News Archives for Print - 2019-12-20

Print - 2019-12-20

IMF approves $452.4 million 2nd tranche

Pakistan's economic reform program is on track. Decisive policy implementation by the Pakistani authorities is helping to preserve economic stability aiming to put the economy on the path of sustainable growth.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

China cancels Sweden business trips after prize for dissident

China has called off two business delegation visits to Sweden, China's ambassador to Stockholm said on Thursday, after Culture Minister Amanda Lind defied a Chinese threat of "counter-measures" by presenting a rights prize to dissident Gui Minhai

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Builders, developers: PM asks FBR chief to resolve issues

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to resolve the genuine problems of builders and developers, besides constituting a high-level committee to formulate recommendations for providing incentives to overseas Pakist

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

July-November C/A deficit plunges 73 percent YoY

The country's current account deficit fell sharply by 73 percent during the first five months of this fiscal year (FY20), supported by lower import bill.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

WB says private investment only way to growth

Ranking countries on ease of doing business would take account of the prevailing economic situation from next year. This was stated by the World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu, after he was asked by this newspaper as to how the WB

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Stocks

KSE-100 Index nosedives: BRIndex100 bleeds

Prevailing political situation in the country Thursday invited panic selling on the local bourse and Pakistan Stock Exchange closed in deep red with drastic decline.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Divided US House impeaches Trump in historic vote

Donald Trump on Wednesday became the third US president to be impeached as the House of Representatives formally charged him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in a historic step that will inflame partisan tensions across a deeply divided Ame

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Rental power: Pakistani team in Istanbul to finalize deal with govt, Karkey

A high-level government team is in Istanbul (Turkey) on a "secret mission" to finalise agreement with Turkish government and M/s Karkey Karadeniz Elektrik Uretin to be presented to International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) on Janu

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Announcement proved army's assertion: ISPR

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said on Thursday that detailed verdict in the case against Musharraf transgresses humanity, religion and moral value. Addressing a press conference after the detailed verdict in

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

169-page verdict released: 'We find the accused guilty as per the charge'

General Pervez Musharraf (retd) has persistently and stubbornly strived ever since the commencement of this trial to delay, retract and in fact evade it, said the majority judgment of Special Court in the high treason case.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Musharraf's sentence: Judge's 'hang him in the streets' rider sparks fury

The federal government has decided to approach Supreme Judicial Council against Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth for his 'unprecedented, despicable, and the most ridiculous observation' in the detailed judgment in high treason case against former president Genera

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

CCI reconstituted

The Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination has reconstituted Council of Common Interests (CCI) with immediate effective.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Two civilians martyred in Indian shelling

Two innocent civilians embraced martyrdom and five others including three troops got injured as Indian army resorted to unprovoked fire in Jura Sector along the Line of Control (LoC).

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Senate body for amicable resolution of Punjab University's issues

Senate's Functional Committee on Human Rights expressed concern on Thursday on the recent incidents in Punjab University involving violent clashes between the student groups and the arrest of a student on sedition charges, while stressing on the universit

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

No casualty in suicide blast at Lakki Marwat

A suicide bomber blew himself up in Lakki Marwat district on Thursday morning. The police said there was no loss to life or property.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Energy

Gas tariff for captive power plants: Proposed hike to have serious consequences on export-oriented sectors

The proposed increase of 31 percent in gas tariff for captive power plants would have serious implications on the productivity of five leading export oriented sectors.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

14-member anti-smuggling task force constituted

Under the instructions of federal government to control the money laundering and Hundi business besides the stoppage of human trafficking and narcotics across the province, a 14-member provincial anti-smuggling task force has been constituted which will b

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Senate chairman's 'apathy' draws opposition's ire

Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani's alleged apathy in summoning a regular session of the Senate despite lapse of more than 100 days has drawn the ire of major opposition forces including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N),

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Musharraf's sentence: Lawyers' moot hails verdict

A lawyers' convention on Thursday hailed the verdict of a special court in high treason case against Pervez Musharraf. The convention organized by Punjab Bar Council was held on a road outside the bar's building as a large number of lawyers turned up to e

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Aisha Farooqui named FO spokesperson

The government has appointed Aisha Farooqui as new spokesperson for the Foreign Office, as her predecessor Dr Mohammad Faisal will be the new ambassador to Germany. According to a notification dated December 17, 2019 issued, here on Thursday, Aisha Farooq

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Environmental laws obligatory upon all and sundry: Murtaza

Advisor to Chief Minister for Environment, Laws and Coastal Development and Spokesman of Sindh Government Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that it is our moral and legal obligation to follow the rules and regulation of Environmental Laws.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

IHC's contempt notice against IHCBA's secy-gen withdrawn

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday withdrew contempt of court notices issued to Umair Baloch Advocate, secretary general Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA), for disrupting judicial proceedings.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

MQM-P to hold rally to show solidarity with Musharraf

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) will hold a rally to show solidarity with former president Gen Pervez Musharraf (retd) after a special court awarded him death penalty for abrogating the constitution in 2007.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Armed forces ready to respond to any Indian aggression: Qureshi

Amid escalating tensions at the Line of Control (LoC), Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday warned India that Pakistan's armed forces are fully prepared to timely and appropriately respond to any aggression or false flag operation.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Another polio case surfaces in Badin

Another polio case has been reported in Sindh on Thursday, taking the number of cases to 17 in the province so far.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Over Rs 15 billion Winder Dam to irrigate 10,000 acres of agriculture land

Winder Dam project will irrigate 10,000 acres of agriculture land in Balochistan, which will be constructed at the cost of Rs 15.230 billion.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Performance of basic healthcare units to be improved, PA told

Sindh Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho on Thursday assured the Sindh Assembly (SA) of improving basic healthcare units' performance in the province, saying that majority of them are already functional to dispense services to patients.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Business & Economy

BMP hopeful of wining presidential election of FPCCI

Secretary general (Federal) of the Businessmen Panel and former chairman Standing Committee Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ahmad Jawad said Mian Anjum Nisar will give a tough competition in the presidential election of the FPCCI

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

IAC to set up fruit & vegetables retail chains

Leading Pakistani fruit and vegetable export firm Iftekhar Ahmed & Company (IAC) has announced an investment of Rs 250 million in establishing the country's first fresh-produce retail brand.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

NAB files assets reference against Khursheed Shah

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday filed assets beyond means reference against Pakistan People's Party leader Syed Khursheed Shah.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Business & Economy

SAI chief calls for resolving low gas pressure issue

President Site Association of Industry (SAI) Suleman Chawla has urged Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) to approach the high ups in Islamabad and also the authorities at SSGC to deal with the low gas pressure being suffered by almost all the i

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Senate panel dismayed over pathetic performance of government hospitals

A parliamentary panel on Thursday expressed dismay over pathetic performance of public sector hospitals with exorbitant laboratory test fee despite tall claims of the government of ensuring the 'cheapest and best' medical treatment.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Millennial Olympiad begins

The Millennial Olympiad TMO-2019 commenced Wednesday with an uproar full of fun and frolic at The Millennium Universal College - TMUC Springs, Bahria Town, Rawalpindi. The 3 days' mega fest was inaugurated by several competitions and 500 plus Participants

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Cotton & Textile

Balochistan, KP: PARC chief for growing cotton in newly identified areas

Cotton should be grown in newly identified areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to improve its declining production in the country, said Dr Muhammad Azeem, Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), on Thursday.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

PAMA highlights reasons behind decline in vehicles' output

The country's dwindling economy, devaluation of rupee, application of increase in interest rate and fear factor of tax notices are said to be the key factors behind nose diving cars and other vehicles' production.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Revised Schedule XII of NHSO: New fines rates to be effective from January 1

The revised Schedule XII of National Highway Safety Ordinance (NHSO) 2000 recommended that new fines rate will take effect from 1st January 2020 on national highways and motorways.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Modi government targeting Muslims: Sarwar

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has observed that the silence of United Nations and other international organisations over extremism and tyranny shown by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is appalling.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

'PAMRA Act will play key role in establishing agriculture markets'

The Punjab Agriculture Marketing Regulatory Authority (PAMRA) Act will play a key role in establishing the agricultural markets system on modern lines. After the implementation of this Act, all market committees across the province will carry out their wo

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Self-determination to Kashmiris: UNGA adopts Pakistan-sponsored resolution

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday stamped its approval on a Pakistan-sponsored resolution reaffirming the right of peoples to self-determination, re-establishing the legitimacy of the oppressed Kashmiri people's struggle for freedom from Indian occupat

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

PPC organises workshop

A two-day capacity building workshop titled "Strategic Communication and Media Engagement in Crisis Situation" for the Sindh police officials and Rangers, concluded at the Central Police Office (CPO).

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Business & Economy

Unjustified checking of imported goods by Customs slammed

Progressive Group (PG) in the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has drawn attention of the Chamber President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, what it said unjustified checking of imported goods by the Customs authorities during transportation and impounding

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Dr Ayesha delivers lecture on her publication at IBA

The Social Sciences and Liberal Arts Department at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi hosted a talk by scholar and researcher Dr Ayesha Siddiqi on her recent book 'In the Wake of Disaster: Islamists, the State and a Social Contract in

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Business & Economy

PBIF for reducing taxes on automobile, cement & other sectors

President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), Mian Zahid Hussain has urged the government that the taxes should be reduced on automobile, cement and other sectors which are unable to cope with the measures to enhance revenue collection.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

331 graduates awarded degrees at KMDC convocation

Karachi Medical & Dental College (KMDC) conferred degrees on as many as 245 MBBS and 86 BDS students in its 7th Convocation here on Thursday.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Smuggled Indian medicine seized, one held

Model Customs Collectorate (MCC), Preventive on Tuesday arrested a man and seized Indian medicine of worth Rs 21 million at a warehouse near Regal Chowk Saddar, Karachi.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Business & Economy

PIA's safety awareness week begins

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Engineering has initiated a safety awareness week, including fire safety training sessions and safety procedures to be adopted during work at Engineering Hangars.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

KU, Sindh Rangers organise Jinnah Quiz competition

The students of Government College for Women Nazimabad secured the first position at a quiz contest, which was organised by Pakistan Rangers Sindh in collaboration with Pakistan Quiz Society International and Karachi University Students Advisor Office, to

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

MoF asked to digitize record of pensioners

A subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Thursday directed the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to digitize the record of pensioners.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

FFC arranges conversation on SDGs

Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) in collaboration with Ministry of Climate Change Government of Pakistan, United Nations Development Program, Planning Commission and Corporate Social Responsibility Centre Pakistan (CSRCP) organised conversation on Sustainab

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

REAP plans to send trade teams to S Arabia, Australia

Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) is planning to take trade delegations to Saudi Arabia and Australia during the next calendar year in a bid to boost Pakistani rice exports to the two nations.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Punjab PA condemns Indian atrocities in IOK

The Punjab Assembly on Thursday passed a unanimous resolution for condemning Indian atrocities in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and unilateral step of abrogating its special status. It also condemned India's Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and termed it d

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Investment and business: Buzdar vows to turn Punjab into a model province

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Thursday expressed his resolve to make Punjab as a model province for investors, industrialists and businessmen.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Energy

SNGPL's gas disconnection notice to general industry

In the wake of increasing gas consumption of domestic sector due to the current cold wave in the country, Sui Northern Gas has decided to temporarily discontinue gas supply to general industries and CNG Sector.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Energy

LPG distributors to observe strike on January 2

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Distributors Association has announced a shutter down strike against the unnecessary crackdown of police officials and administration on LPG distributors on January 2, 2020.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Siraj voices concern over conflict among institutions

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Senator Sirajul Haq has expressed concern over the prevailing conflict among national institutions, saying the situation has further put in danger the already fragile democracy in the country.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Business & Economy

HACPL, CarFirst jointly offer exchange programme to customers

Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited (HACPL), and CarFirst, Pakistan's most trusted used car trading platform, bring the "Exchange Program powered by CarFirst" to Pakistan. Customers will be able to bring their used cars of any brand and exchange with a bran

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

'Over 10,000 women trained to start businesses'

Lady of Punjab Governor Begum Perveen Sarwar has said that since the establishment of "Hunar Gah", in rural areas the Punjab province in 2014, over 10,000 women has been trained who started their own small businesses.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Steps taken to transform economic deficit into surplus: SBP governor

Economic sentiments have become positive and with mobilization of national resources more relief will be provided to the private sector so that it could catalyze national economy, said governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Dr Reza Baqir.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Telecommunication

Realme to launch 5s smartphone

The Realme Pakistan on Wednesday announced to launch its new smartphone Realme 5s on December 23.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Articles

Partly Facetious : Foreign policy never based on morals

"I urge you to see the glass as half full."

Updated 20 Dec, 2019 05:31am

Letters

'Musharraf's sentence'

This is apropos a Business Recorder editorial "Musharraf's sentence" carried by the newspaper yesterday. I fully endorse the newspaper's conclusion that "When historians look back at this judgement in 2019, they could be tempted to cast it as a tur

Updated 20 Dec, 2019 05:04am

Articles

The Brits who won't Brexit

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson won a thumping election victory last week on a campaign to "get Brexit done," but not before some wealthy donors to his Conservative Party quietly took steps to stay inside the European Union.

Updated 20 Dec, 2019 05:34am

Articles

A regulatory framework for Pakistan Railways - III

Regulation is basically done through tools called 'regulatory instruments' where it is essential that proper mandate in this regard is provided in the underlying legislation that establishes the regulator of railways. The mandate should be in the shape of

Updated 20 Dec, 2019 05:24am

Articles

2020: main fiscal challenges

"An unusual decline in revenue collection and steep rise in current expenditures caused a deterioration in all major fiscal indicators during FY19. The overall budget deficit during the year stood at a historic high of 8.9 percent of GDP, which was also i

Updated 20 Dec, 2019 04:57am

Millions of Muslims could flee India

By the end of 2018 about 26 million had fled across international borders as refugees, including 3 million Afghans now in Pakistan. The question whether or not India will persevere in its anti-Muslim designs has an easy answer: it is quite likely given ma

Updated 20 Dec, 2019 07:57am

Reduced revenue target

Shabbar Zaidi, the Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Finance acknowledged a shortfall of 200 billion rupees during the first five months of the current year. The main reason, he added was due to the i

Updated 20 Dec, 2019 07:45am

Stocks

Insurance co's CEO: SECP upholds decision to impose fine of Rs 100,000

The Appellate Bench of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has directed the SECP to proceed against the company secretary of an insurance company for his failure to invite a director in four meetings of the board of directors.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Taxes

Professional tax: Sindh excise dept to take action against defaulters

The Department of Excise and Taxation & Narcotics Control, Sindh has decided to take action against those who do not pay professional tax and in this regard the department has asked businessmen to deposit their professional tax by December 31 or face acti

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Business & Economy

Vietnamese CC terms cooperation in textile, seafood & pharma sectors positive

Vietnamese Commercial Counselor Nguyen Hong Tien, who is leading a 15-member Vietnamese trade delegation, has said that a large number of companies, investors and tourist firms of his country want to explore Pakistan.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Brief Recordings

An interview with Dr Sardar Mohazzam, MD NEECA 'Energy efficiency gains are exponential'

Dr. Sardar Mohazzam is currently working as the Managing Director of National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA). He holds Ph.D. in Public Policy and specialized the area of Energy and Environmental Policy. He has provided Strategic Suppor

Updated 20 Dec, 2019 06:34am

PM Imran takes a leaf out of Khushwant's book

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday shared on social media the 'prophetic words' of renowned Indian author and journalist Khushwant Singh "who foresaw where India was headed with its racial supremacist ideology".

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

At least 2 dead after police open fire amid raging India protests

At least two people are dead after police opened fire at a demonstration, an official said Thursday, as fresh protests erupted across India against a contentious citizenship law that critics say is anti-Muslim.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Incorporation of corporate restructuring co: Minimum amount of paid-up capital fixed at Rs 500 million

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Thursday announced that minimum amount of paid-up capital for incorporation of a corporate restructuring company has been fixed at Rs 500 million.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

CDNS, NSCs and Pakistan Post told: Customers' risk profiling a must under AMLA

The Finance Division has made it mandatory for the officers of Central Directorate of National Savings, National Savings Centers and Pakistan Post to carry out business and risk profiling of their customers/accountholders, identify beneficial owners and c

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

US slaps sanctions on Iran judges

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on the Iranian judge who sentenced a recently freed American and vowed more punishment over the suppression of protests.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Conversion of cotton areas into sugar plantations: LHC directs Punjab govt to submit report

The Lahore High Court on Thursday directed the Punjab government to submit a report on the conversion of cotton growing areas into sugar plantations by December 27.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Malaysia tells Islamic summit: Progress of non-Muslims 'left us in lurch'

Muslim nations need to do more business among themselves, trade in each other's currencies and keep up with non-Islamic countries to stop being left at their mercy, their leaders said on Thursday at a summit boycotted by Saudi Arabia.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Question raised over criteria for awarding civil awards

The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has raised questions over the criteria for awarding civil awards to various personalities.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

FSB agent killed, attacker 'neutralised' in Moscow shootout

An officer in Russia's FSB security service was killed and five people were wounded Thursday when a gunman opened fire near its central Moscow headquarters.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

SRB extends dateline for e-filing returns

Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) has extended the last date for e-filing of tax return for the period of November, 2019 till December 28, 2019.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Real estate regulation & development ordinance approved

The federal cabinet has approved in principle the Real Estate Regulation and Development Ordinance 2019 subject to clearance by the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) to effectively manage the affairs of housing sector.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

French strike enters third week as govt, unions clash on pension reform

A gruelling French transport strike entered its third week Thursday, wearing out commuters and spoiling the Christmas holiday plans of thousands as the government and unions remained at odds over pension reform.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Masterminds of Philippines' worst political massacre jailed

The masterminds of the Philippines' worst political massacre were found guilty Thursday of murdering 57 people, a rare conviction of powerful personalities in a country notorious for its culture of impunity.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Spain court bars Catalan president from holding office for 18 months

A court in Spain on Thursday banned Catalonia's president Quim Torra from holding public office for 18 months after finding him guilty of disobedience for failing to remove separatist symbols from public buildings during an election campaign.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Sri Lanka president says he is 'victim' of Swiss kidnap claim

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said Thursday the alleged kidnapping of a Swiss embassy staffer which triggered a diplomatic spat between Colombo and Bern had been concocted to discredit his election victory.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Fire destroys singer Marc Anthony's yacht in Miami

A luxury yacht owned by Latin singer Marc Anthony was destroyed in an overnight fire in the Miami bay, the local fire department and US media reported Thursday.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Russia 'shouldn't touch' Lenin's body in mausoleum: Putin

The body of Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin should stay in its mausoleum on Red Square in Moscow, so long as Russians retain personal memories of the Soviet period, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Five killed by car bomb in Turkish-controlled Syria region

A car bomb killed five people including three children in the Turkish-controlled region of northern Syria on Thursday, Turkey's defence ministry said.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Empty Libyan migrant camps, pope urges

The pope called for migrant detention centres in Libya to be cleared on Thursday, saying it was a "sin" to remain indifferent to the abuses suffered by refugees.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Xi praises Macau for 'patriotism' and political calm

Chinese President Xi Jinping lavished praise on Macau Thursday for instilling patriotism and rejecting political strife, in stark contrast to his tough words for neighbouring Hong Kong as it convulses with unrest.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

France deploys armed drones in Sahel anti-jihadist fight

France has officially deployed its first armed drones, three American-built Reapers fitted with laser-guided missiles, in its fight against a jihadist insurrection in Africa's Sahel region, Defence Minister Florence Parly announced Thursday.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Facebook bans false information about US census

Facebook on Thursday banned posts or ads that interfere with people taking part in the US census, which will have an online participation option next year for the first time.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT soyabean futures flat

Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures finished near unchanged on Wednesday.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Commodities

Shanghai steel futures edge down

Shanghai steel futures gave up early gains to trade slightly lower on Wednesday, as supply concerns eased after China's top steel producing city removed a smog alert.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

PMEX daily trading report

On Wednesday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited, PMEX Commodity Index closed at 4,351.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Commodities

Euronext wheat futures lower on pullback in Chicago

Euronext wheat futures edged lower on Wednesday as a pullback in Chicago encouraged the Paris market to consolidate below a two-week high struck earlier this week.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Energy

US natural gas futures slide on warmer weather

US natural gas futures on Wednesday slipped on forecasts confirming the weather will turn warmer than normal through the end of the year despite signs the new year could start with a cold snap.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Business & Economy

Activities at Karachi and Qasim Ports

The Karachi Port handled 178,263 tonnes of cargo comprising 106,284 tonnes of import cargo and 71,979 tonnes of export cargo including 12,097 loaded and empty containers during the last 24 hours ending at 0700 hours on Thursday.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Cotton & Textile

Yarn demand rises on cotton market

Yarn demand picked up on the cotton market on Thursday in the process of modest trading session, dealers said.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT corn futures lower

Chicago Board of Trade corn futures drifted lower on Wednesday, following wheat, as profit-taking sent prices falling after four days of gains, traders said.

Published 20 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Previous Day

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Nov 22	277.85
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Nov 22	277.65
USD to Japanese Yen / Nov 23	154.78
USD to Swiss Franc / Nov 23	0.89
Pound Sterling to USD / Nov 23	1.25
Euro to USD / Nov 23	1.04

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Nov 22	5,969.34
India Sensex / Nov 22	79,117.11
Tokyo Nikkei / Nov 22	38,283.85
Nasdaq / Nov 22	18,003.65
Hang Seng / Nov 22	19,229.97
FTSE 100 / Nov 22	8,262.08
Dow Jones / Nov 22	44,296.51
Germany DAX 30 / Nov 22	19,322.59

Item	Value
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Nov 22	17,785
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Nov 22	240,483
Petrol/Litre / Nov 23	248.38
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Nov 23	71.24
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Nov 23	2,716.19
Diesel/Litre / Nov 23	255.14

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Nov 23 786 Investments Limited(786)	6.82 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Nov 23 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	593.76 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Nov 23 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Nov 23 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Nov 23 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	70.89 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Nov 23 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	120.21 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Nov 23 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	1,023.10 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Nov 23 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Nov 23 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	12.55 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Nov 23 786 Investments Limited(786)	6.82 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Nov 23 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	593.76 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Nov 23 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Nov 23 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Nov 23 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	70.89 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Nov 23 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	120.21 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Nov 23 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	1,023.10 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Nov 23 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Nov 23 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	12.55 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Volume
WorldCall Telecom / Nov 23 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	177,135,830 ▲ 0.00
K-Electric Ltd. / Nov 23 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	124,131,268 ▲ 0.00
Hascol Petrol / Nov 23 Hascol Petroleum Limited(HASCOL)	105,013,176 ▲ 0.00
Fauji Foods Ltd / Nov 23 Fauji Foods Limited(FFL)	77,697,371 ▲ 0.00
Treet Battery / Nov 23 Treet Battery Limited(TBL)	43,783,366 ▲ 0.00
B.O.Punjab / Nov 23 The Bank of Punjab(BOP)	36,573,763 ▲ 0.00
Sui South Gas / Nov 23 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)	32,719,678 ▲ 0.00
PIA Holding Co.Ltd / Nov 23 PIA Holding Company Limited(PIAHCLA)	27,969,689 ▲ 0.00
Cnergyico PK / Nov 23 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	25,874,820 ▲ 0.00

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