News

Global trade continues to undervalue women’s contributions: UN agency

The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has stated that global trade despite progress continued to undervalue women’s contributions, and their share of domestic value added to exports remains lower than men’s in all regions. Statistics released to mark the International Women’s Day show women still contribute less to exports across all sectors, Closing the gap requires expanding their

Debt rollover by China gives govt breathing space

China has extended the repayment period of a $2 billion loan to Pakistan by one year, offering much-needed financial relief and helping stabilise the country’s foreign exchange reserves. A senior official at the Ministry of Finance confirmed the development on Saturday, calling it a key financial support measure from China. The $2bn loan, originally due for repayment on March 24, has now bee

‘Insecure’ wheat growers switching to other cash crops

The removal of government support prices, along with low domestic rates, has affected the current sowing season, causing wheat farmers to switch to more profitable vegetables and cash crops, such as mustard and pulses. The Country Brief on Pakistan, published by the UN Food and Agri­cu­lture Organi­sation (FAO), says the area planted declined year-on-year since the government removed the minimu

Oil marketing companies warn of collapse over forced refinery quotas

Indicating a substantial cut in prices of petroleum prices by this weekend, the oil marketing companies (OMCs) have opposed the forced signing of ‘Take or Pay’ agreements with local refineries, arguing that the clause would unfairly burden them with financial risks. The dispute comes amid reports that price of petrol could decrease by Rs12 per litre and of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs8 per lit

Shares at PSX climb more than 1,400 points on IMF review optimism

Bulls took control of the trade floor at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as shares climbed more than 1,400 points on Thursday. The benchmark KSE-100 index climbed 989.51 points, or 0.88 per cent, to stand at 113,243.27 at 11:56am. By 12:35pm, the index increased 1,253.77 points, or 1.12pc, to stand at 113,507.53 from the previous close. Finally, the index closed at 113,713.17, up by 1,459.