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                        <title>Latest Business News and Business News Headlines | Business</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Govt may deduct Rs110b from NFC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632667/govt-may-deduct-rs110b-from-nfc</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632667/govt-may-deduct-rs110b-from-nfc#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632667</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Power-sector dues to be recovered from provincial shares]]>
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				<![CDATA[The federal government has informed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about its plan to recover over Rs110 billion power-sector arrears from provincial shares in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award amid the lender&#39;s concerns over fiscal implications of the move.

During the ongoing talks, the IMF has also inquired whether the federal government will abolish uniform electricity tariffs after the privatisation of companies. But the government did not give a straight reply, according to sources privy to the discussions. Under the uniform tariffs, consumers of inefficient and efficient power distribution companies are charged the same price.

These matters came under discussion with the IMF during a recently held meeting, sources told The Express Tribune. They said that the IMF got a detailed briefing from the Power Division on the circular debt trend, particularly an increase of Rs61 billion in the debt in the last fiscal year. The circular debt had jumped to Rs1.675 trillion, which the Power Division blamed on the reduction in budgeted subsidies and payment dispute with K-Electric &ndash; the integrated power distribution and generation company.

The IMF was of the view that it was getting difficult to defend the position before the IMF board and the debt stock could have been reduced by using savings, said the sources. The IMF was informed that to recover over Rs110 billion in provincial electricity arrears, a mechanism had been agreed between the Power and Finance Divisions to deduct the amount out of NFC shares, the sources added.

The IMF was further apprised that at least Rs110 billion had been reconciled and there was a plan to recover nearly Rs50 billion soon. The federal government has in the past attempted to adjust these dues out of the NFC shares but the provincial governments opposed it.

The spokesman for the Power Division did not address the question about whether the provincial governments had given their consent to the move and provided debit authority to the central bank. Without the written provincial consent, it will be impossible for the central bank to make these deductions.

&quot;The federal adjuster is in the Finance Division and the Power Division only issues bills and conveys reconciliation to the Finance Division; therefore, they are in the best position to comment,&quot; replied the Power Division spokesman. The finance ministry spokesman did not reply.

Sources said that the federal finance ministry had also attempted to cut over Rs6 billion per month from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa share on account of a reverse cash grant under the National Economic Initiative of Rs1.036 trillion. However, due to the provincial government&#39;s refusal to give the debit authority to the central bank, the money could not be deducted from the provincial share.

Sources said that the IMF had concerns that the move could further strain the provincial revenue receipts, which were already under stress due to the requirements of generating Rs1.7 trillion in cash surplus and giving Rs1.036 trillion in cash grants. The provincial governments have rationalised their development plans to make space for giving grants to the federal government. The IMF was told that the Power Division was also in the process of installing smart meters to resolve billing disputes with the provincial governments.

In response to the IMF&#39;s view on deducting money from provincial shares, the spokesman said that the Power Division was constrained from commenting on anything related to the IMF review proceedings and it would be appropriate that comments be taken through the Finance Division. However, the finance ministry spokesman did not reply.

Sources said that discussions were also held regarding the timeframe for privatisation of power distribution companies and post-privatisation policies. They said that the Pakistani authorities appeared reluctant to give a clear response on whether the current uniform tariff policy would come to an end.

Without ending the uniform tariff policy, the subsidies&#39; burden on the budget cannot be reduced, as has happened in the case of privatisation of K-Electric. Sources said that detailed discussions were also held over the dispute between K-E and the federal government and its implications for the overall power-sector financial viability.

K-Electric is not making timely payments for the electricity purchased from the federal government due to a dispute over tariffs and subsidy claims. Sources said that the federal government was willing to clear over Rs100 billion claims of K-Electric, subject to the settlement of tariff-related issues.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority and the Nepra tribunal have dismissed K-Electric&#39;s plea for a tariff of Rs40 per unit and approved a tariff of Rs32.37. The government expects that K-Electric will challenge the decision in courts.

Sources said that the IMF also inquired about the delay in reviewing the industrial incremental support package. After the IMF&#39;s concerns, a hearing has been scheduled for October 5. There was a possibility that the incremental tariff prices would go up as a result of the review, the sources added.

The incremental package, envisaging Rs22.96 per unit as a special tariff rate for select industries, was promised to be reviewed after six months of its introduction in December 2025 but it remained unchanged for the ninth month. Power costs for the industry have gone up by 10% due to tariff rebasing.]]>
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			<title>Provinces' feedback on IEP sought</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632672/provinces-feedback-on-iep-sought</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632672/provinces-feedback-on-iep-sought#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ZAFAR BHUTTA]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[CCOE gives directive to Power Division; response from provinces still awaited]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCOE) has directed the Power Division to take provinces on board in the operationalisation and implementation of the national Integrated Energy Plan (IEP).

During discussions in a recent meeting of the CCOE, it was noted that the IEP would be a 10-year plan with a 33-year perspective for the time horizon of 2027-2060. The forum was informed that the proposed governance framework would ensure coordination among federal and provincial stakeholders through the IEP steering committee, IEP Secretariat and sub-working groups, with policy oversight from the CCOE and the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

It was highlighted that responses from provinces were awaited despite a number of reminders and considerable lapse of time. It was also mentioned that representatives of all provincial governments and other stakeholders were present during the steering committee meeting.

The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) explained that the CCOE had approved the proposed Integrated Energy Planning Ecosystem, Secretariat Structure and High-Level Roadmap 2025 on December 24, 2025, with directives that the High-Level Design Report be developed and approved after comprehensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders. Accordingly, the Power Division completed the exercise and developed the IEP High-level Design after engaging in extensive nationwide consultations.

In the process, more than 50 stakeholders including international development partners, leading academic institutions, key ministries, provincial governments, regulatory authorities including Nepra and Ogra, and major energy-sector entities such as Wapda, Private Power and Infrastructure Board, Inter-State Gas Systems, PSO and K-Electric were consulted.

The CCOE appreciated the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) as well as all other stakeholders for having accomplished the task of preparing a national Integrated Energy Plan and expressed confidence that focused efforts of the minister of power and his team would lead to the transformation of Pakistan&#39;s power sector.

The Power Division apprised the CCOE that the High-Level Design was developed through extensive consultation, led by the IEP Secretariat, under the Ministry of Energy, and nationwide technical consultations were held with more than 50 federal and provincial stakeholders.

The division added that subsequently the draft High-Level Design, after incorporating the feedback received during consultations, was presented to the IEP steering committee for review and strategic guidance. The steering committee&#39;s feedback and recommendations were incorporated into the finalised High-Level Design Report.

The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) emphasised that the IEP High-Level Design &quot;establishes the strategic, analytical and governance framework for developing a comprehensive national Integrated Energy Plan&quot;. Key elements of the plan are explicated as follows:

Analytical framework: It is structured around four interdependent pillars: energy (adequate, reliable and resilient supply); economics (competitive and financially sustainable); equity (inclusive and accessible energy transition); and environment (sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient future).

The plan covers both demand and supply sides of Pakistan&#39;s energy system, integrating infrastructure planning across the energy value chain. IEP is spread over the period 2027-2060, comprising a 10-year action plan.

Governance framework: It ensures coordination among federal and provincial stakeholders through the IEP steering committee, IEP Secretariat and sub-working groups, with policy oversight from the CCOE and the CCI.

The IEP steering committee, chaired by ministers of power and petroleum, is responsible for the development of IEP strategic oversight and reviews progress before submission to the CCOE and the CCI.

The IEP Secretariat, led by the Ministry of Energy (Power and Petroleum Divisions) and the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Incentives, serves as the central coordinating body responsible for stakeholder engagement, analytical work and development of the IEP and Energy Information System (EIS), supported by sub-working groups comprising federal and provincial stakeholders providing technical input on different IEP activities.

The Power Division sought authorisation for the IEP Secretariat to proceed with the development of the EIS and directives to all relevant ministries/departments and organisations to support and integrate data systems to develop the EIS.]]>
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			<title>Thousands of cyberattacks blocked every month</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632674/thousands-of-cyberattacks-blocked-every-month</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632674/thousands-of-cyberattacks-blocked-every-month#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ehtesham Mufti]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632674</guid>
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				<![CDATA[With surge in digital payments, hackers become more active to exploit trend for illicit gains]]>
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				<![CDATA[1Link&#39;s system is actively combating the growing threat of hacker attacks amid the rising trend of digital payments in the country and blocks thousands of cyberattacks every month.

1Link Chief Digital and Technology Solutions Officer Azimullah Khan, whose organisation provides backend support for digital transactions to financial institutions, told The Express Tribune in an interview that the rise of artificial intelligence and the emergence of chatbots had further increased the importance of cybersecurity.

He said digital transactions and fund transfers were increasing in Pakistan, as elsewhere in the world, but hackers had also become more active in an attempt to exploit the trend for illicit gains.

Azimullah Khan said the rapid expansion of digital transactions could be gauged from the fact that 1Link&#39;s system would process 12 billion transactions in 2026, meaning more than 300 transactions every second. The value of these transactions could exceed Rs90 trillion. These transactions were processed through 42 banks, 22 affiliates, 1,306 government institutions, more than 22,000 ATMs and other channels, he said.

Given the scale and widespread nature of these operations, cybersecurity had assumed even greater importance. He said this did not mean that hackers were not attempting to breach 1Link&#39;s systems. &quot;We face cyberattacks all the time and hackers are continuously trying to penetrate such systems,&quot; he said. However, 1Link had deployed advanced and effective cyber defences that continuously thwarted these attempts. He said 1Link had been operating for 22 years and, despite handling such a large system, not a single hacker had succeeded in breaching it.

Asked where most hacker attacks originated, Azimullah Khan said hackers made every effort to conceal their identity and location. However, tools were now available that could help identify them. Most hackers attempted to penetrate the system from abroad, while the number of Pakistani hackers was relatively small.

He said that besides human hackers, AI-powered agents were now also attempting to carry out hacking activities. &quot;This is a new kind of challenge.&quot; The number of AI agents connected with banks, financial institutions and other organisations linked to the system was increasing. Protocols had been developed to identify rogue or hacker AI agents, he added.

1Link was also continuously upgrading its systems to prevent scams, fraud and social-engineering attacks. Through device fingerprinting, 1Link can determine whether a user&#39;s mobile phone or other device has been changed. In such cases, additional security measures are adopted to prevent criminals from using stolen information to defraud the user. 3D Secure technologies are also being used to secure e-commerce transactions.

Azimullah Khan said 1Link was established 22 years ago at the initiative of the State Bank as an organisation providing ATM switching services to banks. However, over more than two decades, 1Link had evolved into a comprehensive digital banking platform.]]>
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			<title>Trade deficit widens to $10.8b in first quarter</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632670/trade-deficit-widens-to-108b-in-first-quarter</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632670/trade-deficit-widens-to-108b-in-first-quarter#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632670</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Import growth outpaces encouraging momentum in exports]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s trade deficit remained elevated at $10.8 billion during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, reflecting an increase of $1.4 billion, as import growth outpaced a good momentum in exports.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the gap between imports and exports was 15% higher during the July-September period of fiscal year 2026-27. In absolute terms, the gap was $1.4 billion more than the last fiscal year, which was higher than the $1.2 billion tranche Pakistan will receive from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in November.

PBS said that cumulative exports during the first quarter increased to $8.4 billion, a surge of $824 million, or 10.8%, over the same period of the last year. The pace of increase in exports was better than the previous months. Data showed that imports jumped to $19.2 billion during the first quarter of FY27, higher by $2.2 billion, or 13.2%.

Early this week, the federal government apprised the IMF that the continuation of tariff rationalisation under the National Tariff Policy would lower production costs and enhance industrial competitiveness. It added that the allocation of Rs88 billion for concessional lending to exporters at 4.5% would improve liquidity, reduce financing costs and support export expansion.

However, it is not for the first time the government has doled out fiscal benefits to the exporters. They have availed themselves of these benefits without bringing any tangible improvement in non-debt creating receipts. Exports have traditionally stuck in the range of $2.5 billion to $3 billion a month. Even rupee devaluation of Rs100 per dollar could not give a major boost to exports.

The government has now projected that during the current fiscal year exports of goods will be $34 billion compared with $30.8 billion in the last fiscal year.

But given the first-quarter trend, the government&#39;s trade liberalisation policy has not helped increase exports, contrary to projections made by the Ministry of Commerce, the World Bank and the IMF. Under the liberalisation policy, the commerce ministry and the World Bank had anticipated a 14% increase in exports and only a 7% surge in imports. In the last fiscal year, exports plunged 6% to less than $31 billion.

PBS data showed that on a month-on-month basis, exports increased 16% to $2.9 billion. In absolute terms, they jumped $407 million in September compared to August this year. Imports increased 11.5% on a monthly basis, reaching close to $6.5 billion. The monthly trade deficit was up by 8%, or $263 million, which was better than earlier trends due to higher monthly exports, showed the official statistics.

On an annual basis, imports increased 11%, or $646 million. Compared to that, exports increased 17.6%, or $440 million. The annual trade deficit widened 6% to $3.6 billion, which was $206 million more than the previous year.

During the first two months, the import bill of petroleum crude soared by 40.5%, while the arrival of petroleum products declined by 26%. Similarly, LPG imports rose by 47%, while LNG inflows dropped by 28.6%. PBS data indicated that crude oil imports increased by 13.7% in quantity but surged nearly 40% in value during the July-August period, highlighting the dominant role of rising international oil prices.

However, the authorities believe that the government&#39;s austerity and energy-conservation measures are expected to moderate domestic consumption and, consequently, reduce the import demand for petroleum products in the coming months.

Last week, Secretary Finance Imdad Ullah Bosal told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that the government&#39;s fuel conservation policy would only save Rs700 million during the three-month austerity period. At the average price of Rs400 per litre, this translates into only 1.8 million litres over a period of three months.

For the current fiscal year, the government has set a modest export target of $32.5 billion but expects imports to grow to $70 billion. The gap is filled by foreign remittances as new loans are taken to pay back the maturing loans.]]>
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			<title>$895m social projects okayed for Sindh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632669/895m-social-projects-okayed-for-sindh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632669/895m-social-projects-okayed-for-sindh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[CDWP clears seven foreign-funded water, educational schemes]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved seven foreign-funded development projects for Sindh covering water supply and sanitation, education, irrigation, property revenue enhancement, environmental sustainability and urban infrastructure.

The projects, approved on October 2, carry combined foreign financing of $895 million, besides a major irrigation project estimated at Rs50.99 billion. The largest initiative is the Sindh Transformational Accelerated Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (STAR WASH) Services Phase-I Project, with a total financing of $450 million. The project comprises a $300 million World Bank financing and a $150 million Asian Development Bank (ADB) component and seeks to improve water supply, sanitation and hygiene services in rural areas of Sindh.

The CDWP also approved $15 million in Project Readiness Financing (PRF) for preparing urban and water-sector projects in Sindh. The initiative falls under the Local Government, Housing &amp; Town Planning Department and is aimed at developing projects for future financing and implementation.

Another major project is the Sindh Property Revenue Enhancement Programme (Sindh PREP), supported by a $150 million World Bank financing. The programme, also under the Local Government, Housing &amp; Town Planning Department, is designed to strengthen property revenue systems in the province.

In the education sector, the CDWP approved the $150 million Sindh Early Learning Enhancement Project through Classroom Transformation (SELECT-II), financed by the World Bank. The project will focus on improving early learning outcomes through classroom transformation under the School Education &amp; Literacy Department.

The Sindh Secondary Education Improvement Project &ndash; Second Additional Financing was also approved. The project includes a $100 million ADB loan and a $10 million grant to support improvements in secondary education across the province.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Finance for Lowering Emissions in the Water Sector (PAK-FLOW) project received approval for $20 million in World Bank financing. The initiative aims to reduce emissions in the water sector while supporting environmental sustainability.

The seventh project involves the Water Requirement for K-IV Project, specifically improvement of the Kalari Baghar Feeder and Keenjhar Lake. It includes cement-concrete lining of the Kalari Baghar Feeder Upper Phase-I at an estimated cost of Rs50,989 million and falls under the Sindh Irrigation Department.]]>
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			<title>Gold, silver prices fall in local, global markets</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632746/gold-silver-prices-fall-in-local-global-markets</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632746/gold-silver-prices-fall-in-local-global-markets#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 07:31:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ehtesham Mufti]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Price of gold falls by Rs4,300 per tola to Rs436,336 in Pakistan]]>
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				<![CDATA[Gold and silver prices declined in international and local markets on Saturday. In the international bullion market, the price of gold fell by $43 per ounce to $4,138.

According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold in the local market fell&nbsp;by Rs4,300 per tola to Rs436,336. The price of 10-gram gold decreased by Rs3,687 to Rs374,087.

Meanwhile, the price of silver fell by Rs56 per tola to Rs6,522. The price of 10-gram silver also decreased by Rs48 to Rs5,591.

A day earlier, The price of gold in the local market increased by Rs2,000 per tola to Rs440,636, according to rates released by the APGJSA.&nbsp;Similarly, the price of 10-gram gold rose by Rs1,715 to Rs377,774. Local silver prices increased by Rs50 per tola to Rs6,578.

On Thursday, gold had declined by Rs3,000 per tola to Rs438,636.

Read:&nbsp;Gold rises despite weekly global losses

On Wednesday, gold prices increased in international and local markets after a three-day pause. According to the APGJSA, the price of gold in the local market increased by Rs4,300 per tola to Rs441,636. The price of 10-gram gold rose by Rs3,686 to Rs378,631.

Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola increased by Rs20 to Rs6,578, while the price of 10-gram silver also rose by Rs17 to Rs5,639.

On Tuesday, gold prices in the local market fell for a second consecutive session. The price of 24-karat gold fell by Rs800 per tola to Rs437,336, according to rates released by the APGJSA. The price of 10-gram gold declined by Rs686 to Rs374,945.

Silver prices in the local market also declined on, falling by Rs20 per tola to Rs6,558.

Read more: Gold drops despite global rebound

On Monday, gold prices in the local market fell sharply, tracking a steep decline in the international market. The price of gold declined by Rs12,800 per tola to Rs438,136, according to rates released by the APGJSA. The price of 10-gram gold decreased by Rs10,973 to Rs375,631.

Meanwhile, silver prices also declined in the domestic market. The price of silver fell by Rs325 per tola to Rs6,578.]]>
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			<title>Gold rises despite weekly global losses</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632673/gold-rises-despite-weekly-global-losses</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632673/gold-rises-despite-weekly-global-losses#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Gains Rs2,000 to Rs440,636/tola; rupee up 3 paisa to 277.07/$]]>
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				<![CDATA[Gold prices in Pakistan rose on Friday, though international bullion markets reversed earlier gains amid pressure from a stronger dollar and elevated US Treasury yields. The price of gold increased by Rs2,000 per tola to Rs440,636, according to rates released by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association.

Similarly, the price of 10-gram gold rose Rs1,715 to Rs377,774. On Thursday, gold had declined by Rs3,000 per tola to Rs438,636. In the international market, spot gold fell 0.8% to $4,145.68 per ounce by 11:38 am EDT (1538 GMT), after gaining earlier in the session, as per Reuters. The precious metal was down around 3.3% for the week, putting it on course for a weekly decline. US gold futures were down 0.7% at $4,173.50 per ounce.

The international market remained under pressure as the US dollar, despite edging lower on Friday, remained on track for a weekly gain. Higher Treasury yields also weighed on gold, which does not generate any yield and therefore tends to face pressure when yields rise.

Yields on the benchmark 10-year and 30-year US Treasury bonds reached their highest levels since 2002 on Thursday, adding to the pressure on precious metals. Market sentiment was also influenced by fresh US labour-market data showing that job growth slowed sharply in September. The weaker employment data prompted traders to adjust expectations for the Federal Reserve&#39;s rate path, with markets trimming bets on further rate hikes.

Lower expectations for rate increases can generally support bullion by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. However, the impact was offset by the dollar and elevated bond yields in Friday&#39;s trading. The decline in international gold prices came despite the softer US jobs data, with investors continuing to assess the outlook for rates and the broader US economy.

Other precious metals also remained under pressure internationally, with gold, silver and other metals heading for weekly losses. Meanwhile, local silver prices increased by Rs50 per tola to Rs6,578.

The latest movement comes after considerable volatility in domestic bullion prices in recent sessions, with gold alternating between gains and losses as international prices and currency-market developments influenced local rates.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee closed at 277.07 against the US dollar, gaining Rs0.03 from Thursday&#39;s close at 277.10.]]>
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			<title>PSX sheds 481 points amid muted participation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632675/psx-sheds-481-points-amid-muted-participation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632675/psx-sheds-481-points-amid-muted-participation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[KSE-100 index weighed down by higher crude prices, US-Iran uncertainty]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its losing streak on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index falling over 480 points amid subdued investor participation, elevated crude oil prices and continued uncertainty over US-Iran relations.

The index closed at 168,155 points, taking its weekly decline to 1.52%, according to market analysts. Selling pressure was broad-based, with 321 stocks closing lower against 128 gainers.

Arif Habib Limited (AHL) noted that the PSX saw further weakness heading into the weekend, with the KSE-100 index losing 1.52% week-over-week. On Friday, 24 shares rose while 72 fell. UBL (+0.76%), Mari Energies (+1.09%) and OGDC (+0.39%) contributed the most to the index gains, while Systems Ltd (-2.11%), Meezan Bank (-0.88%) and Lucky Cement (-0.63%) were the biggest drags. The KSE-100 closed at 168,155.5, down 481.4 points, or 0.29%.

Pakistan could secure a &quot;B+&quot; sovereign credit rating by the first quarter (July-September) of fiscal year 2027-28, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Thursday. He cautioned, however, that it was too early to determine whether the country&#39;s current $7 billion Extended Fund Facility with the IMF would be its last.

Separately, Khaadi Pakistan, one of the country&#39;s leading fashion retailers, planned to raise up to Rs8.3 billion through a combination of pre-IPO placement and an IPO to expand its retail footprint and convert its outlets into larger &quot;Experience Stores,&quot; as per AHL.

Pakistan recorded a trade deficit of $3.6 billion in September 2026. Exports for the month amounted to $2.9 billion, up 17.6% year-on-year and 16.1% month-on-month. Imports rose to $6.5 billion, an 11% year-on-year increase and an 11.5% month-on-month rise. &quot;The index&#39;s outlook for the coming week remains focused on a potential move towards the September low near 166,000,&quot; it said.

Topline&#39;s market review noted that the KSE-100 index largely traded in negative territory during the session and settled at 168,155 points, down 0.29%. Investor participation remained subdued amid a lack of fresh triggers, elevated crude oil prices and the ongoing stalemate in US-Iran relations.

Market activity remained muted, with traded volume and value recorded at 494 million shares and Rs17.49 billion, respectively. Top negative contributors to the index were SYS, MEBL, LUCK, NBP and HBL, as they cumulatively wiped off 269 points. Traded value-wise, Maple Leaf Cement (Rs648 million), Askari Bank (Rs638 million), OGDC (Rs577 million), PPL (Rs543 million) and DG Khan Cement (Rs372 million) dominated the activity.

Overall trading volumes were recorded at 494 million shares in the ready market compared with the previous session&#39;s tally of 548.38 million. The value of shares traded during the day was Rs17.5 billion. Shares of 494 companies were traded. Of these, 128 stocks closed higher, 321 fell and 45 remained unchanged.

First National Equities was the volume leader with trading in 42.51 million shares, gaining Rs0.01 to close at Rs1.22. It was followed by WorldCall Telecom with 40.08 million shares, closing unchanged at Re1 and DS Industries with 29.51 million shares, gaining Rs1.57 to close at Rs17.25. Foreign investors bought shares worth Rs250.8 million, the National Clearing Company reported.]]>
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			<title>SPI at 11.5% as war keeps fuel dear</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632668/spi-at-115-as-war-keeps-fuel-dear</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632668/spi-at-115-as-war-keeps-fuel-dear#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usman Hanif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Week-on-week, index jumps 0.21%; chicken, LPG lift weekly prices]]>
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				<![CDATA[Short-term inflation stayed in double digits for the week ended October 1, with the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) up 11.53% from a year earlier, as the energy shock from the US-Israel war with Iran continued to pass into household costs.

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said the SPI rose 0.21% week-on-week to 370.46 points, from 369.69 a week earlier. The yearly pace eased from 11.92% in the previous reading, but remained well above single digits.

The conflict, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since early 2026, is still visible in the annual fuel bill. Diesel is 44.50% dearer than a year ago at Rs402.53 a litre and petrol is up 44.05% at Rs389.51.

Liquefied petroleum gas, widely used for cooking, rose 1.17% in the week to Rs5,103 for an 11.67kg cylinder, and was 66.59% higher than last October. Electricity charges for Q1 were up 58.59% on the year.

There was some relief at the pump. Diesel fell 3.43% and petrol 0.65% over the week, in line with a partial recovery in crude flows, even as supply of refined products remained tight.

Food showed a split picture. Chicken jumped 7.25% in the week to Rs365.31 a kilogramme and was 13.60% higher than a year ago. Garlic rose 1.85%, gram pulse 1.30% and eggs 0.72%.

Onions, up only 0.39% in the week, were 114.20% costlier than a year earlier at Rs189.42 a kilogramme. Wheat flour was up 32.65%, with a 20kg bag at Rs2,697. Mutton was 15.07% higher, beef 12.90% and fresh milk 8.10%.

Offsets came from perishables and sweeteners. Tomatoes were 45.52% cheaper than last year, potatoes 39.54% and sugar 21.95%. Eggs, despite the weekly rise, remained 17.47% below last October.

Of the 51 items tracked in 50 markets across 17 cities, prices of 20 rose, 10 fell and 21 were unchanged. The burden was uneven. The lowest spending group saw a 0.19% weekly rise and a 9% annual increase. The highest quintile recorded an 11.99% year-on-year hike, against 11.53% for the combined index.

It is pertinent to mention that the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 10.3% year-on-year in September 2026, which was lower than the increase of 11.1% year-on-year in August.]]>
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			<title>PSX loses 1,332 points amid selling pressure</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632511/psx-loses-1332-points-amid-selling-pressure</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632511/psx-loses-1332-points-amid-selling-pressure#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 26 21:39:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Oil surge, inflation and US-Iran uncertainty impact market outlook]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reversed early gains on Thursday as rising oil prices and inflationary concerns weighed on investor sentiment, while uncertainty about any breakthrough in US-Iran diplomatic efforts added to the cautious mood.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index fell 1,332.47 points, or 0.78%, to settle at 168,636.85. During the session, it touched the intra-day high of 170,688.38 and low of 168,567.79. Meanwhile, crude prices rose around 2% after China suspended oil product exports, tightening global fuel markets already facing supply constraints, whereas investors continued to assess diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran war.

On the domestic front, Pakistan&#39;s inflation slowed to 10.26% in September from 11.1% in August, primarily led by lower food prices, but remained above the State Bank&#39;s medium-term target range. The market had opened on a positive note, with the KSE-100 reaching 170,270.16, up 300.84 points, or 0.18%, at 10:15 am before losing ground.

Muhammad Awais Ashraf of AKD Securities assessed that easing inflationary pressures amid a strong external account position, along with a reduction in domestic political noise, would strengthen investor confidence. Any positive development on the US-Iran war will serve as a key trigger, while the normalisation of trade flows from GCC will reduce the severity of the ongoing crisis. &quot;We advise investors to focus on banks, E&amp;P, fertiliser, textile, OMCs, technology, steel and automobile sectors. Within these, E&amp;Ps and OMCs are positioned to benefit from resolution of the gas-sector circular debt,&quot; Ashraf wrote.

&quot;Investor sentiment remained subdued as participants adopted a cautious approach amid heightened geopolitical tensions, which also led to a sharp rise in crude oil prices,&quot; JS Global analyst Nawaz Ali commented. Meanwhile, the fragile domestic political situation further weighed on market sentiment and kept investors on the sidelines. &quot;Going forward, trading activity is expected to remain subdued in the absence of fresh market triggers. However, any positive development on the US-Iran front can help improve investor sentiment and provide some relief to the market,&quot; Ali mentioned.

KTrade Securities wrote in its market wrap that the index reversed early gains amid sustained selling pressure, shedding 1,332 points (-0.8%). Among key contributors, Kohinoor Textile, Services, Attock Refinery and Ibrahim Fibres provided support, while Pakistan Petroleum, Hub Power, OGDC and Fauji Fertiliser weighed on the index.

Arif Habib Limited (AHL) observed that 14 shares rose while 86 fell with Kohinoor Textile (+1.02%), Services (+0.26%) and Attock Refinery (+0.21%) contributing the most to the index gains. PPL (-2.45%), UBL (-0.81%) and Hubco (-1.22%) were the biggest drags

In a major report, the headline inflation for September 2026 arrived at 10.3% year-on-year, which marked an increase from 5.8% in September 2025. On a month-on-month basis, the inflation increased by 1.3% in September. As a result, the average inflation for 1QFY27 jumped to 10.21% from 4.30% in the same period of last year

Also, Pakistan&#39;s government was in discussions with counterparts in Iran, seeking a safe passage for two October shipments of Qatari LNG through the Strait of Hormuz. &quot;The bias remains to the downside with 166k clearly in sight,&quot; AHL predicted.

Cumulatively, trading volumes stood at 548.4 million shares, down from 591.2 million on Wednesday. In the ready market, 121 companies advanced, 323 declined and 48 remained unchanged. Kohinoor Spinning was the volume leader with trading in 93.8 million shares, rising Rs0.11 to close at Rs5.84.]]>
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			<title>Range-extended EVs can save $1b</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632512/range-extended-evs-can-save-1b</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632512/range-extended-evs-can-save-1b#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 26 21:39:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[150,000 REEVs will  displace 1.2b litres of petrol over 5 years]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan could save more than $1 billion in gross fuel imports by adding 30,000 range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) annually for five years, according to industry analysts. The scenario envisages a fleet reaching 150,000 vehicles, cumulatively displacing 1.2 billion litres of petrol and avoiding around 2.7 million tonnes of operational carbon emissions compared with similar petrol vehicles. Outcomes would depend on mileage, charging sources and electric operation.

The broader economic case is supported by the &quot;Future on Wheels&quot;, a December 2024 policy viewpoint published by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), authored by Dr Usman Qadir, Mohammad Shaaf Najib and Saddam Hussein.

&quot;With petroleum imports consuming 30% of Pakistan&#39;s total import bill, the transition to EVs is a macroeconomic imperative. Accelerating EV adoption directly mitigates this fiscal vulnerability, shielding the current account balance from volatile foreign exchange drains caused by global oil shocks,&quot; stated the quotation attributed to Qadir and Najib.

Industry insiders say REEVs offer a practical transition while Pakistan&#39;s charging network develops. An electric motor drives the wheels, while an onboard fuel-powered generator supplies electricity when the battery requires support. Modern models can cover roughly 150-180 kilometres on battery power in suitable conditions. Home charging can therefore meet many daily travel needs, while the generator provides additional range for longer journeys.]]>
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			<title>FinMin, British envoy  explore reforms</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632676/finmin-british-envoy-explore-reforms</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632676/finmin-british-envoy-explore-reforms#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[UK reaffirms technical assistance for strengthening investment policy framework]]>
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				<![CDATA[British High Commissioner Jane Marriott met Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss Pakistan&#39;s economic reform priorities and opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

The high commissioner highlighted the UK&#39;s continued interest in supporting Pakistan&#39;s economic transformation through technical assistance aimed at strengthening the institutional and policy framework for investment, trade and private-sector development. She appreciated the successful issuance of Pakistan&#39;s $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond, noting its significance for investor confidence and international market access.

Muhammad Aurangzeb outlined the government&#39;s six key priorities: bringing permanence to macroeconomic stability; moving from stabilisation to sustainable, inclusive and responsible growth; staying the course on structural reforms; moving from aid to trade and investment; expanding access to finance; and positioning Pakistan for the &quot;New Economy&quot;.

The two sides discussed reform priorities, with particular emphasis on fiscal management, tax administration, digitalisation, expenditure efficiency, trade and investment promotion, public investment and public-private partnerships.

Regarding opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, the high commissioner highlighted the potential for UK companies and diaspora networks to contribute to private-sector development, including by supporting the growth and internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Separately, Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with a World Bank delegation, led by Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar, to review progress under the ongoing economic reform partnership and discuss implementation priorities across growth, jobs, fiscal management, revenue mobilisation, capital-market development, trade and investment, and institutional reforms.]]>
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			<title>Coordinated Asia-Pacific textile strategy proposed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632671/coordinated-asia-pacific-textile-strategy-proposed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632671/coordinated-asia-pacific-textile-strategy-proposed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:24:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[He noted that the global textile market was projected to grow from $2.12 trillion in 2025 to $4.27 trillion by 2035]]>
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				<![CDATA[FPCCI &amp; ECO-CCI President and CACCI Vice President Atif Ikram Sheikh has called for developing a coordinated Asia-Pacific strategy to strengthen the region&#39;s textile industry, enhance competitiveness and expand its share in global markets.

Presenting Pakistan&#39;s perspective on regional textile integration at a CACCI webinar on &quot;Textile Industry in Asia-Pacific Region: Opportunities, Challenges and Way Forward,&quot; Sheikh appreciated CACCI&#39;s role as an important regional platform for promoting business cooperation and economic development.

He noted that the global textile market was projected to grow from $2.12 trillion in 2025 to $4.27 trillion by 2035, while the Asia-Pacific region, with around 53% of the global market, was anticipated to grow from $1.14 trillion to $2.33 trillion during the same period. He pointed out that the textile sector employed around 100 million people, rising to 430 million when the wider fashion and apparel sector was included, and contributed around 2% to global GDP. China alone accounts for around 32% of global textile exports.]]>
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			<title>Steps afoot to deepen local bond market</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632510/steps-afoot-to-deepen-local-bond-market</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632510/steps-afoot-to-deepen-local-bond-market#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 26 21:39:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[SECP proposes amendments to laws aimed at facilitating businesses, developing market]]>
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				<![CDATA[Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu has said that steps are being taken to strengthen Pakistan&#39;s domestic currency bond market, while the listing of Naya Nazimabad Apartments REIT on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is an important milestone.

He said the size of Pakistan&#39;s real estate sector exceeded Rs7 trillion. He made these remarks while addressing the gong-striking ceremony for the listing of Naya Nazimabad Apartments REIT at the PSX on Thursday.

He said REITs could play an important role in documenting the real estate sector and providing ordinary citizens with an opportunity to invest in it. The SECP was introducing major reforms and facilitating investment in the REIT sector, he added.

The SECP had achieved significant milestones over the past eight months and proposed amendments to laws aimed at facilitating businesses and developing the market. Proposed amendments to insurance and company laws were currently under consideration by parliament. Important amendments had also been proposed to regulations governing the non-banking financial sector.

He said the digitalisation of the regulatory system, simplification of legal compliance and improved market access were among the SECP&#39;s top priorities. The commission was ensuring compliance with regulations to promote transparency in the market and protect investors.

So far in 2026, Rs26 billion has been raised through 13 IPOs. Companies from the manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, energy and technology sectors have raised capital through the stock market.

Improved access to the market had resulted in a 36% increase in the number of investors. Since January, 168,000 new investors have joined the stock market, taking the total number of investors to 630,000.

Several long-standing issues faced by foreign investors, particularly Chinese investors, had been resolved. He said the SECP was working on an important initiative to increase the number of capital-market investors, while the company registration process had also been further simplified.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan proposes next-generation economic corridors</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632135/pakistan-proposes-next-generation-economic-corridors</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632135/pakistan-proposes-next-generation-economic-corridors#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 26 21:14:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Sees CAREC Corridors 5 and 6 as opportunity to connect Central Asia with Arabian Sea]]>
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				<![CDATA[Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called for transforming Carec transport routes into next-generation economic corridors by integrating infrastructure, logistics, digital connectivity, energy cooperation and climate resilience.

Participating in a session of the 25th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (Carec) Ministerial Conference in Ulaanbaatar, the minister said Pakistan viewed Carec Corridors 5 and 6 as an opportunity to connect Central Asia with the Arabian Sea and generate economic activity along the routes.

&quot;The question is no longer simply, &#39;Can a truck travel this route?&#39; It is, &#39;Can a business use this route reliably, competitively and profitably?&#39;&quot; he said. Iqbal stressed the need to establish logistics and production hubs along strategic locations, saying cold storage, packaging, warehousing and light manufacturing could transform transit traffic into exports, jobs and value for communities along the corridors.

The minister also called for building a digital corridor across the Carec region, noting that Pakistan Single Window provided a foundation for phased digital integration with regional partners. &quot;A consignment&#39;s documents should be checked before it reaches the border,&quot; he said.

The minister called for treating borders as a shared service, with compatible operating hours, advance electronic information, coordinated procedures and fewer repeated checks. He also emphasised the need to measure border delays, delivery times, local employment, SME participation and opportunities for women and youth.

&quot;Regional cooperation succeeds when a trader can predict the journey, a farmer can reach a distant market without losing the harvest, and communities along the corridor share in its prosperity. That is how we move from connectivity to competitiveness,&quot; Iqbal said.

Earlier, addressing the opening session of the 25th Carec Ministerial Conference under the theme &quot;25 Years of Partnership, Shaping the Future Together,&quot; the planning minister said Pakistan looked forward to assuming the Carec chairmanship in 2027 and hosting the 26th Ministerial Conference.]]>
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			<title>SECP proposes Rs5m housing loan limit</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632138/secp-proposes-rs5m-housing-loan-limit</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632138/secp-proposes-rs5m-housing-loan-limit#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 26 21:14:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[SECP said the proposed SME thresholds were aligned with recent changes introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has proposed raising the maximum limit for microfinance and housing loans to Rs5 million as part of proposed amendments aimed at expanding access to finance.

According to a notification released by the SECP, the proposed amendments have been issued for consultation with stakeholders. Under the proposals, the annual income threshold for borrowers seeking microfinance loans will be increased from Rs1.2 million to Rs1.5 million.

The commission has also proposed revisions in turnover thresholds for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For small businesses, it called for raising the maximum annual turnover threshold to Rs400 million from Rs30 million, while the limit for medium-sized enterprises could be increased to Rs2 billion from Rs800 million.

The SECP said the proposed SME thresholds were aligned with recent changes introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan.

The commission has invited stakeholders and other interested parties to submit comments and suggestions for the proposed amendments.]]>
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			<title>Farmers to get access to AI in daily lives</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632507/farmers-to-get-access-to-ai-in-daily-lives</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632507/farmers-to-get-access-to-ai-in-daily-lives#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 26 21:39:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632507</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Parliamentary Secretary says they will be able to forecast their yields and productivity]]>
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				<![CDATA[The government of Punjab is working towards incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the daily lives of farmers as the provincial leadership believes in data and technological revolution. This was stated by Parliamentary Secretary Osama Leghari while speaking at the Pakistan Agricultural Coalition&#39;s Agri Connections Conference and Expo on Thursday.

&quot;I hope that during the remaining two and a half years of our tenure, we will successfully lay the foundation through which our farmers will have access to AI and will be able to forecast their yields and productivity,&quot; said Leghari.

He added &quot;a farmer is someone who buys wholesale, sells retail and pays carriage both ways so, we, as a government, have declared this the Year of the Value Chain&quot;. &quot;We are encouraging our partners&quot;.]]>
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			<title>AI risk warnings rattle global markets</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629308/ai-risk-warnings-rattle-global-markets</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629308/ai-risk-warnings-rattle-global-markets#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 26 22:06:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Wall Street's elite tech index, the Nasdaq 100, slid 1.2% to a six-week low in early trading as chip stocks]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[AI-linked stocks plunged worldwide on Monday after leaders of the biggest artificial intelligence companies warned of risks from rapid development, the starkest threat yet to the billions of dollars being poured into the industry that have driven world markets to record highs.

The selloff rippled through the industry, where companies are increasingly relying on debt and circular financing to fund ambitious AI spending plans even as global borrowing costs, reflected in multi-year-high bond yields, continue to rise.

Wall Street&#39;s elite tech index, the Nasdaq 100, slid 1.2% to a six-week low in early trading as chip stocks, which have led the AI sugar rush, fell the most.]]>
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			<title>Minister reaffirms BRI commitment at Hong Kong summit</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628622/minister-reaffirms-bri-commitment-at-hong-kong-summit-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628622/minister-reaffirms-bri-commitment-at-hong-kong-summit-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 26 20:18:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2628622</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CPEC was transforming country's economic landscape through cooperation in infrastructure, energy, industrialisation]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), saying the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is positioning the country as a regional hub for trade, investment and connectivity, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

Addressing the 11th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, he said CPEC was transforming the country&#39;s economic landscape through cooperation in infrastructure, energy and industrialisation.

&quot;Pakistan is emerging as a vital bridge between West, Central and East Asia,&quot; he said, citing expanding rail and road links with China and transit-trade arrangements with Central Asian states.]]>
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			<title>UK fund eyes expansion of investment footprint</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628617/uk-fund-eyes-expansion-of-investment-footprint</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628617/uk-fund-eyes-expansion-of-investment-footprint#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 26 20:17:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2628617</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[BII expresses interest in climate finance, renewable energy and power transmission]]>
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				<![CDATA[British International Investment (BII) plans to invest at least $2 billion across Asia and Africa under its 2026-31 strategy, with a significant focus on South Asia, and has identified Pakistan as an important investment destination.

BII Managing Director and Head of Asia Srini Nagarajan shared the plans with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at a meeting to discuss expanding BII&#39;s investment footprint and mobilising private capital, according to a statement issued on Thursday. Nagarajan expressed BII&#39;s interest in significantly expanding its investment in the country over the coming years, and outlined its focus on mobilising private capital alongside its own investments in infrastructure, climate finance, financial services, technology and private markets.

Aurangzeb welcomed BII&#39;s commitment, highlighting improved macroeconomic stability and investor confidence, alongside the government&#39;s focus on structural reforms, privatisation and private-sector-led growth.

The delegation highlighted the potential of private equity, fund-of-funds structures and private credit to deepen financial intermediation. Nagarajan welcomed capital-market reforms and efforts to improve the investment and exit environment.]]>
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			<title>Americans hit with record gasoline prices</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627655/americans-hit-with-record-gasoline-prices</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627655/americans-hit-with-record-gasoline-prices#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 26 19:56:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2627655</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[National average gasoline price will probably hit $4.03 on Labour Day]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[With the war in the Middle East still raising energy costs, Americans face record-high gasoline prices for Labour Day weekend, just as political campaigns kick off for midterm Congressional elections.

The national average gasoline price will probably hit $4.03 on Labour Day, far surpassing the previous record of $3.83 per gallon set in 2012, said GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. &quot;Gasoline, while not at all-time records, is at its highest level ever recorded this late in the calendar year, meaning Americans could for the first time ever see a national average price of gasoline above $4 per gallon on Labour Day,&quot; De Haan wrote in a blog post.]]>
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			<title>China donates livestock vaccines for CPEC 2.0</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627156/china-donates-livestock-vaccines-for-cpec-20</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627156/china-donates-livestock-vaccines-for-cpec-20#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 26 22:10:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2627156</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Minister urges scientists to develop focused projects for modernisation]]>
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				<![CDATA[Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has called upon agricultural scientists and researchers to develop focused and innovative projects under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), saying agriculture will be a key component of the mega initiative aimed at enhancing productivity and modernising the sector.

Speaking at a vaccine handover ceremony at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Hussain said the livestock sector constitutes 60% of Pakistan&#39;s agricultural economy and remains vital for rural livelihoods and food security.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China donated veterinary vaccines against lumpy skin disease and brucellosis. Hussain expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and its ministry for the donation.

Highlighting the sector&#39;s economic weight, Hussain noted that livestock contributes significantly to agricultural GDP, provides employment to millions of rural households and supplies essential commodities including milk, meat, hides and skins. He warned that lumpy skin disease and brucellosis pose serious threats to animal health, reproduction and milk production, resulting in heavy economic burdens for smallholder farmers.

Under the prime minister&#39;s directives, the government is placing paramount focus on boosting agricultural productivity. The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has been engaged to provide recommendations for modernising research institutions like PARC, with implementation slated to begin within two to three months.

Hussain noted that 1,000 Pakistani students have already returned after acquiring practical knowledge in China and are being integrated into various agricultural sectors. The process to send an additional 1,000 students to China is underway and will be completed by March.]]>
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			<title>Govt taps HK expertise for virtual assets</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626989/govt-taps-hk-expertise-for-virtual-assets</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626989/govt-taps-hk-expertise-for-virtual-assets#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 26 21:51:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626989</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Finance minister appreciated efforts to engage with international policymakers]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan is exploring emerging opportunities in the virtual assets and digital finance ecosystem, including the potential application of blockchain and tokenisation technologies in financial markets, following constructive engagement between the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) and Hong Kong policymakers, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

PVARA Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib briefed Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on his recent visit to Hong Kong, where he held discussions with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Securities and Futures Commission. The meetings covered international practices relating to digital assets, stablecoins, compliance frameworks and digital financial infrastructure. Saqib shared perspectives on digital financial products, tokenisation and potential areas for institutional cooperation.

Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of developing a responsible, transparent and well-structured digital assets ecosystem that supports innovation while maintaining appropriate safeguards. The finance minister appreciated efforts to engage with international policymakers and stressed the importance of building on these engagements to identify practical use cases that can contribute to the development of Pakistan&#39;s digital financial ecosystem.]]>
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			<title>Oil slips ahead of US announcement</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625659/oil-slips-ahead-of-us-announcement</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625659/oil-slips-ahead-of-us-announcement#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 26 21:06:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625659</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Treasury Department announced new sanctions on 60 individuals]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Oil prices fell more than $2 a barrel on Monday as investors took profits after recent gains and awaited details of expected new US sanctions on Iran, which could further disrupt supplies.

Brent crude futures were down $1.71, or 1.81%, to $92.69 at 1648 GMT, while US WTI crude was at $85.34 a barrel, down $1.72, or 1.98%. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US was launching an &quot;economic onslaught&quot; against Iran&#39;s financial connections around the globe.

The Treasury Department announced new sanctions on 60 individuals, entities and vessels but that list did not include any of the Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iran&#39;s oil trade.]]>
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			<title>Evergrande founder given life sentence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624987/evergrande-founder-given-life-sentence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624987/evergrande-founder-given-life-sentence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 05:33:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624987</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sentence in the southern city of Shenzhen included confiscating all of Hui's personal property]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The founder of China Evergrande Group, the world&#39;s most-indebted property developer, was sentenced to life in prison by a Chinese court on Thursday, five years after the firm&#39;s collapse shook the nation&#39;s economy and financial markets.

Hui Ka Yan, once Asia&#39;s richest man, pleaded guilty in April to eight charges, including misuse of funds, fundraising fraud, illegally taking public deposits, illegally extending loans, fraudulently issuing securities and bribery. Evergrande, once China&#39;s premier developer, has defaulted on most of its $300 billion in liabilities, its troubles symbolising a crisis in the property sector that has long dragged on the world&#39;s second-biggest economy.

The sentence in the southern city of Shenzhen included confiscating all of Hui&#39;s personal property.]]>
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