In these early signs of economic stability, current policymakers often cite the increase in KSE 100 levels as a sign of investor confidence. While this is correct, many blue-chip companies are trading at a fraction of their peak dollar valuations reached during the MSCI Emerging Market-induced euphoria in 2017, as well as the post-COVID interest rate cut-led rally in the summer of 2021. Can increa
Solar prices have dropped by 15% to 25% due to widespread imports and increased supply relative to consumption in the country. This has made solar panels available at historically low levels in the local market for consumers. Faisal Bawani, the importer of solar panels of leading brands, told The Express Tribune that the cost of solar panels per watt has further decreased by Rs7 to Rs13 in the las
Pakistan’s cotton yarn exports to China reached $166.37 million, an increase of 65.85%, in the first quarter of 2024, according to statistics of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC). In the first quarter (January-March) of the current calendar year, imports of “uncombed single cotton yarn containing 85% or above” (commodity code 52051200) from Pakistan
When Pakistan’s government imposed restrictions on imports to reduce the country’s trade deficit in 2022, it did not deter the inflow of goods – it encouraged substitutes and possibly smuggling, which is growing at 18% annually. In particular, the large-scale manufacturing firms and multinational companies were negatively impacted, whereas small-scale firms and commercial importers managed to f
The toll from over 80% of sick units has significantly impacted all key sectors nationwide. The escalating closures of these units have left millions of skilled and semi-skilled workers, along with professionals, jobless due to the high costs of doing business, including steep gas and electricity tariffs. The proliferation of sick units has stunted industrial growth and eroded the quality of li