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Food security minister insists there’s no shortage of sugar in country: report

National Food Security and Research Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said on Monday that there was no shortage of sugar in the country, state-owned Radio Pakistan reported . Speaking at a press conference, the minister rejected reports that the commodity was being sold at Rs180 per kilogramme. Contrary to the rates announced by the prime minister and several government attempts to maintain reta

MoU for agri financing

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL) and HBL Zarai Services Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote financial inclusion and enhance agricultural services for farmers nationwide. This collaboration aims to facilitate the farming community in adopting innovative agricultural technologies and practices to improve farm productivity and livelihood of the rural populace. The pres

Oil prices rise 1pc on Trump move

Oil prices gained one per cent on Monday as US President Donald Trump said he will impose a 25pc tariff on countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela. Price gains were capped, however, as the US gave oil producer Chevron until May 27 to wind down its oil operations and exports from Venezuela. Trump had initially given Chevron 30 days from March 4 to wind down that licence. The two moves t

ADB advises merchant adoption, digital payments

Calling for regional cooperation to mobilise climate finance and ease political tension and restrictions to foreign direct investment, the Asian Development Bank has advised Pakistan to go for full merchant adoption and digital payment systems. In its ‘Asian Economic Integration Report 2025’ released on Monday, the Manila-based lending agency noted that the Asian region had a greater potential

Shehbaz eyes agriculture revival to lift economy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday vowed to revitalise the country’s agriculture sector, achieve food self-sufficiency, and boost farm exports. “In the next few years, an agricultural revolution can be brought to Pakistan if the federal government, in collaboration with provinces, provides reasonably priced inputs to farmers. The country needs a conducive environment to exploit the agri po