News

Minister proposes ‘DG security’ position in TDAP

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal has proposed the creation of a post of “director general for security” within the trade promotion organisation to oversee security protocols for high-profile events. The minister made the proposal during the Trade Development Authority’s board meeting on Thursday. The meeting, attended by TDAP Chairman Zubair Motiwala and key board members, covered an extensive 14-po

European Central Bank delivers fourth straight rate cut

The European Central Bank cut interest rates for the fourth time this year on Thursday and kept the door open to more easing as the euro zone economy is dragged down by political instability at home and the threat of a fresh US trade war. The ECB has been easing policy quickly for months as inflation worries have largely evaporated. The debate is now shifting to whether it is cutting rates fast

Govt yet to appoint financial advisers for five power firms

The government has yet to appoint any financial adviser for three power distribution companies (Discos) and two generation companies (Gencos) selected for the first round of privatisation. The Power Division disclosed this before the Senate Standing Committee on Power which expressed displeasure over the absence of Power Minister Awais Leghari and Secretary Power Dr Fakhre Alam despite prior co

KCCI seeks 400bps cut in SBP policy rate

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani has urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to reduce the policy rate by 400 basis points in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting as inflation witnessed sharp deceleration to 4.86 per cent in November. Drastic policy rate cuts would align real interest rates closer to sustainable levels and make borr

Provinces told to pay Rs150bn dues to avoid power cut

The federal government on Thursday asked all the four provincial governments to clear their electricity bills amounting to Rs150 billion in order to avoid power cuts and financial loss to the national economy. In separate letters, Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari sought personal intervention of the four chief ministers to help clear dues outstanding against their departments. He warne