News Archives for Print - 2020-02-25

Print - 2020-02-25

PPAs inked with IPPs may be reviewed: Omar

Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan Monday hinted at review of previous Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), without naming projects established under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Government mulling reducing power tariffs

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday held a meeting on possible reduction in electricity prices for domestic and commercial consumers, and highlighted criticality of the energy sector for economic development in the country.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

PSX falls to 3-month low: BRIndex100 nosedives

Pakistan Stock Exchange Monday nosedived due to investor concerns over pending IMF Executive Board decision to the situation at the border with Iran following corona virus fears and decline in international crude oil prices, analysts said. BRIndex100 lost

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

RD on wheat waived

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has abolished 60 percent Regulatory Duty (RD) on the import of wheat from February 19, 2020.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Let's chat, ECB's Lagarde tells euro citizens

Eager to ditch the jargon and make itself better understood to the public, the European Central Bank on Monday launched a "listening" campaign as part of a major rethink of the bank's tools and goals.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Gold hits all-time high level

Gold on Monday surged to a new record high of Rs96,300 per tola, up by Rs2,000 in a single-day trade on the local market, traders said.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Farogh apologises to ex-AGP Anwar

Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Farogh Naseem on Monday extended a groveling apology to the former Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP), Anwar Mansoor Khan, after he categorically warned that "if Farogh Naseem unveils things, I'll do so too".

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Reference against Justice Isa: AGP says he cannot represent govt due to 'conflict of interest'

Newly-appointed Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Jawed Khan has declined to represent the federal government in the Justice Qazi Faez Isa's petition against the presidential reference.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

WHO tells world to brace for 'potential pandemic' as virus spreads

The World Health Organization warned countries on Monday to be ready for a "potential pandemic" as new deaths and infections in Europe, the Middle East and Asia triggered more drastic efforts to contain the new coronavirus.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Iran denies claim of 50 deaths

Iran's government vowed Monday to be transparent after being accused of covering up the deadliest coronavirus outbreak outside China, dismissing a lawmaker's claim the toll could be as high as 50.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Over 200 being quarantined near Iran border

Government began quarantining over 200 people near the Iranian border, officials said Monday, as fears spiralled over the growing toll from the coronavirus in the region.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Mahathir resigns

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad resigned Monday in a shock move as his alliance that came to power less than two years ago unravelled, but he was reappointed as interim leader by the king.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Wall Street sinks as pandemic fears rattle investors

The Dow Jones Industrials was on track for its biggest daily decline in two years and the S&P 500 fell more than 3% on Monday, as investors fled riskier assets as fears about the global economic impact of the coronavirus intensified after a surge in cases

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Several dozen hurt as car rams Germany carnival procession

Several dozen people, including children were injured Monday when a car drove into a carnival procession in central Germany, police said, adding that the driver had been arrested. A spokeswoman for police in the small town of Volkmarsen where the incident

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

AGP Khalid writes letter to Law Minister

Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Jawed Khan has emphasized upon maintaining good working relationship between Law and Justice Division and Office of the Attorney General.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Trump promises 'most feared military equipment on planet'

"As we continue to build our defence cooperation, the United States looks forward to providing India with some of the best and most feared military equipment on the planet," Trump said.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

'America First' approach collides with 'Make in India' mantra

US President Donald Trump got a rapturous and romantic welcome to India on Monday, addressing a huge rally and holding hands with his wife at the Taj Mahal, in a maiden official visit big on photo opportunities but short on concrete results.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Social media policy: IHC issues notice to government & others

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued notice to the federation and the ministries of law, and information and technology, in a petition challenging the government's social media policy.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

US Commerce Secretary due tomorrow

The United States (US) Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross will be visiting Pakistan on February 26 (tomorrow) for a few hours and will discuss issues of mutual interest, well-informed sources told Business Recorder.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Duty-free import of mobile phones: Restoration of facility to be tied to biometric verification

The restoration of facility of duty-free import of mobile phones by international passengers would be linked with the implementation of a foolproof system such as biometric verification to check misuse of the scheme.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Life insurance sector: First Centralized Repository launched

To complement government's objectives of providing ease of doing business and enhanced consumer protection, Pakistan's first ever centralized information repository is established for life insurance sector. The repository that will function under the regu

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Farrukh joins PSX as MD & CEO

Farrukh Khan has joined Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). After due process and consideration, he has been selected based on his credentials, qualification and experience.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

UN calls for 'two state' solution to be respected in ME

The UN Security Council made a rare show of unity Monday when it called on all parties to maintain their support for a two state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Letters

'Civil service reforms'

This is apropos a Business Recorder editorial "Civil service reforms" carried by the newspaper on Sunday. The newspaper has concluded its argument by saying that "those living beyond their known means can, and must, be held to account. It is hoped

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Coronavirus concerns spur odd market moves

Some asset prices are moving together in unusual ways, an indication that investors may be preparing their portfolios for a coronavirus-led global slowdown.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

An ephemeral peace

The partial truce/ceasefire in Afghanistan that kicked in on February 22, 2020, if it holds, is expected to lead to the signing of a deal between the US and the Taliban on February 29, 2020 to allow the withdrawal of US forces from their longest foreign w

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

State of public finances

The previous financial year closed with the largest ever budget deficit. The magnitude was Rs 3,445 billion, equivalent to 8.9 percent of the GDP. The increase in relation to 2017-18 was 2.3 percent of the GDP. This severe deterioration in the state of pu

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Attorney General's resignation

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) government seems to have a penchant for shooting itself in the foot. This time it was the government's top legal officer, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan who brought blushes to the government's face. Arguing the cas

Updated 25 Feb, 2020 06:41am

FATF challenge still persists

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has given Pakistan another four months to meet the remaining 13 out of a total of 27 actions to address 'strategic deficiencies' relating to counter money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

Updated 25 Feb, 2020 06:41am

Navy, CGS undertake systematical survey mission

Pakistan Navy and China Geological Survey Ship (CGS) undertook a joint scientific research expedition to comprehend the geology of Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Beside Chinese counterparts, scientists from Pakistan Navy, National Institute of

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Spring tree plantation campaign launched by PHA

Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore on Monday formally launched the spring tree plantation campaign in the provincial metropolis.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Men can also register their harassment complaints: Kashmala

Federal Ombudsperson for Harassment Kashmala Tariq Monday said that not only women but men also can register their complaints regarding harassment in the office of Federal Ombudsperson.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

CCPO denies custody of accused Bhatti

The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore categorically denied custody of Asad Bhatti, nominated suspect in disappearance case of SSP Mufaker Adeel, and Shahbaz Tatla, former assistant advocate general. A report submitted before the Lahore High Court

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

PPP accuses PTI government of starting confrontation with judiciary

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has accused the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of starting a confrontation with the judiciary after allegedly clashing with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Parliament.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

National Day of Kuwait celebrated

Kuwait celebrated on Monday its national day, marking the anniversary of its 59th Independence Day and its Liberation Day at a local hotel.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Illegal allotment of welfare plots: NAB asked to provide copies of supplementary reference till March 4

The Accountability Court hearing fake accounts case involving billions of rupees, on Monday directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to provide copies of the supplementary reference in illegal allotment of welfare plots case till March 4th.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Afghan war: Government urged to take up issue of toxic environmental impact with US

A Senate panel on Monday asked the government to take up the toxic environmental and human impacts of the decades' long US war in Afghanistan, over the bordering areas of Pakistan and their people, at the highest level with the US, besides urging the Tali

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Paragon Housing Society: SC issues notice to NAB in Khawaja brothers' bail pleas

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file a reply in Khawaja brothers' bail petitions.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

KP PA Speaker dissolves all house committees

Speaker of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani Monday dissolved all the standing committees to include newly elected MPAs from merged districts.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

42 cantonment boards: Exercise of delimitation of wards may be completed by end of next month

The ongoing exercise of the delimitation of wards in the 42 cantonment boards (CBs) across the country is expected to be completed by the end of next month, following which the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would be constitutionally empowered to m

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Hajj applications: Branches of 13 banks are open on Saturday, Sunday: SBP

In order to facilitate the intending pilgrims to deposit application forms along with dues for Hajj 2020, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed 13 authorized banks to keep all their designated branches open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Su

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

US delegation meets Sindh CM: PPP believes in plural society: Murad

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that Pakistan Peoples Party believes in plural society, therefore, its government in Sindh has enacted laws under which forced conversion of the religion and child marriages have been completely banned.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Rs 162 billion Karachi uplift package in the pipeline: governor

Governor Sindh Imran Ismail on Monday said that the projects under Rs 162 billion development package for Karachi were in various phases of approval.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Cylinder blast kills six in Quetta

As many as six persons were killed when an LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) tanker caught fire in Quetta on late Sunday night. The incident occurred near Haji Camp area at the Western Bypass in capital city of Baluchistan.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Country needs experienced people rather than making experiments: PSP chief

Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) Chairman Mustafa Kamal on Monday said that country is passing through worst kind of economic and social crisis presently.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Toxic gas leak: Hercules captain protests against shifting of vessel

The captain of the vessel M/V Hercules, which was shifted at outer anchorage after mysterious gas leak that claimed 14 lives and affected over 150 Karachiites on February 16, 2020, claimed that the Pakistani inspectors did not find any abnormality to the

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

Assistant collectors of Customs from 46th STP pass out

The final passing out ceremony of assistant collectors of customs from 46th STP was held at the Directorate General of Training & Research (Customs) Monday.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

'CLF running successful children emergency rooms in govt hospitals'

Secretary Health, government of Sindh, Zahid Ali Abbasi has said that Child Life Foundation (CLF) is running very successful children emergency rooms in government hospitals under the public private partnership.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

DGI&I seizes tobacco worth Rs 127 million

Directorate General Intelligence and Investigation (DGI&I), Karachi on Monday claimed to have seized huge quantity of foreign origin chewing tobacco worth Rs127.5 million.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

Minister inaugurates upgradation of Mirpurkhas gas supply line

Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and Food Hari Ram Kishori Lal on Monday inaugurated upgradation of Mirpurkhas gas supply line to 12" diameter at near Paleejani district Matiari. Provincial minister's political secretary Advocate Heera Lal and o

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Ban on imports from China: KCCI demands 'special policy' to save importers

President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan has urged the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to come up with some kind of a 'Special Policy' to save the impo

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

NA body discusses budgetary proposals relating to PSDP

National Assembly's Standing Committee on Narcotics Control on Monday discussed budgetary proposals relating to Public-Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in respect of Ministry of Narcotics Control and its attached departments for financial year 2020-202

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Formalities for ML-1 to be finalized before Xi's visit, NA body told

The financing committee led by the deputy chairman Planning Commission (PC) will finalise formalities of $9.2billion Main Line (ML-1) project under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the Chinese authorities before the expected visit of China

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Shifa, Interloop to bring quality healthcare to Faisalabad

Shifa International Hospitals Limited (Shifa) joins hands with Interloop Holdings (Pvt) Limited (Interloop) to build a 250-bed tertiary care hospital to provide specialized healthcare facilities to the residents of Faisalabad and surrounding areas. The to

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Zainab Alert Bill: Senate body approves changes

The Senate's Standing Committee on Human Rights on Monday approved changes to the Zainab Alert Bill. After the law is passed, it will be applicable across Pakistan.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Corruption reference: AC approves permanent exemption from hearing plea of accused

The Accountability Court hearing a corruption reference against former finance minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Monday granted permanent exemption to one accused from personal appearance before it on medical grounds.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Outbreak of coronavirus disease: Pakistan embassy in Tehran actively monitoring situation

The embassy of Pakistan in Tehran is actively monitoring the situation in the wake of outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID19) in Iran. The virus which originated in Wuhan, China has reportedly spread in different parts of Iran with its epicenter in the

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

NA body likely to approve 'The National Accountability (second amendment) Bill 2019' today

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Law and Justice is likely to approve "The National Accountability (second amendment) Bill 2019" on Tuesday (today).

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Ministry's budget proposals on tariff will be ready by next month: Dawood

Prime Minister's Adviser on Commerce, Industries and Production, Abdul Razak Dawood said on Monday that the Commerce Ministry's budget proposals on tariff jointly drafted by Syed Ali Habib and Commerce Ministry will be ready by next month.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Punjab CS launches spring tree plantation

Punjab Chief Secretary Azam Suleman Khan has launched spring tree plantation campaign by planting a mango sapling on the premises of Civil Secretariat on Monday.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

2nd three-day SAVDEX Expo-2020 to begin from February 27

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in collaboration with the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) is organizing the 2nd three-day "Suppliers & Vendors Defense Exhibition (SAVDEX)-2020" here at the Expo Centre from Feb 27, 2020.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

CM lays foundation stone of mother & child hospital at SGRH

Laying the foundation stone of 600-bed "Mother and Child Hospital" at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), here on Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said the government has allocated Rs 277 billion for the health sector in the current budget whi

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

PCJCCI expresses solidarity with people of China

The Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has expressed solidarity with the people of China in their fight against the dreadful coronavirus by conducting a "Solidarity Day with China" through an awareness session on "Coronavirus d

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Cotton & Textile

PRGMEA asks government to strengthen consultation process with industry

Strongly opposing the civil disobedience and lockdown call by some industry representatives over government's non-seriousness to fulfill exporters demand, the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association called for resolving all issue

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Alvi praises army for bringing back peace in country

President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan has world's best army which brought back peace in the country by fighting out terrorism in a very short span of time.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

PAD plans to distribute vegetables' seeds

The Punjab Agriculture Department (PAD) has planned to distribute 100,000 packets of vegetables' seeds of different summer season among citizen to promote kitchen gardening. These packets are available against a sum of Rs150 per packet at the district lev

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Paragon City scam: Arrest warrants of ex-MPA Qaiser Amin withdrawn

An accountability court on Monday withdrew arrest warrants of former MPA Qaiser Amin Butt, an approver in Paragon City scam, after he reached the court in ambulance.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Farogh Naseem, Shahzad Akbar: PML-N MPA moves resolution seeking resignations

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA has moved a resolution in the Punjab Assembly seeking resignations of Federal Minister for Law Farogh Naseem and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

'Railways ready to provide freight train to Gujranwala businessmen'

Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has said that Railways administration is ready to provide one freight train to the business community of Gujranwala on daily basis if they provide cargo of one train daily. He was talking to the office-bearers and bus

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Social media regulations: Government wants to silence dissenting voices: Speakers

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and civil society while rejecting the newly-introduced social media rules and regulations have termed them as yet another effort to "silence the dissenting voices of journalists and a common man" and demand

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

India handing over Kashmiris' lands to its investors: AJ&K President

Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) President Sardar Masood Khan said on Monday that the plight of Kashmiris has become pathetic and their lands are being handed over to the Indian investors and India is occupying Kashmiris' land like Israel did to Palestinians.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

PALPA elects office bearers

Elections for the PALPA Executive Committee 2020-2022 were held from 13th January 2020 till 21st February 2020. As per details, out of 366 total active pilots, 314 votes were cast out of which 160 were cast at Karachi, 99 at Islamabad and 55 at Lahore, fo

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

ACCA, IMA publish report highlighting long-term global economic issues

Today, the Global Economic Themes report was jointly published by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA(r) (Institute of Management Accountants). The report examines three of the longer-term structural issues that are affecting

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

CISs, REITs and private funds: Companies providing trustee services to be considered FSCs: SECP

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Monday announced that any company, engaged in providing trustee services to Collective Investment Schemes (CISs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or private funds shall be considered as Finan

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

IT, ITeS export remittances surge to $550.5 million in 6 months

Pakistan's information technology (IT) and IT enabled Services (ITeS) export remittances have surged to $550.503 million at a growth rate of 24.71 percent during the first six months of the fiscal year 2019-2020 (July-December), compared to $441.435 milli

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Tezgam Express fire incident: IHC directs MoI to submit findings

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to submit its findings about the Tezgam Express fire incident.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Middle East, Afghan peace: Professor Nasr shares his perspective, analysis on evolving situation

Renowned US scholar, author and former Dean at School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Vali Reza Nasr was hosted for a talk on "US policy in the Middle East and South Asia" at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Drug addicts' rehabilitation centres: Chief secretary for improving conditions, working

As many as 508 prisoners across the province are currently drug addicts. This was informed at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary (CS) Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah here on Monday. The meeting was called to discuss the measures aimed at improving the conditions a

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Keamari toxic gas leakage: SHC seeks reply from federal, Sindh governments over deaths

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday served notices to the federal and Sindh governments over deaths due to toxic gas leakage in Kemari. A constitutional petition filed by resident of Karachi, states that toxic gas leakage in Kemari claimed as many as 14

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

H1 demand growth of electricity remained static, NA panel told

The government Monday acknowledged that demand growth of electricity remained static during the first six months of the current fiscal year due to economic slowdown in the country.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Punjab cabinet meets today

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has called 26th meeting of the provincial cabinet at his office today to discuss the five-point agenda.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Brief Recordings

Biafo Industries Limited

Biafo Industries Limited (PSX: BIFO) was established as a public limited company in 1988 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 (currently Companies Act, 2017). It commenced its commercial production in 1994.

Updated 25 Feb, 2020 04:39am

Merkel's crisis-hit CDU launches leadership race

Germany's centre-right CDU said Monday it would choose a new leader at a special congress on April 25, as the crisis-racked party hopes to halt a slide in the polls and end speculation about who could succeed veteran Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Katherine Johnson, black NASA mathematician, dies at 101

Katherine Johnson, a ground-breaking black NASA mathematician whose life was portrayed in the movie "Hidden Figures," died on Monday aged 101, the space agency said. Johnson's calculations helped put the first man on the Moon in 1969, but she was little k

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Weinstein found guilty of sexual assault, rape

Harvey Weinstein was convicted Monday of sexual assault and rape but cleared of the most serious predatory sexual assault charges, a partial victory for the MeToo movement that sparked a cascade of allegations against the disgraced Hollywood mogul.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Pompeo writes Cuba to free dissident leader Ferrer

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday appealed directly to Cuba to free leading dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer, vowing to hold the communist government accountable for the treatment of prisoners. In an open letter to Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodri

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Sri Lanka deploys troops to control worsening traffic

Sri Lanka will deploy troops to help police control worsening traffic congestion in the capital, the army said Monday. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a retired army officer, ordered the military to assist traffic officers at the main entry and exit points

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Burundi clashes kill 13 'bandits'

At least 13 "armed bandits" and a police officer were killed in clashes between an armed group and security forces in western Burundi, a local official and witnesses said on Monday. Sunday's unrest in Bujumbura-Rural province broke out when an armed group

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Trembling Mars gives up more seismic secrets

Mars is a constantly tremoring "living" body, researchers said Monday as they unveiled measurements of seismic activity on the red planet showing similar tremble rates to Earth or the Moon.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Russia strikes kill five civilians in Syria regime advance

Five civilians died on Monday in Russian air strikes backing Syrian regime forces as they chip away at the country's last major rebel bastion, a war monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the deadly raids hit the area of Jabal al-Zawiy

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

UN warns of 'bloodbath' risk in northwest Syria

Fighting in northwest Syria is coming "dangerously close" to encampments with around a million displaced people, risking an imminent "bloodbath", the UN said on Monday. Mark Cutts, the UN's Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, al

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Expelled Wall Street Journal reporters leave China after headline row

Two Wall Street Journal reporters left China on Monday after being expelled over a controversial headline in an op-ed that angered Beijing. Three reporters were ordered out of the country last week over what Beijing deemed a racist headline that the journ

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Trump claims Democrats will stop Sanders

US President Donald Trump predicted Monday that the Democratic Party leadership would prevent frontrunner Bernie Sanders from becoming its candidate in November elections. Sanders' leftist politics alarm many moderate Democrats, who fear that if he heads

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Human rights under assault worldwide: UN chief

UN chief Antonio Guterres launched a "call to action" on Monday against rising attacks on human rights worldwide, highlighting the persecution of minorities and "alarming levels of femicide". "Human rights are under assault," said the secretary general as

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Turkish lira slides on coronavirus, Syria worries

The Turkish lira weakened 0.8% on Monday as investor unease about the conflict in neighbouring Syria was amplified by a global flight to safe havens in the face of the coronavirus spread.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Investors seek dollars in Asia

Asian currencies slid on Monday as the rapid spread of the coronavirus outside China drove fears of a pandemic and sent investors to the safety of gold, dollars and the Swiss franc.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Early trade in New York: Yen jumps against dollar

The Japanese yen jumped versus the US dollar on Monday in a risk-off move spurred by the rise in coronavirus cases. The safe-haven yen was last up 0.93% at 110.52 per dollar.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Euro weakens, Aussie at new 11-year low in Europe

The euro dropped back towards $1.08 on Monday and the Australian dollar tumbled to a new 11-year low as the rapid spread of the coronavirus outside China drove fears of a pandemic and sent investors to the safety of the US dollar.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Mexico's peso plunges

Mexico's peso touched an 11-week low on Monday, leading a decline in Latin American currencies amid a global sell-off spurred by a surge in the number of coronavirus cases outside China.

Published 25 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

South Africa's rand tumble

South Africa's rand tumbled more than 1% while stocks plunged to a two-month low as a sharp rise coronavirus cases overseas combined with concerns about the upcoming budget speech knocked down local assets.

Published 25 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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