BR100 Decreased By (-0.7%)
BR30 Decreased By (-0.77%)
KSE100 Decreased By (-0.53%)
KSE30 Decreased By (-0.55%)
BECO 5.66 Decreased By ▼ -0.02 (-0.35%)
BML 63.53 Decreased By ▼ -1.31 (-2.02%)
BOP 33.60 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
CNERGY 8.14 Decreased By ▼ -0.10 (-1.21%)
DCL 11.40 Increased By ▲ 0.05 (0.44%)
FCCL 52.18 Decreased By ▼ -0.73 (-1.38%)
FCSC 5.52 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
FFL 17.75 Decreased By ▼ -0.05 (-0.28%)
FNEL 1.30 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
HUMNL 11.20 Decreased By ▼ -0.04 (-0.36%)
KEL 7.88 Decreased By ▼ -0.09 (-1.13%)
KOSM 5.63 Increased By ▲ 0.19 (3.49%)
MLCF 85.75 Decreased By ▼ -0.26 (-0.3%)
NBP 184.00 Decreased By ▼ -1.00 (-0.54%)
PACE 11.68 Decreased By ▼ -0.34 (-2.83%)
PAEL 40.30 Increased By ▲ 0.09 (0.22%)
PIAHCLA 25.87 Increased By ▲ 0.14 (0.54%)
PIBTL 17.05 Decreased By ▼ -0.27 (-1.56%)
PPL 224.70 Decreased By ▼ -0.60 (-0.27%)
PRL 34.60 Increased By ▲ 0.22 (0.64%)
PTC 64.19 Decreased By ▼ -1.27 (-1.94%)
SEARL 90.40 Decreased By ▼ -0.11 (-0.12%)
SSGC 26.56 Decreased By ▼ -0.20 (-0.75%)
TELE 9.08 Increased By ▲ 0.12 (1.34%)
THCCL 67.23 Decreased By ▼ -2.21 (-3.18%)
TPLP 11.40 Increased By ▲ 0.09 (0.8%)
TREET 24.70 Increased By ▲ 0.15 (0.61%)
TRG 71.14 Decreased By ▼ -0.53 (-0.74%)
WAVES 10.91 Decreased By ▼ -0.54 (-4.72%)
WTL 1.27 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.78%)
Archive - 2016-12-31
Australia kicks off global New Year party defying terror threat
World Top News

Australia kicks off global New Year party defying terror threat

SYDNEY: Australia rang in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display in Sydney, sending rainbow-coloured showers into the night sky and defying the global terror attacks that cast a pall over 2016.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 08:18pm
Early birds flock at Times Square for New Year's Eve revelry
World Top News

Early birds flock at Times Square for New Year's Eve revelry

NEW YORK: New York City is preparing for a veritable sea of humanity to converge on Times Square on Saturday for the annual descent of the New Year's Eve ball, a century-old tradition that will unfold this year under an unprecedented blanket of securi
Published 31 Dec, 2016 05:51pm
Tennis: Nadal wins fourth UAE title
Sports

Tennis: Nadal wins fourth UAE title

ABU DHABI: Rafael Nadal ended an injury-plagued 2016 on a high by lifting the Mubadala World Tennis Championship title for a fourth time on Saturday.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 05:39pm
Merkel says terrorism is biggest test for Germany
World Top News

Merkel says terrorism is biggest test for Germany

%DERLIN: Terrorism is the biggest test facing Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday in a New Year's address to the nation, and vowed to introduce laws that improve security after a deadly attack before Christmas in Berlin.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 01:50pm
Year-ender: Top internet searches of 2016
Arts

Year-ender: Top internet searches of 2016

The year 2016, was a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty and surprises, with events of Brexit, and Donald Trump rise to become the President of USA, ruling the world s politics, and Samsung explosion drama sending shockwaves to the tech industry, 2016 was t
Published 31 Dec, 2016 01:41pm
93 journalists killed in 2016: press watchdog
Front Top News

93 journalists killed in 2016: press watchdog

%DRUSSELS: Ninety-three journalists and media staff were killed around the world in the course of their work in 2016, with Iraq and Afghanistan the deadliest countries, siad the International Federation of Journalists.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 01:17pm
Tapping into tourism
Miscellaneous

Tapping into tourism

Earlier this week, this column highlighted the need to adopt a sectoral and country-wise approach to finding solutions for weak exports and FDI (See BR Research column Forex troubles: Need a closer look, published December 28, 2016).
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:36pm
It's the linkages
Miscellaneous

It's the linkages

Businesses frequently are quick to blame the government for most of their problems; crying foul on their inefficiency and burdens of bureaucracy.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:35pm
Tapping into tourism
Miscellaneous

Tapping into tourism

Earlier this week, this column highlighted the need to adopt a sectoral and country-wise approach to finding solutions for weak exports and FDI (See BR Research column "Forex troubles: Need a closer look," published December 28, 2016).
Published 31 Dec, 2016 10:14am
Paralympian Swimmer by Alex Coppel
Featured Photos

Paralympian Swimmer by Alex Coppel

Photo Credit: Alex Coppel%D%AParalympian Ahmed Kelly powers through the water, with his prosthetic legs by the side of the pool.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 09:37am
Stunning Adventure Photography by Max Muench
Featured Photos

Stunning Adventure Photography by Max Muench

Photo Credit :Max Muench%D%AMax Muench is a talented 24-year-old freelance photographer, pianist and traveler currently based in Berlin, Germany.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 09:32am
PSX emerges as best market in Asia with 46pc return
Top News

PSX emerges as best market in Asia with 46pc return

%D%ARECORDER REPORT%D%A%D%AKARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange has emerged the best market in Asia as the benchmark KSE-100 index gained 46 percent (45 percent in USD) in the calendar year 2016 as compared to last 10 years average return of 20 percent (15 pe
Published 31 Dec, 2016 09:30am
Ben Brown's Man & Shark
Featured Photos

Ben Brown's Man & Shark

Photo Credit : Ben Brown%Den Brown is a talented self-taught photographer, filmmaker, youtuber and adventurer currently based in London, UK.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 09:25am
Two blasts in central Baghdad kill at least 25
World Top News

Two blasts in central Baghdad kill at least 25

BAGHDAD: Two bombs exploded at a busy market in central Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 50, police and medics said.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 08:29am
Nishan-e-Imtiaz awarded to COAS, CJCSC
Front Top News

Nishan-e-Imtiaz awarded to COAS, CJCSC

ISLAMABAD: An award ceremony for the top military leadership of the country was held on Saturday at the President House.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 07:37am
Nisar vows to continue probes 'whether anyone likes it or not'
Front Top News

Nisar vows to continue probes 'whether anyone likes it or not'

FAZAL SHER%D%AISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan came down hard on Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Friday, saying that relevant departments will continue investigating all corruption cases "whether anyone likes it or not".
Published 31 Dec, 2016 07:09am
SBP says data signal growth momentum
Front Top News

SBP says data signal growth momentum

RIZWAN BHATTI%D%AKARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is expecting that GDP growth will further strengthen during this year as the initial assessment indicates the economy is moving on its growth trajectory, amid some challenges.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 07:00am
Mourinho reveals Depay exile
Football

Mourinho reveals Depay exile

MANCHESTER: Jose Mourinho admits he has dismissed Memphis Depay from his plans because of the Dutch winger's desire to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 06:33am
Putin refuses to expel US diplomats, Trump applauds
World Top News

Putin refuses to expel US diplomats, Trump applauds

WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump on Friday praised President Vladimir Putin for refraining from tit-for-tat expulsions of Americans in response to US punitive measures over alleged Russian interference in the November election.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 06:26am
PCSIR, NIFSAT declare Nestlé MILKPAK free from any adulterants

PCSIR, NIFSAT declare Nestlé MILKPAK free from any adulterants

Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) and National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT) in University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) have declared Nestlé MILKPAK free from any adulterants and therefore safe and fit
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Minister admits failure in controlling power theft

Minister admits failure in controlling power theft

The government has admitted its failure to curtail the electricity pilfering in the country, which is going on in league with employees of DISCOs and consequently contributing to increase the circular debt. This confession came to light by the officials o
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Parliamentarians dispute Khaqan's in-camera briefing claim

Parliamentarians dispute Khaqan's in-camera briefing claim

Parliamentarians have denied that the Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi gave them any in-camera briefing or provided them any details of the Pakistan-Qatar Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deal. The LNG deal as per the M
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Mazhar Alam takes oath as judge of SC

Mazhar Alam takes oath as judge of SC

Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Chief Justice of Pakistan administered the oath of office to Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Chief Justice Peshawar High Court Peshawar, as judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday at Supreme Court of Pakistan in a
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
LG polls: PTI witnesses gross violations

LG polls: PTI witnesses gross violations

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is struggling to purge the party of those who ditched it in the recent local government elections in Punjab by voting in favour of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidates. The party has already sought written expl
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Rabbani proposes formation of Federal Commission for Accountability

Rabbani proposes formation of Federal Commission for Accountability

Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani on Friday proposed to form a Federal Commission for Accountability with one authority and one law, with which all other parallel forums for accountability will cease to exit. However, he said that the forums for disciplinary a
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Container with smuggled goods seized

Container with smuggled goods seized

The Regional Directorate, Intelligence and Investigation-FBR, Peshawar, with the help of local police has seized a container along with the trailer, carrying a number of smuggled goods. It is learnt that smuggled goods recovered from the container include
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
FBR wing detects over Rs 62 million non-deposit WHT by PR

FBR wing detects over Rs 62 million non-deposit WHT by PR

The Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation Inland Revenue (IR) has detected non-deposit of withholding tax to the tune of Rs 62,954,774 by Pakistan Railways on the award of contracts to different firms/companies under agreements.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
JCC approves three mega projects for KP under CPEC

JCC approves three mega projects for KP under CPEC

The Joint Co-operation Committee (JCC) meeting held in Beijing on Friday approved three mega development projects for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chief Minister Pervez Khattak who represented his prov
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
No change in CPEC route: President

No change in CPEC route: President

President Mamnoon Hussain has said that funds for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have been enhanced from 46 billion dollars to over 57 billion dollars. Addressing a function in connection with birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muham
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Easypaisa, EFU sign agreement

Easypaisa, EFU sign agreement

Easypaisa has entered into an agreement with EFU Life Insurance Ltd under which Easypaisa will extend its services to accelerate insurance premium collection from EFU Life's clientele through Easypaisa's ubiquitous network across Pakistan. The agreement w
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Senate body concerned at blocked CNICs of genuine citizens

Senate body concerned at blocked CNICs of genuine citizens

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control Friday expressed concern over blocked computerised national identity cards (CNICs) of the genuine citizens and directed National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to immediately tak
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
'ST will continue to be charged on supply of power to AJK'

'ST will continue to be charged on supply of power to AJK'

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has categorically conveyed to the Ministry of Water and Power that the sales tax would continue to be charged on supply of electricity to Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) unless explicit amendment is made in the tax law. It i
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Dr Asim advised heart surgery: NICVD

Dr Asim advised heart surgery: NICVD

Dr Asim Hussain, now under custody on mega corruption charges, and admitted in hospital for various ailments, has been advised by doctors to use a pacemaker to improve his heartbeat. National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD) has suggested that
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Survey reveals 75 percent decline in overseas realty buyers

Survey reveals 75 percent decline in overseas realty buyers

A survey of the real estate sector revealed that the number of overseas buyers dropped by more than 75 per cent after implementation of the new tax regime on buying/selling of immovable properties by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This has been menti
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Pace of work on PKLI project reviewed

Pace of work on PKLI project reviewed

The Pakistan Kidney & Liver Institute and Research Centre (PKLI) in its 13th steering committee meeting held on Friday at the PKLI Headquarters reviewed the pace of work on the project. Punjab Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique and PKLI President
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
KE seeks SECP nod on extended date for AGM

KE seeks SECP nod on extended date for AGM

K-Electric has failed to hold its annual general meeting (AGM) due to certain reservations expressed by its auditors in clearing the accounts. For the last twenty years, the power utility had been holding the AGM in October, every year but third month is
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
SECP to encourage listing of quality companies on stock exchange

SECP to encourage listing of quality companies on stock exchange

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) will encourage listing of a company's securities on an exchange through initial public offering (IPO), which means the first allocation of newly issued shares and debt, to the public. It is so as c
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
KP government announces Provincial Population Policy

KP government announces Provincial Population Policy

The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Friday announced Population Policy of the province during a ceremony held here in Pakistan Academy for Rural Development (PARD), Peshawar. Shakeel Ahmad, Advisor to Chief Minister for Population welfare, Khy
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
NH&MP issues instructions in view of foggy weather

NH&MP issues instructions in view of foggy weather

Foggy weather conditions are prevailing in various parts of the country, which induce obstacles for the travellers. Before starting travel on highways and motorways, commuters should inquire about fog situation from Motorway Police helpline 130 or from fo
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Lahore company to introduce rotary parking system

Lahore company to introduce rotary parking system

In order bring down the traffic pressure in the city, the Lahore Parking Company has decided to introduce rotary parking system. The company has earlier decided to install the first-ever rotary parking system at liberty square. However, the decision has b
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
New CJP Saqib Nisar to take oath today

New CJP Saqib Nisar to take oath today

The senior-most judge of the apex court, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar will take over from incumbent Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali who is set to retire today (December 31). Justice Mian Saqib Nisar will be sworn in as 25th Chief Justice of Pakistan by Pres
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
NAB Multan authorises probe against TMA DG Khan, developers

NAB Multan authorises probe against TMA DG Khan, developers

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Multan has authorised an inquiry against TMA DG Khan, developers and others for running illegal housing schemes in DG Khan. According to details, a complaint was filed by Muhammad Siddiq Gujjar s/o Bandu Gujjar that hi
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Drafts of national energy plan, IGTDP readied for provinces

Drafts of national energy plan, IGTDP readied for provinces

The federal government has prepared the drafts of 'National Energy Plan' and Integrated Generation, Transmission and Distribution Plan (IGTDP) to meet future requirement of energy as well as to control mushroom growth of power projects. The IGTDP, which i
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
144 imposed in Punjab

144 imposed in Punjab

In the wake of 'new-year night' Saurday, the provincial government has imposed Section 144 across the province to avoid any untoward incident. According to sources, the provincial government has taken this decision after receiving directions from the Mini
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Railways launches construction of 180 flats at cost of Rs 640 million

Railways launches construction of 180 flats at cost of Rs 640 million

Pakistan Railways (PR) has launched construction of 180 flats at a cost of RS 640 million for its employees in Lahore, Karachi and Narowal to provide them best residential facilities. The project is being undertaken by the Railcop, a sister organisation o
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Five killed in Haripur road accident

Five killed in Haripur road accident

Five people were killed and two others were injured as a passenger coach collided with a van in Haripur, on Friday morning. According to police, the accident took place in Haripur near Baldher, when a passenger coach and a van collided. Five people were k
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Transfers and postings of judges

Transfers and postings of judges

The Chief Justice and the Judges of the High Court of Sindh have ordered transfer and postings of senior civil judges & assistant sessions judges with immediate effect and in the public interest. According to a statement on Friday, Mr Nizamuddin has been
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Armed groups present in Punjab: Imran

Armed groups present in Punjab: Imran

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman, Imran Khan alleged on Friday that armed groups were present in Punjab. Speaking to the media here, he called for action in Punjab under the National Action Plan (NAP). "We had all signed the National Action Plan to ensur
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
NBP rules out misleading media reports

NBP rules out misleading media reports

Media reports have implied that a fraud of Rupees 1.5 billion was committed at National Bank of Pakistan and that the bank incurred a loss of this amount. National Bank of Pakistan firmly denies these allegations. In some media reports it is also implied
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Body formed to probe into water adulteration in Sindh

Body formed to probe into water adulteration in Sindh

An inquiry commission under the supervision of Sindh High Court's (SHC) Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro was formed on Friday to probe into water adulteration in Sindh. According to details, Chief Justice of SHC Sajjad Ali Shah has appointed Justice Kalhoro
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Chinese company to start street sweeping work in Karachi next month

Chinese company to start street sweeping work in Karachi next month

The Chinese firm hired to undertake front-end sweeping to Garbage Transfer Station (GTS) has assured Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah that they would take up their job in two districts of Karachi in the last week of January, 2017. This assurance c
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
SC orders Punjab police to fix seniority of officers

SC orders Punjab police to fix seniority of officers

The Supreme Court on Friday issued directives to the Punjab police chief, home secretary of the province and secretary Establishment Division to fix seniority of all the police officers who were given out-of-turn promotion. A 5-member bench led by Chief J
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
KTBA seeks extension in tax return deadline

KTBA seeks extension in tax return deadline

Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) on Friday requested the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to extend the date of e-filing of corporate and non-corporate tax returns and statements till January 31, 2017. In a letter, sent to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Machinery imports soar to 43.33 percent in 2016

Machinery imports soar to 43.33 percent in 2016

Pakistan's imports of overall machinery shot up to $4.631 billion in July-November 2016, up by 43.33 percent, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows. Growth in all kinds of machinery imports stand at $1.400 billion in July-November 2016 from $3.231 billion i
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Two killed in Balochistan

Two killed in Balochistan

One person was killed in firing of armed men in Turbat while an unidentified body was recovered in Quetta on Friday. Levies sources said that armed men gunned down member of a rival group in Gomazi area of Turbat. In another development, bullet riddled bo
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
SU announces schedule for submission of exam forms

SU announces schedule for submission of exam forms

The controller of examinations (annual), University of Sindh has notified for information of all concerned eligible candidates of second professional (3rd year), third professional (4th year) and final professional MBBS annual examinations 2016 that they
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
SBP underscores need for vibrant food processing industry

SBP underscores need for vibrant food processing industry

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has underscored the need for a vibrant food processing industry for enhanced export earnings for the country. SBP, in its first quarterly report, has added a special session "The growth of the processed food industry in Pa
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Murad spends busy day; signs MoUs in Beijing

Murad spends busy day; signs MoUs in Beijing

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali spent a busy day and after extensive negotiations and talks, signed some important MoUs which included with Citic Environtech ltd (CELL), DWG, CSIC and China Railway Construction Corporation in Beijing. He also held imp
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
SSGC holds Mehfil-e-Milad-un-Nabi

SSGC holds Mehfil-e-Milad-un-Nabi

On the occasion of the blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, SSGC's Corporate Communication Department, in keeping with a long drawn Company tradition, organised a glittering Mehfil-e-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) ceremony on December 29, 2016 in the Company's Head Offi
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
IBA hosts IBAICM 2016 at University of Malaya

IBA hosts IBAICM 2016 at University of Malaya

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi held the Academic Track of the 3rd International Conference on Marketing (IBAICM 2016) at the University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Themed 'Bottom of Pyramid: Emerging Markets', the confe
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
ERA elects office bearers for 2017-18

ERA elects office bearers for 2017-18

The Education Reporters Association (ERA) elected its office-bearers for the year 2017-18 in general council meeting held at the Lahore Press Club on Friday. Rashid Manzoor of Neo News was elected the president, while Mian Ali from Nawa-i-Waqt Group becam
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
LHC sets aside tax notice to Tareen

LHC sets aside tax notice to Tareen

The Lahore High Court has set aside a tax recovery notice issued to sugar mill of PTI's leader Jahangir Tareen for being illegal. The management of JDW Sugar Mills had challenged Rs 420 million tax recovery notice for the year 2011 issued by Commissioner
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Cabinet body prepares new draft ACE law

Cabinet body prepares new draft ACE law

The cabinet committee on Anti-Corruption Establishment Law Reforms constituted by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif met here Friday at ACS Conference Room, Civil Secretariat Lahore in the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Shamail Ahmad
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
'30,803 special kids studying in Punjab's 148 institutions'

'30,803 special kids studying in Punjab's 148 institutions'

Provincial Minister for Special Education, Chaudhry Muhammad Shafique has said that 30,803 special children are studying in 148 institutions of Special Education Punjab department while 2,129 are getting education in 15 schools of blind persons which incl
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
'CPEC to help set up new industries'

'CPEC to help set up new industries'

Pakistan Muslim League-N (USA) President Rohail Dar has said that completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will make Pakistan self-reliant and also boost businesses in shape of establishment of new industries around it. He said that its compl
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Two hurt as suicide bomber explodes near CTD office

Two hurt as suicide bomber explodes near CTD office

At least two people were injured in a blast near a mosque in Rahim Yar Khan's Shafi Town area on Friday. Rescue officials claimed there were two attackers including a burqa-clad individual and another abettor. The burqa-clad attacker allegedly blew himsel
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Heavy fog disrupts life in Lahore

Heavy fog disrupts life in Lahore

A heavily dense fog crippled life all across the board resulting into delay in flights, closing down of motorway for traffic and a long spell of power outage due to the environmental impact on the transmission lines. The visibility was reported as zero in
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
FCCI urges government to announce textile package, enhance rebate

FCCI urges government to announce textile package, enhance rebate

Textile is the mainstay of national economy which is facing steep decline for the last many years. In order to revive this foreign exchange earning sector the government must announce textile package in addition to enhancing rebate from 0.5 to 5 percent w
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Kashf Foundation launches Education Finance Programme

Kashf Foundation launches Education Finance Programme

Kashf Foundation has launched Education Finance Programme that offers credit facilities to low-cost private schools (LCPS) with teachers' capacity-building and school-management trainings. According to Foundation's Managing Director Roshaneh Zafar, 58 per
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
'Pakistan has third highest percentage of stunted children globally'

'Pakistan has third highest percentage of stunted children globally'

"Under-5 stunting rate was much higher in Pakistan with the percentage of 44, which is the third highest percentage of stunted children in the world. In Punjab, every 17 in 50 children (under-5) were "stunted" which was alarming." This was revealed by Dr
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
MQM-P puts up good show of strength at Nishtar Park

MQM-P puts up good show of strength at Nishtar Park

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan has demonstrated its public support by holding a well-attended public meeting in Nishtar Park on Friday. It was first big show of strength since Farooq Sattar-led group disassociated itself from party founder Altaf
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Kerry telephones Dar to hail improvement in economic indicators

Kerry telephones Dar to hail improvement in economic indicators

US Secretary of State John Kerry made a telephone call to Minister for Finance Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday night. Secretary Kerry appreciated the improvement in economic indicators of Pakistan. The Finance Minister shared the latest developments in the
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
'Pakistan securing a world order based on freedom, justice and equity'

'Pakistan securing a world order based on freedom, justice and equity'

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Friday said that Pakistan was committed to securing a world order based on freedom, justice and equity. Addressing a joint graduating ceremony of 36th Specialised Diplomatic Course (FSP officers
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Punjab cabinet approves amendments to Drug Act 1976, DRAP 2012

Punjab cabinet approves amendments to Drug Act 1976, DRAP 2012

Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting of provincial cabinet here on Friday which granted approval to amendments to Drug Act 1976 and DRAP 2012. The cabinet also approved with consensus Provincial Finance Commission Award 2016 and Pu
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
UBG sweeps FPCCI elections

UBG sweeps FPCCI elections

The United Business Group led by Iftikhar Ali Malik and S M Muneer has swept the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) annual elections held Friday. The group candidate Zubair Tufail and Aamer Ata Bajwa have been elected as Pres
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
LHC suspends summons issued to Aleem Khan by ECP

LHC suspends summons issued to Aleem Khan by ECP

The Lahore High Court on Friday suspended summons issued to PTI leader Abdul Aleem Khan by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) allegedly at the behest of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The court sought reply from the ECP by January 17.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
NAB chalks out comprehensive anti-corruption policy: chairman

NAB chalks out comprehensive anti-corruption policy: chairman

All the segments of the society should play their due role for the eradication of corruption from the country. This was stated by Chairman NAB Qamar Zaman Chaudhry while chairing a meeting held to review progress of NAB here at NAB headquarters, says a pr
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Ukraine bans books promoting Russia

Ukraine bans books promoting Russia

Ukraine Friday banned Russian books glorifying the Kremlin and its leaders or espousing what it views as "totalitarian views" in a move certain to further sour relations between the two foes. The law adopted by President Petro Poroshenko "prohibits the pr
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Creator of Kinder Surprise dies

Creator of Kinder Surprise dies

William Salice, who helped create the hugely popular Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs for children, died in Italy on Thursday aged 83, his foundation said. Salice had been undergoing treatment for a stroke in a hospital in the northern Italian town of Pavia
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Turkey charges journalist with 'terror propaganda'

Turkey charges journalist with 'terror propaganda'

An Istanbul court Friday charged a prize-winning journalist with "terror propaganda" over a series of social media postings and articles, state media reported, as fears grow over freedom of expression in Turkey. Ahmet Sik was detained a day earlier over t
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Taiwan says president to transit in US

Taiwan says president to transit in US

Taiwan Friday said its leader will transit in the United States when she travels to Central America, a move likely to raise tensions with Beijing after a protocol-shattering telephone call with Donald Trump. President Tsai Ing-wen will transit in Houston
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
China Communist Party expels former spymaster

China Communist Party expels former spymaster

China's ruling Communist Party has expelled the former deputy chief of the country's top intelligence agency, it said Friday, the latest high-ranking figure to face prosecution in a much-publicised corruption crackdown. Ma Jian, former deputy head of Chin
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
New court claim brings more legal woes for Brexiteers

New court claim brings more legal woes for Brexiteers

A fresh legal challenge to Britain's plans to leave the European Union was launched in London on Thursday, the latest in a series of claims against the government's approach to Brexit. The claim argues that separate parliamentary approval is needed to bri
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Clashes erupt near Damascus during fragile Syria truce

Clashes erupt near Damascus during fragile Syria truce

A ceasefire was holding across most of Syria on Friday but clashes near Damascus underlined the fragility of the deal brokered by Turkey and key regime ally Russia. The nationwide truce, the first since September, is intended to pave the way for new peace
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Israel issues warning of New Year attacks in India

Israel issues warning of New Year attacks in India

Israel on Friday issued a warning of imminent "terrorist attacks" on tourists and western targets in India, telling its citizens to avoid public places during end-of-year celebrations. The Counter-Terrorism Bureau, in a statement released by the prime min
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Israeli guards shoot knife-wielding Palestinian woman

Israeli guards shoot knife-wielding Palestinian woman

A Palestinian woman was shot and wounded Friday after approaching an Israeli security checkpoint near Jerusalem with a knife, Israeli police said. The woman approached the crossing point in Qalandia, between Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, in a lane
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Romania gets new PM, ending political turmoil

Romania gets new PM, ending political turmoil

Romania's president on Friday named social-democrat Sorin Grindeanu as the nation's new prime minister, bringing to a close weeks of uncertainty since the left won a parliamentary vote on December 11. The centre-right president Klaus Iohannis signed the o
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Burundi leader hints at fourth election run in 2020

Burundi leader hints at fourth election run in 2020

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose controversial election to a third term in 2015 triggered a political crisis, hinted Friday he might seek a fourth term in office. "As we are in a state governed by law and if the people say they approve running
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Iraqis rally for release of female journalist

Iraqis rally for release of female journalist

Around 1,000 people protested Friday in central Baghdad demanding the release of an Iraqi female journalist after she was abducted by unknown gunmen. "Freedom for Afrah!" cried the demonstrators, who included many women, after Afrah Shawqi was seized on M
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
South Africa win first Test against Sri Lanka

South Africa win first Test against Sri Lanka

Kyle Abbott struck twice in the first seven overs to set up a 206-run win for South Africa on the fifth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at St George's Park on Friday. It took South Africa just 70 minutes and 13.3 overs to claim the remaining five
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Ronaldo turns down audacious Chinese bid

Ronaldo turns down audacious Chinese bid

World player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo rejected a world record £257million (300m euros, $317m) bid from China, his agent Jorge Mendes has claimed. Mendes told Sky Sports Italia on Thursday that the unnamed Chinese Super League side had offered the 31-
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Nadal looks to kickstart 2017 in Brisbane

Nadal looks to kickstart 2017 in Brisbane

Spanish great Rafael Nadal will be hoping the season-opening Brisbane International gives him the chance to kick-start his career following an injury-plagued 2016. The 30-year-old has won 14 Grand Slam singles titles in a glittering career, the last comin
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Australia stun Pakistan in Melbourne Test; take series

Australia stun Pakistan in Melbourne Test; take series

Mitchell Starc spearheaded Australia to a stunning final day innings victory over Pakistan with a mercurial bat and ball performance to claim the series in Melbourne on Friday. The fast bowler smashed 84 off 91 balls with a record seven sixes and then cap
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Misbah considers retirement ahead of final Sydney Test

Misbah considers retirement ahead of final Sydney Test

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq said he was considering retirement after Pakistan's shattering two-session capitulation to Australia in the second Test in Melbourne to lose the series on Friday. Pakistan, who appeared safe from defeat after amassing 443 for nine de
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Pakistan fined for slow over rates

Pakistan fined for slow over rates

Pakistan have been fined for a slow over-rate against Australia during the second Test in Melbourne, the ICC said on Friday. Match referee Ranjan Madugalle imposed the fine after Misbah-ul-Haq's side was ruled to be two overs short of its target when time
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
KP team win Disabled Day cricket match

KP team win Disabled Day cricket match

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa disable cricket team shocked Maazullah Khan Cricket Academy by a huge 148 runs in the cricket match played in connection with the World Disable Day here at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium on Friday. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team won the toss and b
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Final of Shuja Khanzada Basketball today

Final of Shuja Khanzada Basketball today

The final of Colonel Shuja Khanzada Shaheed Gold Cup National Women Basketball Championship 2016 will be played at Lahore College for Women University, here on Saturday (today). The tournament was organised by Pakistan Basketball Federation in collaborati
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Pakistan skip Kamran, Hafeez in Australia ODI squad

Pakistan skip Kamran, Hafeez in Australia ODI squad

Pakistan have overlooked in-form batsman Kamran Akmal and allrounder Mohammad Hafeez in a 15-man squad for the five-match ODI series in Australia, keeping faith in the same set of players who went down 2-0 in the Tests on Friday. Akmal, 35, has been in su
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Aussie, kiwi off lows
Currency

Aussie, kiwi off lows

The Australian and New Zealand dollars inched higher in thin holiday trading on Friday but looked set to end December lower, extending their losing streak to a third straight month. The biggest move came against the euro, which shot higher after computer-
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
China's yuan suffers biggest one-year loss since 1994
Currency

China's yuan suffers biggest one-year loss since 1994

China's yuan strengthened against the dollar on Friday, but was on track for its biggest annual loss since 1994, which would make it the worst performing major Asian currency this year. The yuan, which has reached an 8-1/2 year low, was on course to shed
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Most Asia FX set for 2016 losses
Currency

Most Asia FX set for 2016 losses

Asian currencies rose on the last trading day of 2016 on Friday, but most were set to post annual losses as the US dollar climbed on expectations of higher interest rates next year. Emerging Asian currencies were generally higher on the day, with the doll
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Sri Lankan rupee falls
Currency

Sri Lankan rupee falls

The Sri Lankan rupee fell 3.9 percent in 2016, with the spot currency reference rate hitting a record low on Friday, as higher imports and private sector credit as well as lower export earnings weighed on the currency throughout the year. Rupee forwards w
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Dollar falls against yen in NY on US yield drop, profit-taking
Currency

Dollar falls against yen in NY on US yield drop, profit-taking

The US dollar hit a 15-day low against the yen on Thursday as traders used the quiet holiday period to take profits on the dollar's recent gains, while a drop in US Treasury yields on waning risk appetite reduced the greenback's appeal. The dollar was las
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Asian flash surge takes euro to $1.07 in Europe
Currency

Asian flash surge takes euro to $1.07 in Europe

A short-lived surge in the euro dominated this year's last day of trade in major foreign exchange markets on Friday, with dealers citing a handful of orders as driving the dollar to its lowest since December 8. The euro climbed to as much as $1.07, two fu
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Euro soars, dollar slips in Asia
Currency

Euro soars, dollar slips in Asia

The euro jumped to its highest in three weeks in thin Asian trade on Friday, but was on track for a losing year on expectations that US President-elect Donald Trump's policies will boost inflation and prompt the US Federal Reserve to hike interest rates m
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
FTSE finishes 2016 in style, sets record high
Currency

FTSE finishes 2016 in style, sets record high

Britain's bluechip FTSE 100 index closed 2016 at a record high level on Friday, with a blistering rally in mining stocks and a sharp fall in sterling after June's shock Brexit vote boosting the market. The benchmark index, dominated by global companies, c
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Most Southeast Asian markets up

Most Southeast Asian markets up

Most Southeast Asian stock markets finished higher in the last trading session of the year, with Thailand notching its sixth straight gain, and biggest yearly jump in four years. Thai shares closed 0.3 percent higher on the day, logging a yearly gain of a
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Sri Lankan shares fall

Sri Lankan shares fall

Sri Lankan shares fell on Friday, posting a yearly decline of about 10 percent, in thin trade due to year-end holidays, while investors waited for directions from the central bank on the rupee and interest rates. The central bank is most likely to keep it
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
European shares post small loss for 2016

European shares post small loss for 2016

European shares posted a small loss for 2016, though strong gains among mining stocks and the oil & gas sector as well as a turnaround in banks in the latter part of the year lent support, while Britain's FTSE 100 index climbed to a record high. The pan-E
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
China's main share indexes end a bumpy 2016 with double-digit losses

China's main share indexes end a bumpy 2016 with double-digit losses

Chinese stocks rose slightly on Friday, the last trading day of 2016, but the bluechip index ended the year more than 11 percent lower despite signs of resilience in the world's second-largest economy. The Chinese market did find its footing after a deep
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Indian shares rise

Indian shares rise

Indian shares rose in the last trading session of 2016 and were set to post a yearly gain as they recover from the final quarter's losses, which took the shine off the gains made earlier in the year. The NSE index was set to gain about 3 percent and the B
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Treasury yields at multi-week lows

Treasury yields at multi-week lows

US Treasury yields fell across the curve and most hit two-week lows on Thursday as investors bought safe-haven government debt after a strong seven-year note auction on the last full trading day of the year. The high yield on the seven-year note sale was
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Treasury yields at multi-week lows

Treasury yields at multi-week lows

US Treasury yields fell across the curve and most hit two-week lows on Thursday as investors bought safe-haven government debt after a strong seven-year note auction on the last full trading day of the year. The high yield on the seven-year note sale was
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Bank stocks fall, defensive shares firm as Wall Street treads water

Bank stocks fall, defensive shares firm as Wall Street treads water

Wall Street was little changed on Thursday as bank share declines were countered by gains in utilities and other defensive groups in quiet holiday trading as traders looked to position for the new year. US equities have paused in recent days, after rallyi
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Friday's midday trade: stocks fall on the last trading day of 2016-12-30

Friday's midday trade: stocks fall on the last trading day of 2016-12-30

US stocks fell on the last trading day of 2016, eating into gains for the year, following a decline in technology stocks. The S&P 500 technology sector's 0.7 percent fall put the broader index on track for its third straight day of losses - the longest lo
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Hong Kong stocks end a volatile 2016 roughly flat

Hong Kong stocks end a volatile 2016 roughly flat

Hong Kong shares rose around 1 percent on Friday, but the main indexes ended 2016 near where they started after a volatile 12 months, punctuated by Britain's vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trump's triumph in the US presidential election. On t
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Nikkei ends volatile 2016 to mark highest close in two decades

Nikkei ends volatile 2016 to mark highest close in two decades

Tokyo's benchmark stock index ended a volatile 2016 on a down note Friday, but still hit the highest year-end close in two decades on optimism over the incoming US government. President-elect Donald Trump's surprise election victory last month has sparked
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Russia records lowest inflation since fall of USSR

Russia records lowest inflation since fall of USSR

Russian inflation fell to 5.4 percent in 2016, the lowest annual rate since the collapse of the Soviet Union a quarter century ago, a preliminary estimate from the Rosstat national statistics agency showed Friday. The previous record for the lowest annual
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Nigeria's 'plastic rice' real but inedible

Nigeria's 'plastic rice' real but inedible

Around 100 bags of "plastic rice" seized in Lagos have turned out to contain real but contaminated rice, authorities said Friday in Nigeria, where prices for the staple have rocketed. Tests on the rice have shown that the product is "not plastic but ... c
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Indian rupee window closes as Modi eyes key poll
Currency

Indian rupee window closes as Modi eyes key poll

Indians rushed to change their bank notes Friday before a deadline to deposit invalid rupee notes closed, as Prime Minister Modi defended his controversial move to reduce cash in use. His shock November 8 announcement rendered 86 percent of India's curren
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Italians to pay three-quarters of bank bailout bill

Italians to pay three-quarters of bank bailout bill

The Italian state will foot 6.6 billion euros of the 8.8 billion euro ($9.2 billion) bill for bailing out struggling Monte dei Paschi di Siena (BMPS), the country's central bank said Thursday. The European Central Bank, citing the need for recapitalisatio
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Sri Lanka keeps rates steady
Currency

Sri Lanka keeps rates steady

Sri Lanka's central bank kept its benchmark interest rates steady on Friday for a fifth straight month as expected, saying credit growth was responding to earlier tightening measures. Private sector credit grew 22 percent in October from a year earlier, s
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
World's highest bridge opens in China

World's highest bridge opens in China

The world's highest bridge has opened to traffic in China, connecting two provinces in the mountainous south-west and reducing travel times by as much as three-quarters, local authorities said Friday. The Beipanjiang Bridge soars 565 metres (1,854 feet) a
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Disney wins 'Cars' copyright suit in China

Disney wins 'Cars' copyright suit in China

Disney has won a copyright dispute over a Chinese knock-off of its animated movie Cars, a China court said Friday, a rare victory for a foreign firm in a country famous for counterfeits. Bluemtv, which makes the Chinese cartoon The Autobots, and the film'
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
China vows to open up economy as investment declines
Currency

China vows to open up economy as investment declines

Beijing has pledged to open up more economic sectors to foreign investment, an official statement said, as foreign chambers of commerce complain of a worsening business environment in the country. China will "unwaveringly insist on the opening-up policy"
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Foreign debt rises three percent in Q3 to $1.43 trillion

Foreign debt rises three percent in Q3 to $1.43 trillion

China's outstanding foreign debt rose 3 percent in the third quarter, data from the foreign exchange regulator showed on Friday, quickening from a 2.2 percent rise in the second quarter. Foreign debt at the end of September rose $42.7 billion from the end
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Seeking investment, Ukraine calls off its tax police

Seeking investment, Ukraine calls off its tax police

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday tried to bring in foreign investment and slash corruption by temporarily banning the tax police from conducting unannounced checks on companies' operations. The measure is also supposed to let small businesse
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
US takes aim at Yakuza crime syndicate newcomer

US takes aim at Yakuza crime syndicate newcomer

The US on Friday took aim at a relative newcomer to Japan's Yakuza crime network, slapping financial sanctions on the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi network it says uses legitimate businesses to launder money. The move freezes any US assets of the organisation and t
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Venezuela's biggest bank note gets new stay of execution
Currency

Venezuela's biggest bank note gets new stay of execution

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro again delayed removing the country's largest bank note from circulation Thursday, after a botched plan to retire it triggered violent protests. The 100-bolivar note will now remain legal tender until January 20 instead
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Brazil winter corn crop seen at record 59.9 million tonnes

Brazil winter corn crop seen at record 59.9 million tonnes

Brazil's 2016/17 winter corn crop is estimated at a record 59.9 million tonnes, up from 40.7 million tonnes in the previous season, private consultant AgRural said on Monday. The country's total corn crop is projected at 88.3 million tonnes, an increase o
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Gold hits two-week in European trade

Gold hits two-week in European trade

Gold hit a two-week high on Friday on a weaker dollar and was set to close 2016 about 9 percent higher, snapping three years of declines. Spot gold reached its highest since December 14 at $1,163.14 an ounce, before retreating to trade 0.1 percent lower a
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Gold up in Asia

Gold up in Asia

Gold was set to close out 2016 up more than 9 percent for its first annual gain in four years, edging higher in the final trading session of the year on Friday on the back of a weaker dollar. Spot gold was up 0.2 percent at $1,160.42 an ounce by 0639 GMT,
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Gold rises in New York

Gold rises in New York

Gold prices rose 1 percent to their highest in more than two weeks on Thursday as US bond yields declined on waning risk appetite, reducing the US dollar's appeal against safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese yen. Bullion bounced back on Thursday aft
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
New York cocoa falls to 3-1/2 year low

New York cocoa falls to 3-1/2 year low

New York cocoa futures fell to the lowest level in more than 3-1/2 years on Friday as fast-paced production in top grower Ivory Coast heightened concerns about excess supplies in the 2016/17 season. Dealers said the flow of cocoa to ports in Ivory Coast w
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Tokyo rubber jumps

Tokyo rubber jumps

Benchmark TOCOM rubber futures were on Friday set for their biggest annual gain since 2009, rising more than 60 percent in 2016, helped by a rally in crude oil prices and fund buying. The Tokyo Commodity Exchange rubber contract for June delivery jumped 6
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Industrial metals end 2016 on high note after bleak start
Currency

Industrial metals end 2016 on high note after bleak start

Industrial metals have had one of their best years in recent history as receding worries about demand and expectations of tighter supplies fuelled a buying spree that took zinc prices to nine-year highs. Zinc on the London metal Exchange ended 2016 up 60
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Shanghai copper slips

Shanghai copper slips

The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange slipped 0.15 percent to 45,500 yuan ($6,547) a tonne on Friday as profit-taking set in after previous gains. In other metals trading, aluminium and zinc stood 1 percent higher on Friday, whi
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Cotton hits two-week high on short-covering, easing dollar
Cotton

Cotton hits two-week high on short-covering, easing dollar

ICE cotton futures jumped over 1 percent on Thursday, hitting a two-week high, supported by a weaker dollar and short-covering by investors ahead of the last trading session of the year. "Today's (Thursday's) trade relates to low volume and end of the yea
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Canadian canola futures fall

Canadian canola futures fall

ICE Canadian canola futures fell on Wednesday on fund-driven long liquidation, traders said. Declines in allied US soybean and soyoil futures added to bearish sentiment. January canola settled down $4.20 at $501.10 per tonne. Most-active March canola fell
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
US Midwest corn bids mixed

US Midwest corn bids mixed

Corn spot basis bids were steady to narrowly mixed in the US Midwest on Wednesday while soyabean bids were mostly unchanged amid light farmer sales of each crop, grain merchants said. Corn bids weakened at a mill in Blair, Nebraska, and in the cattle-feed
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Cotton prices firm on improved activity
Cotton

Cotton prices firm on improved activity

Prices showed firmness on the cotton market on Friday in the process of improved business activity, dealers said. The official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 6250, dealers said. In Sindh, seed cotton prices were at Rs 2600-3250, they said that in Punjab, p
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Activities of Karachi Port

Activities of Karachi Port

The Karachi Port handled 86,181 tonnes of cargo comprising 66,116 tonnes of import cargo and 20,065 tonnes of export cargo including 2,962 loaded and empty containers during the last 24 hours ending at 0700 hours on Friday. The total import cargo of 66,11
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
European wheat futures down in light trade

European wheat futures down in light trade

European wheat futures fell on Wednesday in light, largely technically-driven trade, weakened by a renewed fall in Chicago futures following the sharp 4.1 percent jump in US prices on Tuesday. Most active March milling wheat on the Paris-based Euronext ex
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
US natural gas futures jump 4.5 percent

US natural gas futures jump 4.5 percent

US natural gas futures overcame an initial bout of profit-taking to settle 4.5 percent higher and touch an over two-year high on Wednesday on expectations of stronger heating demand amid forecasts of colder-than-normal temperatures in early January. After
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
US FOB Gulf soya, corn offers mostly steady

US FOB Gulf soya, corn offers mostly steady

Export demand helped keep premiums for soyabeans and corn shipped from the US Gulf Coast mostly steady on Wednesday, traders said. Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) set a tender to buy an unspecified amount of wheat from global suppl
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Argentine beef exports jump 10 percent

Argentine beef exports jump 10 percent

Argentina's beef exports totaled 193,000 tonnes between January and October, up 10 percent from the same period last year, the government said on Tuesday, a year after it rescinded export taxes and restrictions. After taking office last December, Argentin
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Egypt buys 55,000 tonnes of sugar

Egypt buys 55,000 tonnes of sugar

The purchase of 55,000 tonnes of sugar by Egypt's state commodity buyer GASC on Monday was a direct, non-tender deal, traders said on Tuesday. GASC, the General Authority for Supply Commodities, said on Monday had bought the white sugar for delivery betwe
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Palm oil eases on European vegoils market

Palm oil eases on European vegoils market

Palm oil on the European vegetable oils market eased on Wednesday as weakness in CBOT soyaoil futures dragged prices back after a strong start to the day on worries over tight supplies and a slowing decline in Malaysian palm oil exports. In slow trade ahe
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
HRW wheat bids flat

HRW wheat bids flat

Cash basis bids for hard red winter (HRW) wheat were unchanged in the southern US Plains on Wednesday and farmers were reluctant to make fresh sales until the New Year, dealers said. Dry conditions remained a worry for dormant winter wheat in parts of Okl
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
PMEX daily trading report
Cotton

PMEX daily trading report

On Wednesday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited, PMEX Commodity Index closed at 3,062. The total traded value of Metals, Energy and COTS/FX was recorded at PKR 3.24 billion and the number of lots traded was 8,682. Major business was contributed by go
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Towards a realistic climate action policy

Towards a realistic climate action policy

Climate Change is a catastrophe that can be avoided by a combined human action and co-operation, as human civilization has been able to tackle many issues that threatened its well-being and survival in the past. What level of effort and sacrifice has to b
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Karachi Chronicle: Addiction of watching movies

Karachi Chronicle: Addiction of watching movies

The one lesson to be learnt from the self-imposed ban on screening Indian films, and its lifting on December 19 is: Don't mix entertainment with politics. The ban was imposed as a tit-for-tat move on September 30 after the Indian Motion Picture Producers
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Art Facts: Contemplating the beyond

Art Facts: Contemplating the beyond

Artist Jamil Ahmed Baloch tried to look beyond through his sculptures and paintings in his current solo exhibition titled "Beyond" at Sanat Gallery, Karachi.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Welcome to LA's odder museums

Welcome to LA's odder museums

Breast implants, a photo of the brain of John F. Kennedy, a cheerleader's outfit and the sketches of a serial killer: all are on display in some of Los Angeles's quirkiest museums. The cultural offerings in this city are immense, from highbrow museums fea
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Temperatures around North Pole leap close to melting point

Temperatures around North Pole leap close to melting point

Temperatures around the North Pole surged close to melting point last Thursday as a freak blast of warm air blanketed an Arctic region usually deep frozen in mid-winter darkness, scientists said. Air temperatures at the North Pole were an estimated minus
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
In bots we trust: Meet your new best friend, co-worker and servant

In bots we trust: Meet your new best friend, co-worker and servant

The words you are reading were typed by a human. But for how much longer will the realm of human interaction be made up of solely flesh-and-blood exchanges? Bot journalists are reporting earthquakes and homicides in California. Bot lawyers are filing appe
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Peru brain museum puts most complex organ on display

Peru brain museum puts most complex organ on display

It powers everything we do, yet remains one of our biggest mysteries. But thanks to an unusual Peruvian museum dedicated entirely to the brain, visitors can get up close and personal with the most complex organ in the human body.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Scientists track humongous number of flying bugs

Scientists track humongous number of flying bugs

Counting the number of bugs whizzing high overhead annually may seem all but impossible, but researchers in Britain have completed the most comprehensive tally ever conducted. And the headcount they came up with was almost un-bee-lievable.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Artificial leaf copies nature to manufacture medicine

Artificial leaf copies nature to manufacture medicine

Dutch scientists have developed an artificial leaf that can act as a mini-factory for producing drugs, an advance that could allow medicines to be produced anywhere there is sunlight.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Hollywood mourns 'princess' Carrie Fisher

Hollywood mourns 'princess' Carrie Fisher

After decades of fast living that her fearless "Star Wars" character Princess Leia would have struggled to keep up with, Carrie Fisher died Tuesday following a massive heart attack. She was 60. The American actress, best-selling author and screenwriter -
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor's long celebrity career

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor's long celebrity career

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, who parlayed beauty, diamond-studded glamor and nine marriages into a long celebrity career, died on 18th December She was 99. Edward Lozzi, who was a longtime publicist for Gabor, said the Hungarian-born actress passed away at her
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Family drama 'Fences' gets its big screen moment

Family drama 'Fences' gets its big screen moment

Denzel Washington is excited. Not so much because he is an Oscar front-runner for his role in "Fences," but because bringing the award-winning stage play about blue collar African-Americans to the big screen has been a long-held dream.
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Bridge Notes: Foxed and squeezed together

Bridge Notes: Foxed and squeezed together

Dummy play in Bridge is the most acknowledged criteria for ranking a Bridge player. For here the canvas can be a large one wherein the declarer can draw upon all his Bridge repertoire in the making of his contract - from a simple safety play to the most c
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Aniston faces unruly festivities in 'Office Christmas Party'

Aniston faces unruly festivities in 'Office Christmas Party'

"Friends" star Jennifer Aniston brought the holiday spirit to Tinseltown with her latest comedy "Office Christmas Party" about a festive work celebration getting out of hand. The actress plays conservative Chief Executive Carol Vanstone who threatens to c
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

The following were the fluctuations observed during the day:

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

The following were the fluctuations observed during the day:

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
State Bank of Pakistan conversion rates
Currency

State Bank of Pakistan conversion rates

Rates applicable for conversion into rupees of Foreign Currency Deposits, Dollar Bearer Certificates, Foreign Currency Bearer Certificates, Special US Dollar bonds and profits thereon by all banks and also for providing forward cover on foreign currency d
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Barclays bid rates and maximum rates for payment of interest

Barclays bid rates and maximum rates for payment of interest

Barclays bid rates, maximum rates for payment of interest by authorised dealers on deposits (other than those brought under FE Circular No: 45 of 1985) and on deposits (brought under FE Circular No: 45 of 1985) - issued by the Foreign Exchange Rates Commi
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Exchange rates: buying and selling

Exchange rates: buying and selling

Exchange rates issued by the Treasury Management Division of National Bank of Pakistan on Friday (December 30, 2016).

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Currency notes: exchange rates
Currency

Currency notes: exchange rates

Exchange rates for Currency Notes issued by the Treasury Management Division of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) here on Friday (December 30, 2016).

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Money Market Report
Currency

Money Market Report

Money market report by Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari & Co on Friday (December 30, 2016).
Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Spot dollar rates

Spot dollar rates

Spot Dollar rates from Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari & Co Ltd on Friday (December 30, 2016).

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Proposed right issues

Proposed right issues

Right issues proposed by companies listed on Karachi Stock Exchange.

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Dividend/Bonus Announcements

Dividend/Bonus Announcements

Dividend/Bonus announcements by the companies listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Board Meetings

Board Meetings

Board Meetings of Companies listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
Board meetings in progress

Board meetings in progress

Board Meetings in Progress of Companies listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am
BOARD MEETINGS

BOARD MEETINGS

Board Meetings of Companies listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Published 31 Dec, 2016 12:00am