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Print - 2020-03-27
ECC approves Rs 5 billion grant for NDMA

ECC approves Rs 5 billion grant for NDMA

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has decided to approve Rs5 billion technical supplementary grant for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to fight against the spread of coronavirus on war footing.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Ministry urges OMCs to cancel crude oil imports

Ministry urges OMCs to cancel crude oil imports

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been requested by the energy ministry to cancel their planned crude oil imports from April 1, 2020 onwards to support Pakistan's domestic refining industry.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PSX snaps losing streak: BRIndex100 inches up
Stocks

PSX snaps losing streak: BRIndex100 inches up

Bears were defeated Thursday and the Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a positive trend on the back of healthy buying in various sectors. Although the market opened on a negative note however, it turned bullish and remained in positive zone for most of th
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
ECB primes money-printing gun to combat coronavirus

ECB primes money-printing gun to combat coronavirus

The European Central Bank has ditched a cap on how many bonds it can buy from any single euro zone country, clearing the way for potentially unlimited money-printing as it scales up its response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
ECNEC approves projects worth over Rs95bn

ECNEC approves projects worth over Rs95bn

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Thursday approved over Rs95 billion projects for water, irrigation, transport, and other sectors.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
London hospitals facing 'tsunami' of virus patients

London hospitals facing 'tsunami' of virus patients

Hospital bosses and doctors on Thursday warned of being swamped by a "tsunami" of COVID-19 patients in London, as Britain braced for a peak in cases and the government faced calls to urgently provide specialist kit and tests for frontline health workers.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
G20 leaders pledge $5trn in 'united' response

G20 leaders pledge $5trn in 'united' response

Leaders of the Group of 20 major economies pledged on Thursday to inject $5 trillion in fiscal spending into the global economy to blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus and "do whatever it takes to overcome the pandemic."
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Spread of Covid-19 in country: Zulfi & others issued notices

Spread of Covid-19 in country: Zulfi & others issued notices

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to secretary Interior, Zulfi Bukhari and others in a petition seeking constituting a high-level judicial commission to ascertain the responsibility of the people who failed to perform their obligat
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Deferred payment of power bills: PD issues instructions to Discos

Deferred payment of power bills: PD issues instructions to Discos

Power Division on Thursday issued instructions to the power Distribution Companies (Discos) about Prime Minister relief package for deferred payment of electricity bills of domestic consumers using up to 300 units in a month due to COVID 19 pandemic.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
China's medical team to visit Pakistan

China's medical team to visit Pakistan

China will send a team of medical experts to Pakistan to work closely with local health authorities and provide assistance and expertise in their fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic, Zeng Yixin, Vice Minister of China's National Health Commission
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
SBP's reserves plunge $800m in 2 weeks

SBP's reserves plunge $800m in 2 weeks

The State Bank of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves posted a notable decline of $800 million in two weeks primarily due to external debt and other official payments.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Overseas Pakistanis: ABAD seeks wealth statement exemption

Overseas Pakistanis: ABAD seeks wealth statement exemption

The Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) has proposed that the Prime Minister's package for revival of the construction industry and real estate sector to be announced in 1-2 days, must exempt overseas Pakistanis from filing wealth re
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Importers unable to collect goods from port: PCDMA

Importers unable to collect goods from port: PCDMA

The Chairman of Pakistan Chemical and Dyes Merchant Association (PCDMA) and a former director of the Karachi Stock Exchange, Amin Yousuf Balgamwala, said that due to lockdown in the city commercial importers are unable to collect imported goods especially
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PM breaks ground for 250-bed isolation hospital

PM breaks ground for 250-bed isolation hospital

Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday broke ground for the construction of a 252-bed Isolation Hospital and Infectious Disease Center here as the tally of coronavirus cases reached 25 in the federal capital.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Suspension of debt payments
Letters

Suspension of debt payments

This is apropos a Business Recorder news item "IMF, WB call for suspension of debt payments by poorest nations". This is indeed a matter of great satisfaction that the Bretton Woods institutions have
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Coronavirus and debt relief
Articles

Coronavirus and debt relief

The Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, recently made a statement in the meeting G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, in which she highlighted the severe impact of the virus in terms of human
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Sports fallout

Sports fallout

There is hardly any aspect of life that has not been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It comes as no surprise then that sports, that flagship of competitive humanity, should also be affected. In recent days, a rash of cancellations and postponements
Updated 27 Mar, 2020 11:47am
Time for force majeure?

Time for force majeure?

There are reports that the PTI government is facing calls to declare force majeure in its LNG (liquefied natural gas) deal with Qatar considering how the coronavirus-related lockdown has compressed domestic demand. With industry, the bulk consumer, now of
Updated 27 Mar, 2020 11:47am
Electricity tariff: APTMA Punjab chief for issuance of notification
Cotton & Textile

Electricity tariff: APTMA Punjab chief for issuance of notification

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Punjab Chairman Adil Bashir has urged the government to immediately notify the already approved electricity tariff of 7.5 cents per kWh in order to avoid the negative impact of COVID-19 on the textile ind
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
COVID-19: One more death in Lahore raises countrywide toll to 9

COVID-19: One more death in Lahore raises countrywide toll to 9

Another Corona virus patient, resident of Township Lahore, has died raising the death toll due to COVID-19 to nine in Pakistan. The sample of the deceased was taken from his residence and Thursday he breathed his last raising the number of deaths due to c
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Saudi Arabia stops Pakistan from signing Hajj agreement

Saudi Arabia stops Pakistan from signing Hajj agreement

In wake of the spread the novel coronavirus pandemic across the globe, the Saudi Arabian government on Thursday halted signing of Hajj agreement with Pakistan. Saudi Arabia Hajj Minister Dr Saleh bin Taher Benten told the Pakistani government in a letter
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Twin cities' admins increase restrictions on people's movement

Twin cities' admins increase restrictions on people's movement

With the number of coronavirus cases soaring to more than 1,128 in the country and 29 in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the district administrations have increased restrictions on the movement of people and accelerated its actions against vi
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Earthquake jolts parts of Gilgit

Earthquake jolts parts of Gilgit

An earthquake jolted different parts of Gilgit on Thursday. Tremors were felt in Jaglot, Thaleji, Astur and adjoining areas. According to the initial reports the magnitude, depth and the epicentre of the earthquake remained unknown.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
SC delists hearing of Justice Qazi Faez petition

SC delists hearing of Justice Qazi Faez petition

The Supreme Court de-listed the hearing of Justice Qazi Faez petition, which was fixed for March 30, due to coronavirus pandemic. The fixture branch of the apex court on Thursday issued the notification in this regard.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
'Pakistan, US partners in tackling global health challenges'

'Pakistan, US partners in tackling global health challenges'

Pakistan and the United States are partners in the fight against coronavirus, US Ambassador Paul Jones said. In a video message released on the US Mission to Pakistan's social media platforms Thursday, Ambassador Jones highlighted the support the United S
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Covid-19: NGOs exempted from signing of MoU with EAD

Covid-19: NGOs exempted from signing of MoU with EAD

The federal government has exempted local NGOs from signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to utilise foreign economic assistance in efforts to fight coronavirus (COVID-19).
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Covid-19: Opposition demands CCI meeting on daily basis

Covid-19: Opposition demands CCI meeting on daily basis

Opposition political parties on Thursday urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to show "seriousness" in efforts to prevent COVID-19 outbreak, and demanded that meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) should be held on a daily basis to monitor the situa
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Minister asks security officers to treat journalists well

Minister asks security officers to treat journalists well

Sindh Minister for Information, Local Government, Housing & Town Planning, Religious Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Syed Nasir Hussain Shah contacted top Rangers and Police officers and apprised them about the reservations expressed by the journalists as we
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PM launches mobile app in Capital

PM launches mobile app in Capital

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the launching of a modern-tech mobile application will bring a revolution in the lives of the dwellers of Federal Capital after getting various online services at their doorstep.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
All educational institutes will remain closed till May 31: minister

All educational institutes will remain closed till May 31: minister

"All the educational institutes including public and private schools, colleges, universities, and madaris in the country will remain closed till May 31, 2020". This was stated by Shafqat Mehmood, Federal Minister for Education, Professional Training and N
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
SBP timings
Money & Banking

SBP timings

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will observe 6-hour office timings as a part of the measures to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). According to State Bank will observe 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PDF to distribute food packages among 300 families
Business & Economy

PDF to distribute food packages among 300 families

Pakistan Development Foundation (PDF) joining war against coronavirus on Thursday decided to distribute ration and food packages among poor and destitute families. Chairman PDF Bilal Sethi told media here that initially ration would be distributed among 3
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Institution branch of court to remain closed till April 21: SC

Institution branch of court to remain closed till April 21: SC

The Supreme Court announced that for the calculation of period of limitation the institution branch of the court, at principal seat and the branch registries, shall be deemed to be closed from March 22, 2020 till April 21, 2020.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
China sees five imported COVID-19 cases from Pakistan

China sees five imported COVID-19 cases from Pakistan

China's Guangzhou city saw the fifth confirmed case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) imported from Pakistan, all Chinese nationals. Gwadar Pro App quoting Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission stated that the fifth patient, a 53-year-old man, had m
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Insurers asked to facilitate policyholders during COVID-19
Stocks

Insurers asked to facilitate policyholders during COVID-19

Amid outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued guidance to insurance companies for imparting maximum facilitation to insurance policyholders and claimants during this difficult tim
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Hospitals, markets, major roads in capital being sprayed with chemical

Hospitals, markets, major roads in capital being sprayed with chemical

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), the ICT Administration and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has started chemical spray and washing of various hospitals, business centres, markets, markaz and major roads of the city in the wake of deci
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Advisory for ATM users

Advisory for ATM users

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar and Additional IGP - Karachi Ghulam Nabi Memon on Thursday advised all the government and private sector employees to wrap their fingers with tissue while using ATM for withdrawal of cash to avoi
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
SWAP to fully support government in fighting Covid-19

SWAP to fully support government in fighting Covid-19

The Solid Waste Association of Pakistan (SWAP) held an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the prevailing situation in the backdrop of the outbreak of coronavirus across Pakistan and extended its complete support to the government in fighting this de
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
EV policy draft circulated among stakeholders
Business & Economy

EV policy draft circulated among stakeholders

The Engineering Development Board (EDB) Thursday circulated the draft Electric Vehicle (EV) policy 2020-25 amongst stakeholders after facing harsh criticism in the Cabinet on March 25, 2020, well-informed sources told Business Recorder.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Government should renegotiate deal with IMF: Bilawal

Government should renegotiate deal with IMF: Bilawal

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said the federal government must renegotiate its deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He said given the situation and the impact of the coronavirus on the global economy, the go
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Punjab, other provinces: Fate of LG polls hangs in balance

Punjab, other provinces: Fate of LG polls hangs in balance

The fate of local government elections hangs in balance with Punjab government having already postponed the conduct of elections for nine months and other provinces also expected to delay the LG polls citing the challenges posed by coronavirus.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
FBR office timings
Taxes

FBR office timings

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and all its field formation has reduced office timings as a part of the measures to contain spread of COVID-19. According to a notification issued by the FBR here on Thursday, in pursuance of the Establishment Division's
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Gas consumers of 300 units permitted to pay bills in installments
Energy

Gas consumers of 300 units permitted to pay bills in installments

The federal government has permitted gas consumers of 300 units to pay their monthly gas bills into installments to avoid circular debt of gas companies - the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL), and the Sui Sourthern Gas Company (SSGC).
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
25-member parliamentary body on coronavirus

25-member parliamentary body on coronavirus

The National Assembly Speaker, Asad Qaiser, on Thursday approved constitution of a 25-member parliamentary committee on coronavirus. As per its terms of reference, the parliamentary committee would periodically review, monitor and oversee issues related t
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Ufone offers unlimited U-U & PTCL minutes
Telecommunication

Ufone offers unlimited U-U & PTCL minutes

It is a time when every Pakistani is engulfed by fear and worries related to coronavirus. Amidst the panic, Pakistani brand Ufone is trying to help out its people to live with befikri through introduction of unlimited U-U and PTCL minutes (additional 5,00
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
SHC CJ orders release of 829 UTPs across province

SHC CJ orders release of 829 UTPs across province

On the directives of Chief Justice (CJ) Sindh High Court (SHC) Justice Ahmed Ali M Sheikh, 829 Under Trial Prisoners (UTPs) in the cases of lesser punishment have been released from the jails of the province.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
KCCI's membership date extended
Business & Economy

KCCI's membership date extended

Referring to a notification issued by Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO), the spokesman of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has informed that the last date for renewal of KCCI's membership has been extended from March 31, 2020
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Rs 580 million for providing ration to daily-wage workers in Sindh

Rs 580 million for providing ration to daily-wage workers in Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has released Rs580 million to provide ration to the daily-wage workers and other needy people all over Sindh. The chief minister decided to provide Rs20 million to every district for distribution of ration amongst
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Netflix removes highest bandwidth streams in Pakistan
IT & Computers

Netflix removes highest bandwidth streams in Pakistan

In order to match increased demand, Netflix has removed the highest bandwidth streams in Pakistan, as well as across Europe and UK. The decision has been taken in order to reduce traffic so that more users can avail the service.
Updated 26 Oct, 2020 05:36pm
PTA chief hails PM relief package
Telecommunication

PTA chief hails PM relief package

Chairman Pakistan Tanner's Association (PTA) Sheikh Afzal Hussain has hailed the relief package announced by the Prime Minister of Pakistan which worth Rs1 trillion in comprehensive which was of course fundamental need of the country and export industries
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PSO stands with citizens as COVID-19 grips country
Energy

PSO stands with citizens as COVID-19 grips country

Being the nation's own oil marketing company, Pakistan State Oil Company (PSO) stands with the people of Pakistan during these challenging times as COVID-19 grips the entire country.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Imported goods start piling up at ports
Business & Economy

Imported goods start piling up at ports

Lack of coordination between federal and provincial governments over the COVID-19 preventive measures, Karachi ports is about to choke with arriving consignments, due to absence of transport service during the lockdown.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Tanneries cannot afford to shut down industries: PTA
Cotton & Textile

Tanneries cannot afford to shut down industries: PTA

The sudden decision of the government to lockdown all industries caused a severe blow to the tanning sector dealing in perishable raw material of hides and skins. While talking to the Business Recorder, Pakistan Tanners Association's former Chairman Agha
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Utility bills, other taxes: APTPMA demands deferment of payment
Cotton & Textile

Utility bills, other taxes: APTPMA demands deferment of payment

Chairman (Central) All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), Muhammad Pervez Lala, has demanded last date of payment of utilities and all kind of federal and provincial taxes and levies be linked with call off of lockdown and minimum 10
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PRGMEA demands of government to increase DLTL facility by 7 percent
Cotton & Textile

PRGMEA demands of government to increase DLTL facility by 7 percent

Pakistan Ready Made Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Chief Coordinator Ijaz Khokhar on Thursday demanded of the government to increase the Draw Back of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL) facility by minimum 7 percent to garments export
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PM relief package: Opposition's concerns must be addressed: Shahbaz

PM relief package: Opposition's concerns must be addressed: Shahbaz

Terming the relief package announced by the government to deal with the coronavirus crisis as inadequate and incomplete, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has advised the incumbent government to deal with the current crisis wit
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Citizens getting punished for violating Section 144

Citizens getting punished for violating Section 144

A few days after a picture went viral on social media showing a policeman punishing commuters at Sanjrani Town in Karachi for violating the lockdown; citizens are now experiencing the same treatment by law enforcement personnel in Lahore at pickets erecte
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
20 Ulema call on Sarwar: People advised to perform prayers at homes

20 Ulema call on Sarwar: People advised to perform prayers at homes

20 Ulema of all schools of thought in a joint communique advised the people to stay home and also perform prayers regularly at their homes. These Ulema including Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Maulana Tahir Ashrafi called on Punjab Governor Chaudhr
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
No shortage of flour, daily-use items in markets: Buzdar

No shortage of flour, daily-use items in markets: Buzdar

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar said Thursday that there is no shortage of anything including flour and availability of daily-use items in markets will be fully ensured. While chairing a meeting about anti-coronavirus arrangements, here today, t
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Rectification of complaints: SNGPL issues cell numbers of executives
Energy

Rectification of complaints: SNGPL issues cell numbers of executives

Recognising the current situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic, to facilitate the consumers, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has issued cell numbers of its concerned executives for rectification of the complaints. Consumers would now
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Covid-19: is replicating Chinese experience possible?
Brief Recordings

Covid-19: is replicating Chinese experience possible?

The third week of March may qualify as an inflection point in the trajectory of two countries - China and South Korea - when compared to the week before, number of fresh cases diagnosed dropped by almost a third. It appears that both countries have finall
Updated 27 Mar, 2020 04:44am
Finnish children still getting school lunches despite lockdown

Finnish children still getting school lunches despite lockdown

While most of Finland's schoolchildren are studying at home under coronavirus restrictions, schools are still offering pupils free meals, a practice seen for decades as a cornerstone of Finland's egalitarian society.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Israel's Gantz calls for 'emergency unity government'

Israel's Gantz calls for 'emergency unity government'

Israel's ex-military chief Benny Gantz called for an emergency unity government after being elected parliament speaker Thursday, likely leading to an alliance with his rival Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to tackle coronavirus.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Sri Lanka pardons soldier who slaughtered Tamil civilians

Sri Lanka pardons soldier who slaughtered Tamil civilians

Sri Lanka's president on Thursday pardoned and released an army officer on death row for slitting the throats of Tamil civilians, including four children, during the island's bloody civil war. Sunil Ratnayake was to be hanged for the December 2000 massacr
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Pope reportedly tests negative for virus after Vatican scare

Pope reportedly tests negative for virus after Vatican scare

Pope Francis was reported Thursday to have tested negative for the novel coronavirus after a person in his residence was said to have contacted COVID-19. Several Italian newspapers with reputable sources in the Vatican said the Italian clergyman who got s
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
China cancels UN Security Council meeting

China cancels UN Security Council meeting

China has canceled a UN Security Council meeting scheduled for Thursday in coronavirus-stricken New York as it seeks to encourage "votes by writing" while the pandemic rages on, diplomatic sources said Wednesday.
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
China cuts international flights, bars foreign residents

China cuts international flights, bars foreign residents

China will drastically cut its international flight routes and bar entry to returning foreigners based in the country to stem the spread of the coronavirus, authorities said Thursday. The country has not reported any new domestic COVID-19 infections for t
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
US indicts Maduro for 'narco-terrorism'

US indicts Maduro for 'narco-terrorism'

The US Justice Department announced the indictment Thursday of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. The Justice Department called Maduro the head of a cocaine trafficking group called
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
US grants Iraq shortest sanctions waiver yet for Iran gas

US grants Iraq shortest sanctions waiver yet for Iran gas

The United States on Thursday granted Iraq a 30-day waiver to keep importing Iranian gas despite American sanctions, two Iraqi officials told AFP, the shortest extension yet. The US slapped tough sanctions on the Iranian energy sector in late 2018 and has
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Mali opposition leader kidnapped ahead of parliamentary poll

Mali opposition leader kidnapped ahead of parliamentary poll

Mali's government said on Thursday that leading opposition figure Soumaila Cisse had been kidnapped in the country's volatile central region, just days before a long-delayed parliamentary poll. In an unprecedented first for a Malian politician of his rank
Published 27 Mar, 2020 12:00am