News

PIA bidder proposes reinvestment of proceeds

In an attempt to expand footprint into new sectors of the economy including aviation and corporate farming, renowned businessman Arif Habib has proposed that the government should reinvest the proceeds from the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) back into the national carrier, as the state will continue to hold a 49% stake. Arif Habib Corporation is part of one of the six co

Budgeting chaos

‘STABILISATION’ is the favourite word of mainstream economists. The IMF loves it, and has recently hinted that Pakistan’s economy has ‘stabilised’ enough for it to dole out another three-year handout close to the $6 billion that our finance czars have been craving. I cannot understand what has been stabilised, except if a slight dip in inflation from over 30 per cent to something like 20pc is a

Unsettled times

DID anybody else find it strange that the government would postpone the announcement of its own budget in order to schedule a trip to China that, it says, is for garnering investments? A trip with that itinerary could easily have waited till after the budget, especially given that the budget is critical before an IMF deal can be finalised. It’s especially puzzling given the trip took precedence

Pakistan taking steps to improve governance, PM Shehbaz assures potential Chinese investors

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was taking steps to improve governance, increase the tax net and ensure ease of doing business to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), state-run Radio Pakistan reported. During a meeting with China Exim Bank President Dr Wu Fulin in Beijing today, the premier said the results of reform measures had started appearing as the “inflation i

First cherry shipment sent to China

Pakistan exported its first batch of fresh cherries to China using a reefer container and projected a total quantity of 260 tonnes by the end of this month. An official announcement from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) said the first cargo was six tonnes, followed by 12 tonnes, beginning Monday and lasting until June 30. The country’s success in exporting the fruit is due