News

Petrol, diesel prices likely to drop by up to Rs3 per litre

The prices of major petroleum products — petrol and high speed diesel (HSD) — are estimated to go down by Rs2 to Rs3 per litre with effect from Nov 1 for a fortnight, after a minor reduction in global prices. Informed sources said the average prices of petrol and HSD decreased in the international market by about $1.5 and $2.5 per barrel, respectively, in the last fortnight. Depending on final

Thar coal can produce gas ‘cheaper than LNG’: study

The gas produced from Thar coal would be cheaper than the imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and could help reduce the price of fuel and electricity for residential and commercial users, according to a new report. Currently, the coal mined from Thar is being used to produce electricity and not gas. However, laboratory tests have shown that the mineral is suitable for gasification and can be u

All-time high: 1,700-point surge takes PSX past 88,000 on hopes of rate cut

Bulls continued their stampede on the trade floor at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday as shares breached the 88,000 milestone. The benchmark KSE-100 index initially gained 851.11 points, or 0.98 per cent, to stand at 88,045.64 points from the previous close of 87,194.53 points at 10:56am. By 1:17pm, it rose further, cumulatively gaining 1.36pc, or 1,189.31 points. Finally, it close

Inconsistencies and disconnects

While it played a crucial role in liberalising the economies of the communist bloc, it now appears to support heavy-handed regulation and price controls in a developing country like Pakistan. Such inconsistencies raise questions about the adaptability and relevance of IMF programmes in different contexts. In our case, the domestic market continues to influence the pace, pattern and level of gro

Economy under the gavel

MAYBE this is a good time to recall the Reko Diq judgment delivered by one of the most exalted and hailed chief justices of the Supreme Court. Or should we recall the Dam Fund instead, along with threats to charge with treason those who dared to criticise the effort? Remember that fiasco, run by a chief justice who probably relished the limelight more than any of his predecessors? Or maybe an a