News Archives for Print - 2020-02-28

Print - 2020-02-28

Business & Economy

Second review: Government, IMF reach agreement for $450 million payout

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached staff-level agreement on the second review of Pakistan's economic program under the Extended Fund Facility.

Updated 28 Feb, 2020 07:15am

Business & Economy

Pakistan, Qatar reaffirm commitment to boost economic partnership

The leadership of Pakistan and Qatar on Thursday agreed to further enhance economic cooperation especially in the energy sector, Aaj News reported

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Russia restores Soviet T-34 tanks retrieved from Laos

Thirty Soviet tanks of a type that became legendary in World War II are being restored to their original state in Russia after making an epic tropical journey from the southeast Asian state of Laos.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

US urges India to allow peaceful assembly after riots

The United States on Thursday urged India to respect the right to peaceful assembly and called on all sides to refrain from violence after sectarian riots in Delhi killed at least 33 people.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

US warns of attack threat against major hotel in Nairobi

The United States warned Thursday that extremists may be plotting an attack against a major hotel in Nairobi, urging its citizens to be cautious.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

GSP Plus status: Government optimistic about extension prospects

The federal government is hoping to get extension of the GSP Plus status from the European Union till 2022. The status will expire in March.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Private lending to SMEs not encouraging, observes NA panel

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, while expressing serious concern over a rate of around seven percent of private-sector credit for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan recommended to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to t

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

NCV fears keep PSX in check: BRIndex100 extends losses

Pakistan Stock Exchange Thursday witnessed one of the most volatile trading sessions due to panic selling while nominal recovery was witnessed at the fag end.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Dividend stripping: German prosecutors confirm raid at ABN Amro

German authorities on Thursday confirmed a raid at Dutch bank ABN Amro related to a dividend tax stripping case known as cum-ex, the Cologne state prosecutor's office said.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Federal government shuts schools, suspends Iran flights

Government on Thursday shut schools in several areas and suspended flights to and from Iran to try to stop the spread of new coronavirus, after reporting its first cases of the infection, officials said.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Saudi Arabia suspends entry for Umrah pilgrims, tourists

Saudi Arabia on Thursday suspended arrivals by foreigners for the Umrah pilgrimage and tourists from two dozen countries where the new coronavirus has spread, as a growing number of cases globally deepened fears of a pandemic.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Global virus epidemic at 'decisive point': WHO chief

The new coronavirus epidemic is at a "decisive point" globally, the World Health Organization said Thursday, warning it could "get out of control" if affected countries did not move swiftly to contain it.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Sindh: 1,500 must be located, quarantined

Some 1,500 people in Sindh had travelled to Iran since February 2, and the provincial government had been collecting details about all those people so that they could be confined to their respective houses in isolation and under medical scrutiny.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

FTO tells FBR to pay refund claims in 72 hours

The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that it must take all needful steps and measures to ensure that refund claims of exporters are processed and paid in 72 hours of submission of claim under the FASTER refund sy

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Locally-assembled cars: Government is responsible for increase in prices, admits Dawood

Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce, Industries and Production, Abdul Razak Dawood on Thursday said that the government is responsible for increase in prices of locally assembled cars as in the last budget additional customs duty, excise duty, sales tax

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Deadline for filing ST, FED returns extended

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended date for filing of sales tax and federal excise return for the tax period of January 2020 up to February 28, 2020.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

SBP's reserves move up by $87 million

The State Bank of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves increased by $87 million during last week.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Afghan delegation to meet Taliban in Doha

An Afghan government delegation is going to Doha to make "initial contacts" with the Taliban, a senior official said Thursday, days before the signing of a historic deal in Qatar to withdraw US troops.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

India playing 'dangerous' game: ISPR chief

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Thursday said, "Pakistan is ready to respond to any challenge to the country's security and integrity."

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Inclusion on 'grey list' credit negative for banks: Moody's

Pakistan's continued presence on list of jurisdictions (grey list) under increased monitoring is credit negative for its banks, as it raises questions about potential additional restrictions relating to banks' foreign-currency clearing services, as well a

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Letters

Trump in India

Not only did US President Donald Trump fail to strike any major trade deal with India at the end of a visit, which was, according to independent analysts, big on photo opportunities but short on substance, he also remained unsuccessful in reaching out to

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

IMF, World Bank consider 'virtual' Spring Meetings as virus spreads

Growing concerns inside the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank about the spread of the new coronavirus have prompted the institutions to consider scaling back their Spring Meetings in April or hold them by teleconference, people familiar with

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Public service reforms - I

In 1871, President Ulysses S. Grant of the US appointed Dorman B. Eaton as the chair of the first Civil Service Commission, who later went to England in 1875 to study the civil service system of Britain. Upon conclusion of his studies, Eaton produced a re

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Articles

Existing tax structure and fiscal restraints

Presently, all broad-based and buoyant sources of revenue are with the federal government and contribution of provinces in total tax revenues is merely 6 percent-in overall national revenue base (tax and non-tax revenue) it is around eight percent. This h

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Release of NAB detainees

An Islamabad High Court (IHC) division bench comprising Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah and Justice Lubna Saleem has ordered on February 25, 2020 the release on bail of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal

Updated 28 Feb, 2020 06:10am

Revision of unrealistic targets

The Finance Ministry acknowledged that the mid-year (July-December) fiscal operations indicate that Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR's) collections, a major component of the government's total annual revenue, suffered due to unprecedented compression of im

Updated 28 Feb, 2020 06:10am

Umrah pilgrims offloaded amid coronavirus threat

Following the temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims by Saudi Arabia in an attempt to ensure public safety by preventing the spread of coronavirus, several pilgrims were offloaded by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other private airlines on Thursday.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

NA body for imposing ban on cotton import

The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) on Thursday recommended imposing ban on cotton import in order to protect and safeguard the interest of the local farmers. The committee met with Muhammad Ajmal Khan i

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Nation to never pardon NAB if GSP Plus status lost: Bilawal

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the nation would never pardon the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) if Pakistan loses its GSP Plus status because of "political victimisation" by the NAB.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Modi's extremist policies set entire India on fire: AJK president

President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Masood Khan, has said that the Indian government is hurling allegations against Pakistan in a bid to divert international attention from the deteriorating internal situation following abrogation of Article

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Ramazan may begin from April 25: Fawad

Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Thursday announced that the holy month of Ramazan is expected to begin in Pakistan from April 25. Taking to twitter, Fawad Chaudhry said, "The moon of holy month of Ramazan will be sig

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Pakistan desires peace, but it won't compromise on Kashmir: Alvi

President Dr Arif Alvi said that Pakistan wanted peace and stability in the region but it would never compromise on the issue of Kashmir. Addressing a seminar "Radical India versus responsible Pakistan" on Thursday, the president said that, "we will stand

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

To meet challenges of coronavirus: Senate body for creating special fund

A parliamentary body on Thursday asked the government to create a special fund for preparedness and response against coronavirus and declare it a "hazard" to national security. The Senate Standing Committee on Interior, which met with Senator Rehman Malik

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Pakistan voices concern over $3 billion Indo-US defence deal

Pakistan on Thursday voiced concerns over $3 billion Indo-US defence deal signed on the eve of President Donald Trump's recent visit to India, and feared that Washington's supply of sophisticated weapons system to New Delhi will further destabilize the se

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Rich tributes paid to armed forces at SU

He who plants a tree plants hope. It is students who hold the future of Pakistan in their hands. The military has the mandate to safeguard the geographical boundaries of Pakistan; youth have the obligation to protect its ideological peripheries. The world

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Viable policy for horticulture export demanded

Secretary General (Federal) of Businessmen Panel (BMP), Ahmad Jawad has said Pakistan horticulture export policy is vital for boosting nontraditional exports. "In the last few years unfortunately we don't have viable policy from the economic managers of t

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Export-oriented sectors: FPCCI chief wants gas, power tariffs be fixed on yearly basis

President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Mian Anjum Nisar has said tariff on electricity and gas should be fixed on yearly basis for the export-oriented sectors, and priority be given only to these sectors as the exp

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Bank Alfalah to accept Hajj applications till March 6

Bank Alfalah is receiving Hajj applications under the government 'Hajj Scheme 2020' from 25th February 2020 till 6th March 2020, through all of its branches across Pakistan.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

PAF conducts air show amid 'Operation Swift Retort'

Flying maneuvers and skilful changes of position of PAF fighter planes JF-17 Thunder and F-16 turned the air show conducted under the auspices of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) here on Thursday, all the more mesmerizing for the citizens reaching Sea View -

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

IT & Computers

VMware sharpens focus on Pakistan with appointing new Head of Channels

VMware Inc, a leading innovator in enterprise software, Monday announced the appointment of Venkatesh Murali as Head of Channels, Nascent and Vietnam. Armed with almost two decades of solutions sales and channel development experience, Venkatesh will focu

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

MPA Sindh assures KATI: 'Special task force soon to address concerns'

Member of Sindh Assembly and President of Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf Karachi chapter, Khurram Sher Zaman has said that a special task force will be established soon to address concerns in Karachi and representatives of business community would be included i

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

China to assist Pakistan against locust attacks

China will provide sustainable cooperation to Plant Protection of Pakistan to prevent locust attack on crops in the country. The Chinese cooperation will include the expertise and technology for locust prevention in Pakistan, the members of visiting Chine

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Availability of standard masks: petition filed in SHC

A constitutional petition was filed in the Sindh High Court requesting it to issue orders to the authorities concerned to ensure availability of standard masks for proper fight against the deadly coronavirus. Nadeem A. Sheikh and Saleem Michael filed the

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Transaction banking services: Meezan Bank and Orient Electronics join hands

Meezan Bank Limited and Orient Electronics Private Limited have recently joined hands to streamline transaction banking services for Orient. Under the agreement, Meezan Bank, through the provision of its state-of-the-art online banking solution, named eBi

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Ban on Umrah pilgrims: PIA to incur Rs 180 millions losses

A 48-hour ban on Umrah pilgrims imposed by Saudi government to avoid spreading corona virus will cost Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) approximately Rs180 million. The temporary ban by the Saudi authorities on the entry of Umrah pilgrims and tourists

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Karachi industrial zones likely to face power cuts

Karachi Industrial Zones, which are exempted from load-shedding, are expected to face prolong power cuts with the onset of summer as K-Electric has given a rationale for power shortage as a massive over Rs50 billion receivables from the Sindh government.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

SCCI slams crackdowns on small industrial units

The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has condemned the crackdowns on small industrial units situated on Kohat road Peshawar under guise of collecting sale tax and other levies by subordinate insinuations of the Federal Board of Revenue. It d

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

Supplies to cement sector: RTO Islamabad detects mega scam of flying invoices

The Regional Tax Office (RTO), Islamabad has detected a mega scam of fake/flying invoices used for claiming credit adjustments by the persons making supply to cement sector, causing massive revenue loss to the exchequer.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

PPL donates Rs10 million to SIUT

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) donated Rs 10 million to Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) and Rs 5 million to The Kidney Centre (TKC) for provision of quality healthcare to deserving populations as part of its long-term and diverse C

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Taxes

FY 2020-2021: FBR seeks budget proposals from business community, tax officials

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has asked the business community and the tax officials to submit budget proposals for 2020-2021 with the specific focus of eliminating tax fraud, plugging in loopholes, and facilitating genuine taxpayers.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

Capacity payments: Nepra terms power evacuation issues main cause of increase

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Thursday said that issues in power evacuation of the newly established projects are the main reason for the increase in capacity payments.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

PMEX daily trading report

On Wednesday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited, PMEX Commodity Index closed at 4,084.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

South Korean mills buy US wheat

The South Korean flour mills association KOFMIA bought around 85,000 tonnes of milling wheat to be sourced from the United States in a tender on Wednesday, European traders said.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT corn futures lower

Chicago Board of Trade corn futures eased on Wednesday as the US dollar firmed and as the spread of coronavirus beyond China stoked concerns about a potential hit to global economic growth, traders said.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Euronext wheat edges higher after virus-related losses

Euronext wheat futures edged higher on Wednesday as some buyers stepped in to take advantage of a slide earlier this week linked to investor worries about the spread of coronavirus.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

China's steel, iron ore futures slump as pandemic fears grow

Steel futures in China slipped on Wednesday on worries that the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak would inevitably turn into a global pandemic, while expectations of a demand pick-up in the second quarter capped losses.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

Activities at Karachi and Qasim Ports

The Karachi Port handled 66,786 tonnes of cargo comprising 44,080 tonnes of import cargo and 22,706 tonnes of export cargo including 2,629 loaded and empty containers during the last 24 hours ending at 0700 hours on Thursday.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Lethargic business seen on cotton market

Lethargic mood was seen on the cotton market on Thursday as most of the participants were on the sidelines after confirmation of two cases of coronavirus in the country, dealers said.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

Asia's naphtha falls to 5-month low

Asia's naphtha crack fell to a five-month low of $53.43 a tonne, dragged down by fears of the fast-spreading coronavirus weighing on the global economy and in turn, hitting petrochemicals demand.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Commodities

CBOT soyabean futures rise

Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures rose on Wednesday after Argentina suspended registrations for agricultural product exports, which could hinder shipments from the major soya supplier and potentially benefit US soya exports, traders said.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

NCCPL, NCCS-NED sign MoU to develop information security products

National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL) and NCCS-NED have signed an MoU to develop Information Security products in Pakistan National Centre for Cyber Security (NCCS) has been established by the government of Pakistan to play a leading role

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

SECP forum sensitises industry on AML/CFT obligations

The Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Farrukh Sabzwari, chaired the AML/CFT Compliance Forum organized to deliberate on progress on FATF Action Plan, deficiencies identified in Pakistan FATF/APG mutual evaluation,

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Fazl slams government for creating unemployment, sinking economy

Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday criticised the PTI government for 'growing' unemployment in the country, saying that economy is 'sinking'.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Karkey RPP case: AC reserves verdict on acquittal pleas of ex-PM Ashraf, others

The Accountability Court Thursday reserved its verdict regarding acquittal pleas filed by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and others in Karkey Rental Power Plant (RPP) case till March 10th. The Accountability Court judge, Azam Khan, while hearin

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Business & Economy

FPCCI business council polls: Concern voiced over delay

A Spokesman for the United Business Group (UBG), Gulzar Feroz, and Sindh Regional Chairman Sheikh Khalid Tawab have expressed concern over the FPCCI not holding business council elections on time. They said that two months had passed, but the FPCCI had no

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Stocks

PSBA granted licence as trade organisation

Pakistan Stock Brokers Association (PSBA) has announced that the Federal Government has granted license to PSBA as a trade organization to represent stock brokers / equity brokerage services on all Pakistan-basis.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Two media groups: APNS condemns government 'ban' on advertisements

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) strongly flayed the continued "ban" on the advertisements of the federal as well as the Punjab and KPK governments on the Dawn Group and Jang Group and termed this a contravention of freedom of press.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Singer Mahjabeen Qazalbash passes away

Famous singer, Mahjabeen Qazalbash, passed away after a protracted illness in Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), the other day. She was a cardiac patient and admitted to Intensive Care Unit of Lahore two months back due to complications where she breathed her l

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

PPAF-MRDO donates 100 wheelchairs to special persons

The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with Marvi Rural Development Organization (MRDO) donated 100- wheel chairs to differently disabled individuals belonging to Ghotki and Khairpur, Sindh at Shah Latif University, Khairpur.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

WWF-P, Coca-Cola host 'The Panda Challenge 2020' school contest

WWF-Pakistan and the Coca-Cola Foundation collaborated to host the finale of 'The Panda Challenge 2020' school competition, organised on Thursday with active participation of over 30,000 students.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Coronavirus: Plea for enforcing medical emergency in Sindh

Capt A Moiz Khan, patron in chief, North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI) and Naseem Akhtar, President, while expressing deep concerns over the diagnosis of the Coronavirus in Karachi and urged the Sindh government to take initiatives imm

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Energy

GRM up 8 percent on higher MS & HSD margins

Gross Refining Margin (GRM) averaged $3.90/bbl during February 2020, reflecting a year-on-year increase of $0.29/bbl or 8 percent. This marginal gain was supported by MS and HSD margins which were up by 366 percent and 70 percent respectively.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Prices of disposable surgical masks on the rise

The prices of disposable surgical masks and other protective equipment in the markets selling at the exorbitant rates after two cases of coronavirus confirmed by the government.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

20 million face masks smuggled out of country with Drap's connivance: PYPA

The Pakistan Young Pharmacist Association (PYPA) has alleged that 20 million face masks have been smuggled out of Pakistan with the connivance of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) authorities.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Engineers of Punjab threaten to go on strike if service structure not improves

The diploma engineers of Punjab have threatened to go on strike for an indefinite period if their demand with respect to professional allowance and improvement in service structure are not approved by the Punjab government.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Brief Recordings

An interview with Arif Nadeem, CEO Pakistan Agricultural Coalition'Pakistan should adopt 'truth-in-labelling' regime for cottonseed'

Arif Nadeem has over 35 years' experience in the public sector and is an expert in public policy and administration. Prior to joining PAC, he served as Secretary to the Government of Punjab in the departments of Agriculture, Irrigation and Health.

Updated 28 Feb, 2020 04:13am

Malaysian parliament to vote on new PM amid crisis

Malaysia's parliament will vote Monday on the country's next prime minister in a bid to end a political crisis, but if no candidate has enough support there will be a snap election, Mahathir Mohamad said.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

France asks Sri Lanka to honour UN pledges on rights

France Thursday asked Sri Lanka to end impunity and ensure ethnic reconciliation a day after Colombo withdrew from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged atrocities during its decades-long separatist war.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Algerian president's son acquitted

The son of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been acquitted in a high-profile corruption case in which a prominent businessman was sentenced to prison, the national radio reported Thursday. Khaled Tebboune had been in pre-trial detention since J

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Days before poll, Israel approves nearly 1,800 new settler homes

Israel approved nearly 1,800 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank Thursday, the country's right-wing defence minister announced, four days ahead of a general election.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Swiss humanitarian channel to Iran takes effect

A new Swiss payment mechanism allowing food, medicine and other humanitarian aid to be sent to Iran without stumbling over US sanctions has officially taken effect, Bern said Thursday. The system was created to allow Swiss companies in the food, pharmaceu

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Three Turkish troops killed in Syria's Idlib

Three Turkish soldiers have been killed in an air strike in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday. Turkey, which supports several rebel groups in the area, immediately responded to the attack by hi

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

One dead in Israeli drone strike in southern Syria

A Syrian linked to the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah was killed in a cross-border Israeli drone strike Thursday that targeted his car in a village near the annexed Golan Heights, a war monitor said. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights head Rami Abdel

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Earth captures new 'mini moon'

Earth has acquired a second "mini-moon" about the size of a car, according to astronomers who spotted the object circling our planet. The mass - roughly 1.9-3.5 meters (6-11 feet) in diameter - was observed by researchers Kacper Wierzchos and Teddy Pruyne

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Russia invites French troops to join Victory Day parade

Russia on Thursday invited French soldiers to participate in a high-profile military parade in Red Square to commemorate 75 years since the end of World War II. In a meeting with his French counterpart, Russia's chief of staff General Valery Gerasimov sai

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Assange's UK extradition hearing paused until May

A British judge on Thursday paused Julian Assange's extradition hearing following four days of intense legal wrangling over Washington's request for the WikiLeaks founder to stand trial there on espionage charges. Judge Vanessa Baraitser, who will ultimat

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Staff of French film magazine quit en masse

The entire journalistic staff of the Cahiers du cinema - the film magazine that launched the French New Wave - have resigned from the influential title. The monthly which once employed legends like Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut before they went on

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

New Tunisia government sworn in

Tunisia's new government was sworn in Thursday after winning a parliamentary confidence vote that broke four months of post-election deadlock. Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh, thirty ministers and two secretaries of state were sworn-in during a ceremony at

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

24 babies, pregnant teens freed from Nigeria 'baby factory'

Nigerian police have rescued 24 babies and four expectant mothers from an illegal maternity home in the southern oil city of Port Harcourt, a spokesman said Thursday.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Erdogan denounces 'massacres' committed against Muslims in India

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out Thursday against "massacres" of Muslims in India after communal riots in New Delhi left at least 33 dead.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Dollar down against yen, Swiss franc in Asia

The dollar fell against the yen and the Swiss franc on Thursday after the first coronavirus infection of unknown origin was confirmed in the United States, adding to fears of a pandemic.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Dollar falls in Europe

The dollar fell on Thursday as Treasury yields continued to plumb new lows and investors bet the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates to offset the impact of the spreading coronavirus, lifting the euro to its highest in more than two weeks.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Early trade in New York: Dollar loses its luster as rate cut expectations rise

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Dollar index slightly higher in New York

The dollar was little changed on Wednesday as coronavirus headlines sapped sentiment, with the greenback weakening after gaining earlier along with a rise in US stocks.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Brazil's real breaks below 4.50 per dollar

The Brazilian real's relentless decline continued on Thursday, as growing investor fears over the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on Latin America's largest economy pushed it below 4.50 per dollar for the first time ever.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Asian forex: Most units up as rate cut expectations stall dollar

Most emerging Asian currencies held ground on Thursday, as rising US rate cut bets amid a spike in coronavirus cases beyond China prompted dollar buyers to take a pause.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Sterling slips to over five-week low against euro

The pound fell on Thursday, hitting a more than five-week low versus the euro, as Britain confirmed a hardline stance on trade talks with the EU and disappointment grew that the new finance minister may not increase spending as much as expected.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Money & Banking

Aussie, kiwi downtrodden as funds flee virus risks

The Australian dollar was lying near 11-year lows on Thursday as the nation's exposure to global trade and tourism flows made it the whipping boy for investors hedging coronavirus risks.

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Football

Liverpool post healthy profit despite transfer spending

Premier League leaders Liverpool made a pre-tax profit of £42 million ($54 million) last year despite a record £223 million investment on players, figures showed on Thursday. While that top line is well below the record £125 million profit for the year en

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Other

Tsitsipas sets up Dubai semi clash with Evans

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday to set up a Dubai Championships semi-final against Dan Evans. The two-hour and 23-minute duel, which allowed Greek second seed Tsitsipas to claim a seventh successive win,

Published 28 Feb, 2020 12:00am

Previous Day

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Apr 26	278.58
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Apr 26	278.28
USD to Japanese Yen / Apr 26	158.33
USD to Swiss Franc / Apr 26	0.91
Pound Sterling to USD / Apr 26	1.25
Euro to USD / Apr 26	1.07

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Apr 26	5099.96
India Sensex / Apr 26	73730.16
Tokyo Nikkei / Apr 26	37934.76
Nasdaq / Apr 26	15927.90
Hang Seng / Apr 26	17651.15
FTSE 100 / Apr 26	8139.83
Dow Jones / Apr 26	38239.66
Germany DAX 30 / Apr 26	18161.01

Item	Value
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Apr 26	83.85
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Apr 26	20535
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Apr 26	210048
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Apr 26	2337.96
Cotton US¢/pound / Apr 26	80.90
Petrol/Litre / Apr 28	293.94

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Apr 28 786 Investments Limited(786)	5 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Apr 28 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	585 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Apr 28 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Apr 28 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Apr 28 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	2.07 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Apr 28 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	87.10 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Apr 28 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	499.34 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Apr 28 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Apr 28 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	9.84 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Apr 28 786 Investments Limited(786)	5 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Apr 28 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	585 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Apr 28 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Apr 28 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Apr 28 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	2.07 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Apr 28 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	87.10 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Apr 28 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	499.34 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Apr 28 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Apr 28 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	9.84 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Volume
P.I.A.C.(A) / Apr 28 Pakistan International Airlines Corp(PIAA)	47,200,500 ▲ 0.00
Cnergyico PK / Apr 28 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	29,719,327 ▲ 0.00
Pak Petroleum / Apr 28 Pakistan Petroleum Limited(PPL)	21,170,581 ▲ 0.00
Pak Refinery / Apr 28 Pakistan Refinery Limited(PRL)	16,965,134 ▲ 0.00
The Searle Co. / Apr 28 The Searle Company Limited(SEARL)	15,793,227 ▲ 0.00
P.T.C.L. / Apr 28 Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd(PTC)	15,054,641 ▲ 0.00
K-Electric Ltd. / Apr 28 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	14,145,556 ▲ 0.00
WorldCall Telecom / Apr 28 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	13,158,668 ▲ 0.00
Telecard Limited / Apr 28 Telecard Limited(TELE)	12,358,668 ▲ 0.00

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