News

FY25 ends with mixed industrial trends

The cement industry ended FY25 on a subdued note as domestic sales declined by 3pc to 37.017 million tonnes, down from 38.181m tonnes in the previous year. However, exports surged by 39.5pc to 9.204m tonnes from 7.110m tonnes, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA). Overall cement despatches — combining local sales and exports — registered margin

Financial advisers for ZTBL appointed

The Board of the Privatisation Com­mission approved the ap­­pointment of financial advisers for the divestme­nt of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL) on Thursday, marking it as one of the government’s priority transactions in the current privatisation pipeline. The decision made during a board meeting led by Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, represents a significant adv

Petition against PIA sell-off dismissed

The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench on Thursday dismissed a petition challenging the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), removing a key legal roadblock in the government’s ongoing efforts to divest its majority stake in the loss-making national flag carrier. Justice Jawad Hassan issued a short order rejecting the petition, stating that detailed reasons would be shar

Digitalisation key to transparent economy: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday stressed the need for implementing the digital transaction system across the country, insisting that it is vital to bring transparency to the economy. Chairing a weekly meeting on cashless and digital economy at the Prime Minister’s House, he emphasised the need to facilitate payments between citizens and businesses and raise awareness about the use of

Business leaders warn of strike over ‘draconian’ tax law

The Karachi Cham­ber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday expressed full support for a complete nationwide strike if all chambers unanimously oppose Sections 37A and 37B of the Sales Tax Act, terming them “draconian” and detrimental to the business environment. Speaking at a press conference at KCCI, President Jawed Bilwani said the chamber, along with all seven industrial associations,