Pakistan Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers Association (Paapam) has urged the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) to declare auto parts as special export category for giving subsidy in participating cost of fairs and exhibitions with the objective

Pakistan handed over to Afghan authorities a warlord it arrested three months ago who had fought the rule of President Hamid Karzai, an official said on Thursday.

Pakistan handed over to Afghan authorities a warlord it arrested three months ago who had fought the rule of President Hamid Karzai, an official said on Thursday.

Leading French electronics company, Thales, has agreed to transfer critical technology to India for the construction of 19 low-level air defence radar systems, a company chief told AFP on Thursday.

The entire ghee industry in Pakistan has been paralysed reportedly by heavy burden of duty structure imposed by the government which is almost 75 percent of the C&F value.

The entire ghee industry in Pakistan has been paralysed reportedly by heavy burden of duty structure imposed by the government which is almost 75 percent of the C&F value.

German engineering group Siemens said on Thursday it would cut 500 to 600 manufacturing jobs in Germany at ailing telecoms equipment unit ICN to move production to a lower-cost region, possibly China.

Financial markets on Thursday bet against the weekend Group of Seven economic powers meeting agreeing on how to tackle currency swings, sending the dollar lower against the euro.

Toyota Motor Corp, the world's No 2 auto maker, posted a huge jump in quarterly profits on Thursday, fuelled by firm sales growth everywhere, prompting it to lift its earnings forecasts for the full year.

Asian central banks and investors are diversifying their assets into euros in a shift that is boosting the European single currency, a senior official of the European Investment Bank said on Thursday.

Iran's main reformist party announced on Thursday that it would go ahead with a boycott of key polls in two weeks, charging that a review ordered by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had resulted in the reinstatement of just 51 of some 2,500 candidate

Iran's main reformist party announced on Thursday that it would go ahead with a boycott of key polls in two weeks, charging that a review ordered by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had resulted in the reinstatement of just 51 of some 2,500 candidate

The conglomerate of six religious political parties Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) has given a strike call on Friday to hold rallies and public meeting to condemn government's attitude towards Dr A.Q. Khan.

The conglomerate of six religious political parties Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) has given a strike call on Friday to hold rallies and public meeting to condemn government's attitude towards Dr A.Q. Khan.

President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's moral, political and diplomatic support to the occupied Kashmir cause and called for flexibility by all the sides to find an acceptable solution of the dispute.

President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's moral, political and diplomatic support to the occupied Kashmir cause and called for flexibility by all the sides to find an acceptable solution of the dispute.

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has directed all collectors of sales tax and central excise not to charge central excise duty (CED) on the 'Agarbatti' and other odiferous preparations.

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has directed all collectors of sales tax and central excise not to charge central excise duty (CED) on the 'Agarbatti' and other odiferous preparations.

Pakistan has formally arrested five scientists and officials from its top nuclear facility amid a probe into the alleged transfer of technology to other countries, a government spokesman said on Thursday.

Pakistan has formally arrested five scientists and officials from its top nuclear facility amid a probe into the alleged transfer of technology to other countries, a government spokesman said on Thursday.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said on Thursday the father of Pakistan's atomic bomb was not working alone in creating an illicit network to sell nuclear technology to Libya, Iran and North Korea.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said on Thursday the father of Pakistan's atomic bomb was not working alone in creating an illicit network to sell nuclear technology to Libya, Iran and North Korea.

Pakistan could be the next destination for Singapore Telecommunications Limited after officials on Thursday named state-owned Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited as a "possible" investment target."

Pakistan could be the next destination for Singapore Telecommunications Limited after officials on Thursday named state-owned Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited as a "possible" investment target."

Cotton production is likely to fall short of the target as the arrival at the ginneries as on January 31 was recorded at 9.2 million bales against 8.9 million bales of January 15.

Cotton production is likely to fall short of the target as the arrival at the ginneries as on January 31 was recorded at 9.2 million bales against 8.9 million bales of January 15.

The Prime Minister Secretariat has taken strong exception to ill-timed move to import wheat and directed the food ministry to cancel the second tender of 0.15 million tonnes of commodity, besides explaining its position in writing as to why the summary on

The Prime Minister Secretariat has taken strong exception to ill-timed move to import wheat and directed the food ministry to cancel the second tender of 0.15 million tonnes of commodity, besides explaining its position in writing as to why the summary on

Nuclear secrets leaked by nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan were only exposed after US and British spies penetrated his proliferation network, CIA Director George Tenet said on Thursday.

Nuclear secrets leaked by nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan were only exposed after US and British spies penetrated his proliferation network, CIA Director George Tenet said on Thursday.

President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday inaugurated the first independent AJK TV channel and hoped it will play an important role in creating solidarity among the Kashmiri people and would reflect their true aspirations.

President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday inaugurated the first independent AJK TV channel and hoped it will play an important role in creating solidarity among the Kashmiri people and would reflect their true aspirations.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday world oil stocks were too low and oil prices were too high but that Opec, which meets next week to review output, had little interest in such firm prices.

The United States is pleased with the steps Pakistan has taken on nuclear non-proliferation, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

The United States is pleased with the steps Pakistan has taken on nuclear non-proliferation, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the proposal from the provinces to revise their shares in the divisible pool upwards from 37.5 percent to a level necessary to meet their needs is acceptable to the federal government.

Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the proposal from the provinces to revise their shares in the divisible pool upwards from 37.5 percent to a level necessary to meet their needs is acceptable to the federal government.

Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that Pakistan would launch road show of Eurobond on Friday in Singapore and take it to Hong Kong, London, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Frankfurt.

Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that Pakistan would launch road show of Eurobond on Friday in Singapore and take it to Hong Kong, London, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Frankfurt.

Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that Pakistan would launch road show of Eurobond on Friday in Singapore and take it to Hong Kong, London, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Frankfurt.

President General Pervez Musharraf has pardoned Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan for his confession of passing on the nuclear secrets to Iran and Libya.

President General Pervez Musharraf has pardoned Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan for his confession of passing on the nuclear secrets to Iran and Libya.

Pakistan and Iran have vowed to achieve one billion dollar mutual trade target through reduction in tariff and customs facilitation at border check- posts. The target was announced by Prime Minister Jamali during his visit to Iran.

Pakistan and Iran have vowed to achieve one billion dollar mutual trade target through reduction in tariff and customs facilitation at border check- posts. The target was announced by Prime Minister Jamali during his visit to Iran.

The weather report of Thursday (February 05) and the forecast for Friday (February 06, 2004).

Closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/pound on Wednesday.

Closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/pound on Wednesday.

The Unit Prices for February 06, 2004.

The Unit Prices for February 06, 2004.

The Unit Prices for February 06, 2004.

The latest close of key indices on major world stock exchanges, the day's change in points and the indices' 2003 closing highs and lows (with dates).

Closing of sterling rates at 1730 GMT on Thursday (February 05, 2004)

LME official prices on Wednesday.

LME official prices on Wednesday.

The International Monetary Fund(IMF), treasuries' department's currency values in terms of Special Drawing Rights(SDR).

This textile unit of Muzaffargarh is one of the largest textile enterprises of the country. It is equipped with 65,280 spindles and 103 looms. Its subsidiary a power generation company, supplies power to its manufacturing facilities. Its financial backbon

This textile unit of Muzaffargarh is one of the largest textile enterprises of the country. It is equipped with 65,280 spindles and 103 looms. Its subsidiary a power generation company, supplies power to its manufacturing facilities. Its financial backbon

Grown on Colombia's mist-covered mountains and sold in Japan's upmarket delicatessens, Emerald Mountain coffee is a grower's dream.

The US Agriculture Department's Commodity Credit Corporation today announced the following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjusted for US milling yields and location, and the resulting marketing loan gain (MLG) and loan deficienc

CSCE coffee futures fell four percent to touch a two-week low Wednesday as commodity funds sold, reducing their record long position before the approach of first notice day, brokers said.

CSCE cocoa futures closed down on Wednesday after an erratic and choppy session, with speculators and arbitrage players capping an early rally that followed London's gains, brokers said.

US corn and soybean shipments to Asia are being switched to West Coast export terminals from loading stations at the Gulf of Mexico as soaring freight rates play havoc with grain transportation, traders said on Wednesday.

India approved on Thursday a proposal by Europe's biggest tyre maker, Michelin, to pick up a 14.9 percent stake in Indian tyre-maker Apollo Tyres Ltd for $71.44 million.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) decided to keep its monetary policy unchanged on Thursday after a two-day Policy Board meeting, an outcome widely expected by markets after a surprise easing just two weeks ago.

PepsiCo Inc on Thursday said quarterly profit rose 30 percent as health-conscious consumers snapped up diet soft drinks, bottled water and Gatorade.

PepsiCo Inc on Thursday said quarterly profit rose 30 percent as health-conscious consumers snapped up diet soft drinks, bottled water and Gatorade.

US business productivity rose at a slower-than-expected pace in the fourth quarter and at the lowest rate in a year and jobless claims rose unexpectedly last week, government reports showed on Thursday.

German unemployment unexpectedly rose in January, while industrial orders increased twice as much as expected in December in a sign that a recovery in Europe's biggest economy is not yet strong enough to spur hiring.

Deutsche Bank has had merger talks with US bank Citigroup, it emerged on Thursday, as the German bank announced a new target to nearly double underlying pre-tax profits in 2004 after strong growth last year.

Deutsche Bank has had merger talks with US bank Citigroup, it emerged on Thursday, as the German bank announced a new target to nearly double underlying pre-tax profits in 2004 after strong growth last year.

BNP Paribas posted a 33-percent quarterly profit rise on Thursday as improved stock markets drove gains at securities businesses, but concerns the French bank could make a costly acquisition weighed on its shares.

BNP Paribas posted a 33-percent quarterly profit rise on Thursday as improved stock markets drove gains at securities businesses, but concerns the French bank could make a costly acquisition weighed on its shares.

The Bank of England raised interest rates a quarter percentage point on Thursday for the second time in three months, and economists predicted more hikes to cool the British economy starting in the spring.

The Bank of England raised interest rates a quarter percentage point on Thursday for the second time in three months, and economists predicted more hikes to cool the British economy starting in the spring.

French consumer confidence rose in January, and industry looked forward to a slight increase in demand in the first quarter of this year as a gradual recovery takes hold in the eurozone's second largest economy.

Royal Dutch/Shell's beleaguered boss insisted on Thursday he would not resign over a shock cut in oil reserves, as the Anglo-Dutch firm posted fourth-quarter profits towards the bottom of forecasts.

Royal Dutch/Shell's beleaguered boss insisted on Thursday he would not resign over a shock cut in oil reserves, as the Anglo-Dutch firm posted fourth-quarter profits towards the bottom of forecasts.

European Central Bank chief Jean-Claude Trichet said on Thursday the bank was worried about excessive moves in foreign exchange rates but would not be drawn on what Group of Seven policymakers might say on the matter.

European Central Bank chief Jean-Claude Trichet said on Thursday the bank was worried about excessive moves in foreign exchange rates but would not be drawn on what Group of Seven policymakers might say on the matter.

Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia said on Thursday it would supply a GSM-standard mobile phone network to operator Atheer Telecom in Iraq.

Europe's largest communications equipment firm Alcatel posted a much narrower quarterly loss on Thursday thanks to stronger demand and cost cuts, and said sales would grow in 2004 after falling for three years.

Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it would kick off its Xbox Live online gaming service in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore in April, making inroads into Asian markets dominated by Sony's PlayStation 2 console.

Bosnia on Thursday adopted an ambitious four-year development strategy that aims to eliminate dependency on foreign aid, help it get closer to the European Union and reduce widespread poverty and unemployment.

The Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) said on Thursday its eastern market indicator (EMI) rose three cents to 793 cents a kg clean at sales in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Tokyo rubber futures barely moved on Thursday as the market looked for fresh direction.

Tokyo gold futures rose on Thursday on the back of firmer gold prices in New York, but trade was slow ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) finance ministers' meeting this week.

Oil prices steadied on Thursday after a wave of selling triggered by data showing a surprise rise in US crude stocks that eased worries about falling supplies in the world's biggest energy market.

COMEX gold firmed on Wednesday in subdued trade as investors awaited a meeting of finance ministers from the world's richest economies Friday for possible comments on the strong euro or renewal of a central bank gold sales pact.

Spot gold traded quietly just above $400 an ounce in Asia on Thursday, waiting for the outcome of this week's meeting of the Group of Seven industrial nations that could provide fresh upward momentum for the metal.

At least 20,000 tonnes of cocoa beans are set to leave for the United States this month from Sulawesi, marking the return of the main buyer to Indonesia's key growing area after a two-month absence, traders said on Thursday.

Comex copper futures closed at a new 6-1/2-year high on Wednesday, with strikes at mines in Chile and Canada threatening supplies and rising US factory orders adding to demand for the metal.

Shanghai copper futures racked up record highs for the second successive day on Thursday as local contract prices tracked fund buying on the London Metal Exchange, traders said.

Malaysian tin extended gains on Thursday, helped by a steady London market and continued strong demand from Japan.

Sri Lanka remained the world's largest tea exporter in 2003, shipping record amounts even as total production fell two percent.

The US cotton sales will jump with the return of leading importer China from Lunar New Year celebrations when the weekly USDA export report is handed out Thursday, cotton brokers said.

Rough rice futures at the Chicago Board of Trade ended lower on Wednesday on spill-over sales from Tuesday, traders said.

Thai rice prices held steady on Thursday, but they are likely to climb in the next few days on strong overseas demand, traders said.

Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures ended mixed on Wednesday, with nearby contracts supported by firm US cash values and commercial spreading of March/May soyabeans, brokers said.

India, the world's top edible oil buyer, is likely to cut purchases by about 10 percent from a year ago in the quarter ending in April as a bumper summer crop is seen lifting domestic supplies, traders said on Thursday.

CSCE raw sugar futures ended softer on Wednesday on light speculative sales in range-bound business, with most of the running in the market taken up by players engaged in switch trades, brokers said.