News

Auto sales jump 36pc in July, August amid uncertainty

Despite plant shutdowns and uncertain economic and political situation, the sales of cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), pickups and jeeps jumped 36 per cent to 17,288 units in July-August compared to 12,671 in the same period last year. According to the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) data released on Tuesday, the sales of these vehicles remained flat, posting a meagre

Unplanned power subsidies impede $7bn bailout

Punjab’s unplanned power subsidies have emerged as the second most significant impediment to Pakistan’s much-anticipated $7 billion bailout from the Intentional Monetary Fund (IMF). In July, Pakistan reached a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) for a new 37-month $7bn Extended Fund Facility. However, the agreement will take effect following the IMF Executive Board meeting, which has yet to be placed o

China’s Huawei unveils world’s first triple-folding phone with hefty price tag

Chinese tech giant Huawei on Tuesday unveiled its new smartphone, billed as the world’s first trifold phone, hours after US competitor Apple lifted the curtain on its new iPhone built for AI. The Mate XT was officially launched in a keynote presentation by Huawei executive Richard Yu at the firm’s headquarters in the southern city of Shenzhen. Originally designed as a premium phone for a nic

Oil near 3-year low on weak demand outlook

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures fell below $70 a barrel on Tuesday for the first time since December 2021, after Opec+ revised down its demand forecast for this year and 2025. Brent crude futures were down $2.62, or 3.65 per cent, at $69.22 a barrel at 1:14 p.m. EDT (1715 GMT). US West Texas Interm­ediate (WTI) crude lost $2.90, or 4.22 per cent, to $65.81. Both benchmarks dropped b

Digital inclusion pathway to economic equality

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said on Tuesday that digital inclusion is a pathway to economic equality and called on the private sector to actively contribute to driving change in Pakistan. The minister remarked at the event titled Shaping Tomorrow: Private Sector Engagement in Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. UN Women Pakistan hosted the event. The minister highlighted the c