News Archives for Print - 2019-12-31

Print - 2019-12-31

Taxes

Customs field offices to remain open till late night on 31st December

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued instructions to all the Customs Field Offices to remain open and observe extended working hours till 10:00 pm on 30th December and 12:00 (midnight) on 31st December, 2019 to facilitate the taxpayers' in payment of

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Indian government tweaks Army Rules to pave way for Rawat to be first CDS

In a move seen as a further indication of the government's intentions to appoint General Bipin Rawat as India's first Chief of Defence Staff, the Defence Ministry has amended rules of service and tenure in the Army Rules, 1954.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

$400 million investment over five years: Consortium to bid for Abu Dhabi oil block

A consortium of PPL, Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) are to participate in a bidding process of one block of hydrocarbon in Abu Dhabi with an investment

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Tariff Policy Board discusses strategy

The first meeting of Tariff Policy Board (TPB) was held on Monday in Ministry of Commerce to prepare a well-deliberated strategy for implementation on the contours of tariff policy aimed at making exports and imports competitive.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Stocks

PSX posts nominal gains: BRIndex100 inches down

Pakistan Stock Exchange Monday opened on a strong positive note, however could not sustain that level due to heavy selling, mainly in banking and E&P sectors.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

US, China biggest WTO winners

Membership of the World Trade Organization has benefitted the US and China more than any other nations, a study published Monday found, as the two powers seek to defuse a months-long trade conflict.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Construction materials: Rates of GST, FED to remain intact till budget

The rates of sales tax and federal excise duty on construction materials, including existing rate of excise duty on cement, would remain intact till next federal budget and any change in rates of taxes for developers and builders would be considered from

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Imported cotton: ECC to withdraw GST, other duties from January 15

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has decided to withdraw 3 percent regulatory duty, 2 percent additional customs duty and 5 percent sales tax on the imported cotton from January 15, 2020.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

2019 year of economic stability: PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday said the country could not make progress when its resources were plundered and the corrupt criminals kept on stuffing their personal coffers, and declared that the ongoing battle against corruption and corrupt elements wou

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Combined income groups: SPI inflation up 0.65 percent WoW

The Sensitive Price Index (SPI) inflation for combined income groups has witnessed an increase of 0.65 percent during last week of 2019 as it jumped up from 130.02 points to 130.87 points. According to SPI inflation related data released Monday by Pakista

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Appointments of new CEC, members of ECP: Scheduled meeting of parliamentary body postponed again

In the backdrop of prevailing deadlock between the government and the opposition, the scheduled meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Members of Election Commission of Pakistan was once again put off

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

US strikes on pro-Iran group in Iraq kill 25

US air strikes against a pro-Iran group in Iraq killed at least 25 fighters, a paramilitary umbrella said Monday, triggering anger in a country caught up in mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

POS software installation: Deadline for shopping malls, restaurants expires today

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has given of December 31, 2019 (Tuesday) deadline to big shopping malls and restaurants for installation of new software 'Point of Sale (POS)' to avoid sealing of their business premises and withdrawal of reduced rate of

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Ogra proposes increase in prices of POL products

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended an increase in ex-depot prices of all petroleum products for month of January 2020. In line with the increase in prices of petroleum products globally, the OGRA has computed an increase of Rs 2.6

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Letters

Russia's assault on Idlib

Russia's response to Syrian rebellion is highly questionable. Moscow has now certainly gone overboard after it intervened in the Syrian civil war in 2015. That is why perhaps several hundred Turkish and Syrian protesters held an anti-Russia demonstration

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Articles

Hosting VP of European Parliament

We had the distinguished honour to host the youngest vice president in the history of the European Parliament, Fabio Massimo Castaldo, a true democrat, champion of human rights and a friend of Pakistan. He is one of those young and vibrant political leade

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Articles

2019: Review of PTI govt's fiscal measures - I

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 in

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

In defence of amended NAB law

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountably Shehzad Akbar came out on Sunday to defend at a presser the recently-introduced amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance as the opposition has strongly criticized the changes, saying they a

Updated 31 Dec, 2019 07:12am

Economic picture for 2020

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his address after the ground-breaking ceremony of Jalalpur canal, an activity he denigrated as 'cutting of a ribbon' when he was in opposition, once again highlighted his two pet themes: the corrupt would be held accountable

Updated 31 Dec, 2019 07:12am

AJK President urges Kashmiri diaspora to highlight Indian atrocities on global forums

President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Sardar Masood Khan has urged Kashmiri Diaspora to increase their activities on highlighting Indian occupation forces' atrocities against the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) on international forums, saying

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Chilled weather puts life at standstill

Chilled weather has put the life at a standstill in the provincial metropolis, as the mercury hit 2 degree Celsius on Monday. Met Office has predicted continuity of this spell of next 24 hours as well. Back in 2007, the temperature of the city had dropped

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

PM launches 'Sehat Sahulat Program' for transgender community

Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched Sehat Sahulat Program for transgender community and disbursed cards among them, saying the government would provide health protection to them.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

79 percent decline in terrorist attacks witnessed across country in 2019

A significant decline of 79 percent in major terrorist attacks was witnessed across Pakistan in 2019 with 53 terror attacks compared to 67 in 2018.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Sanjrani, Suri call on Sarwar

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar on Monday said that Pakistan will advance successfully in the economic field that will ensure development, prosperity and also create job opportunities.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Journalists' bodies express concern over conviction of journalist

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and the Karachi Union of Journalists (Dastoor), have expressed grave concern over conviction of a senior journalist Nasarullah Chaudhry for allegedly possessing banned literature.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Firdous criticises opponents of amended NAB law

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Monday that the people who are terming the NAB (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 as mother of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) have also got benefits fr

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

IT & Computers

Facebook admin blocks live streaming of Radio Pakistan's news bulletins

The Facebook administration has blocked live streaming of Radio Pakistan's news bulletins since Friday morning for two months as the latter made alternate arrangement on YouTube Official to continue live streaming of its bulletins, a press release said he

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Pakistan to undertake 27 projects through $1 billion grant from China

Pakistan will undertake 27 projects in diverse sectors including agriculture, health, education, drinking water and poverty alleviation with the grant of US$1 billion provided by China.According to official sources, the Joint Working Group on socio-econom

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Qureshi for formulating effective policy to unveil BJP government's sinister designs globally

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday chaired an inter-ministerial meeting to exchange views on formulating an effective policy to highlight Pakistan's response on media to Modi government's atrocities in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Amended NAB law challenged in SC

The Supreme Court has been urged to declare National Accountability (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 ultra vires of the Constitution and void ab initio and suspend its operation till the final disposal of the petition.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

New Year celebrations: ban imposed on pillion riding, firing in the air

The Government of Sindh under Section 144 (6) CrPC, has imposed complete ban on carrying/display of arms, aerial firing, fire crackers and pillion riding from 31 December, 2019 till the morning of January 01, 2020 within the Karachi Division.The ban is im

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Interest-free loans worth Rs 500 million rolled out under Ehsaas programme: Sindh governor

Interest free loans worth Rs 500 million were rolled out for people of Sindh under Ehsaas Programme, which is a part of the National Poverty Graduation Initiative.A cheque distribution ceremony was held at Governor House on Monday and Governor Sindh Imran

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Digital library and skill lab opened at KGH Nursing School

Digital library and skill Lab has been inaugurated at Kharadar General Hospital Nursing School by renowned leading textile entrepreneur, philanthropist and the US-based Pakistani Shoib Kothawala.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

MQM-P gives PPP the cold shoulder

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Monday gave a cold response to offer of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to join its Sindh Government by disassociating itself from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-lead coalition government in centre."MQM-P joined t

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Six-storey building collapsed in Ranchore Lines

A six-storey building collapsed in old city area, Ranchore Lane of Karachi on Monday. However, no causality was reported from the incident as the residents had already been shifted from the building comprising 19 flats(living quarters) due to its dilapida

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Taxes

KTBA urges FBR to allow paid taxpayers 'submission of amnesty'

Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) has requested the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to allow the submission of amnesty for those who paid taxes on July 3, and the issuance of final notification for traders to enable them for filing tax returns.In a letter

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Energy

KE says Rs 50 billion receivables adversely impacting its cash flow

Director External Affairs of K-electric, Asmar Naeem has said that over Rs50 billion outstanding dues has been pending for payment out of which almost Rs33 billion is owed by the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board alone.Speaking at a meeting of Korangi Associ

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Government-World Bank plan aimed at improving quality of schools: minister

The World Bank (WB) will provide $450 million to implement a comprehensive programme aimed at improving the quality of schools across the country, said Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Energy

Oil refineries: Senate body discusses issue of ecological, aquatic effects

A parliamentary panel was informed on Monday that gearing up for Euro-4 or Euro-5 would be counterproductive unless the vehicles are upgraded and declared fit with regular inspections. The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, which met here with S

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Women's strength in committees: Parliamentary parties' heads invited to take decision

National Assembly Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges has invited heads of parliamentary parties to discuss and decide increase in the strength of female lawmakers in committees of the Parliament.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

KP business community congratulates Anjum Nisar

Chairman, Businessmen Panel (BMP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Mohammad Adnan Jalil, President Mohmand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Haji Ghulam Nabi and leader of Pakistan Business Community (PBC) Sharafat Ali Mubarak have congratulated Mian Anjum Nisa

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Taxes

Tax returns: PTBA urges FBR to extend deadline till January 31

Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has approached the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for extension in the last date for filing of income tax returns of corporate and non-corporate sectors for the year 2019 up to 31stJanuary, 2020 in order to facilitate t

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Petition against NAB law returned

The Lahore High Court registrar on Monday returned a petition challenging amendments in the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 as the same could not be fixed during the winter vacations.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

KP CM orders immediate hiring of consultants for CPEC projects

KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed for immediate hiring of consultants for initiation of work on Solarization of 800 water supply schemes to be carried out under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Government unlikely to meet Rs 86.4 billion BISP disbursement target

The indicative target of disbursement of Rs 86.4 billion for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) by midnight today is unlikely to be met by the government.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

POF celebrates birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam

On the special instructions of Chairman POF Board Lt-Gen Bilal Akbar, the Public Relations Department of POF and Ordnance Club Wah Cantt organized a week-long activities in connection with Birth Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. First funct

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Allied Bank partners with Golootlo

Allied Bank Limited signed an agreement to offer Golootlo discounts via myABL Digital Banking App and UPI-PayPak Co-Badged Debit Cards. Golootlo is Pakistan's major discount house with alliances available nationwide. The agreement was signed by Muhammad Z

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

IMC receives PSX Top Performing Companies Awards for 2016, 2018

Toyota Indus Motor Company has been honoured with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Top 25 Performing Companies Awards for 2016 and 2018 for its dedication and excellent performance. Ali Asghar Jamali, CEO, Indus Motor Co received the awards from the Prim

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Punjab CM for restructuring of livestock sector along modern lines

Emphasizing the need for need promoting research and development for getting maximum production of meat and milk, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar Monday said the government would promote the livestock sector on modern lines, to help the rural po

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Pervaiz records statement in judge video case

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and former premier Nawaz Sharif's close aide Senator Pervaiz Rashid on Monday recorded his statement before the team of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at its regional office in a case involving Accoun

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

'Journalist Panel' secures victory in LPC elections

The Journalist panel secured victory in the Lahore Press Club elections held the other day. Arshad Ansari has once again been elected as President of the Club while Qaddafi Butt elected as Vice President, Babar Dogar as Secretary, Hafiz Faiz as Joint Secr

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Shelter Homes in Punjab: Field officers instructed to ensure all facilities

Under the directions of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, Punjab Major Azam Suleman Khan is directly monitoring the facilitation process at temporarily established Shelter Homes in Punjab and for the purpose, he is in close liaison and contact with a

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Education sector: PML-N issues 'White Paper'

The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday issued a white paper on 'performance of Punjab education department in 2019' claiming that the Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf-led Punjab government failed to deliver in the field of education.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

With purifiers and lawsuits, Pakistanis fight back against smog

For the past few months Hasan Zaidi's phone has been ringing nonstop with calls from desperate residents in Pakistan hoping to get their hands on his newly invented air purifier as smog blankets the country.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Punjab PA unanimously passes University of Chakwal Bill 2019

The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed University of Chakwal Bill 2019 after accepting the amendment of opposition of changing the name from University of North Punjab to University of Chakwal. The amendment was moved by PML-N MPA Waris Shad whi

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

LCCI optimistic about economic prospects

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) expressed optimism that the upcoming year would be year of economic growth but the government needs to take some decisive measures.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

New Year: 6,000 cops to be deployed in Lahore

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Rai Babar Saeed has said that over 6,000 cops will be deployed in the provincial capital to maintain law and order besides taking strict action against charged youngsters for doing aerial firing, one-wheelin

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Articles

Partly Facetious: Our culture is so pervasive...

"Locals are not as good as foreigners I reckon."

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Telecommunication

July-November 2019: Mobile handsets' import surges by 64 percent

Pakistan's import of mobile handsets surged by 64 percent to $498.466 million during July-Nov 2019, official figures say. Increase in cellular handsets now stands at $193.815 million during July-Nov 2019 comparing to the phones import of $304.651 million

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Results of SPSC's CCE-2018 challenged in SHC

The result of combined competitive examination (CCE)-2018 of Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) was challenged in Sindh High Court on Monday.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

ABAD chief accuses SBCA of patronising illegal constructions

Mohsin Sheikhani, chairman Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) warned that at least one million peoples' lives are at stake if illegal construction, which is being patronized by Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) for personal ga

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Zafar Iqbal elevated to position of secretary ECP

Acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) former Justice Altaf Ibrahim Qureshi has elevated Zafar Iqbal Hussain as secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from the position of Chief Election Commissioner Punjab, following the extended retirement of

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Stocks

Group taxation: SECP bench orders issuance of designation letter to leading telecom company

An Appellate Bench of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has allowed a leading telecom company to obtain letter for group taxation for designation of companies within the Group (application for 2018) and directed the SECP to issue t

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Brief Recordings

Treet Corporation Limited

Treet Corporation Limited (PSX: TREET) is one of the strategic business units of Treet Group of Companies. The group has various other businesses under its banner including Treet Holdings Limited , Treet HR Management (Private) Limited, First Treet Manufa

Updated 31 Dec, 2019 06:33am

Croatia sentences ex-PM, Hungary energy firm boss for graft

A Croatian court on Monday sentenced former prime minister Ivo Sanader to six years in jail and the boss of Hungary's MOL energy group to two years for bribery. Sanader - already serving time for a separate graft conviction - and MOL's Zsolt Hernadi were

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

China jails scientist who gene-edited babies

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced the scientist who claimed to be behind the world's first gene-edited babies to three years in prison for illegal medical practice, state media reported.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Sudan sentences to death 27 agents for killing protester

A Sudanese court on Monday sentenced 27 intelligence agents to death for torturing and killing a protester early this year, an AFP correspondent said. It is the first time members of the security forces have been condemned to death in relation to the kill

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

All eyes on 'new way' in Kim Jong Un's New Year speech

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for "offensive measures" to strengthen security ahead of a New Year speech that could flesh out the nuclear-armed nation's threat to seek a "new way" forward after the expiration of its year-end deadline for US s

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Bosnia ex-minister charged with profiting off EU funds

Bosnia's former security minister and three others were charged Monday with abuse of power and corruption for making money off of a European Union-funded project, prosecutors said.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Iran says US strikes on Iraq show its 'support for terrorism'

Iran said Monday that the United States has shown its "support for terrorism" by carrying out air strikes on forces in Iraq that have dealt blows against the Islamic State group.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Suspect planning Russia attack pledged to IS: FSB

A suspect detained for planning an attack in Saint Petersburg during New Year's festivities had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, Russia's FSB security service said on Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday thanked US President Do

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Austrian Greens to get four ministries as talks near end

Austria's Greens look set to take on four ministries, including the environment portfolio, a representative said Monday as talks to form a government with conservatives neared an end. An alliance under Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the People's Party (OeVP

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Bushfires reach Melbourne as heatwave fans Australia blazes

Fire threatened three Melbourne suburbs Monday, with residents warned it was too late to flee and they must "act immediately to survive," as a heatwave fuelled Australia's deadly bushfire crisis. Authorities declared a bushfire emergency as an out-of-cont

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Hundreds of flights delayed as fog engulfs northern India

Dense fog and hazardous air pollution blanketed northern India and disrupted hundreds of flights on Monday, as harsh winter weather sent temperatures plunging to near-record lows. New Delhi and surrounding parts of the country are regularly shrouded by ha

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Taliban say have 'no ceasefire plans' in Afghanistan

The Taliban Monday denied agreeing to any ceasefire in Afghanistan after rumours swirled of a potential deal that would see a reduction in fighting after more than 18 years of war.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Dollar dips, set for smallest annual gain in six years

The dollar was on the defensive on Monday in light year-end trading after suffering a setback in the previous session, as safe-haven demand for the greenback waned on hopes of a US-China trade deal and renewed optimism about global growth.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Euro sails to 4-1/2-month high on trade and growth prospects

The euro hit a 4-1/2-month high on Monday as optimism over US-China trade relations and the global growth outlook knocked demand for dollars. Thin end-of-year volumes exacerbated the broad weakness in the US currency, which dipped for three straight sessi

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Dollar falls in thin trade amid lower safe-haven demand

Thin end-of-year volumes exacerbated broad weakness in the US dollar on Monday, which dipped for three straight sessions and on Friday suffered its biggest one-day fall since March.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Rand slips back from a five-month high

South Africa's rand slipped back from a five-month high in thin trade on Monday. By 1600 GMT, the rand was around 0.3% weaker than its previous close at 14.08 per dollar after briefly touching its strongest level since late July earlier in the day.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Asian currencies surge on easing trade war fears, strong yuan

Emerging Asian currencies posted sharp gains against the dollar on Monday, as growing hopes for an imminent Sino-US trade pact in the New Year and positive sentiment stemming from a stronger yuan lifted appetite for riskier assets.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Assets gain as trade outlook improves; rouble rises

Emerging-market assets gained on Monday as China-US trade tensions eased, while the Russian rouble strengthened against a weaker dollar during its last trading day of the year.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Latam FX gains on back of weakening dollar

Latin American currencies started the week on a firm footing on Monday, as improving sentiment around trade relations between the United States and China discouraged safe-haven buying of the dollar, exacerbating its fall.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

Australia, New Zealand dollars near five-month top

The Australian and New Zealand dollars held near five-month peaks on Monday as hopes for progress in the Sino-US trade standoff lifted risk assets and commodity prices.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Other

Abbott injured, Short added to Australia squad for India

D'Arcy Short was Monday added to the Australian squad for their upcoming one-day tour of India, with allrounder Sean Abbott sidelined for up to a month with a side strain. The three-match tour gets underway on January 14 in Mumbai and National Selector Tr

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Other

Cover-up at Bangladesh's first bodybuilding contest for women

Bangladesh's first women's bodybuilding championship was won by a 19-year-old student in a contest where most of her muscle was covered up to prevent controversy in the Muslim-majority nation.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Other

Japan's Nishikori out of Australian Open and ATP Cup

Japanese star Kei Nishikori pulled out of the Australian Open and the inaugural ATP Cup Monday as he continues to struggle with an elbow injury that has kept him out since the US Open. The former world number four, who has slipped to 13, said he was disap

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Cricket

Ex-All Blacks coach Steve Hansen now 'Sir Stephen'

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen became Sir Stephen on Tuesday, receiving a knighthood in the New Zealand New Year's honours list to acknowledge his outstanding contribution to rugby. The outgoing New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew was made a

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Other

India ends threat to boycott Commonwealth Games

India on Monday ended a threat to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games over the exclusion of shooting and said it will bid to host the event in the next decade.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Cricket

ICC Under-19 World Cup: nine-day-long training camp starts

The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup bound Pakistan cricket team will undergo a nine-day-long training camp here at the National Cricket Academy from 1st to 9th January 2020. The team will depart for South Africa on 10th January for the mega event.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Other

Imran lifts Mr Junior Peshawar title of APS bodybuilding

Imran lifted the Mr. Junior Peshawar title of the Army Public School (APS) Memorial Bodybuilding Championship played here at PSB Coaching Center on Monday. Director General Sports Asfandyar Khan Khattak and parents of the martyrs of APS were also present

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Global Business Economy

Brazil's primary deficit shrinks again, now smallest in over a year

Brazil's public sector finances improved further in November, central bank figures showed on Monday, as the deficit as a share of the overall economy shrank to its smallest in over a year and the national debt fell for the third straight month.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Taxes

Modi's office proposes waiving carbon tax on coal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office has proposed waiving a tax on coal to help finance pollution-curbing equipment, according to documents, but the move would also make coal more competitive in price with solar and wind energy.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

China jails Protestant pastor for 9 years for 'inciting' subversion

China on Monday jailed the leader of an unofficial Protestant church for nine years for "incitement to subvert state power".

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Money & Banking

BoE chief calls for faster action on climate change

Bank of England head Mark Carney, soon to become UN special envoy on climate action and finance, urged companies on Monday to move faster on helping to cut carbon emissions.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Global Business Economy

Tesla delivers first batch of China-made cars

Tesla delivered its first batch of China-made cars on Monday, less than a year after the electric vehicle company broke ground on its first plant outside the United States.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Bangladesh closes breast milk bank after protests

A Bangladesh hospital has suspended plans to give donated breast milk to babies after a backlash by Muslim clerics who said the scheme violated Islamic law. The programme aimed to feed up to 500 orphans and infants of working mothers in the Muslim-majorit

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Global Business Economy

Michelin restaurant bible faces ruling in French chef's protest

A mistaken verdict or a legitimate critique? A French court will rule Tuesday if the authoritative Michelin restaurant guide must hand over its secret reasonings for stripping a chef of his third Michelin star, just a year after the coveted award was won.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Global Business Economy

North Korea's Kim warns of 'grave' economic challenge

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has warned top ruling party officials of the "grave situation" facing the nuclear-armed state's economy and called for urgent corrective measures.

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Global Business Economy

US-China trade deal signing within week or so

The United States and China will likely have a signing of Phase 1 of a new trade deal early in the new year, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Monday. "We'll probably have a signing on that within the next week or so - we're just waiting for

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Fuel smuggling: Iran seizes ship near Abu Musa island in Gulf: IRNA

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have seized a ship on suspicion of smuggling fuel in the Gulf near the island of Abu Musa, and detained its 16 Malaysian crew, the state news agency IRNA reported on Monday. IRNA said the ship was carrying nearly 1,312,000 litr

Published 31 Dec, 2019 12:00am

Previous Day

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Dec 18	278.55
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Dec 18	278.25
USD to Japanese Yen / Dec 18	155.22
USD to Swiss Franc / Dec 18	0.90
Pound Sterling to USD / Dec 18	1.26
Euro to USD / Dec 18	1.04

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Dec 18	5,872.16
India Sensex / Dec 18	79,372.61
Tokyo Nikkei / Dec 18	38,741.83
Nasdaq / Dec 18	19,392.69
Hang Seng / Dec 18	19,666.12
FTSE 100 / Dec 18	8,199.11
Dow Jones / Dec 18	43,326.87
Germany DAX 30 / Dec 18	20,242.57

Item	Value
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Dec 18	70.19
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Dec 18	17,585
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Dec 18	241,945.20
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Dec 18	2,609.22
Cotton US¢/pound / Dec 18	68.06
Petrol/Litre / Dec 19	252.10

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
First AL-Noor Mod. / Dec 19 First Al-Noor Modaraba(FANM)	3.79 ▲ 0.56 (17.34%)
S.G.Power / Dec 19 S.G. Power Limited(SGPL)	10.17 ▲ 1.00 (10.91%)
Popular Islamic / Dec 19 Popular Islamic Modaraba(PIM)	13.48 ▲ 1.23 (10.04%)
Attock Cement / Dec 19 Attock Cement Pakistan Limited(ACPL)	285.20 ▲ 25.93 (10.00%)
Data Agro / Dec 19 Data Agro Limited(DAAG)	153.16 ▲ 13.92 (10.00%)
Liven Pharma / Dec 19 Liven Pharma Limited(LIVEN)	77.33 ▲ 7.03 (10.00%)
Oilboy Energy / Dec 19 Oilboy Energy Limited(OBOY)	12.65 ▲ 1.15 (10.00%)
Pak Datacom / Dec 19 Pak Datacom Limited(PAKD)	114.33 ▲ 10.39 (10.00%)
Sardar Chemical / Dec 19 Sardar Chemical Industries Limited(SARC)	37.95 ▲ 3.45 (10.00%)

Stock	Price
Imperial Limited / Dec 19 Imperial Limited(IML)	18.14 ▼ -2.02 (-10.02%)
Sindh Abadgar / Dec 19 Sindh Abadgar's Sugar Mills Limited(SASML)	40.47 ▼ -4.50 (-10.01%)
First Tri-Star Mod. / Dec 19 First Tri-Star Modaraba(FTSM)	12.60 ▼ -1.40 (-10.00%)
Shadab Textile / Dec 19 Shadab Textile Mills Limited(SHDT)	19.99 ▼ -2.22 (-10.00%)
Trust Sec.& Brok. / Dec 19 Trust Securities & Brokerage Limited(TSBL)	9.55 ▼ -1.00 (-9.48%)
Nazir Cotton Mills / Dec 19 Nazir Cotton Mills Limited(NCML)	11.51 ▼ -1.20 (-9.44%)
AL-Noor Sugar / Dec 19 Al-Noor Sugar Mills Limited(ALNRS)	81 ▼ -8.35 (-9.35%)
Hoechst Pak. / Dec 19 Hoechst Pakistan Limited(HPL)	2,506 ▼ -252.82 (-9.16%)
PIA Holding Co.B / Dec 19 PIA Holding Company Limited B(PIAHCLB)	822.15 ▼ -78.56 (-8.72%)

Stock	Volume
WorldCall Telecom / Dec 19 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	139,290,885 ▼ -0.01
Cnergyico PK / Dec 19 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	67,462,895 ▼ -0.08
B.O.Punjab / Dec 19 The Bank of Punjab(BOP)	60,162,802 ▼ -0.05
Pak Refinery / Dec 19 Pakistan Refinery Limited(PRL)	54,507,413 ▲ 0.12
Pak Elektron / Dec 19 Pak Elektron Limited(PAEL)	50,144,684 ▲ 0.62
K-Electric Ltd. / Dec 19 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	46,773,842 ▼ -0.06
Sui South Gas / Dec 19 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)	41,964,816 ▲ 3.06
Aisha Steel Mill / Dec 19 Aisha Steel Mills Limited(ASL)	36,868,206 ▲ 0.21
Fauji Foods Ltd / Dec 19 Fauji Foods Limited(FFL)	21,856,915 ▼ -0.08

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