कारोबार

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    Pakistan’s trade deficit widens 26% in July as imports surge

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit increased by 26% during the first month of the fiscal year 2026-27, mainly driven by a sharp rise in imports, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The widening gap between imports and exports highlights growing pressure on the country’s external trade position at the beginning of the new fiscal year. Imports increased by around 19% in July, with higher purchases recorded across several major categories, including food products, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, agricultural inputs and metals. According to the PBS data, the country’s food import bill reached $805.4 million in July 2026, equivalent to more than Rs224 billion. The increase reflects continued reliance on imported food products and essential raw materials to meet domestic demand. Among food items, imports of milk, cream and food products prepared for infants rose by 25% to $18.7 million. Pakistan also imported significant quantities of spices, soybeans, palm oil and pulses during the month. Sugar imports were also recorded during July, with the country importing around 112 metric tonnes, adding to the overall food import bill. Machinery imports rise sharply Machinery emerged as one of the major contributors to the increase in the import bill. Machinery imports jumped by 41% to $1.31 billion during July compared with the corresponding period. The increase covered a wide range of equipment used in key sectors of the economy. Imports included machinery for power generation, offices, textile manufacturing, agriculture, construction and telecommunications. The rise in machinery imports could indicate increased demand for equipment and investment-related goods across different industries, although it also contributed significantly to the expansion of the overall trade gap. Vehicle imports register strong growth Imports of transport equipment, including vehicles, also witnessed substantial growth during the month. The import bill for the category increased by 40% to $420 million. The increase in vehicle and transport-related imports added further pressure to the country’s import expenditure, particularly as several other major import categories also recorded double-digit growth. Textile-related imports increase Pakistan’s textile sector also recorded higher imports during July. Imports of textile-related products, including raw cotton, increased by 15% to $680 million. The rise in raw cotton and other textile inputs indicates continued demand from the country’s large textile manufacturing and export industry. Since the textile sector remains a major contributor to Pakistan’s exports, higher imports of production inputs can also be linked to industrial activity. Agricultural inputs and chemicals Imports of agricultural machinery, equipment and chemicals increased by 23%, taking the combined import bill for the category to more than $1 billion. The increase comes as demand remains high for inputs and equipment required by the agriculture sector. Higher imports of such goods can support domestic production but simultaneously add to the country’s foreign exchange requirements. Metals import bill also rises The country also witnessed a significant increase in imports of metals, including gold, iron and steel. Imports under the category increased by around 23%, while the import bill for precious metals alone crossed $730 million. The broad-based rise across food, machinery, transport, textiles, agricultural inputs and metals suggests that the increase in imports was not confined to a single sector. The latest figures indicate that controlling the trade gap will remain an important challenge for policymakers during the new fiscal year. While higher imports of machinery, industrial inputs and agricultural equipment may support economic activity, a sustained increase in imports without a corresponding rise in exports could place additional pressure on Pakistan’s external account.

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    Punjab boards to fill long-pending vacancies through PPSC

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The Punjab government has initiated the process of recruiting staff against a number of vacant positions in educational boards across the province, aiming to strengthen administrative capacity and address long-standing shortages. The vacancies have been identified in several categories, including Computer Programmer, Assistant, Senior Computer Operator, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Estate Officer. The recruitment drive will cover educational boards in different parts of Punjab, including the Lahore and Faisalabad boards. The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore has been allocated 33 positions in BS-16 and BS-17. The appointments will be made through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), providing a formal and merit-based mechanism for the selection of candidates. Officials said the recruitment is intended to improve the functioning of educational boards, many of which have been operating with vacant posts for extended periods. The shortage of staff has reportedly placed additional pressure on existing employees and affected the efficiency of various administrative operations. Some educational boards have been waiting for fresh recruitment for nearly 15 years, according to officials familiar with the situation. The prolonged vacancies have created gaps in administrative and technical staffing, making it difficult for boards to efficiently manage their growing workload. The latest recruitment initiative is therefore being viewed as an important step toward strengthening the institutional structure of the boards and improving the delivery of services to students, teachers and educational institutions. The Education Department has emphasized that the appointments will be conducted through a transparent recruitment process. Candidates will be considered according to the prescribed eligibility requirements, qualifications and selection criteria. Officials maintained that merit would remain the central principle throughout the recruitment process, with the PPSC responsible for conducting the appointments in accordance with established rules and procedures. The recruitment is expected to provide educational boards with additional technical, administrative and managerial support, enabling them to handle examination-related activities and other responsibilities more efficiently.

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    Pakistan exports rise 13.1% to $3.94 billion in Ju…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports of goods and services rose by 13.1 percent year-on-year to $3.94 billion in July 2026, providing an encouraging start to the new fiscal year and signalling continued improvement in the country’s external sector. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal shared the figures on Saturday while presenting the Monthly Development Update for August 2026. He said exports stood at $3.48 billion in July 2025, meaning the latest increase reflects stronger performance across several major export categories. According to the minister, merchandise exports increased by 9.4 percent to around $3 billion in July 2026 from $2.8 billion a year earlier. When services exports are included, the combined figure reached approximately $3.9 billion, compared with $3.5 billion in July last year. Key export sectors show growth Ahsan Iqbal said the improvement in exports was supported by higher shipments across several important sectors. Surgical goods recorded the strongest growth among the highlighted export groups, increasing by 16.3 percent. Food exports rose by 8 percent, while leather goods registered growth of 7.8 percent. Textile exports, one of Pakistan’s largest sources of foreign exchange, also increased by 3.9 percent during the month. The minister said the figures indicated that Pakistan’s external sector had started the new fiscal year on a positive trajectory, although maintaining this momentum would require continued reforms, improved competitiveness and greater diversification of export products and markets. Manufacturing sector stages strong recovery The positive external-sector performance coincided with a broad-based recovery in domestic industrial activity. According to Ahsan, Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) expanded by 5 percent during fiscal year 2025-26, reversing a 0.74 percent contraction recorded in the preceding fiscal year. He said the recovery was spread across the industrial sector, with 16 of the 22 LSM sectors registering positive growth. The automobile sector posted the highest increase at 57.8 percent, followed by transport equipment at 42.4 percent. Electrical equipment production grew by 14.3 percent, tobacco by 12.6 percent and food manufacturing by 7 percent. The figures, he said, reflected an improvement in industrial activity and could provide support to investment, employment and overall economic growth if the recovery remains sustained. FBR collection, remittances improve The government also reported improvement in tax revenues at the beginning of FY2026-27. Federal Board of Revenue tax collection increased by 8.4 percent to Rs820.9 billion in July 2026, according to the minister. He said stronger revenue mobilisation, together with fiscal discipline, was helping improve the country’s overall financial position. Workers’ remittances also remained a major source of support for Pakistan’s external account. Remittance inflows reached $3.63 billion in July 2026, up 13 percent from approximately $3.2 billion in the same month of 2025. Ahsan said the latest increase followed record remittances of $41.6 billion received during the previous fiscal year. He noted that remittances not only strengthened Pakistan’s foreign exchange position but also provided direct financial support to millions of households across the country. Current account deficit remains contained Despite continued pressure on the external account, the current account deficit remained relatively contained. The deficit stood at $328 million in July 2026, compared with $529 million during the same month of the previous year. The minister described the development as another indication of improved external-sector stability. He also highlighted the growing contribution of Pakistan’s technology sector. Information and Communication Technology exports reached $417 million in July 2026, underlining the increasing role of digital services in generating foreign exchange. The government has been seeking to expand technology exports as part of a broader strategy to diversify Pakistan’s sources of external earnings beyond traditional sectors such as textiles and agricultural products. Inflation moderates Ahsan Iqbal also pointed to a moderation in consumer price pressures at the start of the new fiscal year. Consumer Price Index inflation eased to 9.2 percent in July 2026, compared with 11.7 percent in May 2026. The minister said the decline suggested that inflationary pressures were beginning to moderate. He added that changes in the year-on-year inflation rate were also influenced by base effects as well as the impact of international food and energy prices. The government is aiming to maintain price stability while supporting economic activity and protecting the purchasing power of households. Fiscal position strengthens The planning minister said Pakistan’s fiscal position had also improved significantly during FY2025-26. The fiscal deficit narrowed to 2.6 percent of GDP from 5.4 percent in FY2024-25. According to Ahsan, this represented the lowest fiscal deficit recorded in two decades. He said stronger fiscal management would remain essential during FY2026-27 as the government seeks to maintain macroeconomic stability while creating room for development spending and economic expansion. Development spending and job creation Public investment is another major component of the government’s economic strategy. Projects approved during July 2026 are expected to create around 7,851 direct jobs and 14,053 indirect employment opportunities across different sectors. The minister said employment generation would remain an important objective of development planning, particularly as the country seeks to create greater opportunities for its young population. He said Pakistan had undergone a difficult period of economic adjustment and that the stability achieved in recent years had required significant effort. Under the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative, the next phase would focus on converting macroeconomic stability into long-term economic transformation, with exports positioned as a key driver of growth. According to Ahsan, higher exports could help generate employment, increase household incomes, expand opportunities for young people and improve living standards. Rs211.3 billion authorised for development projects The Ministry of Planning authorised Rs211.327 billion, equivalent to 21.1 percent of the relevant allocation, during July 2026 to facilitate timely financing for priority development projects. The minister said the move was aimed at ensuring that strategically important schemes received funding without unnecessary delays. During July, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) also reviewed a number of development proposals. It approved nine projects, three position papers and one concept clearance proposal, while nine projects were recommended for consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Three projects were deferred, while

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    Pakistan, Malaysia agree to strengthen counter-terrorism and security cooperation

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to deepen cooperation in security and law enforcement, with particular emphasis on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, human smuggling and other transnational crimes. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in Islamabad on Saturday. The two sides reviewed a range of issues related to bilateral security cooperation and agreed to strengthen institutional coordination between the relevant agencies of both countries. During the meeting, the ministers discussed ways to develop more effective mechanisms for exchanging intelligence and coordinating efforts against terrorist networks, narcotics trafficking and human trafficking. They also agreed to enhance cooperation aimed at preventing illegal immigration and tackling cybercrime, which has emerged as a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide. The two countries also discussed expanding collaboration in the fields of coast guard operations and professional training. Pakistan expressed interest in learning from Malaysia’s experience in strengthening maritime security and developing the capabilities of its coast guard institutions. A key outcome of the meeting was an agreement to improve cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and the Royal Malaysia Police College. The initiative is expected to facilitate the exchange of expertise, training programmes and professional experiences between law enforcement personnel from the two countries. The ministers also agreed that a high-level Pakistani delegation would visit Malaysia in the near future. The proposed visit is expected to provide an opportunity to advance discussions on bilateral security cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration between the two countries. Naqvi said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Malaysia and was keen to further expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He said Malaysia’s experience in the Coast Guard sector could provide valuable lessons for Pakistan and expressed confidence that the Malaysian minister’s visit would help take bilateral relations to a new level. The interior minister also highlighted the potential for increasing people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Malaysia. He described Malaysia as one of the rapidly developing Muslim-majority countries and an attractive destination for Pakistani tourists. Naqvi stressed the importance of facilitating legitimate travel between the two countries, saying that an increase in employment opportunities and work quotas for Pakistanis in Malaysia could encourage more people to use legal channels for travelling and working abroad. Tourism promotion and the facilitation of visa procedures also formed part of the discussions. Both sides emphasized the need to make travel easier while ensuring that immigration systems remain secure and effective. The meeting comes as Pakistan and Malaysia seek to broaden cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic and economic ties, particularly in dealing with security challenges that increasingly cross national borders. Officials from Pakistan’s Interior Ministry and law enforcement institutions also attended the meeting. Participants included State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Interior Secretary, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Inspector General of the Federal Constabulary (FC), the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and other senior officials. The two countries are expected to continue consultations through their respective institutions, with the planned Pakistani delegation’s visit to Malaysia likely to provide further momentum to cooperation in counter-terrorism, law enforcement, immigration and maritime security.

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    Canada announces retaliatory tariffs as trade talks with US collapse

    ByJustpaste.in

    OTTAWA: Canada has announced plans to impose new tariffs on a range of American products in response to steep duties introduced by US President Donald Trump on Canadian goods, marking another sharp deterioration in trade relations between the two North American neighbours. Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Saturday that Canada would adopt a “dollar-for-dollar” approach to Washington’s latest tariffs. The retaliatory measures are scheduled to take effect on September 8 and will cover products including US steel, electronics, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper and other goods. The announcement came after three days of intensive negotiations between Canadian and US officials ended without a trade agreement. Both sides blamed the other for the failure to reach a breakthrough, raising fresh uncertainty over the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade framework. Carney vows to defend Canadian economy Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, Carney said Canada would respond to the US measures in an effort to shield workers, farmers, businesses and families from the economic impact of the new duties. “Canada will match Washington’s new tariffs dollar for dollar,” Carney said, stressing that Ottawa could not accept the conditions put forward by the US administration. Asked whether the dispute had effectively developed into a trade war, Carney responded in stark terms, saying Canada had been attacked and therefore had to defend its economic interests. The Canadian government said its countermeasures would target a broad selection of US products. Further details, including the specific goods affected and the tariff rates, are expected to be announced in the coming days. Carney also indicated that Ottawa would introduce support programmes for Canadian industries affected by the American duties. The assistance could remain in place for several years depending on the impact of the trade measures. US-Canada negotiations break down The latest dispute follows the collapse of negotiations that had been viewed as an opportunity to prevent a further escalation in tariffs. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described the failed talks as a missed opportunity for Canada and said Washington would proceed with measures responding to Canadian retaliation. He also suggested that no fresh negotiations were immediately planned. The White House and offices representing the US commerce secretary and trade representative did not immediately issue a detailed response to Canada’s announcement. The breakdown has created additional uncertainty for businesses operating across the US-Canada border, particularly industries that depend heavily on integrated North American supply chains. New US duties affect key Canadian exports The latest US tariffs apply to a range of Canadian exports, including wine, furniture, dairy products, cement, clothing, fishing equipment and hockey-related products. According to the Canadian government, the new duties affect approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian exports to the United States. Unlike some previous measures, the latest tariffs do not fully exempt products traded under the existing North American trade agreement. The new duties represent a relatively small share of Canada’s overall exports to the US, but officials and industry representatives warn that individual sectors could face significant pressure. Industries such as softwood lumber, wine, manufacturing and other export-oriented businesses could experience weaker demand, higher costs and potential employment losses if the dispute continues. Candace Laing, chief executive of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, urged companies across the country to prepare for a prolonged period of uncertainty. Dispute over vehicles and trade conditions One of the most difficult issues during the negotiations involved the treatment of larger vehicles. Canadian negotiators reportedly sought to extend preferential tariff arrangements for light-duty vehicles to medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Washington opposed the proposal, according to people familiar with the negotiations. Carney said the US position could have placed Canadian-made models at a competitive disadvantage. He specifically pointed to vehicles produced in Canada, including Ford’s F-350, F-450 and F-550 trucks and General Motors’ Silverado. The Canadian prime minister also said some US proposals touched on issues involving Canadian culture, language and sovereignty, although he did not provide further details. Ontario backs Ottawa’s position Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a prominent critic of US tariffs, welcomed Carney’s decision to reject what he described as an unfavourable agreement. Ford said the proposed terms would have harmed Ontario’s automotive, steel and manufacturing industries, adding that he supported Ottawa’s decision to retaliate rather than accept a deal that he considered damaging to the province. Ontario is particularly exposed to disruptions in US-Canada trade because of its large manufacturing and automotive sectors and its close integration with American supply chains. Canada seeks new international partnerships The escalating dispute also comes as Canada seeks to reduce its economic dependence on the United States. Nearly 70% of Canadian exports are destined for the US market, making the country particularly vulnerable to changes in American trade policy. Carney has nevertheless pledged to strengthen Canada’s relationships with other countries and explore new trade and security partnerships. The prime minister was elected on a platform that included a tougher negotiating stance toward the Trump administration. His government has maintained that Canada should defend its economic interests while looking for opportunities to expand trade beyond its southern neighbour. Public opinion has also strengthened Ottawa’s position, with polling indicating that many Canadians oppose making major concessions to Washington. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who leads the federal opposition, also called for national unity in response to the US tariffs.

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    Freight costs surge manifold as industry faces logistics strike aftershocks

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s export sector has been hit by a fresh logistics shock after the nine-day goods transport strike, with exporters now facing an extraordinary increase in sea freight rates, a shortage of shipping space and mounting costs on delayed cargo, according to economists and trade experts. Experts said the strike may have ended, but its consequences are now being felt at ports, factories and in export markets. Containers that could not reach Karachi Port and Port Qasim during the disruption missed scheduled vessels, leaving exporters scrambling to secure space on subsequent shipments at sharply higher freight rates. According to information shared by exporters, freight charges to the US West Coast have surged from around $1,800 to as high as $8,500 per container, while rates to the US East Coast have reportedly risen from $1,800 to $8,000 per container. Additional General Rate Increases, surcharges and other carrier charges have further increased the burden. Experts said these developments have placed Pakistani exporters in an extremely difficult position. Freight charges rising by more than 300 percent cannot easily be absorbed by exporters and could wipe out the profit margin on entire export orders, they added. They said the disruption in domestic transport created a serious bottleneck in the export supply chain. Thousands of containers remained stuck at factories and warehouses and could not reach the ports within terminal cut-off times. As a result, exporters faced missed bookings, vessel rollovers, cancellations, detention, demurrage and storage charges. Economists said the reported loss of around Rs450 billion during the nine-day strike shows the scale of the disruption, but the real damage could be much greater if delayed shipments lead to cancelled orders and the loss of overseas buyers. International buyers expect certainty and timely delivery, experts noted. A buyer waiting for goods does not necessarily distinguish between a transport strike, port congestion or any other domestic problem in Pakistan. If deliveries are repeatedly delayed, the buyer may simply shift future orders to another country. Pakistan is competing with countries that have invested heavily in efficient ports, transport networks and export logistics. Pakistani manufacturers already face high energy prices, expensive financing, taxation pressures and rising input costs. Adding an unpredictable freight and shipping crisis to these problems further weakens their ability to compete. Experts pointed out that exporters operating under C&F, CFR and other freight-inclusive arrangements are directly exposed to the increase in shipping costs. Even FOB exporters are suffering because the shortage of vessel space and missed sailing schedules can delay shipments and damage business relationships. “Export growth is not possible without a dependable logistics system,” experts said. “It is not enough to announce export incentives if containers cannot move smoothly from factories to ports and from ports to international markets.” They urged the government to immediately hold consultations with shipping lines, port authorities, terminal operators, freight forwarders, transporters and export associations to restore adequate vessel space for Pakistani cargo and address the sudden escalation in freight rates. Experts said exporters whose shipments were delayed because of circumstances beyond their control should not be left to bear excessive penalties and charges. A mechanism should be developed to facilitate stranded cargo and minimise avoidable detention, demurrage and storage costs. They also called for a permanent coordination mechanism between the government and the private sector to deal with transport and logistics disruptions before they turn into national economic crises. Experts said Pakistan needs to treat logistics as a core part of its trade and export policy. Road transport, ports, terminals, shipping services and customs clearance are all parts of the same export chain, and a breakdown at one point can affect the entire system. Economists stressed that Pakistan urgently needs greater export earnings to strengthen its economy and foreign exchange reserves. Every unnecessary increase in freight costs means more money leaving the country and less income remaining with Pakistani manufacturers and exporters. They urged the authorities to take immediate and practical steps to help exporters clear delayed shipments, recover lost shipping schedules and retain the confidence of international buyers, warning that predictable freight rates, available shipping space and an uninterrupted logistics system are essential for Pakistan to remain competitive in international markets.

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    Pakistan records $6.24 billion net FDI since SIFC …

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has attracted approximately US$ 6.24 billion in net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from FY24 to July-April FY26 since the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The Minister Incharge of SIFC stated that gross FDI inflows during the same period stood at approximately US$ 10.41 billion, highlighting investor confidence in Pakistan’s investment regime. April 2024: Highest Monthly FDI in 51 Months   According to SBP data released in May 2024, FDI inflows surged 172% year-on-year (YoY) to $358.84 million in April 2024, compared to $131.9 million in April 2023. This marks the highest monthly FDI inflow in 51 months. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, FDI jumped 39%, up from $258.04 million in March 2024. For the first 10 months of FY24 (July-April), total FDI inflows reached $1.46 billion, compared to $1.35 billion in the same period of FY23. Top Investors & Sectors Country-wise:   1. China: Largest investor with $177.37 million net FDI in April 2024 2. UAE: $51.93 million 3. Canada: $51.89 million Sector-wise:   The Power sector attracted the highest inflows with $194 million in April 2024, followed by other key sectors. Officials say the rise in FDI reflects the impact of SIFC’s facilitation for foreign investors in priority sectors including energy, infrastructure, and technology. Pakistan FDI: $6.24Bn Since SIFC* | April Hits 51-Month High Key points: 172% YoY surge to $358.84M in April 2024, China leading with $177.37M, Power sector top recipient. $6.24Bn net FDI since SIFC launch. Pakistan’s FDI jumps 172% YoY to $358.84Mn in April 2024 – highest in 51 months. China leads with $177Mn. Pakistan’s FDI surges 172% in April. $6.24Bn net inflows since SIFC. Power sector top recipient. _”Pakistan FDI: $6.24Bn Since SIFC | April Hits 51-Month High”_

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    Canada suspends trade talks with US over 50% tarif…

    ByJustpaste.in

    OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the suspension of trade negotiations with the United States after Washington moved to impose a 50 per cent tariff on certain Canadian imports, escalating tensions between the two North American trading partners. The tariff decision, covering Canadian goods worth an estimated $20 billion, has raised concerns about the future of economic relations between the two countries. The new duties were announced as part of broader US efforts to secure more favourable terms for American trade and address what Washington considers unfair trading practices. The US Customs authorities have also issued guidance regarding the additional duties on selected Canadian products, signalling that businesses on both sides of the border could soon face higher costs and increased uncertainty. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canada had refused to finalise a trade agreement and continued to take retaliatory measures against American interests. He said Washington had offered Canada more favourable access to the US market but had not received the concessions it expected. The Canadian government, however, has rejected the suggestion that sufficient progress has been made in the negotiations. Carney said the talks had failed to deliver the results required to protect Canadian interests and meet the targets set for his government. “If the United States imposes a 50 per cent tariff, Canada will impose tariffs of equal value,” Carney said, signalling that Ottawa was prepared to respond firmly rather than accept what it considers an unfair trade arrangement. The dispute marks another difficult chapter in the economic relationship between the two neighbours, whose economies are deeply connected through cross-border trade and supply chains. Industries ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to energy and consumer goods could be affected if the tariff measures remain in place. Businesses are now watching closely for signs of further escalation, particularly because higher import duties can increase the cost of products and disrupt established supply chains. The latest development also puts pressure on both governments to return to the negotiating table. While Ottawa has suspended the talks, the economic consequences of a prolonged tariff confrontation could provide an incentive for both sides to seek a compromise. For now, Carney’s announcement has hardened Canada’s position, while Washington’s tariff threat has added fresh uncertainty to one of the world’s most important bilateral trading relationships. The coming days are expected to determine whether the dispute develops into a wider trade confrontation or pushes both sides back toward negotiations.

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    Pakistan, Malaysia agree to boost cooperation agai…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen joint efforts against terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking while enhancing intelligence sharing between the two countries. Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail met his Pakistani counterpart, Mohsin Naqvi, in Islamabad. The two ministers also held delegation-level talks during which they discussed a range of security and law-enforcement issues. The two sides agreed to increase cooperation to prevent drug trafficking, illegal immigration and cybercrime. They also discussed greater intelligence sharing to support action against terrorists and drug traffickers. Both countries agreed to develop a more effective joint strategy to counter terrorism, narcotics and human trafficking. They also expressed their commitment to improving coordination to prevent illegal immigration and cyber-related crimes. During the meeting, Pakistan and Malaysia decided to establish a joint working group to strengthen institutional ties between their interior ministries. The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and the Royal Malaysia Police College. Training programmes and the exchange of expertise in law enforcement were also discussed. Cooperation between the two countries’ coast guard authorities was another key area discussed during the meeting. Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan wanted to benefit from Malaysia’s experience in the coast guard sector. Speaking during the meeting, the Pakistani interior minister said Pakistan was committed to playing its role in the global fight against terrorism. He also described Malaysia as one of the rapidly developing countries in the Muslim world. The two ministers also discussed ways to promote tourism between Pakistan and Malaysia and improve visa facilities for travellers. Naqvi said Malaysia was an attractive tourism destination for Pakistani citizens and stressed the importance of making travel easier between the two countries. He also said an increase in Malaysia’s work quota for Pakistanis would allow more Pakistani workers to travel to the country through legal channels. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, a high-level Pakistani delegation will visit Malaysia soon to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

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    PSX ends week on negative note, KSE-100 loses near…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a bearish trend during the outgoing business week, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index losing 2,938 points as investor sentiment remained under pressure. The KSE-100 Index closed the week at 177,166 points, compared with its previous level. During the week, the index fluctuated within a range of 5,048 points, reaching a high of 181,158 points and falling to a low of 176,110 points. Trading activity remained substantial throughout the week, with around 4.22 billion shares changing hands at a total value of approximately Rs205 billion. Meanwhile, the market’s overall capitalization declined by Rs247 billion during the week, settling at around Rs19.88 trillion. The weekly performance reflects continued volatility in the stock market as investors closely monitor domestic economic developments and regional geopolitical conditions. Earlier, Pakistan’s benchmark stock index opened on a positive note on Friday, with strong buying interest across major sectors pushing the KSE-100 Index more than 800 points higher in the early trading session. At around 9:19am, the KSE-100 Index was trading at 177,399.75 points, recording a gain of 807.99 points, or 0.46%, compared with the previous close. The early-session rally reflected renewed investor interest in several key sectors of the market. Automobile assemblers, cement companies, commercial banks, fertiliser manufacturers, oil marketing companies (OMCs) and refineries remained among the prominent areas attracting buying activity. Several index-heavy stocks also traded in positive territory, providing support to the benchmark. Shares of Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), Mari Energies Limited (MARI), Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and United Bank Limited (UBL) were among the notable gainers during the opening phase. The positive start comes a day after the Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a volatile trading session amid concerns over geopolitical developments and elevated international oil prices. On Thursday, the KSE-100 Index lost 254.59 points, or 0.14%, to settle at 176,591.77 points. Selling pressure in several heavyweight stocks outweighed selective buying and kept the market in negative territory by the close. Investors are now closely monitoring developments in global financial markets, particularly movements in bond yields, oil prices and international geopolitical conditions, which could influence capital flows and market sentiment. Global markets remain under pressure The positive opening at the PSX came against a mixed backdrop in Asian markets, where several major stock indices remained on track for weekly declines. Investor sentiment globally continued to be affected by rising government bond yields and uncertainty surrounding inflation and fiscal conditions. A diplomatic stalemate in the Gulf region also contributed to a rise in oil prices, with crude prices reaching their highest level in about a month. Higher oil prices have renewed concerns over inflation, particularly for economies that rely heavily on energy imports. For Pakistan, movements in international crude prices remain particularly important because they can affect the country’s import bill, exchange-rate pressures and domestic inflation expectations. In the United States, Treasury yields resumed their upward movement after a brief respite following an unexpected intervention by the US Treasury on Wednesday. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that the government could potentially expand its purchases of US Treasuries. He has also raised the possibility of fiscal consolidation as authorities seek to address concerns surrounding the country’s growing budget deficit. However, market participants remain cautious about the prospects of significant fiscal adjustment. Analysts have questioned whether sufficient expenditure reductions can be achieved to meaningfully narrow a budget deficit exceeding 6% of US gross domestic product. The rising cost of servicing government debt is another concern. Interest payments alone are estimated to have reached around $1.2 trillion during the year, highlighting the pressure created by elevated borrowing costs. Higher yields pose challenge for equities The continued increase in bond yields has broader implications for international equity markets. Higher yields can increase borrowing costs for governments and businesses while making fixed-income investments relatively more attractive. The impact is particularly significant for technology companies that are undertaking substantial borrowing to finance investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and other capital-intensive projects. At the same time, higher interest rates increase the discount rate applied to future corporate earnings, potentially putting pressure on equity valuations. Asian markets reflected some of these concerns on Friday. Japan’s Nikkei index declined around 0.8%, taking its losses for the week to approximately 4.4%. South Korean and Taiwanese stocks managed modest gains during the session but remained lower on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares excluding Japan advanced around 0.5%, indicating some selective risk appetite despite continued uncertainty in global markets.