News Archives for Print - 2020-03-26

Print - 2020-03-26

NDRMF extends grant worth $50 million to NDMA

The National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) has provided grant financing of $50 million to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to deal with the spread of the COVID-19 in the country. The Board of Directors (BoDs) of the NDRMF followin

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Outflows of 'hot' money surge to $1.8 billion

Foreign investors divested some $1.8 billion investment from the government debt instruments during this fiscal year (FY20). Economists said that the global markets are witnessing disintegration due to COVID-19 panic and foreign investors are offloading t

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

PM explains why he's still against full-scale lockdown

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his hesitance towards imposing a full-scale lockdown in the country, and said that it would impact the economy drastically and the poor segments of society the most. The prime minister urged the leadership of all th

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Government seeks IMF loan to fight off coronavirus

Pakistan is in negotiation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek additional $1.4 billion fast-track and upfront payment package, said Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

PSX hammered by panic selling: BRIndex100 closes into red

Pakistan Stock Exchange Wednesday opened on a positive note, however failed to sustain this momentum and the index plunged into deep red. The exchange had to trigger another market halt to suspend trading for two hours. The declining trend continued even

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Government unveils three measures to stabilise stock market

The government's major reform measures announced Wednesday would result in stabilization of the capital market in the country. The government unveiled three major measures to support the capital market, ie, Capital Value Tax (CVT) on capital market transa

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

660MW Lucky electric coal-fired plant: Rs 750 million foreign financing for evacuation of power to be arranged

The government will arrange Rs 750 million foreign financing for "Evacuation of Power from 660 MW Lucky Electric Coal Fired Plant at Port Qasim" project. The project has been approved at the cost of Rs 1.315 billion, in which Rs 454 million would be finan

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Pakistan hails statement

Pakistan has welcomed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) joint statement of calling upon G20 countries to suspend debt payment of developing countries, and urged multilateral for relief on their debt.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Poorest nations: IMF, WB for suspending debt payments

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank on Wednesday called for governments to put a hold on debt payments from the world's poorest nations so they can battle the coronavirus pandemic. "The World Bank Group and the IMF believe it is imperative at t

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

ECC to approve increase in KE tariff today

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet which is scheduled to meet on Thursday(today) with Finance Adviser Dr Abdul Hafeez in the chair, will approve increase in tariff of K-Electric (KE) up to Rs 2.89 per unit to bring it at par with oth

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Government mulling giving relief to real estate sector

The government is examining the possibility of extending an amnesty scheme for the real estate sector, and revise excessive valuation of immovable properties. Sources told Business Recorder that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) however was not en

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Government unlikely to achieve target of privatisation of PSEs

The government is unlikely to achieve the target of privatisation of public sector entities as per commitment with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to current spread of coronavirus and subsequent restrictions on travel.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Shehbaz, Bilawal stage walkout

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President, Shehbaz Sharif, and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on Wednesday staged a walkout after Prime Minister Imran Khan left the meeting without listening to the speeches

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

At least 25 dead in attack on Sikh-Hindu temple in Kabul

At least 25 people were killed Wednesday in an attack on a Sikh-Hindu temple in Afghanistan's capital where worshippers were offering morning prayers, the latest brutal assault claimed by the Islamic State group. The incident highlights the country's ongo

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Introduction of Evs: ECC to consider giving incentives today

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) is all set to consider incentives package for the companies which will launch Electric Vehicles on Thursday (today). The Ministry of Climate Change in its summary argued that the proposed package in the NEVP aims

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

POL products' prices: Cut to cost kitty Rs 70 billion by June 30

The government has decreased by up to 38 per cent the rate of petroleum levy (PL) on High Speed Diesel (HSD) and petrol which will have a financial impact of Rs 70 billion by June 30. On Tuesday, the federal government announced to reduce the prices of al

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Shabbar will not resume duty as FBR chief

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, Shabbar Zaidi, will not resume duty as the FBR chairman. It was learnt on Wednesday that Shabbar Zaidi has conveyed to the secretary Ministry of Finance that he will not be able to resume duty as FBR chairman d

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Seven injured in LPG tank explosion

At least seven people sustained burn injuries after a tanker filled with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exploded in Shahdara on Wednesday. Police said the incident occurred apparently due to negligence of the driver who fled from the scene. When the tanker

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

KPT chairman removed

The federal government has removed Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar (Retired) from the post of Chairman Karachi Port Trust with immediate effect. The Established Division, Government of Pakistan has issued notification in this regard on Wednesday.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

8th market halt in two weeks

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Wednesday had to once again trigger the market halt to suspend trading for two hours. It was the 8th market halt during last two weeks. The PSX informed all market participants that due to 5.0 percent decline in KSE-30 Index,

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Three billion under lockdown: UN warns virus threatens humanity

More than three billion people are living under lockdown measures to stem the spread of the killer coronavirus that the United Nations warned Wednesday is threatening all of humanity. As the global death toll soared past 20,000 Spain joined Italy in seein

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Auto vendors decide to enter into medical devices industry

Auto vendors have decided to enter in the medical devices industry aimed to support the government's efforts to deal with coronavirus syndrome. In a letter to the Engineering Development Board (EDB), chairman Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Ac

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Letters

'Caring for the poor and vulnerable'

This is apropos a Business Recorder op-ed "Caring for the poor and vulnerable" carried by the newspaper yesterday. The writer, M Ziauddin, has extensively quoted from two different publications/ studies to explain his argument about what should the

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Coronavirus fallout revives talk of 'universal basic income'

The scoffed-at idea of paying everyone a basic income as machines take people's jobs is getting a fresh look as a possible remedy for economies cratered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Need for all-out reforms - II

The main aim of judicial reforms should be elimination of unnecessary litigation and facilitating smooth running of affairs between the State and its citizens. Once both learn to act within the four corners of law, there would be drastic reduction in liti

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Exports in the time of coronavirus

While we can't quite decide if we are too worried about coronavirus or not worried enough, the Government knows which way Exports are heading. Adviser Commerce, who last month was celebrating that month's growth numbers, is now projecting negative growth.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Pompeo's dash to Kabul

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dashed to Kabul in an unannounced visit on March 23, 2020, just one day after hopes for a breakthrough in the stalled intra-Afghan dialogue were raised by a Skype video conferencing exchange between the Taliban and Afghan

Updated 27 Mar, 2020 11:43am

Stimulus package

Prime Minister Imran Khan flanked by those members of his Cabinet, and Chairman National Disaster Management Authority, engaged in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 on the general public as well as the productive sectors, announced a 1.13 trillion rup

Updated 27 Mar, 2020 11:42am

Business & Economy

PCDA urges federal govt to remove hurdles in supply of pharmaceuticals

Pakistan Chemists & Druggists Association (PCDA) has appealed the federal government for removal of hurdles in the supplies of healthcare and pharmaceuticals goods during the lockdown.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Pakistan condemns terrorist attack on Kabul Gurdwara

Pakistan has strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul that has resulted in the loss of precious lives and resulted in injuries to several worshippers.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Former PU VC Dr Rafique Ahmad dies

A renowned economist and former vice chancellor of Punjab University, Professor Dr Rafique Ahmed, who was also a renowned activist of the Pakistan Movement, died here on Tuesday.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Precautionary lockdown enters third day in Peshawar

Precautionary lockdown to prevent outbreak coronavirus continued for third consecutive day, here Wednesday. However groceries, pharmacies and fruit and vegetable shops remained open to provide essential items to people.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

NDMA seeks Rs 5bn grant to cope with coronavirus crisis

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has asked Finance Ministry to release Rs 5 billion as technical supplementary grant to cope with the situation of coronavirus, well informed sources told Business Recorder.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus outbreak: Capital remains closed for third consecutive day

The federal capital wore a deserted look for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, ever since the Interior Ministry notified the deployment of Pakistan Army troops in all the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and t

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Joint efforts needed to fight against COVID-19: Mahmood

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Wednesday said that the provincial government has undertaken effective measures to combat against the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the medical staffs and facilities were available around the clock to

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

1-15th March: CAA incurred Rs 600 million loss: minister

Federal Minister for Aviation Division Ghulam Sarwar Khan said on Wednesday that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had incurred a loss of Rs 600 million during the time period of 1-15th March, which was expected to grow further.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

SC advises people to refrain from coming to courts

The Supreme Court advised the general public to refrain from coming to the courts since their lawyers can approach the apex court or other courts after taking precautionary measures and following the precautionary protocols. The court said the lawyers rep

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Twin cities confront acute shortage of wheat flour

Following the government decision to lockdown the country to deal with spreading coronavirus, an acute shortage of wheat flour has been created in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, while sugar price has further increased from Rs 4,000 per 50kg bag to Rs 4,100 per 50k

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Business community gives mixed response to PM's package

Business community has expressed mixed reaction on the Prime Minster's economic package and expressed hope of proper mechanism to ensure smooth transfer of financial relief to poor and needy.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

APNS AGM postponed

The Executive Committee of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society at its meeting held on March 16, 2020 had decided to convene the AGM on March 31 2020 at APNS House Karachi. In this respect the Agenda notice was issued on March 17 2020.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

APNS advises member publications

Hameed Haroon, President and Sarmad Ali, Secretary General APNS have stated that in view of the pandemic COVID-19, the member publications are advised to take necessary precautions in the production printing functions of their newspapers. This should incl

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

China donates 500,000 face masks to Sindh

The Chinese government has donated 500,000 face masks to Sindh government which were received by the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the Cargo Terminal here on Wednesday.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Banks told to issue 'fit for use' currency

In order to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) through currency notes, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has asked banks to quarantine the cash received from hospitals and clinics and ensure issuance of 'fit for use' cash to general public.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Murad approves purchase of COVID-19 testing machines, ventilators and other equipment

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved purchase of 290 ventilators, 3.2 million Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), 100 Rapid Kit Antigen Test Machines, 100,000 testing kits, 50 RT Lamp Testing Machines and 10,000 RT Lamp Kits and 29 port

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

KATI demands uninterrupted supply of raw materials

President of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) and former Chairman of Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) Sheikh Umer Rehan demanded uninterrupted supply of raw materials for ghee and cooking oil manufacturers.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Spreading of coronavirus: LHC questions inappropriate measures of agencies

"We are compelled to say that the position what the nation is now facing, is because of inappropriate measures of the government agencies," said a written order released on Wednesday by Lahore High Court full bench on the other day's proceedings on corona

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Finance Ministry shares details of stimulus package

The Finance Ministry has shared details of stimulus package of Rs 1,240 billion with the media on Wednesday saying that the package includes emergency response of Rs 190 billion, relief to the citizen Rs 570 billion, and support to business and economy of

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Renowned poet Iqbal Haider passes away

Iqbal Haider, a known poet of the country having created a niche for himself in the genre of Haiku passed away in Dallas (USA) Tuesday night, M Azmat Shigeyyuki Ataka, a close friend of the deceased told APP on Wednesday.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

City receives short spell of light rain

The city on Wednesday received a short spell of light rain, turning the atmosphere pleasant, as the Met Office forecast partly cloudy weather with chances of drizzle in the next 24 hours.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

T-bills margin declines on rate cut

The margin on short-term government securities further declined up to 140 basis points (bps) due to cut in key policy rate. The first auction of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs), after the announcement of monetary policy, was conducted by State Bank on Wednes

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Rs 100 billion package for SMEs demanded

Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) President Mian Zahid Hussain has urged the government to bring down the interest rate to zero as long as the coronavirus crisis lasts while the SME sector and traders should also be given loans on zero i

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Control spread of coronavirus: CDA, ICT, MCI directed to wash busy areas, roads with chemicals

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), the ICT Administration and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) have been directed to wash all markets, busy areas and major roads of the city with chemicals as well as to carry out cleanliness in all parts

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Restoration of employees: KP government asked to take action against officials for late plea

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to take action against officials who late filed an appeal against the Service Tribunal decision to restore two employees of the Education Department.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Sindh CM urged to stop police from harassing transporters

Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association (KWGA) Chairman Zulfiqar Ali on Wednesday expressed concerns over the stoppage of vehicles transporting food items by the police in the backdrop of lockdown.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Azeem Iqbal Pirani made CEO of Pak-Qatar Family Takaful

Pak-Qatar Family Takaful has announced appointment of Azeem Iqbal Pirani as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Azeem Pirani has been associated with the Pak-Qatar Takaful group (PQT) since its inception in 2007 and previously was serving as deputy chi

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

US conveys concerns on new social media regulations

The United States (US) has reportedly conveyed its serious concerns on the proposed new social media regulations with the possibility of Facebook and Pay Pal, social and e-commerce platforms, threatening to leave Pakistan, well informed sources in Ministr

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

Brazil posts widest current account deficit in over four years

Brazil's current account deficit widened and financial market outflows accelerated in February, figures showed on Wednesday, highlighting the country's deteriorating financial position even before any impact from the coronavirus outbreak has been felt.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

UK retailers fear biggest fall in sales since 2009

British retailers fear sales will slump next month at a rate not seen since the depths of the last financial crisis, as the coronavirus hits demand for almost everything other than food.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

US core capital goods orders point to worsening business investment downturn

New orders for key US-made capital goods fell sharply in February as demand for machinery and other products slumped, suggesting a deepening contraction in business investment that analysts said signaled the economy was already in recession.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Paapam offers manufacturing of medical equipment

The Pakistan Association of Auto parts and Accessories Manufacturers (Paapam) in a letter to the Engineering Development Board offered manufacturing facilities/expertise to develop miscellaneous medical equipment including ventilators.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Punjab government plans to rehabilitate cottage industry

Punjab government has formulated a plan for rehabilitation and strengthening the cottage industry across the Province.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus lockdown: Dairy farmers cut milk prices in Karachi

The Karachi Dairy Farmers Association has announced to decrease milk prices in the metropolis following the situation that emerged after the coronavirus pandemic.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Energy

KE suspends physical meter reading during lockdown

Committed to playing its due role in the fight to control the COVID-19 outbreak, K-Electric has decided to suspend physical meter reading in the interest of the safety of its employees, and that of its customers. In light of this, KE bills to its resident

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

SCCI chief for special monetary package for SMEs

The business community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here on Wednesday hailed the PM financial relief package and demanded to extend same special monetary package for small medium enterprises (SMEs) sector, which also adversely affected in wake of coronavirus pan

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

IHC CJ bars courts from ordering ex-parte proceedings

Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Athar Minallah Wednesday barred the courts to order ex-parte proceedings or dismissal of petitions for non-prosecution in the current situation of coronavirus outbreak.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

FBR clarifies

In the wake of corona epidemic and restricted movement of the people, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has Tuesday clarified that the taxpayers also have the facility to make payment of Customs Duty, Income Tax, Sales Tax and Federal Excise Duty through

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

BTW launches flagship store in Rawalpindi

By The Way - an emergent, avant-garde fashion house opened their store in the Saddar area of Rawalpindi. This premier event opened doors for the people of Rawalpindi to view the brands outstanding, contemporary clothing and accessories available at afford

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

EFU Life introduces 'COVID-19 Care'

EFU Life has always placed its clients first. With the current pandemic COVID-19, it has become paramount to the Company to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its clients, employees and communities. Staying true to our promise of serving the people of Pak

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Punjab government brings ordinance for prevention of infectious diseases

To deal with lock down violations in Punjab, the Punjab government has imposed heavy fines and in extreme cases imprisonment and empowered government machinery to take stern actions against violators under The Punjab Infectious Diseases Prevention and Con

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus crisis: HEC seeks proposals from researchers

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has sought proposals from universities, institutions and individual researchers on ideas to address the coronavirus crisis. This was decided on Tuesday in a special video meeting of HEC's senior management.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Pakistan will touch absolute water scarcity line by 2025: study

Pakistan will touch the absolute water scarcity line by 2025 if population continues to grow at the present rate and continual stress on water resources remains unabated, said a research conducted by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PC

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Cotton & Textile

APTMA, PRGMEA urge govt to fix interest rate at 5pc for industry

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association and the Pakistan Ready Made Garments Manufacture and Exporters Association on Wednesday appealed to the prime minister, advisor to prime minister on finance and advisor to prime minister on commerce, industry and

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Street vendors selling unhygienic face masks

Unhygienic face masks are on sale in the city without any check as the street vendors are making maximum money due to the situation prevailing in the wake of coronavirus.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Punjab CS orders free movement of goods transport

Punjab Chief Secretary Azam Suleman Khan has directed the district management across the province to ensure free movement of goods transport to province as well as districts to maintain supply of daily use commodities. The chief secretary was briefed that

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Economy's destruction posing bigger threat than coronavirus: Shahbaz

Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly and president Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shahbaz Sharif has said that COVID 19 has shaken the entire world and the 'destruction of economy' is emerging as a bigger threat than coronavirus.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Business community hails PM's relief package

The business community Wednesday widely hailed Prime Minister Imran Khan's financial relief package worth around Rs 1.2 trillion to ward off the negative impact of coronavirus on the country.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Doctors, nurses and paramedics: Buzdar announces 'Special Risk Allowance'

Announcing 'Special Risk Allowance' for doctors, nurses and paramedics, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Bazdar on Wednesday urged the people to play their role in the war against COVID-19 by adopting precautionary measures.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

UAF starts online classes to facilitate students

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad has started online classes to facilitate the students at home enabling them continue their academic work without visiting the varsity. Thousands of students have been registered at the online classes.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Partly Facetious : PM deserves praise

"Did you hear the latest?"

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Oil importing states may be hit by second-round effects: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that owing to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, oil importing regional countries would likely be affected by second-round effects, including lower remittance inflows and weaker demand for goods and services

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

PIA to operate four int'l flights on humanitarian grounds

Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has announced that it will operate four international flights on humanitarian grounds to facilitate safe return of the stranded passengers. According to a PIA spokesman, the national flag carrier will operate three fli

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Domestic flight operation only for Gilgit, Skardu: CAA

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has suspended domestic flight operations except Gilgit and Skardu from March 26, 2020.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Sindh government to distribute food items amongst needy: minister

Sindh Minister for Information, Local Government, Housing & Town Planning, Religious Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that the Sindh government would distribute essential food items amongst the needy people during the period o

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Brief Recordings

Leiner Pak Gelatine Limited

Leiner Pak Gelatine Limited (PSX: LPGL) was established in 1983 jointly with P. Leiner & Sons Great Britain Limited, as a public limited company.

Updated 26 Mar, 2020 04:35am

Mozambique insurgents stage second major attack in three days

Suspected jihadists on Wednesday staged a second brazen attack in northern Mozambique in three days, seizing and destroying a police station, sources said.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus

Prince Charles, the eldest son and heir to Queen Elizabeth II, is showing mild symptoms of the new coronavirus but "otherwise remains in good health", his office said on Wednesday.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Zimbabwe's nurses strike

Thousands of hospital nurses in Zimbabwe went on strike Wednesday over a lack of protective gear and water shortages days after the country reported its first coronavirus cases, their union said.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Five die in Mali, Burkina

Two soldiers in Mali and three civilians in Burkina Faso died in suspected jihadist attacks in the Sahel on Tuesday, a day after Islamist rebels killed scores of troops in Chad, security sources said.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Quake hits off Russia's Kuril Islands, prompts tsunami alert

A 7.2-magnitude quake hit off Russia's Kuril Islands on Wednesday, prompting local residents to seek higher ground due to a brief tsunami threat, authorities said.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Turkey charges 20 along two Saudis over Khashoggi murder

Turkish prosecutors on Wednesday charged 20 suspects including two former top aides to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the brutal 2018 murder of Riyadh critic Jamal Khashoggi.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Nine EU leaders urge joint borrowing in Europe

Nine EU countries, including France and Spain, on Wednesday called for eurozone countries to jointly issue debt in order to fight the devastating impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Four killed in Mogadishu suicide bombing

At least four people were killed and seven others wounded on Wednesday when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a tea shop near a security checkpoint in Somalia's capital, police said.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Spain buys 432 million euros in medical equipment from China

Spain has signed a multi-million-euro contract with China to acquire medical supplies to fight the coronavirus epidemic, Health Minister Salvador Illa said Wednesday.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Germany bars foreign farm workers over virus

The German government said it was barring entry to seasonal workers from abroad from Wednesday to stem the coronavirus outbreak, potentially leaving farmers with a dire shortage of manpower to harvest crops.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Canada lawmakers pass coronavirus aid package after all-night session

Canadian lawmakers Wednesday morning approved an Can$82 billion (US$57 billion) aid package to help individuals and businesses through the pandemic, after all-night negotiations on what emergency powers to grant the minority government.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

German parliament passes 1.1trn euro virus rescue package

Germany's parliament voted through Wednesday a package of measures worth almost 1.1 trillion euros ($1.2 trillion) to shield Europe's largest economy from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Hubei residents rush to leave China virus epicentre as lockdown lifts

Huge crowds jammed trains and buses in Hubei province on Wednesday as people seized their first chance to travel after two months under lockdown at the epicentre of China's coronavirus outbreak.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Canadian canola futures flat

ICE Canadian canola futures ended flat on Tuesday, after earlier touching a nearly three-week high for the nearby contract, lifted by strength in soyaoil.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT soyabean futures higher on technical buying

Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures closed modestly higher on Tuesday on technical buying and worries that the coronavirus outbreak will slow shipments of soya from Brazil and Argentina, traders said.

Published 26 Mar, 2020 12:00am

PMEX daily trading report

On Tuesday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited, PMEX Commodity Index closed at 3,478.

Published 26 Mar, 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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