

US MIDDAY: gold prices hit six-week low

Gold prices fell to the lowest in more than six weeks on Thursday, on expectations of further US interest rate increases this year and receding political uncertainty in Europe. Spot gold was down 0.8 percent at $1,227.94 an ounce by 3:02 pm EDT (1902 GMT)
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

US MIDDAY: wheat plunges

US wheat futures fell 3.7 percent on Thursday, pressured by results from a crop tour that showed yield prospects in Kansas remained above average despite a severe snow storm, traders said. A round of profit-taking also pressured wheat prices, which rallie
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Cotton
Cotton moves higher

ICE cotton futures edged higher on Thursday in thin volume trading on a better-than-expected US export sales report amid a weaker dollar. "Export sales were modestly greater than expected... The market traded higher post the report's release, but volume w
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
Morocco's import tax hike keeps lid on EU wheat prices

Euronext wheat was little changed on Thursday as support from concerns about the weather and covering of positions before the expiry of May futures was offset by ample global supplies and a move by Morocco to effectively halt imports. May milling wheat on
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Gold tumbles to six-week low in Europe

Gold prices tumbled to six-week lows on Thursday, pressured by a stronger dollar on expectations of further US interest rate rises this year and receding political uncertainty in Europe. Spot gold was down 1 percent at $1,225.56 an ounce by 1352 GMT after
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Gold falls in Asia

Gold fell to a six-week low on Thursday as the dollar rose to a two-week high on expectations that the US Federal Reserve may raise interest rates as early as June. Spot gold fell 0.3 percent to $1,234.52 per ounce by 0724 GMT, after hitting its lowest si
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Gold down in NY

Gold fell to a one-month low as the dollar firmed on Wednesday, after the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as expected and the market reduced expectations of a surprise win by France's far-right presidential candidate. The Fed concluded it
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
Cocoa rallies above technical support, bucks weak trend

Cocoa futures on ICE rallied on Thursday, bucking the sharply lower trend in other commodity markets on support from the weak US dollar index and chart-based buy signals. Sugar and coffee futures tumbled on broad-based selling, as the 19-market Thomson Re
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Vegetable Oil
Palm oil rebounds on weaker ringgit, stronger soyaoil

Malaysian palm oil futures bounced back on Thursday, after recording their sharpest fall in a week in the previous session, helped by a weaker ringgit and stronger performing soyaoil. The ringgit, palm oil's traded currency, weakened 0.2 percent to reach
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Vegetable Oil
Rotterdam vegetable oil prices

The following were Thursday's Rotterdam vegetable oil prices at 1600 GMT:
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Honduras coffee exports jump 62 percent in March

Coffee exports from Honduras jumped 62 percent in March, compared with the same month last season, the national coffee institute, or IHCAFE, said on Monday, citing increased production. Shipments from the largest coffee exporter in Central America totaled
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Oil dives five percent; Opec looks unlikely to deepen output cuts

Oil prices tumbled about 5 percent on Thursday, breaking below $50 a barrel to the lowest since late November on signs that Opec and other producing countries would not take more drastic steps to reduce the world's stubbornly persistent glut of crude. The
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
Copper slides to five-month lows as inventories surge

Copper fell to five-months lows on Thursday, posting its biggest two-day loss since July 2015, on rising inventories and worries over cooling demand. Inventories in London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses rose nearly 33,000 tonnes on Wednesday, exchange da
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
Shanghai copper falls

Shanghai Futures Exchange copper fell 3.2 percent to 45,180 yuan ($6,551) a tonne on Thursday. Shanghai zinc and nickel were also hit hard, falling 3 percent and more than 4 percent respectively and tracking weakness in China steel. "The LME delivery trig
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Dubai's Arabtec shines, Egypt rises in slack markets

Arabtec's shares rose after the Dubai builder swung to its first quarterly net profit since September 2014, bucking the trend in most of the region's markets which followed global bourses and oil prices lower on Thursday. "The return to profitability (at
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Bangladesh's interbank forex rates

Interbank buy/sell rates for the taka against the dollar on Thursday. 80.44-80.45 (previous 80.40-80.40).
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Dollar rallies in NY after Fed signals rate hike likely

The US dollar rallied broadly on Wednesday and hit more than six-week highs against the yen after the Federal Reserve signalled it was still on track for two more interest rate hikes this year. The Fed kept interest rates unchanged, downplayed weak first-
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Early trade in NY: Euro hits roughly six-month high against dollar

The euro hit its highest level in roughly six months against the US dollar on Thursday as traders looked beyond the French elections to the potential for the European Central Bank to signal further reduction in bond-buying, while the greenback was steady
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Euro jumps in Europe after French debate, Fed expectations top out

The euro surged towards 6-month highs around $1.0950 on Thursday as support for the dollar from Wednesday's Federal Reserve statement faded and investors took heart from French centrist Emmanuel Macron's performance in a TV presidential debate. The dollar
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Dollar takes breather in Asia

The dollar hit a six-week high against the yen on Thursday, after the US Federal Reserve downplayed weak first-quarter economic growth and was seen as leaving the door open to raising interest rates in June. The Fed kept interest rates unchanged on Wednes
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

British stocks lag Europe as miners, retailer Next sink

British blue-chip stocks rose slightly on Thursday but lagged European peers, with miners falling and retailer Next slumping as a difficult consumer environment bit into its profits. The FTSE inched up 0.2 percent, while the main German and French indexes
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Southeast Asian stocks largely up

Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Thursday, with the Philippines posting its highest close since September 2016, buoyed by mining stocks after the ouster of the country's environment minister over her anti-mining advocacy. Philippine lawmakers en
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Australian, New Zealand shares dip

Australian shares fell on Thursday as softer metal prices and technical selling drove miners and banks lower, pulling the index down for a third straight session. The Australian was weakened by a strengthening in the US dollar after the Federal Reserve ke
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Earnings, data, politics push buoyant European shares higher

European shares powered ahead on Thursday as earnings, economic data and politics aligned to boost the market to further highs. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.7 percent, holding at 20-month highs, while German blue chips soared to an all-time hig
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

China stocks at three-month lows

China stocks extended losses on Thursday to close at three-month lows, after a survey showing softer services sector activity raised concerns over growing economic risks. The blue-chip CSI300 index fell 0.3 percent, to 3,404.39 points, while the Shanghai
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Indian shares rise

Indian shares ended higher on Thursday as bank stocks climbed on a government move to tackle surging bad loans, while ICICI Bank rallied 9 percent after it said additions to non-performing loans would be lower this year. The broader NSE index closed up 0.
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Taiwan stocks flat

Taiwan stocks traded flat on Thursday, pausing after an eight-session winning streak as overseas markets slipped tracking a subdued Wall Street. As of 0452 GMT, the main TAIEX index was unchanged at 9,958.39, after closing up 0.1 percent on Wednesday, its
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Treasury yields rise

Benchmark US Treasury yields rose after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged and downplayed weak first-quarter economic growth, keeping a rate increase in June on the table. In a bullish statement following the end of a two-day meeting, the c
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Hong Kong shares fall

Hong Kong stocks slipped slightly on Thursday, as a jump in index heavyweight HSBC Holdings largely counterbalanced any bearish sentiment stemming from the US Federal Reserve's hawkish policy statement. The Hang Seng index fell 0.1 percent, to 24,683.88,
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Wall Street lower as Fed holds on rates; financials gain

Wall Street kept losses on Wednesday after the US Federal Reserve held interest rates unchanged following its two-day policy meeting, and as investors digested another heavy round of earnings reports. The US central bank downplayed weak first-quarter econ
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Thursday's early afternoon trade: stocks drop with oil prices

US stocks were lower in early afternoon trading on Thursday as a steep fall in crude oil prices weighed on energy shares and with healthcare stocks in focus ahead of a cliffhanger vote on repealing Obamacare. Lawmakers will vote later in the afternoon on
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Sri Lankan shares gain

Sri Lankan shares ended firmer on Thursday, helped by foreign buying in blue chips, after the International Monetary Fund said it may consider the country's request for a second loan review. The Colombo stock index ended 0.59 percent stronger at 6,602.44,
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

UAE delays launch of first nuclear power reactor

The commercial start-up of the first of four nuclear reactors that South Korea's KEPCO is building in United Arab Emirates is set to be delayed because the local operating company is not ready to run the reactors, a nuclear industry source said.
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

EU declares Brexit battle over euro clearing

The EU fired a fresh salvo at Britain on Thursday, proposing fresh rules that would require a huge slice of London's banking business to leave the UK after Brexit. The new rules unveiled by European Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis would deny
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Exchange
HSBC pre-tax profit slides but hails 'good result'

HSBC said on Thursday that pre-tax profit fell 19 percent in the first three months of the year but the bank's chief described them as "a good set of results" after a turbulent 2016. The London-based giant has been on a recovery drive over the past two ye
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Italy to start taking Alitalia bids in next 15 days

Alitalia's administrators will start taking bids for the troubled Italian airline within the next 15 days, the government said on Wednesday. Speaking on Italian radio, the minister of economic development, Carlo Calenda, said that while "no negotiations a
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Canada trade deficit narrows sharply in possible boost to Q1 GDP

Canada's trade deficit narrowed sharply to just C$135 million ($99 million) in March as exports surged to a new high on shipments of energy products, an early sign the first quarter ended strongly. Statistics Canada said on Thursday that the value of expo
Published 05 May, 2017 12:00am

Previous Day

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency Rate

USD PKR Interbank Selling / Apr 17

280.67

USD PKR Interbank Buying / Apr 17

280.47

USD to Japanese Yen / Apr 17

142.81

USD to Swiss Franc / Apr 17

0.82

Pound Sterling to USD / Apr 17

1.32

Euro to USD / Apr 17

1.14

UK LIBOR % / Apr 16

4.96

Stock Volume

S&P 500 / Apr 16

5,275.70

Nasdaq / Apr 16

16,307.16

Dow Jones / Apr 16

39,669.39

India Sensex / Apr 17

77,621.26

Tokyo Nikkei / Apr 17

34,285.53

Hang Seng / Apr 17

21,352.47

FTSE 100 / Apr 17

8,207.23

Germany DAX 30 / Apr 17

21,240.89

France CAC40 / Apr 17

7,290.96

Item Value

Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Apr 16

16,985

Gold 10 Grams PKR / Apr 16

298,353

Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Apr 17

63.25

Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Apr 17

3,331.95

Cotton US¢/pound / Apr 17

66.66

Petrol/Litre / Apr 18

254.63

Diesel/Litre / Apr 18

258.64

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock Price

Ghazi Fabrics / Apr 17

Ghazi Fabrics International Limited(GFIL)

8.36

▲ 1 (13.59%)

UDL International / Apr 17

UDL International Limited(UDLI)

8.52

▲ 1 (13.3%)

Escorts Bank / Apr 17

Escorts Investment Bank Limited(ESBL)

6.84

▲ 0.76 (12.5%)

Chakwal Spinning / Apr 17

Chakwal Spinning Mills Limited(CWSM)

57.93

▲ 5.27 (10.01%)

United Brands / Apr 17

United Brands Limited(UBDL)

23.18

▲ 2.11 (10.01%)

S.S.Oil / Apr 17

S.S.Oil Mills Limited(SSOM)

244.59

▲ 22.24 (10%)

Pak Gulf Leasing / Apr 17

Pak-Gulf Leasing Company Limited(PGLC)

21.89

▲ 1.99 (10%)

PIA Holding Co.B / Apr 17

PIA Holding Company Limited B(PIAHCLB)

1,928.97

▲ 175.36 (10%)

Trust Sec.& Brok. / Apr 17

Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited(TSBL)

13.97

▲ 1.27 (10%)

Bolan Casting / Apr 17

Bolan Castings Limited(BCL)

104.06

▲ 9.46 (10%)

Stock Price

Oilboy Energy(R) / Apr 17

Oilboy Energy Limited(R)(OBOYR2)

1.07

▼ -0.31 (-22.46%)

Gulshan Sp. / Apr 17

Gulshan Spinning Mills Limited(GSPM)

3.48

▼ -0.46 (-11.68%)

Blue-Ex Ltd / Apr 17

Blue-Ex Limited (GEM)(GEMBLUEX)

56.69

▼ -6.29 (-9.99%)

Int. Knit. / Apr 17

International Knitwear Limited(INKL)

14.84

▼ -1.56 (-9.51%)

Jubilee Gen. Ins. / Apr 17

Jubilee General Insurance Limited(JGICL)

49.52

▼ -4.7 (-8.67%)

Bawany Air Products / Apr 17

Bawany Air Products Limited(BAPL)

32.39

▼ -2.92 (-8.27%)

Asim Textile / Apr 17

Asim Textile Mills Limited(ASTM)

13.40

▼ -1.2 (-8.22%)

Jahangir Sidd(Pref) / Apr 17

Jahangir Sidd(Pref)(JSCLPSA)

8.85

▼ -0.6 (-6.35%)

Sanghar Sugar / Apr 17

Sanghar Sugar Mills Limited(SANSM)

50.83

▼ -3.24 (-5.99%)

The Thal Ind.Corp. / Apr 17

The Thal Industries Corporation Limited(TICL)

340.04

▼ -19.97 (-5.55%)

Stock Volume

Maple Leaf Cement / Apr 17

Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited(MLCF)

23,794,610

▲ 3.81

B.O.Punjab / Apr 17

The Bank of Punjab(BOP)

23,321,095

▲ 0.15

Cnergyico PK / Apr 17

Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)

17,945,036

▲ 0.02

Fauji Cement / Apr 17

Fauji Cement Company Limited(FCCL)

16,949,781

▲ 1.19

National Bank / Apr 17

National Bank of Pakistan(NBP)

16,604,549

▲ 4.2

WorldCall Telecom / Apr 17

Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)

14,865,718

▲ 0

Pace (Pak) Ltd. / Apr 17

Pace (Pakistan) Limited(PACE)

14,613,210

▲ 0.21

Sui South Gas / Apr 17

Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)

11,876,679

▲ 1.06

Hascol Petrol / Apr 17

Hascol Petroleum Limited(HASCOL)

10,975,030

▲ 0.09

United BankXD / Apr 17

United Bank Limited(UBL)

10,968,701

▲ 16.02

Markets →

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Today

Yesterday

Past 3 Days

Baggasse-fired IPPs: Nepra set to approve 60% hike in FCC

NJLI Sarmaya Growth Fund Rates

Gold price per tola jumps Rs8,600 to another all-time high in Pakistan

Pakistan posts record $1.2bn current account surplus in March 2025

SRO 592(1)/2025 attracts criticism from steel sector

Asian countries, including Pakistan, look to buy more US energy to offset trade imbalance

KSE-100 Index closes 881 points higher amid buying momentum

Rs1.275trn loan to tackle circular debt: CPPA-G likely to sign term sheets with 18 banks

CCP slaps Rs25m fine on Hyundai for misleading Tucson launch offer

Rs1.275trn loan to tackle circular debt: CPPA-G likely to sign term sheets with 18 banks

Gold price per tola jumps Rs8,600 to another all-time high in Pakistan

NJLI Sarmaya Growth Fund Rates

Pakistan sees sharp decline in worker emigration to UAE: report

Relief for the salaried people

Punjab’s wheat policy: playing with fire

Held-up GST returns: FTO bars FBR from imposing penalties on registered persons

Renewable energy push: Nepra may approve tariff of KE’s 2 PV solar projects

Salaried class: Call for revision of tax slabs, rise in exemption limits

NJLI Sarmaya Growth Fund Rates

Rs1.275trn loan to tackle circular debt: CPPA-G likely to sign term sheets with 18 banks

Punjab’s wheat policy: playing with fire

Gold price per tola jumps Rs8,600 to another all-time high in Pakistan

Pakistan sees sharp decline in worker emigration to UAE: report

Salaried class: Call for revision of tax slabs, rise in exemption limits

Export-oriented growth: Banks agree to lend a helping hand

Baggasse-fired IPPs: Nepra set to approve 60% hike in FCC

Relief for the salaried people

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Apr 17	280.67
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Apr 17	280.47
USD to Japanese Yen / Apr 17	142.81
USD to Swiss Franc / Apr 17	0.82
Pound Sterling to USD / Apr 17	1.32
Euro to USD / Apr 17	1.14
UK LIBOR % / Apr 16	4.96

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Apr 16	5,275.70
Nasdaq / Apr 16	16,307.16
Dow Jones / Apr 16	39,669.39
India Sensex / Apr 17	77,621.26
Tokyo Nikkei / Apr 17	34,285.53
Hang Seng / Apr 17	21,352.47
FTSE 100 / Apr 17	8,207.23
Germany DAX 30 / Apr 17	21,240.89
France CAC40 / Apr 17	7,290.96

Item	Value
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Apr 16	16,985
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Apr 16	298,353
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Apr 17	63.25
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Apr 17	3,331.95
Cotton US¢/pound / Apr 17	66.66
Petrol/Litre / Apr 18	254.63
Diesel/Litre / Apr 18	258.64

Stock	Price
Ghazi Fabrics / Apr 17 Ghazi Fabrics International Limited(GFIL)	8.36 ▲ 1 (13.59%)
UDL International / Apr 17 UDL International Limited(UDLI)	8.52 ▲ 1 (13.3%)
Escorts Bank / Apr 17 Escorts Investment Bank Limited(ESBL)	6.84 ▲ 0.76 (12.5%)
Chakwal Spinning / Apr 17 Chakwal Spinning Mills Limited(CWSM)	57.93 ▲ 5.27 (10.01%)
United Brands / Apr 17 United Brands Limited(UBDL)	23.18 ▲ 2.11 (10.01%)
S.S.Oil / Apr 17 S.S.Oil Mills Limited(SSOM)	244.59 ▲ 22.24 (10%)
Pak Gulf Leasing / Apr 17 Pak-Gulf Leasing Company Limited(PGLC)	21.89 ▲ 1.99 (10%)
PIA Holding Co.B / Apr 17 PIA Holding Company Limited B(PIAHCLB)	1,928.97 ▲ 175.36 (10%)
Trust Sec.& Brok. / Apr 17 Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited(TSBL)	13.97 ▲ 1.27 (10%)
Bolan Casting / Apr 17 Bolan Castings Limited(BCL)	104.06 ▲ 9.46 (10%)

Stock	Price
Oilboy Energy(R) / Apr 17 Oilboy Energy Limited(R)(OBOYR2)	1.07 ▼ -0.31 (-22.46%)
Gulshan Sp. / Apr 17 Gulshan Spinning Mills Limited(GSPM)	3.48 ▼ -0.46 (-11.68%)
Blue-Ex Ltd / Apr 17 Blue-Ex Limited (GEM)(GEMBLUEX)	56.69 ▼ -6.29 (-9.99%)
Int. Knit. / Apr 17 International Knitwear Limited(INKL)	14.84 ▼ -1.56 (-9.51%)
Jubilee Gen. Ins. / Apr 17 Jubilee General Insurance Limited(JGICL)	49.52 ▼ -4.7 (-8.67%)
Bawany Air Products / Apr 17 Bawany Air Products Limited(BAPL)	32.39 ▼ -2.92 (-8.27%)
Asim Textile / Apr 17 Asim Textile Mills Limited(ASTM)	13.40 ▼ -1.2 (-8.22%)
Jahangir Sidd(Pref) / Apr 17 Jahangir Sidd(Pref)(JSCLPSA)	8.85 ▼ -0.6 (-6.35%)
Sanghar Sugar / Apr 17 Sanghar Sugar Mills Limited(SANSM)	50.83 ▼ -3.24 (-5.99%)
The Thal Ind.Corp. / Apr 17 The Thal Industries Corporation Limited(TICL)	340.04 ▼ -19.97 (-5.55%)

Stock	Volume
Maple Leaf Cement / Apr 17 Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited(MLCF)	23,794,610 ▲ 3.81
B.O.Punjab / Apr 17 The Bank of Punjab(BOP)	23,321,095 ▲ 0.15
Cnergyico PK / Apr 17 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	17,945,036 ▲ 0.02
Fauji Cement / Apr 17 Fauji Cement Company Limited(FCCL)	16,949,781 ▲ 1.19
National Bank / Apr 17 National Bank of Pakistan(NBP)	16,604,549 ▲ 4.2
WorldCall Telecom / Apr 17 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	14,865,718 ▲ 0
Pace (Pak) Ltd. / Apr 17 Pace (Pakistan) Limited(PACE)	14,613,210 ▲ 0.21
Sui South Gas / Apr 17 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)	11,876,679 ▲ 1.06
Hascol Petrol / Apr 17 Hascol Petroleum Limited(HASCOL)	10,975,030 ▲ 0.09
United BankXD / Apr 17 United Bank Limited(UBL)	10,968,701 ▲ 16.02