The Red Sea trade crisis has led to a 150% surge in freight charges in Pakistan, posing a significant threat to the export of major commodities, including textiles, rice, and fruits and vegetables. Speaking to a group of journalists on Tuesday, All Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA), Chairman, Aasim A Siddiqui revealed that freight charges have, on average, risen from $1,500 per container to
Pakistan on Tuesday made a pitch for a $30 billion foreign and local investment in gas production aimed at puncturing a ballooning energy import bill projected to nearly double to $31 billion in seven years in a business-as-usual scenario. The appeal was made to foreign investors in presence of interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. I
Hinopak Motors Limited (HML) posted a loss after tax of Rs244 million for the nine months ending December 2023 compared to profit after tax of Rs10m a year ago, the company said on Tuesday. This led to a loss per share of Rs9.83 against earnings per share of Rs0.41 in the same period last year. Hinopak’s sales of trucks and buses shrank to 240 units from 780, while revenue fell to Rs5.48bn f
THE success of general elections on Feb 8 hinges significantly on voter turnout, impacting both the democratic process and the public cost incurred. A robust participation rate, besides strengthening democracy, will validate the allocation of valuable resources, both human and material, invested in this extensive nationwide endeavour. A low voter turnout could escalate the cost per voter — a
After the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) barred the caretaker government from moving ahead with its controversial plan to restructure the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar said the restructuring roadmap approved by all stakeholders will be ‘operationalised’ by the elected government. The caretaker minister revealed this plan during a televised