News Archives for Print - 2020-03-17

Print - 2020-03-17

Business & Economy

Business, industrial community reiterate demand for cut in policy rate

Business and industrial community alike have urged the governor of State Bank of Pakistan to cut policy rate for easy access to finance for the local industry and exporters who are facing new challenges and uncertain conditions.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Serbia's central bank sells euros

Serbia's central bank sold an unspecified amount of euros on local interbank market to bolster dinar and calm down markets, a day after President Aleksandar Vucic introduced state of emergency to contain coronavirus outbreak, dealers said on Monday.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Yen jumps in Europe despite Fed's slashing rates

Japan's yen surged 2% on Monday with traders seeking cover in safe-haven currencies as fears about the coronavirus trumped central bank efforts to ease the pain, while the dollar stood tall despite the US Federal Reserve slashing rates to zero.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Early trade in New York: Yen gains as Fed rate cuts fails to boost risk appetite

The safe haven Japanese yen jumped on Monday as concerns about the spreading coronavirus sent investors running from higher risk assets, even after the US Federal Reserve slashed rates to zero and launched new quantitative easing.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Dollar falls in a broad range in Asia

The dollar fell against a broad range of currencies on Monday after the US Federal Reserve made another surprise interest rate cut and major central banks took steps to relieve a shortage of dollars and provide extra liquidity.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Loonie weakens

The Canadian dollar weakened against its US counterpart on Monday as measures taken by global central banks to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak failed to calm financial markets, with stocks and the price of oil tumbling.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

WHO chief calls for widespread virus testing as Europe locks down

The head of the World Health Organization called Monday for every suspected coronavirus case to be tested, as countries across Europe tightened their lockdowns and global stock markets tumbled again.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

War crimes convict Thomas Lubanga freed in DR Congo

A Congolese former militia warlord, Thomas Lubanga, has been set free after serving a landmark 14-year term for war crimes handed down by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Lubanga was greeted by about 100 supporters on his release from a jail in Kin

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Japanese man sentenced to death for murder of 19 at care home

A Japanese man was sentenced to death on Monday for the stabbing murder of 19 disabled people at a care home, in one of the country's worst mass killings. Satoshi Uematsu never disputed his involvement in the grisly rampage but his lawyers entered a plea

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Russian court backs Putin presidential 'reset' plan

Russia's Constitutional Court on Monday approved a package of amendments including a "reset" of President Vladimir Putin's previous terms, giving him the possibility to rule into 2036. The approval came just two days after Putin signed the reform bill, wh

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Pompeo warns China against 'outlandish rumors' on coronavirus

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned China on Monday not to spread disinformation on the novel coronavirus after an official in Beijing promoted a conspiracy theory on US involvement. Pompeo raised "strong objections" to Chinese efforts "to shift blam

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Pompeo warns Iraq it 'will not tolerate' attacks on Americans

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Iraq Monday the US would retaliate "as necessary" against any new assaults on Americans after a slew of rocket attacks. The United States last week launched airstrikes against an Iranian-allied paramilitary group foll

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

BBC sees audiences surge over coronavirus coverage

The BBC, under pressure from the government about its funding arrangements and impartiality, has seen a surge in audiences as a result of its coronavirus coverage, it said on Monday. In the past week, the average audience for its 6:00 pm (1800 GMT) news b

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Biden, Sanders campaign online on eve of crunch votes

Constrained by emergency anti-virus measures, Democratic presidential nomination hopefuls Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are campaigning in the virtual realm across four states where residents vote Tuesday for who they think should challenge Donald Trump in

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

CNN launches new channel in Brazil

CNN launched a new 24-hour cable news channel in Brazil Sunday, expanding its footprint in Latin America and looking to challenge the market dominance of long-time leader Grupo Globo. The new channel, CNN Brasil, is a "licensing partner" of CNN, meaning i

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

China allows detained Canadian ex-diplomat to call sick father

China has allowed a former Canadian diplomat detained for allegedly gathering state secrets to speak on the phone to his ill father, the foreign ministry said Monday. Michael Kovrig has been languishing in China's opaque legal system since he was apprehen

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

French actress Suzy Delair dies aged 102

French cinema actress Suzy Delair, who shot to fame in two classic movies during the 1940s, has died aged 102, a source close to her said on Monday. Delair, who also was one of the most celebrated figures of the Paris music hall scene in the 1940s and 195

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Togo parliament strips opposition challenger of immunity

Togo's parliament on Monday stripped a top opposition leader of immunity from prosecution, paving the way for him to face criminal charges for disputing the re-election of President Faure Gnassingbe.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Brief Recordings

Dynea Pakistan Limited

Dynea Pakistan Limited (PSX: DYNO) was established in 1982 as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 1913 (now Companies Act 2017). It has two production plants; one located in Hub, Balochistan and the other in Gadoon, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Updated 17 Mar, 2020 03:51am

Stocks

Cyber security:' Measures to protect insurance cos' data unveiled

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Monday issued the SEC Guidelines on Cyber Security Framework for the Insurance Sector, 2020 (Guidelines) specifying guiding principles for adoption of suitable cyber security measures to protect co

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Activities at Karachi and Port Qasim

The Karachi Port handled 141,691 tonnes of cargo comprising 80,037 tonnes of import cargo and 61,654 tonnes of export cargo including 2,969 loaded and empty containers during the last 48 hours ending at 0700 hours on Monday.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Russia's weekly grain exports jump on weaker rouble

Grain exports from Russia, the world's largest wheat exporter, rose sharply last week as the rouble weakened against the dollar, agriculture consultancy SovEcon said on Monday, citing data from ports.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Energy

US natural gas futures edge up on decline of oil output

US natural gas futures edged up on Friday on expectations the plunge in oil prices earlier in the week would cause oil and its associated gas production to drop, allowing demand to absorb much of the gas oversupply that has built up in recent years.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Euronext wheat futures slightly lower

Euronext wheat futures ended slightly lower on Friday, as a rebound from a six-month low petered out while traders awaited further developments over the coronavirus pandemic that has sparked panic in financial markets. Benchmark May milling wheat on Paris

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Strategie Grains lifts EU soft wheat export estimate

Consultancy Strategie Grains on Thursday raised its estimate for European Union soft wheat exports this season to take account of large sales from Germany, although French exports were revised lower as they lost competitiveness.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT soyabean futures lower on technical selling

Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures closed lower on Friday on technical selling, worries about export demand and improving weather in dry areas of Argentina that bolstered harvest prospects, traders said.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT wheat futures mostly higher

Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures closed mostly higher on Friday on technical buying and short covering and as global equity markets bounced following steep declines this week. CBOT May soft red winter wheat settled up 1/2 cent at $5.06 per bushel.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Canadian canola futures rise

ICE Canadian canola futures rose on Friday. The market rose on traders with short positions taking profits and was also supported by limited hedge pressure as farmers are not currently active sellers to commercial buyers, a trader said. May canola gained

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT corn futures narrowly mixed

Chicago Board of Trade corn futures ended narrowly mixed on Friday as a bounce in global equity markets helped grains to stabilize following steep declines this week, traders said.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

PMEX daily trading report

On Friday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited, PMEX Commodity Index closed at 3,770. The traded value of metals, energy and COTS/FX was recorded at PKR 10.193 billion and the number of lots traded was 13,022.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Partly Facetious : Hustle and bustle of our markets

"Ghabrana nahin, don't worry, so said The Khan."

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Water supply phase-II: WASA mega project to start soon: DG FDA

The construction work of WASA mega project of water supply phase-ll would be started very soon by the efforts of Punjab Government which would be completed at a cost of Rs 14 billion with the assistance of French Government.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

23 uplift schemes fall prey to P&D poor coordination: CM Secretariat

The provincial planning and development (P&D) department has badly failed to implement the orders of chief minister (CM) to clear new and on-going development schemes in the province by the end of February.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Mir Shakeel's arrest in land transaction case: LHC seeks report from NAB

The Lahore High Court on Monday sought a report from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by March 26 on a petition seeking release of Jang/Geo Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakeelur Rehman (MSR).

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Punjab to launch Rs 2.647 billion pilot shrimp farming cluster project

The Punjab fisheries department will soon launch 'pilot shrimp farming cluster' development project at a cost of Rs 2.647 billion on 2500 acres of land in the province.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Violation of 144: CCPO warns of action

In the wake of growing coronavirus cases across the country, the city police have warned the owners of cinemas and marriage halls that an indiscriminate action will be taken against them for violating Section 144.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

Threat of coronavirus: FBR limits interaction with business community

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has limited interaction with the business community due to growing threat of the coronavirus.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus cases still rising: Buzdar says mosques won't be closed in Punjab

While the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to 106 on Monday, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has announced that mosques will not be closed in Punjab.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Industrial areas; Clean water supply plant to be inaugurated on March 18

Due to the special efforts of the Minister for Industries and Commerce & Cooperative Department and Anti-Corruption Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, the operational and functional system of 5 MGD filter plant will be handed over to WASA Hyderabad on 18th March.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Pandemic alarm: Facilities available in SU examined

A high-grade team comprising medics from Contech International and Field Epidemiology Laboratory Training Program experts of the office of Provincial Disease Response Unit, Director General Health, Sindh visited Sindh University to ascertain the varsity's

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

'Faisalabad should export frozen vegetables to Denmark'

Faisalabad should further enhance textile exports in addition to exploring new opportunities for the export of frozen vegetables to Denmark.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Action taken against marriage halls, education institutes

To ensure compliance with the Punjab government's directives to prevent spread of coronavirus, the district administration is vigorously taking actions against marriage banquets halls hosting weddings and education institutes for continuing with classes.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Implementation of policies vital for pharma industry: CEO Bayer

Consistency and transparent implementation of policies will help enable the pharma industry to provide research-based products besides employment opportunities and transfer of technology, CEO and MD Bayer Pakistan, Dr Imran Ahmad Khan, said.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus challenge: NJPMC meeting to devise strategy for courts on Thursday

Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed Monday called an emergency meeting of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) on Thursday to devise effective strategy for courts.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

MATRIX learning management system; TME extends access from classroom to learner's home

The Millennium Education (TME)-a leading 21st Century Education System, has extended access from the classroom environment to the learner's home through MATRIX- Learning Management System that has digitized the learning process and will bridge any gap bet

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Ex-peace committee: Two volunteers killed in South Waziristan

Armed men gunned two volunteers of former peace committee here on Monday and escaped the scene of crime. Police said that two residents of village Shah Zamani of South Waziristan riding a motorcycle were on their way to Tank when four armed men ambushed t

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Nadra offices closed in Landi Kotal, Jamrud and Bara

As a precautionary measure to halt the spread of coronavirus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the district administration suspended holding of Jirgas and closed the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) offices in Landi Kotal, Jamrud and Bara on Mond

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

President leaves for China

President Arif Alvi on Monday left for a two-day visit to China along with senior ministers on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. A delegation, including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Planning, Development and Special In

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Telecommunication

SIMs data to be shifted to PTA for authentication, verification

The SIMs data currently secure at the Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs)' level is to be shifted to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for authentication and verification as the authority is reviewing SIM sale and authentication process, officia

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

CDWP forum approves concept clearance proposal to cope with COVID-19

A special meeting of the Concept Clearance Committee/CDWP was convened to initiate precautionary measures and approve the concept paper of "Pakistan National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19" in Islamabad.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

PMC hosts undergraduate medical research conference

The Peshawar Medical & Dental College (PMC), Peshawar here on Monday organized 13th national undergraduate research conference in which undergraduate students of more than 15 medical and dental colleges from across the country participated.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Anti-polio drive begins in 5 districts of KP

A sub-national immunization drive against polio is kicked off in five districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wherein more than 1.324 million children will be vaccinated against the crippling disease.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus; Ufone conducts awareness session for employees

Amid the growing threats of coronavirus, Pakistani telecom operator Ufone in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (Pakistan) conducted a public awareness session on coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Ufone Tower here to educate its employees abo

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

ATP chief for establishing justice based system, strong society

The Amun Taraqqi Party (ATP) chairman, Muhammad Faiq Shah while describing the downfall of social and ethical values as a national issue urged the youth and women to come forward and play their proactive role in establishment of justice based system, stro

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Losses, only losses

Three bits of news last week became the focus of a lot of attention in the media, social media and public exchange. First came the news of the arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Mir Shakilur Rehman, owner and Editor-in-chief of the Jang

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Body to monitor economic situation

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday constituted an inter-ministerial committee to monitor the economic situation on a daily basis in the context of coronavirus outbreak, and suggest preemptive measures to protect the economy from its negative impacts. The

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Senate chief seeks 'divine intervention'

Given the sharp rise in coronavirus positive cases in Pakistan in the last two days and an exponential rise in most parts of the world, Senate Chairperson Sadiq Sanjrani on Monday appealed to the nation to say a collective prayer on Tuesday (today).

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus: Government acquires IMF concession: Hafeez

Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has told media in an informal discussion in Islamabad that the Prime Minister had entrusted him with the responsibility of dealing with the economic impacts of coronavirus.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Number of cases in Sindh rises to 103: Situation emerging in Karachi 'dangerous': CM

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the number of novel coronavirous cases in Sindh have reached 103, including 76 cases of Sukkur/Taftan and 27 of Karachi. "I am not worried about the 76 cases of Sukkur because the pilgrims are living

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Taxes, duties: SBP to settle transaction fee claims in five days

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that it will settle the claims of transaction fee on payment of government taxes within five working days.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

MPS today: Interest rate likely to be cut by 200 bps

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will announce Monetary Policy for next two months on Tuesday (today). Independent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank will meet today at SBP head office Karachi to take a decision on key policy rate, which is

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Manipulation in sugar, flour prices: Cabinet members deplore CCP's 'poor' performance

The Cabinet members have reportedly expressed annoyance at the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) for its failure to protect consumers from manipulation in prices of sugar and flour (Atta), well-informed sources told Business Recorder.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Power Division set to face strictures: Cabinet meets today

The Power Division is all set to face another 'doomsday' in the Cabinet on Tuesday (March 17) during a presentation on power sector, and replies of questions sent by ministers on the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Social sector, water: Ecnec approves over Rs 101 billion projects

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) Monday approved over Rs 101 billion projects for social sector, water as well as to mobilize revenue through broadening tax base with modernization of the Federal Board of Reven

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Global banks pull out all stops as coronavirus paralyses economies

The US Federal Reserve and its global counterparts moved aggressively with sweeping emergency rate cuts and offers of cheap dollars to help combat the coronavirus pandemic that has jolted markets and paralysed large parts of the world economy.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

People should not panic: Dr Zafar

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza on Monday, while urging the people not to panic, confirmed 94 coronavirus positive cases in Pakistan. While addressing a press conference here, he said that people should not panic an

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

4th market halt triggered

Pakistan stock market witnessed a freefall after the opening of Monday session and the PSX had to trigger another market halt. It was fourth market halt during last few days due to panic selling on investor concerns over coronavirus spread. Trading at the

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

BRIndex100 sheds 266 points: PSX posts record single-day slump

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday nosedived to record worst-ever single day decline due to panic selling in all sectors by local and foreign investors on fears over coronavirus spread. BRIndex100 plunged by 266 points or 7.16 percent to close at 3,4

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

JWGs for Agriculture and science & technology: Pakistan, China to sign MoUs today

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that Pakistan and China would establish two new joint working groups (JWGs) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for agriculture and science and technology.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

July-February FDI jumps 75 percent YoY

The country fetched Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounting to $1.8 billion, up by 75 percent, during the first eight months of this fiscal year (FY20), supported mainly by massive inflows from China.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Progress of major sectors of economy reviewed

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired a meeting here at the Finance Division to review the progress being made by the major sectors of the economy, said a press release on Monday.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

PBC for urgent stimulus to deal with coronavirus challenge

The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) on Monday called for a 200 basis points (bps) cut in the policy rate and renegotiate the tax targets with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to make them commensurate with the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) capabil

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Refund, change of bookings: PIA waives off all charges

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced to waive off all charges pertaining to refund and change of bookings for travel to and from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to details, the management of the airlines has decided to facilitate its pas

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

PIA could shut all its operations

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will shut all its operations, if the flights for Saudi Arabia, China, Gulf and Europe sectors are not resumed in a couple of months, it is learnt.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

CCP's orders set principles of fair advertising

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)'s recent enforcement orders against firms engaging in deceptive marketing practices, set key principles of fair advertising, and serve as essential guidelines both for marketers and producers of goods and servi

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Pakistan postpones Bangladesh cricket fixtures over virus

Bangladesh's upcoming cricket tour of Pakistan was postponed on Monday as the coronavirus pandemic plays havoc with sports events across the globe.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

SC declares forced retirement of 13 KP judges 'null and void'

The Supreme Court on Monday declared the forced retirement of 13 judges of the lower courts of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa "null and void". A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, heard 13 judges of the KP subordinate courts.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

US begins first human trial of coronavirus vaccine

The first human trial to evaluate a candidate vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 has begun in Seattle, US health officials said Monday.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

India closes Taj Mahal to visitors

India will close the iconic Taj Mahal to visitors from Tuesday as part of measures to try and combat the coronavirus pandemic, the tourism ministry said on Monday.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Letters

What were those reasons?

Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has finally broken her silence. But she has cited 'personal reasons' behind her decision not to make political statements. What are those 'personal reasons'? She reportedly told media that she

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Few US shale firms can withstand prolonged oil price war

For the last five years, US shale oil producers have been battling suppliers for lower costs and running equipment and crews hard to drive drilling costs down by about $20 a barrel. The oil market rout last week, however, has left most shale firms facing

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Fake accounts case: Jamali's judicial remand extended till April 10

The Accountability Court hearing multi-billion-rupee fake bank accounts case on Monday extended the judicial remand of chairperson of the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, Khursheed Anwar Jamali, till April 10th. The jail authorities produced Jamali before

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

KCCI chief urges more steps to prevent COVID-19 outbreak

President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan has stressed that although the government, particularly Sindh government, has taken this threat very seriously and several measures have been adopted to restrict the pandemic d

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Malpractice of milk adulteration decreasing: PFA DG

Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Director General Irfan Memon claimed Monday that the ill-practice of milk adulteration is being gradually decreased due to a series of actions against the mafia on a daily basis.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Energy

220kV grid station energized at New Port Qasim

K-Electric's Chief Generation & Transmission Officer, Dale Sinkler officially energized the new 220kV grid Station located in New Port Qasim which is the 10th 220 kV grid station in K-Electric's (KE) fleet. This follows the recent construction and energiz

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

SHC CJ orders screening of prisoners

The Chief Justice of Sindh High Court (SHC), Justice Ahmed Ali M. Sheikh, on Monday ordered complete screening of inmates, prisoners and UTPs in prisons and lockups of Sindh due to the spreading of the novel coronavirus.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Gold prices reduced by Rs 1850 per tola

Gold prices on Monday nosedived by Rs 1850 per tola to Rs 89,000 on the local market, traders said. The yellow metal was tagged for Rs 76,303 per 10 grams, down by Rs 1587, and $1470 an ounce, down by $60 on the world market.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Emergency interest rate cut to bolster economy: Ismail Suttar

Following the twin shocks of COVID-19 and global oil price plunge, Pakistan's export-driven economy has signaled for immediate backing by the State Bank of Pakistan in the form of a policy-rate cut by as much as 3.5 percent to bring it down to single-digi

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

New academic year to commence from June 1st in Sindh

Sindh education authorities on Monday decided that the new academic year in the province will start from June 1. Addressing a press conference here in Karachi after chairing a meeting of the Programme Steering Committee, Minister for Education Saeed Ghani

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

COVID-19 can only be diagnosed through PCR based technique: AKUH

Dean Medical College, Aga Khan University of Health Sciences (AKUH) Dr Adil Haider has said COVID-19 is a new virus and can currently only be reliably diagnosed through a PCR based technique which requires a swab taken from the nose. He was addressing a n

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus: fruits and vegetables exports may sustain huge loss

The overall export of fruits and vegetables from Pakistan is likely to sustain huge loss of $ 150 million due to coronavirus. Waheed Ahmed, the Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Export Association (PFVA) has said that Pakistan is currently c

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus outbreak: HEC suspends walk-in mode of attestation

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has suspended walk-in mode of attestation and equivalence of degrees and diplomas in pursuance of the instructions by the government in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Dr Nazir appointed Dean Faculty of Social Sciences QAU

President Dr Arif Alvi has appointed Professor Dr Nazir Hussain as Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University for a term of three years.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Justice Syed Mazahar takes oath as SC judge

Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed administered the oath of office to Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi Judge, Lahore High Court, Lahore, as the judge of the Supreme Court on Monday at Supreme Court, Islamabad, in a simple and dignified ceremony.

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Fighting Covid-19 together

How surrealistic it is that deadly coronavirus (Covid-19) has played the role of a catalyst to thaw the long-frozen Pakistan-India relationship: India's prime minister Narendra Modi proposed a video-conference of fellow Saarc heads of government to hammer

Updated 17 Mar, 2020 01:00pm

'Power Division should restrict itself to policy implementation'

The ministry of power division should restrict itself to the policy implementation and empower the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) to solve the power sector issues, said the power sector experts. The government should also make permanent appointme

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Five killed, 20 hurt as bus overturns near Hub

At least five persons were killed and 20 other were wounded when a bus overturned in Wirab area near Hub in Balochistan province on late Sunday night. According to details, a bus bringing back devotees from Shah Noorani shrine to Karachi turned turtle whe

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Remittances exempted from withholding tax

The Finance Division has stated that remittances would henceforth be exempt from payment of withholding taxes, the objective being incentivizing the inflows of remittances. This raises the question as to whether a carte blanche to any amount of remittance

Updated 17 Mar, 2020 01:00pm

Hamdard Shura calls for uniform education system

The Hamdard Shura has called for uniform education system in the country. This suggestion was presented at a meeting of the Hamdard Shura held on the topic "Our education system and ever-changing global horizons" presided by former Justice Haziq-al-Khairi

Published 17 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Farooq Abdullah's release

It comes more than seven months since New Delhi revoked special status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and resorted to mass arrests to forestall backlash. Former chief minister of the state and a member of Indian parliament, Farooq Abdullah has been release

Updated 17 Mar, 2020 01:41pm

Previous Day

Forex
World
Commodity

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

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

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

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

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

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

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

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