The year 2024 ended more or less the same way it began, with Pakistan struggling to stay on course to stabilise its economy from the debilitating instability of the previous three years. The spectre of default retreated, inflation subsided after a ferocious three-year run starting from May 2021, the exchange rate found its moorings and the country went from one IMF programme to another with barely
The annual inflation maintained a sharp deceleration trend, hitting an 81-month low at 4.1 per cent in December due to a decrease in the prices of perishable food products. The current situation in Pakistan reflects disinflation, which signifies a slowdown in inflation. In contrast, deflation occurs when the general price levels decline. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the av
Pakistan’s merchandise exports slowed for the second consecutive month in December due to a steep fall in international demand, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday. The growth momentum picked pace in July owing to improved orders and stability in the exchange rate. Demand from North America and European countries is anticipated to pick up pace from Janua
Nine out of ten new cars sold in Norway last year were powered by battery only, registration data showed on Thursday, placing the country within reach of its target of only adding cars that are electric on the road by 2025. Fully electric vehicles accounted for 88.9 percent of new cars sold in 2024, up from 82.4pc in 2023, data from the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) showed. Top-selling brands
VEON Group, the parent company of Mobilink Bank, has invested $15 million in fresh capital to drive the bank’s strategic ambitions, through its parent. The capital investment will empower the bank to expand its offerings in micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) financing, explore Islamic banking, and accelerate its ongoing transition into a technologically advanced, future-ready digital ba