News Archives for Print - 2020-04-07

Print - 2020-04-07

WB, DFID pledge $14 million to combat Covid-19 in KP

International development partners including the World Bank (WB) and Department for International Development (DFID) have come forward to extend emergency support to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the aftermath of COVID-19 outbreak.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Speaker for quick and complete recovery of Larijani

The National Assembly Speaker, Asad Qaiser, has inquired about the health and well-being of Dr Ali Ardeshir Larijani, speaker of the Iranian Consultative Assembly through a letter addressed to the Iranian speaker, said a press release issued on Monday.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

PSX ends in deep red: BRIndex100 plummets

Pakistan Stock Exchange Monday opened on a positive note, however lost this momentum and closed in deep red due to panic selling on investor concern over rising number of coronavirus patients and slowing down economic activities.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

US braces for 'hardest' week in virus battle

The coronavirus threatened Americans with their hardest week in living memory on Monday and put Britain's prime minister in hospital, despite early signs that some of Europe's hardest-hit countries may be turning a corner.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Government vows to ensure availability of PPE across country

The Special Advisor to Prime Minister (SPAM) on National Health and Regulations, Dr Zafar Mirza, on Monday said that the government would provide all personal protection equipment (PPE) to the health professionals dealing with the coronavirus patients acr

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Relief Fund: Tax exemptions to be approved by cabinet today

The federal cabinet, which is scheduled to meet on Tuesday (today) with the prime minister in the chair and will formally approve tax exemptions on the funds to be extended to the Prime Minister's Covid-19 Pandemic Relief Fund 2020, till June 30, 2021.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Tareen removed from agriculture task force chairmanship

In a surprising move, Jahangir Khan Tareen, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, was removed on Monday as chairman of a task force on agriculture after a high-powered inquiry committee established that he remained one of beneficiary in the sugar cri

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Punjab food minister resigns

Punjab Food Minister Sami Ullah Chaudhry tendered his resignation on Monday over his alleged inaction on carrying out reforms in the provincial food department.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Wheat, sugar crises: Inquiry reports trigger cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced major reshuffle in his cabinet and replaced portfolios of some ministers following an inquiry committee reports on wheat and sugar crises, leading to a string of clarifications and justification by some of them.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

P/L statement: SECP extends major relief to companies

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Monday extended a major relief to all companies including mutual funds from submission of certain information in filing of Statement of Profit or Loss, as on March 31, 2020.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Kachhi Canal project: Ministry decides to hand over inquiry to NAB

Raising questions on the capacity of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in probing procedural, technical and financial irregularities of mega projects, the Ministry of Water Resources has decided to hand over inquiry of Kachhi Canal Project to the Nat

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

J.P Morgan CEO calls 'bad recession'

J.P Morgan Chase & Co's top boss, Jamie Dimon, on Monday said he sees a "bad recession" in 2020, and that the largest US bank could suspend its dividend if the coronavirus crisis deepens.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Thousands of Pakistanis in UAE seek to return home

More than 20,000 Pakistani workers stuck in the United Arab Emirates are seeking to return home, as the Gulf Arab state tightens restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Nausheen Javaid made FBR chief

The federal cabinet Monday approved appointment of Nausheen Javaid Amjad as the new chairperson of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

War against coronavirus: CJP calls for greater unity

The Supreme Court said, at the time of calamity, there is a need for national consensus, and all the political parties should be on one page in the war against the coronavirus.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

US brands white supremacists as foreign terrorists

The United States on Monday branded a Russian far-right group as a foreign terrorist organization, the first time it has targeted white supremacists with tools regularly used against jihadist groups.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Helpline launched: SBP warns bank customers against fraudsters

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a helpline for banks' customers and warned the people against fraudsters calling for personal information citing situation under COVID-19.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Inter-ministerial body to roll out EV policy

The Cabinet has withdrawn its decision of March 26, 2020 with respect to Electric Vehicle (EV) policy and decided that inter-ministerial committee constituted by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet should complete the task, sources in

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

SBP launches 'RFCC' for hospitals, medical centres

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced more flexibility under Refinance Facility for Combating COVID-19 (RFCC) to further facilitate hospitals and medical centres engaged in fight against COVID-19.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Flagrant violation of lockdown: RTO calls back 440 taxmen

At a time when government lockdown is enforced amid coronavirus outbreak in Pakistan, the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Islamabad has called back around 440 employees including all officials and staff to report for making the tax machinery of the federal capi

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Ehsaas Emergency Programme: Over 34 million messages received for aid: Sania

The distribution of Rs200 billion among the 12 million deserving families under the Ehsaas Emergency Programme would start in the ongoing week as part of the federal government's initiative to financially support the downtrodden segments of the society in

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

PD likely to retain Lodhi as CEO CPPA-G

The Power Division has reportedly decided to retain Abid Latif Lodhi as chief executive officer (CEO), Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G), well-informed sources told Business Recorder.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

General mask use OK where hand-washing, distancing hard: WHO

The WHO said Monday that asking the general public to wear facemasks could be justified in areas where hand-washing and physical distancing were difficult, but warned masks alone could not stop the coronavirus pandemic.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Letters

Exporters' plight

Our factories are closed since the 20th of March. As we are pure exporters we are entirely dependent on foreign markets which are highly competitive. A lot of orders have already been cancelled. Those that have not been cancelled, will not be shipped on t

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Articles

As Germany reels from coronavirus, some officials debate impact on banks

As Germany rolls out a 750 billion-euro economic stimulus package, officials and experts are discussing whether German lenders, including Deutsche Bank AG and Commerzbank AG, will be able to weather the economic fallout of coronavirus without state help.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Beaten all ends up: Humanity dumbfounded against coronavirus

It seems that the entire world has come to a standstill with uncertainty and fear ruling the roost. Even a light sneeze is enough to cause panic among people, who have never seen such times before ever, and it does seem as if we have come to the end of ti

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Targeting the poor and vulnerable

The Coronavirus is going to have an adverse impact on the living standard of millions of families in Pakistan. Households which are already poor will suffer further deprivation. As the GDP growth rate plummets and actually falls in absolute magnitude, the

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Food distribution

Distribution of food and funds in Pakistan where one-fourth of population lives below the poverty line is a huge challenge, particularly now when Covid-19 has created a whole set of impediments. Here not only time is of the essence but who qualifies for t

Updated 08 Apr, 2020 06:49am

Matter of industry workers and wages

The government's concern for industry workers is heartening, especially its instructions that they be paid full wages despite the shutdown. It will be impossible to maintain the quarantine if too many people's worries about food and bills force them out t

Updated 08 Apr, 2020 06:48am

Telecommunication

PTA for rationalising tax regime for ICT sector

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recommended to the government to rationalise tax regime for information and communication technology (ICT) sector, and cut taxes on consumers of mobile phones and telecom operators to encourage new invest

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Number of Covid-19 cases reach 340 in KP

The number of confirmed Corona virus cases has climbed to 340 while total number of suspects reached to 1211 while 15 persons have been died of the virus. This was told during a meeting of the Provincial Task Force (PTF) constituted on Corona virus in the

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

128 stranded Pakistanis repatriated from Uzbekistan by PIA flight

The Embassy of Pakistan, Tashkent successfully repatriated 128 stranded Pakistani nationals from Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, through a special flight of Pakistan International Airlines. As a humanitarian gesture, the same flight also brought back

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Developing countries: Qureshi for restructuring of debt to help fight pandemic

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has emphasised the need for restructuring of the debt of the developing countries to help them fight the COVID-19 pandemic with their own resources.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Bhara Kahu, Shahzad Town unsealed by ICT

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration on Monday unsealed those areas of the capital from where maximum number of people was earlier tested positive for coronavirus following the advice of the Ministry of Health Services.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

SoPs violation: Five branches of banks sealed in Peshawar

District administration Peshawar on Monday sealed five branches of commercial banks over violation of the standard operation procedure (SOPs) announced by the KP government for the prevention of coronavirus outbreak.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

CDA to take possession of 450 kanal land in Park Enclave-II

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Monday decided to take possession of 450 kanal land in Park Enclave-II. In a meeting presided by the chairman CDA, instructions were issued to take over the vacant land as all pending matters were reported by the

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Contempt petition filed by PMDC Registrar: IHC summons health secretary, deputy commissioner

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday summoned secretary Ministry of Health and the deputy commissioner Islamabad in a contempt petition filed by the Registrar Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

PM responsible for wheat, sugar crises: Khaqan

Former prime minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday blamed Prime Minister Imran Khan as responsible for the sugar and wheat crises, saying "the 'mafia' sitting right on the table of the federal cabin

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Parliamentary body briefed: 2,000 additional ventilators will be sought from China

Economic and paramedics team on Monday briefed the Parliamentary Committee on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) about the latest economic and health situation in the country due to spread of coronavirus.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Energy

CNG sector requires urgent bailout package: APCNGA

The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Monday said that the CNG sector was collapsing due to the economic slowdown, and it required an urgent bailout package from the government.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

All industries having residential colonies will be allowed to function: minister

Sindh Minister for Information, Local Government, Housing & Town Planning, Religious Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that although the Sindh government was adhering to the social distance policy, even then the supply of essen

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

NKATI leaders urge government to give soft loans

A. Moiz Khan and Nasim Akhtar, patron-in-chief and president respectively of the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI), have urged the government to protect workers' jobs and save them from starvation by providing soft loans to the expor

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

WAN-IFRA urges PM to release Mir Shakil immediately

In a letter to Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, WAN-IFRA and the World Editors Forum called for the immediate release of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman while the decision on whether to take his case to trial is made.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Police clash with doctors protesting lack of virus protection gear

Riot police wielding batons used force to break up a protest by doctors and medical staff against a lack of gear to protect against coronavirus, arresting dozens of medics who say the government has failed to deliver promised supplies.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Mayor says he will lead doctors' protest

Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar on Monday said that local bodies representatives could play a vital role in the current circumstances and become the chief minister's team, but the Centre and Sindh are neglecting the third tier of government.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Rain, thunderstorm likely in upcountry: Met

Rain with wind-thunderstorm is expected in parts of the upcountry in the next 24 hours, the Met Office said on Monday. It said that rain and wind-thunderstorm are likely in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad and Kashmir. Hailstorm is also expecte

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

SOPs being prepared for post-lockdown period: Sindh CM

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the threat of COVID-19 has completely changed our lifestyle, therefore his government is preparing Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for each and every sector, including mosques, educational instit

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

PALPA threatens to stop cooperating with PIA

Pakistan Air Line Pilots Association (PALPA) has threatened to withdraw all cooperation with the management of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) if federal minister for aviation Ghulam Sarwar Awan did not intervene to ensure protective measures for th

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

KU receives 7,000 N95 facemasks from Chinese university

The University of Karachi on Monday received as many as 7000 N95 facemasks from the Sichuan Normal University of China. The masks were handed over by the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at University of Karachi Professor Zhang Xiaoping to the

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Nine coronavirus cases in Quaidabad: No action so far for immediate closure of OPDs in vicinity

Despite the directives issued by Sindh government to close OPDs at government and private hospitals and restrict the movement of inhabitants at Quaidabad after identifying nine COVID-19 cases, no action has so far been witnessed in the vicinity.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Energy

SSGCL, SNGPL: Significant cut in prices of imported RLNG notified

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Monday notified a significant reduction in the prices of imported Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) for the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGCL) and the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) for the mo

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Alkhidmat, JI workers carry out spray in Gole Market

As a part to combat COIVD-19, Alkhidmat with support of workers of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) district central carried out disinfectant task in Gole Market Nazimabad area. Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman JI Karachi also took around the area during the anti-coronavi

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Cotton & Textile

Towel exports up by 1.45 percent in July-Feb 2019-20

Pakistan's export of towels grew to $524.207 million during July-Feb 2019-20, up by 1.45 percent, official figures say. Export of towels was $516.695 million during July-Feb 2018-19, which is less by $7.512 million comparing to July-Feb 2019-20 period of

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Resumption of industrial activities: Sindh government urged to accelerate defining process of SOPs

President of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI), Sheikh Umer Rehan has urged Sindh government for no further delay in process defining Standard operating procedure (SOPs) for resumption of industry during the current lockdown restrictions.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Bilour wants fresh agreements of IPPs and deal with Qatar

A senior leader of the United Business Group, former ANP senator, Ilyas Ahmad Bilour has strongly reacted over statement of the Prime Minister Imran Khan about Jahangir Tareen and Khushro Bakhteyar after surfacing of investigation reports regarding flour

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

Tractor assemblers demand ST refunds to save industry

The tractor industry has urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan to take notice of imminent near collapse of tractor manufacturers as entire tractor industry including its 350 vendors are currently closed down and need a government stimulus for re

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Karachi Package: Federal government released funds totally for two-third of projects

The federal government released allocated funds for various development projects in Karachi Package totally except three projects in the first nine months of the current financial year.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

PAJCCI lauds govt's step for opening Torkham, Chaman borders

Chairman Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zubair Motiwala has said that it is commendable to observe that despite economic and health-related challenges, the Government of Pakistan is keenly strategizing for a sustaina

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Punjab CM visits Central PCR Lab

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar visited the Central PCR Lab set up by Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department at Birdwood Road for coronavirus tests on Monday.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Punjab government extends lockdown period till April 14

The Punjab government has extended the lockdown date till April 14th following rapidly increasing coronavirus threat across the province. According to a notification issued by the home department, Punjab on Monday, Additional Chief Secretary Home Momin Ag

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Qureshi holds telephonic conversation with SCO secretary-general

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday held a telephone conversation with the secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Vladimir Norov, and exchanged views on adopting an effective strategy to contain the COVID-19 pandemic

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Slowdown impacts: Government urged to take economic measures

In order to save the economy from the impacts of the slowdown in the world economy due to the COVID-19, the government should take economic measures to keep industrial wheels running and save the livelihood of millions, including disbursement of all outst

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

Construction sector: FBR may place incentives in Cabinet meeting today for final approval

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has finalised the notification relating to incentives to the construction sector which is likely to be placed in the cabinet meeting on Tuesday (today) for a final approval, said official sources.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Energy

Domestic consumers: SNGPL allows payment of bill in installments

In the wake of Coronavirus outbreak in the Country and in line with the directive of Government of Pakistan, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has permitted domestic consumers to pay bill in installments.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Two more die of coronavirus in Punjab

Two more coronavirus patients died in Punjab on Monday, taking the total death toll in the province to 15. The total number of COVID-19 cases crossed the mark of 1,684 in the province after 191 new cases were detected in the last 24 hours.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

CM announces 20 percent fee waiver for students of private schools

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Monday announced 20-percent fee waiver for all the students of private schools in the province amid lockdown due to coronavirus.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

PPA fears short supply of poultry products

Due to reduced consumption and price crash, broiler farmers have reduced placement of day-old chicks at their farms as a result of which hatcheries had almost stopped setting eggs for chick production.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

PCMA for exempting chemical industry from Section 144

The chemical industry has urged the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh to exempt chemical manufacturing units from Section-144, otherwise production of over 23 essential items including exportable products of textile, garments and leather industri

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

PTAA chief sends SOS to PM for clearance of IT funds

Javed Iqbal Qazi, chairman Pakistan Tax Advisors Association, (PTAA) has approached Prime Minister Imran Khan for clearance of unpaid income tax refunds of local manufacturers and businessmen engaged in domestic activities, pending for the last many years

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

PICT account: SCB client goes digital

Standard Chartered Pakistan has collaborated with Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT), to provide them an efficient virtual accounts solution that has enabled them to continue their collection services in these times of social distancing and

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Secretary Balochistan PA resigns

Sardar Hussain, Secretary Balochistan Provincial Assembly, has tendered his resignation from his post in a letter sent to the Speaker Balochistan Provincial Assembly Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

Covid-19 outbreak: SECP issues guidelines to insurance policyholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued guidelines to the insurance companies to ensure continuity of services to insurance policyholders during coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Brief Recordings

ICI Pakistan Limited

ICI Pakistan Limited (PSX: ICI) boasts a long history; its establishment precedes the formation of Pakistan. It has several line of business such as manufacturing of Polyester Stable Fibre (PSF), Soda Ash which is used in the manufacturing of glass, paper

Updated 07 Apr, 2020 05:52am

Global Business Economy

Argentina defers up to $9.8 billion in debt payments until 2021

Argentina is deferring payments of up to $9.8 billion on its local public debt in response to the coronavirus crisis, the government announced in a decree published Monday.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

Iran says European barter system 'good omen' but insufficient

Iran on Monday welcomed the launch of a European barter system to bypass US sanctions as a "good omen" but said it was insufficient in light of the Europeans' commitments. Britain, France and Germany said last week they had carried out the first transacti

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

UK car sales dive 44 percent

New car sales in Britain dived 44 percent last month as the country's lockdown triggered by the coronavirus outbreak shut show rooms, industry data showed Monday. It comes as UK-based research group, the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR),

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

EU approves UK 50 billion pound scheme for virus-hit firms

The European Union gave the go ahead on Monday to a British scheme to provide a 50-billion-pound (57-billion-euro) "umbrella" to shield private businesses from the coronavirus epidemic.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

EU imposes tariffs on glass fibre from China, Egypt over dumping

The European Union will impose tariffs of up to 99.7% on glass fibre producers in China and Egypt that it accuses of selling at unfairly low prices, in a closely watched and rare case involving Chinese companies operating abroad.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Early signs of China recovery: IMF

The global recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be worse than in 2009, but early signs of a recovery are appearing in China, including renewed pollution, IMF economists said Monday.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

IT & Computers

Apple to ship 1 million face shields a week

Apple has said it will soon be producing one million face shields a week for medical workers battling the coronavirus pandemic. The tech giant had already sourced 20 million surgical masks from around the world to help address a global shortage, chief exe

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

Volkswagen loses 'damning' dieselgate UK class lawsuit

German car giant Volkswagen faces the threat of a hefty "dieselgate" payout in Britain after a court Monday ruled in favour of more than 90,000 VW drivers whose vehicles cheated emissions tests.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Global Business Economy

Eurozone investor morale hits all-time low

Investor morale in the eurozone fell to an all-time low in April and the bloc's economy is in deep recession due to the coronavirus, which is "holding the world economy in a stranglehold", a survey showed on Monday.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Monster storm strengthens in Pacific, lashing Vanuatu

A deadly Pacific cyclone intensified as it hit Vanuatu on Monday, threatening a natural disaster that experts fear will undermine the impoverished nation's battle to remain coronavirus-free.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Wisconsin forges ahead with vote despite health concerns

National Guard members will man some polling stations and voters in more than 100 municipalities will have nowhere to cast their ballots as the US state of Wisconsin holds elections on Tuesday despite the coronavirus epidemic.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Mumbai hospital shut after surge in cases among staff

A major private hospital in Mumbai was shut to new patients and declared a coronavirus containment zone on Monday after 26 nurses and three doctors tested positive, an official said.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Brazil minister offends China with 'racist' virus tweet

China demanded an explanation from Brazil Monday after the far-right government's education minister linked the coronavirus pandemic to the Asian country's "plan for world domination," in a tweet imitating a Chinese accent.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Canadian actress and activist Shirley Douglas dies

Canadian actress and civil rights activist Shirley Douglas died Sunday at the age of 86, her son actor Kiefer Sutherland said. Douglas died following a bout of pneumonia, Sutherland wrote on Twitter, specifying that it was not related to the novel coronav

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

March 2020 among hottest on record: EU

Temperatures last month were among the hottest on record for March, the European Union's satellite monitoring service said Monday, with particularly extreme warm weather over Russia, home to much of Earth's permafrost.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

US warns China not to 'exploit' virus for sea disputes

The United States on Monday warned China not to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to exert itself in the South China Sea after Vietnam said Beijing sank a trawler.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

PMEX daily trading report

On Friday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited, PMEX Commodity Index closed at 3,718. The traded value of metals, energy and COTS/FX was recorded at PKR 6.385 billion and the number of lots traded was 20,536.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Thai rice export prices soar to seven years high

Thai rice export prices soared to their highest in seven years this week on expectations of a sales boost after top exporter India went into a lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus and main rival Vietnam temporarily banned new export contracts.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Euronext wheat steady after two-week low

Euronext wheat edged higher on Friday, steadying after a near two-week low a day earlier in line with a rebound in Chicago, while traders awaited the outcome of a latest import tender by Algeria.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Freight rates in Asia at highest since 2008

Freight rates for smaller long-range (LR) vessels to move naphtha and other clean oil products from the Middle East to Japan have hit near 12-year highs, Refinitiv data showed, driven by a demand surge for floating storage to combat oversupply.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Activities of Karachi Port and Port Qasim

The Karachi Port handled 216,239 tonnes of cargo comprising 59,168 tonnes of import cargo and 157,071 tonnes of export cargo including 2,549 loaded and empty containers during the last 48 hours ending at 0700 hours on Monday.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Cotton & Textile

Cotton market: Ginners hope for more concessions

In the absence of normal physical activity on the cotton market these days, the ginners were hoping for more effective measures and concessions for better production in near future, some dealers said on Monday.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT soyabean futures fall to 2-week low

Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures fell to a two-week low on Friday, posting the first weekly drop in three weeks as the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted global supplies and stoked concerns about weakening demand, traders said.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Gold demand soars in major Asian hubs

Physical bullion markets in major Asian hubs saw a sharp divide this week with some regions seeing a surge in demand, while others grappled with strained supply and muted activity amid global lockdowns due to the coronavirus.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

Most Middle Eastern stocks gain

Most Middle Eastern stocks ended higher on Monday, reflecting positive global market sentiment cheered by a slowdown in coronavirus-related deaths and new cases. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index gained 1.6%, with Al Rajhi Bank rising 1.3% and oil giant Saud

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

Nikkei up over 4 percent

Tokyo's key Nikkei index closed more than four percent higher on Monday as investors reacted positively to reports suggesting a slowing daily death toll from coronavirus in Europe.

Published 07 Apr, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

European shares jump

German shares jumped 5.8% on Monday to lead a strong bounce in European shares as a slowdown in coronavirus deaths raised hopes that nationwide lockdowns may gradually be eased.

Published 07 Apr, 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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