News

Pakistan must act fast to unlock $8bn mining potential

Pakistan’s mining sector has the potential to significantly increase its contribution to the national economy, with revenues projected to rise from $2 billion to $6-8bn annually by 2030, provided the country capitalises on its vast untapped mineral reserves. In a keynote address at the Natural Resources and Energy Summit 2025 on Wednesday, Shamsuddin A. Shaikh, CEO of National Resources Ltd (NR

Maritime plan positions Gwadar as regional hub

Pakistan has reaffirmed its focus on integrating the New Gwadar International Airport with the port as part of the five-year Maritime Affairs Action Plan (2025-2029), aiming to transform Gwadar into a regional trade and transit hub. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Wednesday. The plan, aligned

Government raises Rs200bn out of Rs1tr bids

The government exceeded its borrowing target in the treasury bills (T-bills) auction held on Wednesday, raising Rs201.8 billion against Rs175bn, but kept cut-off yields largely unchanged. The auction saw bids surpassing Rs1tr, though the amount raised remained within the targeted range. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), a total of Rs1,071bn in bids were submitted, with the governme

Islamabad, Tehran sign protocols, eye $10bn trade

Pakistan and Iran have signed a series of crucial protocols aimed at dismantling tariff and non-tariff barriers, expanding electricity exchanges, and strengthening communication channels to increase bilateral trade volume significantly. The protocols were signed at the conclusion of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Tehran. Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and

Sugarcane crop faces growing pest threat

Pyrilla and whitefly infestations have become a significant threat to sugarcane production across Pakistan due to rising humidity levels. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has warned that delays in controlling these pests could cause irreversible damage to the crop. The ministry has urged sugarcane growers to take immediate preventive and control measures. Farmers are advised