The European Union has warned Pakistan not to take its GSP+ status for granted. Olof Skoog, the EU Special RepÂresentative for Human Rights who is currently on a week-long visit to Pakistan, has also urged the government not to use military courts to pursue cases against citizens, and opposed recent moves to restrict freedom of expression. Talking to Dawn, he said he had conveyed these messa
High-speed diesel (HSD), petrol and kerosene are estimated to increase by up to Rs6 per litre on Friday for the next fortnight owing to higher international prices. Informed sources said the ex-depot petrol price was estimated to go up by Rs2-3 per litre depending on the final calculation on Jan 31. Kerosene and diesel prices are estimated to rise by about Rs6 per litre. The estimates are ba
Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday came under pressure and registered hefty losses as the benchmark KSE-100 index dropped nearly 1,500 points, extending its downturn from the previous day. Analysts attributed the bearish trend to the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) cautious policy rate cut, high core inflation and mounting economic risks. Adding to the negative sentiment included poor f
Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari, addressing an event in Islamabad, announced the government's plan to auction surplus electricity to industries. This initiative, aimed at stimulating industrial growth and creating employment opportunities, was detailed in a press statement by the Ministry of Energy on Tuesday. According to the statement, Leghari emphasised that surplus electricity would
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday advised Pakistan to stay on course and show some patience amid growing demand from the private sector to open up the economy to create jobs and reduce unemployment. Pakistan "needs to stay on course, remain committed to programme objectives and at the same time needs to have a little bit of patience," remarked Mahir Binici, IMF Resident Represent