News

Exports fall 12.5pc as demand dips in August

Pakistan’s merchandise exports slipped back into negative territory in August, fuelling concerns among policymakers over weakening international demand and the country’s eroding competitiveness in global markets. This marks the fourth contraction in the last five months, with July offering only a brief respite through marginal growth. The persistent decline reflects mounting pressure on the cou

Business tycoon Rafiq M. Habib passes away at 88

Prominent business tycoon Rafiq M. Habib has passed away aged 88, Habib University (HU) said on Wednesday. Rafiq was the former head of the House of Habib conglomerate, HU’s chancellor, and a member of Stile company’s board of directors. He was also the chairman of the Habib University Foundation. “With profound sorrow, Habib University mourns the passing of its founding chancellor, Rafiq M.

SBP chief sees GDP expanding 3.25-4.25pc

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has projected GDP growth between 3.25 and 4.25 per cent for FY26, based on improved macroeconomic indicators. However, the textile sector has warned that high production costs and policy constraints are undermining its global competitiveness, despite the improving economic outlook. Speaking at the annual meeting of the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) on Tuesda

Neelum-Jhelum project ‘a failure of planning, execution’

The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has declared the Rs507 billion Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project a failure in terms of objectives, planning and execution, saying it neither secured Pakistan’s water rights nor delivered the designed energy output, as its multiple tunnel faults and collapses have raised serious questions about the quality of work on a project of national importance. In its p

Senate panel warns IT ministry over telecom boards’ secrecy

A parliamentary committee on Tuesday warned officials of the Ministry of Information Technology that a privilege motion could be moved against them after they refused to disclose the names of board members of state-owned telecom entities. The warning was issued by Senator Palwasha Khan, chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, after the special IT secretary declined to sh