Category: Featured

LAHORE: Despite relative calm on the policy front, Pakistan’s economy continues to face serious risks stemming from both global and domestic challenges, industry leaders warned on Wednesday, urging the government to act with realism, transparency and urgency to protect the fragile recovery achieved so far. Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Patron-in-Chief Mian Sohail Nisar said that economic vulnerabilities remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions and unresolved local issues, while delays in reforms are increasing pressure on the system. “Many risks linked to the economy are still at a…

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LAHORE: The High Commissioner of Mauritius, Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, has said Pakistan’s global image does not reflect the reality he observed during his visit, noting that the country is far more beautiful than portrayed and that he will work to present its positive image internationally. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, he made these remarks during a visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Sehgal said Pakistan and Mauritius enjoy long-standing relations, but bilateral trade remains far below potential. He said both sides…

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KARACHI: Trading remained choppy on Wednesday at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as the market struggled to find clear direction amid a mix of positive economic developments and sector-specific concerns. The benchmark KSE-100 index ended slightly in the red, reflecting investor caution and a consolidation phase following the recent upside. The index oscillated between the intra-day high of 171,393 and low of 169,230, before closing at 170,314, down 133 points, or 0.08%. On the external front, Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus of $100 million in November 2025, a notable…

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has sought the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) support in addressing power sector debt repayment challenges and in building confidence among private investors. According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, Leghari met with a delegation of the ADB led by Leah Gutierrez, Director General, Central and West Asia Department. Leghari briefed the delegation on key challenges facing the power sector. He highlighted constraints in financing, issues related to rupee cover and high upfront costs. He added that the government…

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KARACHI: Pakistan’s Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) index rose to 104.8 in November 2025, up from 103.9 in October, according to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Similarly, the Pakistani rupee edged up 0.01% against the US dollar, closing at 280.27 in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. Furthermore, the SBP held an auction for Pakistan Investment Bonds (Fixed Rate), with settlement scheduled for December 18, 2025, covering two-year (zero coupon), three-year, five-year, 10-year, and 15-year (zero coupon) tenors. Total bids stood at Rs2.488 trillion in face…

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Consumer confidence in Pakistan fell sharply in the first quarter of FY2025–26, reflecting caution among households even as overall sentiment remains stronger than last year. The Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 86.4 from 96.2 in the previous quarter, a decline of 10.2%. Compared to the same period last year when it stood at 72.9, the index is up 18.5%, indicating that broader stabilization is holding despite short-term fluctuations. The Pakistan Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for Q1 FY2025-26, released in December 2025, provides a comprehensive assessment of household sentiment across the country. Prepared by D&B Pakistan in collaboration…

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