News

Foreign exchange reserves reach 26-month high

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rose by $33 million, reaching a 26-month high of $9.43 billion for the week ending August 30, 2024, according to the central bank's latest update. The continued growth in reserves over the past six weeks has bolstered the domestic currency, which appreciated by Rs0.10 to Rs278.67 against the US dollar in the interbank

Experts urge reforms in ports and shipping policies

Experts in Pakistan's blue economy believe that revitalising the maritime sector and adopting business-friendly policies could be a game-changer for the nation's economy. With 70% of global trade managed by ships, Pakistan's three major ports have the potential to transform the country's economic fate—provided that mismanagement, poor governance, and high port dues are addressed. Muhammad Najib

Centre, provinces owe Rs2.56 trillion to DISCOs

The federal and provincial governments collectively owe more than Rs2.56 trillion in unpaid bills to the electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) across the country, official documents available with The Express Tribune revealed on Wednesday. There are 12 DISCOs across the country – Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco); Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco); Hazara Electric Supply

Stocks stay flat on economic uncertainty

Pakistani shares showed a mixed performance on Thursday as mid-session profit-taking by institutions on economic uncertainty trimmed early gains, but the benchmark index managed modest gains. Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation said investor concerns about weak data for fertiliser and oil sales in August, uncertainty over IMF terms to secure a $7bn Extended Fund Facility, and talk of mini-b

Fragile stability

FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has once again contended that ‘Pakistan is heading in the right direction’, conceding the urgency of securing external financing for the approval of its $7bn bailout package by the IMF executive board. His recorded address was broadcast amid further delays in the approval of the facility by the board, at least until the middle of this month, because of the co