News Archives for Print - 2020-02-18

Print - 2020-02-18

Toxic gas tragedy: Cargo movements at ports stay suspended

All inward and outward movements of cargos at Karachi ports remained suspended Monday as Pakistan Customs has shut all its operations after its four customs officials fell unconscious due to mysterious toxic gas leakage.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 05:00am

Taxes

Scope of recovery from taxpayers extended

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the scope of recovery from taxpayers by empowering Inland Revenue officers to recover tax from money held in bank accounts, fixed deposits, term deposit certificates (TDRs), call deposit receipts (CDRs), emp

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Jul-Jan FDI posts 66 percent growth

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) maintained upward momentum and registered some 66 percent growth during first seven months of this fiscal year (FY20), supported by massive inflows in telecom and power sector.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Increased remittance inflows positive for banks, borrowers: Moody's

Increased remittance inflows positive for both Pakistani banks and the borrowers, says Moody's Investor Services.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Deferment of increase in taxes & energy tariffs: IMF turns down govt request

The government's request to defer additional taxation measures as well as an increase in energy tariffs till next fiscal year was not acceptable to the staff of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its recent second mandatory review mission of the

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

EU eyes single record of real-time share prices in markets review

Establishing a single record of trading data from the dozens of separate national exchanges and trading venues is a priority in its current review of markets rules, the European Commission said on Monday.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

KSE-100 Index cheerless: BRIndex100 flat

Pakistan Stock Exchange Monday witnessed a mixed trend as investors remained on the sidelines due to concerns over economic and geo-political issues.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

News of Ehsanullah's escape true: minister

Interior Minister Brig Ijaz Shah (retd) confirmed on Monday that media reports regarding escape of former Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan from the custody of security agencies were true.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Suicide blast kills 10 in Quetta

At least 10 people were killed in a suicide blast that hit a police vehicle in Quetta on Monday, officials said.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Pakistan no longer a militant safe haven: PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday categorically rejected the Afghan government's accusations of having "safe havens" and of "harbouring terrorists in refugee camps", asserting that keeping a complete check on refugee camps would be a difficult task for

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

UAE issues licence for first Arab N power plant

The United Arab Emirates said Monday it has issued an operating licence for a reactor at its Barakah nuclear power plant, the first in the Arab world, hailing it as a "new chapter".

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

FATF: Primary challenges for govt at crucial Paris plenary

The primary challenges for the government in the ongoing crucial plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris would be to convince the meeting on the sustainability of actionable measures against proscribed individuals and organisati

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

FCY loan: FIs can raise additional Tier 1 capital: SBP

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed financial institutions to raise additional Tier 1 capital in the form of Foreign Currency (FCY) subordinated loan from their existing foreign sponsors.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

HBL commences voluntary closure of its New York branch

Habib Bank Limited (HBL) on Monday announced the voluntary closure of its New York branch. Upon such closure, HBL will no longer operate any bank branch in the US.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

India refuses entry to British lawmaker critical of Kashmir policy

A British lawmaker, who chairs an all-party group on Kashmir, has been denied entry to India after she criticised the government's decision to strip the disputed region Himalayan region of its constitutional autonomy.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Anti-money laundering (amendement), two other bills passed by NA

The National Assembly on Monday passed three bills, The Anti-Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, 2020, The Foreign Exchange Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020, and The Surveying and Mapping Bill, 2019, with majority vote.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Issue of taxes on commodities must be discussed at ECC forum: PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Monday that the matter pertaining to taxes on essential commodities should be discussed in the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet so as to devise a strategy in that regard.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

India summons Turkish envoy over Erdogan's remarks on Kashmir

India summoned the Turkish ambassador on Monday to lodge a diplomatic protest over President Tayyip Erdogan's remarks on the disputed region of Kashmir and warned it would have a bearing on bilateral ties.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Letters

'Reforms in energy sector'

Business Recorder op-ed writer Farhat Ali in his latest contribution to the newspaper "Reforms in energy sector" has advanced an argument which appears to be purely technical; in my view, it is hardly a solution. According to him, for example, "Wha

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Clock's ticking for Nissan boss Uchida to show he has a plan

Nissan's new CEO Makoto Uchida doesn't have time to work his way into the job. He is effectively on probation and has a matter of months to show he can revive the ailing automaker, according to three people familiar with the thinking of some on the compan

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Now censorship of social media

The insecurity and paranoia of the establishment increasingly on display is about to 'conquer' new heights (or lows, if you prefer). Having muzzled and gagged the mainstream media through financial strangulation (reduction of government advertising) and '

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

IMF second review

The IMF staff review of the Extended Fund Facility has been completed and a press statement issued. There is need to appreciate efforts of the government in meeting all the six performance criteria again as was the case in the first programme review. This

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Breakthrough in Afghan peace process

The US and the Taliban overcame a major sticking point in progress of the Afghan peace process when on Friday they agreed on a week-long reduction in violence. Speaking on the sidelines of a security forum in Munich, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hail

Updated 18 Feb, 2020 06:06am

IMF press release

The International Monetary Fund's (IMF's) press release on the completion of the second review under the 6 billion dollar 39-month Extended Fund Facility programme mission has generated some confusion by providing ample fodder for the government in its ow

Updated 18 Feb, 2020 06:06am

Eradication of Thalassemia: Emin Erdogan praised for her offer of assistance

CSR Activist for Thalassemia Eradication from Pakistan, Ateeq Ur Rehman has said that almost whole world has got rid of Thalassemia fatal disease from their countries whereas it is so sad that the number in Pakistan is growing day by day.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

AEMEND condemns murder of newsman

The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors Monday strongly condemned the murder of Aziz Memon, reporter of Daily Kawish and KTN Network. Azhar Abbas, President and Ammad Yousuf Secretary General of AEMEND said that the media community

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

UN chief for peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute

Calling for fully respecting the Untied Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Kashmir and human rights in the valley, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Monday emphasized the need for peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Tezgam Express fire case: IHC orders secys, others to appear on next hearing

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed the interior secretary, secretary railways and others to appear before the court in person on the next hearing of the Tezgam Express fire incident case.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Government must come clean about Ehsan's escape: Bilawal

In wake of "dramatic" escape of former spokesperson of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Ehsanullah Ehsan, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday submitted questions with the National Assembly Secretariat, asking the gov

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Senate criticises government for wheat, flour shortages

The Upper House of the Parliament on Monday passed a resolution condemning the wheat and flour crises in the country. The house also urged the federal government to make public, a related Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)'s inquiry report on the matter t

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Panic grips residents of Keamari after toxic gas kills 5

Fear and panic continued to grip Keamari neighbourhood of the metropolis on Monday after a toxic gas mysteriously spread over the area, leaving five dead and over 150 others unconscious, on Sunday evening. Authorities are still clueless about the actual c

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Structure: PAPGAI approaches NTC for removal of tariff anomaly

Pakistan Association of Printing & Graphics Art Industry (PAPGAI) has approached the National Tariff Commission (NTC) for removal of tariff anomaly in the tariff structure of printing industry.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Gold price down by Rs 100

Gold on Monday was sold for Rs 90,800 per tola, down by Rs 100 on the local market, traders said. The precious metal was available for Rs 77,846 per 10 grams, down by Rs 86 and $ 1581 an ounce, down by $3. Silver was selling for Rs 1000 per tola, Rs 857.3

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

BMP urges government to reduce tax on diesel, improve agriculture sector

Secretary General (Federal) of the Businessmen Panel (BMP), Ahmad Jawad has demanded that the government immediately announce the support price for cotton and production of pulses so that farmers may get incentives, similarly reduce the taxes on diesel fu

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Dar says Hajveri Foundation operational since 2004

Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Ishaq Dar has announced setting up of Hajveri shelter homes for 400 persons. He said Hajveri Foundation is operational since 2004 for the welfare of deserving children, out of which many of them are employed with

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Fruits & vegetables: Exporters identify impediments to growth

Acute shortage of reefer containers and increase in freight charges pose serious threat to exports of fruits and vegetables, exporters said. They said that the exports of fruits and vegetables is facing difficulties due to shortage of reefer containers an

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Workshop on coronavirus held

The Institute of Public Health (IPH) has organized a training workshop for master trainers of the teaching hospitals on corona virus. So far no Corona virus patient has been reported in Pakistan, however, due to an outbreak of the virus in China, precauti

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

PEDO, PESCO sign deal on provision of cheap electricity to industries

Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) Monday signed an agreement for provision of electricity produced by Pehur Hydel Power Project to industries on wheeling basis.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

PMIC report urges Ogra to clearly define UFG in energy terms

The role of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has been far below the conduct expected from an independent and prudent regulator, Prime Minister Inspection Commission (PMIC) report revealed on Monday.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Transfers & postings in NHA

The National Highways Authority (NHA) has issued orders of wide ranging transfers/postings of 88 officers and officials, here on Monday. According to the NHA spokesperson, the individuals posted/transferred had served at their respective posts for a long

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Government to consider importing insecticides from India to fight locusts

Pakistan is likely to import insecticides from arch-rival India to brace itself for any locust attacks this summer, bypassing a ban on trade between the neighbouring nations. A copy of Cabinet agenda for a Tuesday meeting seen by Reuters has the import op

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

SECP organises awareness sessions on regulatory sandbox

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has organized introductory sessions on recently launched regulatory sandbox initiative. In the sessions held in Karachi and Lahore, participants were briefed upon process of registration in Sandbox

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Three-day winter gala in Madaklasht vally concludes

The three-day winter gala, Hindukush Snow Sports Festival, concluded with thrilling snow games and traditional activities in the scenic Madaklasht valley in Chitral district on Monday. Deputy Commissioner, Chitral, Naveed Ahmad was the chief guest at the

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

RLNG plants' sell-off to be completed by mid of April: Soomro

The 8th meeting of the Transaction Committee for Privatisation of National Power Parks Management Company Limited (NPPMCL) was jointly chaired by the Minister for Privatisation/Chairman, Privatisation Commission (PC) and Special Assistant to Prime Ministe

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Punjab Cabinet meets today

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has called the 25th meeting of the provincial cabinet at CM Office on Tuesday (today) to discuss 22 points agenda. Provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, Chief Secretary and concerned secretaries will

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

'Eliminating harassment at workplace': In-house training session organised for Nepra employees

An in-house training session was organised for all the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) employees on "Eliminating harassment at workplace" here at Nepra head office on Monday. The training was first of its kind in the history of Nepra,

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

IGP takes notice of girl's murder after rape

KP Inspector General Sanaullah Abbasi on Monday took a notice of shocking incident of rape and murder of an eight-year-old Madiha in Hangu. The IG has summoned immediate report of incident from DIG Kohat and DPO while he ordered the officers to complete t

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

Cabinet to meet on 20th: Changes in input tax adjustment procedure likely

The federal cabinet which is scheduled to meet on Thursday (Feb 20) with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair is expected to approve changes in the input tax adjustment procedure for the petroleum exploration and production companies operating as joint

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

IT & Computers

TPL Trakker, MiRyde to provide location-based services

TPL Trakker has partnered with MiRyde, a Canadian ride-sharing transportation company, to provide location based services that are developed on Pakistan's first digital mapping service, TPL Maps, a business segment of TPL Trakker.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

JI chief steps up criticism of government

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Senator Sirajul Haq has emphasized the need to get rid of the corrupt elite as soon as possible to put the country on the path of development. Former and present rulers had turned the country into bankrupt and made the life of a comm

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Contempt petition: LHC summons secretary schools, PEF MD

A divisional bench of the Lahore High Court on Monday rejecting a compliance report of the Education department and the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) submitted in a contempt petition filed by former employees of the Foundation, directed secretary scho

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

Dasu hydropower project gaining momentum: Wapda chief

Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd) has said that the construction work on Dasu Hydropower Project is gaining momentum, as the issue pertaining to rates of land needed for the project has been resolved due to support by the Federal and Khyber Pa

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

CM geets Pakistan Kabaddi team

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has congratulated the Pakistan Kabaddi team for winning the Kabaddi World Cup 2020. "Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) as well as provincial Sports department deserves accolades for holding this international even

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Body formed to examine Nawaz's medical reports

The Punjab government has formed a committee to look into former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's medical reports in connection with extension in his bail plea. The committee, which is headed by Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat, is comprised Health Minister

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

President FCCI speaks about withholding tax

Small traders should continue their normal business activities without any fear as withholding tax is not applicable on annual turnover of Rs100 million per annum, said Rana Sikandar-e-Azam Khan President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI).

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Two former MPAs join PML-Q

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has begun activities for the local government elections as two former members of the Punjab Assembly from Samundari Ch Mazhar Ali Gill and Ch Arif Mahmood Gill Monday announced to join the PML-Q along with their co

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Anti-polio drive begins across Punjab

On the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, anti-polio campaign has been launched across the province. A special ceremony was organised with regard to launching anti-polio campaign at the CM's Office. Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasme

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Cotton & Textile

Efforts under way to hold 'Made in Sialkot' roadshow: Ijaz

Chief Coordinator Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Ijaz A Khokhar has underscored the need of holding 'Made in Sialkot roadshow' for showcasing the products at home and abroad, he said that for this purpose coll

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Punjab governor says meritocracy hallmark of governance

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said that the people who make money and palaces while in politics, have no future as history wipes such people out. Status and power must be for well-being of the nation and country.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

FPCCI voices concern over energy price hike

Vice President and Regional Chairman of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Dr Muhammad Arshad expressing concern over price-hike of energy has demanded of the government to immediately reduce the power tariff for industry

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Partly Facetious: But PM is a man of integrity...

"I have found the solution to keep the dratted media in check."

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Senate body approves amendment to Zainab Alert Bill

Senate's Functional Committee on Human Rights on Monday approved an amendment in the Zainab Alert Bill calling for expanding the jurisdiction of the proposed law nationwide, previously covering the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) alone.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Bail plea of PTM, AWP workers: Dissent or criticism integral part of democracy: IHC

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday said that dissent or criticism was an integral part of democracy and its protection was a constitutional obligation of the State and the courts.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

PMS lauds civil service reforms

Provincial Management Service (PMS) Officers Association President Tariq Mahmood Awan has welcomed the process of civil service reforms.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

India rejects mediation offer by UN chief

New Delhi on Monday rejected an offer by United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres for mediation on the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan, pronouncing that the matter will only be discussed bilaterally, reported The Hindu.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

AC adjourns hearing of Lok Virsa scam till March 17

The Accountability Court on Monday adjourned hearing of reference regarding alleged corruption in self generated fund (SGF) of Lok Virsa causing loss of Rs30.13 million to the national exchequer against Senator Rubina Khalid belonging to the Pakistan Peop

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

FPCCI Budget Advisory Council prepares proposals recommendations

Convener of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Advisory Council, Zakaria Usman has said that budget proposals and recommendations have been prepared with a view to bring about tax reforms including suggestions to simplify the

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Cricket

Autobiography of veteran cricket commentator launched

'Far More Than A Game' an autobiography of renowned cricket writer and broadcaster Qamar Ahmed was launched on Monday at HBL Tower.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

GIDC projects: There's nothing on ground, observes SC

The Supreme Court Monday noted that the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) projects were conceived in 2011 but after nine years there was nothing physical on the ground.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Disqualification plea: SHC issues notices to Zardari, Bilawal

Sindh High Court on Monday issued notices to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari in a disqualification plea against them for representing two parties at a time.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

'Sialkot Development Authority' to be established: minister

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar has said that necessary arrangements had been finalized for setting up Sialkot Development Authority in this export hub of the country and for its establishment would soon be announced. The st

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

UK deputy HC visits CDC

A delegation from British Deputy High Commission (BDHC) Karachi, headed by His Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi visited the Central Depository Company (CDC). Representatives of leading Pakistani corporate and UK Businesses

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

Ultra boost multi-grade engine oil: Crown Group, TPPPL to introduce new infusion

Crown Group has partnered with Total Parco Pakistan (TPPPL) to introduce a new infusion of quality Ultra Boost Multi-Grade Engine Oil which will be available throughout Pakistan.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Seven special education, rehabilitation centres to be set up: Sindh government

Special Assistant to Chief Minister, Sindh on Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, has said that DEDP has planned to market seven special education and rehabilitation centres under Public and Private Partnership

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

Power Division tells Senate body: Circular debt increases by Rs134bn in current fiscal year

The Power Division on Monday informed the Senate Standing Committee on Power that the current fiscal year had seen an increase of Rs 134 billion in circular debt that could reach to Rs 300 billion, if timely measures were not taken.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Brief Recordings

Synthetic Products Enterprises Limited

Synthetic Products Enterprises Limited (PSX: SPEL) was established as a partnership in 1978, and incorporated as private limited company in 1982. In 2015 it initiated an IPO for the purpose of expansion.

Updated 18 Feb, 2020 04:49am

SpaceX re-useable rocket misses landing ship

SpaceX successfully launched its latest cluster of high-speed internet satellites into orbit Monday but was unable to land its rocket booster on an autonomous ship, missing a key milestone. The private company founded by billionaire Elon Musk has revoluti

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

UK music producer Andy Weatherall dies

Andy Weatherall, the DJ who produced Primal Scream's "Screamadelica" and a pioneer of the acid house movement, died Monday at age 56 after suffering a pulmonary embolism, his representatives said.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Assad says no let-up in northern Syria offensive

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday vowed his forces would be relentless in their offensive to flush out the last rebel bastion in northern Syria. His address on state television came even as the United Nations' chief relief coordinator Mark Lowcoc

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

IT & Computers

EU threatens tougher rules on hate speech after Facebook meeting

A top EU official for digital policy warned Monday that big tech companies could face tougher rules and penalties in Europe if they failed to adequately curb hate speech and disinformation. European Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton remarks followed ta

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Twenty-four killed in Burkina Faso church attack

Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern Burkina Faso, officials said Monday. In a separate incident, five Burkinabe soldiers in the troubled region were killed by a roadside bomb, security s

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Israeli aircraft flies over Sudan for first time: Netanyahu

An Israeli aircraft has flown through Sudanese airspace for the first time, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called another example of warming ties with formally hostile states. Israel remains technically at war with Sudan, which supported hardli

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across flood-hit Britain

Britain on Monday battled fallout from Storm Dennis as hundreds of flood warnings remained in place after the second severe storm in seven days battered the country over the weekend. The latest hazardous weather brought winds of more than 90 miles (140 ki

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Donors pledge 1.15 billion euros for Albania quake recovery

International donors on Monday pledged 1.15 billion euros ($1.25 billion) to help Albania recover from a powerful earthquake last year, the EU chief announced, more than double the sum expected by Tirana. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the sum - wh

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Americans rescued from corona-infected cruise ship arrive home

More than 300 Americans rescued from a cruise ship quarantined off Japan because of the new coronavirus arrived back in the US Monday to begin a further two-week period of medical seclusion, as the epidemic claimed more lives in China to push the death to

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Niger stampede kills 20 at handout for refugees

Twenty people, many of them women and children, were trampled to death on Monday in a stampede for food and money for refugees in southeast Niger, sources said. "We have a provisional toll of 20 dead," a medical source said. Aid workers confirmed the acco

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

EU agrees naval mission to stop Libya arms flow

EU foreign ministers agreed Monday to a naval operation to enforce an arms embargo on war-torn Libya, overcoming objections from countries who feared it may encourage new migrant flows. The mission will be authorised to intervene to stop arms shipments, E

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

South African rand falls

South Africa's rand weakened on Monday, as ratings agency Moody's cut its forecast for the country's economic growth due to lacklustre private sector demand at home and power cuts.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Euro on the back foot over weak data in Asian trade

The euro was on the back foot on Monday, as concerns mounted about weakening economic growth in Europe at a time financial markets and policymakers fret about a new threat to the global economy from a fast spreading coronavirus in China.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Euro struggles near 3-year low in Europe

The euro struggled near 3-year lows on Monday as investors worried about weakening growth in the region, while Chinese efforts to limit the damage from a coronavirus outbreak appeared to calm markets, with the yuan and Australian dollar supported.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Forint firms to 4-week high

The forint firmed to a new four-week high on Monday following a hawkish verbal intervention by the National Bank of Hungary (NBH) last week and a change in the outlook on the country's debt to positive by rating agency Standard and Poor's.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

CFTC funds raise short Brazil real position to six-week high

International speculators increased their bearish bets on the Brazilian real to a six-week high last week before the central bank intervened in the market to lift the currency from its record low against the dollar, US futures markets data show.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Sterling sheds some recent gains, stays above $1.30

The pound on Monday gave back some of the gains made last week on the back of investors pricing in looser financial conditions under Britain's new finance minister, but remained above $1.30 with speculators maintaining long positions on the currency.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Australian, NZ dollars wait on coronavirus clarity

The Australian and New Zealand dollars were left adrift on Monday as investors awaited some clarity on whether the coronavirus was being contained or not, while a steady outlook for domestic interest rates offered some support.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Football

Neymar back from injury for Dortmund clash

Neymar has been named in the Paris Saint-Germain squad for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg at Borussia Dortmund, despite missing the French club's last four games through injury.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Cricket

Patel makes Black Caps squad for India Tests

Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel is in line for a dream appearance against India after the left-arm spinner was named Monday in the Black Caps' 13-man squad for the two-Test series beginning on Friday.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Cricket

Du Plessis quits as South Africa skipper

Faf du Plessis announced on Monday that he was stepping down as South Africa's cricket captain with immediate effect. Du Plessis, 35, said he needed to take "a step back" from the captaincy in order to help the emergence of the next generation of leaders

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Other

Organisers cancel Tokyo marathon for 38,000 runners over virus

Organisers said Monday they are cancelling the amateur portion of the Tokyo marathon, affecting around 38,000 runners, on fears about the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Other

Swabi win overall trophy of Swabi Inter-Tehsil Games

Tehsil Swabi clinched the overall trophy after winning three gold medals, one silver medals while tehsil Topi with two gold medals and Rajarr with one gold medal took second and third positions respectively in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Swabi District Inter-T

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Cricket

HBL PSL gearing up for mega opening as 350 artists to perform

As many as 350 artists will perform in the opening ceremony of the HBL PSL 2020, which will be held at Karachi's National Stadium on Thursday.

Published 18 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Previous Day

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Dec 20	278.48
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Dec 20	278.28
USD to Japanese Yen / Dec 20	156.31
USD to Swiss Franc / Dec 20	0.89
Pound Sterling to USD / Dec 20	1.26
Euro to USD / Dec 20	1.04

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Dec 20	5,930.85
India Sensex / Dec 20	78,041.59
Tokyo Nikkei / Dec 20	38,701.90
Nasdaq / Dec 20	19,572.60
Hang Seng / Dec 20	19,720.70
FTSE 100 / Dec 20	8,084.36
Dow Jones / Dec 20	42,840.26
Germany DAX 30 / Dec 20	19,884.75

Item	Value
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Dec 20	69.46
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Dec 20	234,311
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Dec 20	2,622.91
Cotton US¢/pound / Dec 20	68.06
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Dec 21	17,585
Petrol/Litre / Dec 22	252.10

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
Media Times Ltd / Dec 20 Media Times Limited(MDTL)	2.37 ▲ 0.37 (18.50%)
Pace (Pak) Ltd. / Dec 20 Pace (Pakistan) Limited(PACE)	7.23 ▲ 1.00 (16.05%)
Ist.Capital Sec / Dec 20 First Capital Securities Corporation(FCSC)	2.12 ▲ 0.26 (13.98%)
Khalid Siraj / Dec 20 Khalid Siraj Textile Mills Limited(KSTM)	9.60 ▲ 0.97 (11.24%)
Aruj Industries / Dec 20 Aruj Industries Limited(ARUJ)	9.90 ▲ 0.98 (10.99%)
Escorts Bank / Dec 20 Escorts Investment Bank Limited(ESBL)	4.79 ▲ 0.47 (10.88%)
Cresent Jute / Dec 20 Crescent Jute Products Limited(CJPL)	4.20 ▲ 0.40 (10.53%)
S.G.Power / Dec 20 S.G. Power Limited(SGPL)	11.19 ▲ 1.02 (10.03%)
P.T.C.L. / Dec 20 Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd(PTC)	25.80 ▲ 2.35 (10.02%)

Stock	Price
LSE Financial Serv. / Dec 20 LSE Financial Services Limited(LSEFSL)	16.25 ▼ -1.81 (-10.02%)
Dar-es-Salaam / Dec 20 Dar-es-Salaam Textile Mills Limited(DSML)	41.93 ▼ -4.66 (-10.00%)
Maqbool Tex. / Dec 20 Maqbool Textile Mills Limited(MQTM)	31.05 ▼ -3.45 (-10.00%)
Reliance Cotton / Dec 20 Reliance Cotton Spinning Mills Limited(RCML)	621 ▼ -69.00 (-10.00%)
Sanghar Sugar / Dec 20 Sanghar Sugar Mills Limited(SANSM)	27.72 ▼ -3.08 (-10.00%)
Olympia Mills / Dec 20 Olympia Mills Limited(OML)	34.58 ▼ -3.84 (-9.99%)
Nagina Cot. / Dec 20 Nagina Cotton Mills Limited(NAGC)	48.92 ▼ -5.41 (-9.96%)
Oilboy Energy / Dec 20 Oilboy Energy Limited(OBOY)	11.39 ▼ -1.26 (-9.96%)
Arpak Int. / Dec 20 Arpak International Investments Ltd.(ARPAK)	65.22 ▼ -7.19 (-9.93%)

Stock	Volume
WorldCall Telecom / Dec 20 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	177,645,248 ▲ 0.10
K-Electric Ltd. / Dec 20 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	81,901,542 ▲ 0.16
Cnergyico PK / Dec 20 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	68,345,098 ▲ 0.12
Pak Elektron / Dec 20 Pak Elektron Limited(PAEL)	57,974,101 ▲ 1.47
Pak Refinery / Dec 20 Pakistan Refinery Limited(PRL)	45,251,944 ▲ 0.40
Pace (Pak) Ltd. / Dec 20 Pace (Pakistan) Limited(PACE)	43,240,462 ▲ 1.00
Sui South Gas / Dec 20 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)	40,539,001 ▼ -0.74
B.O.Punjab / Dec 20 The Bank of Punjab(BOP)	35,598,669 ▲ 0.24
Symmetry Group / Dec 20 Symmetry Group Limited(SYM)	34,869,613 ▼ -0.72

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