A major structural change is quietly reshaping Pakistan's rice economy – one with consequences far deeper than seasonal prices or export statistics suggest. Across Punjab, including traditional Basmati zones, Chinese hybrid rice is rapidly replacing open-pollinated varieties. What is often presented as progress driven by higher yields is, in reality, evolving into a serious policy failure with imp
Pakistan's total public debt remained Rs17 trillion higher than the maximum statutory limit set by Parliament to ensure fiscal discipline during the last fiscal year, but the government has still managed to reduce refinancing risks by extending the tenor of domestic loans. The Debt Policy Statement 2026 disclosed that, against the maximum permissible debt limit of 56% of Gross Domestic Product
Asian shares mostly followed Wall Street futures into the red on Monday as chaotic trading in precious metals made for a nervous start to a week that is packed with corporate earnings, central bank meetings and major economic data. Silver lost another 5% at one stage, as Friday’s 30% plunge squeezed leveraged positions in what had become a very crowded trade. Dealers also said pressure on the
A delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) mission visited Mardan to review the construction progress of the ongoing Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and directed the concerned authorities to ensure its early completion. The delegation also visited the office of the Water and Sanitation Services Company Mardan (WSSCM). On this occasion, a special meeting was held under the joint chairman
The growing economic stability and reforms initiatives have further strengthened global investors trust in Pakistan. According to Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad, Pakistan’s stronger financial position is further enhancing the country’s global economic standing. In a statement, he said the participation of a large number of international institutions and investors in the vir