Early signs of a pickup in private sector credit

It is too early to say when exactly the private sector credit distribution would pick up on higher demand. But concessional financing approved for steering the economy out of the crisis, a rebound in exports and the low base of credit in the last fiscal year may strengthen demand pretty soon. The net disbursement of […]

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‘Missing’ middle section of society to get social protection

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to reform its social safety net in order to include the ‘missing middle’ segment of society, which falls outside the existing safety net programmes and are also excluded from the limited formal systems, it has been learnt. This reform requires introducing the next generation of interventions that move beyond social […]

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US job growth forecast to slow sharply in July

US employment growth likely slowed significantly in July amid a resurgence in new Covid-19 infections, which would provide the clearest evidence yet that the economy’s recovery from the recession caused by the pandemic was faltering. The Labour Department’s closely watched employment report could pile pressure on the White House and Congress to speed up negotiations […]

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Planning for grassroots development

After nearly two years in power, Prime Minister Imran Khan now plans to establish autonomous elected local governments that would enable people at the grassroots to resolve their problems independently. The prime minister told the federal cabinet meeting on July 28 that his government was in favour of the full implementation of Article 140-A of […]

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Moody’s reaffirms Pakistan credit rating

ISLAMABAD: Moody’s on Saturday confirmed Pakistan’s B3 credit rating with a stable outlook as part of the review for downgrade, the agency said in a statement. Concurrently, the agency has also confirmed the B3 foreign currency senior unsecured ratings for The Third Pakistan International Sukuk Co Ltd, according to press statement received here which added […]

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Power tariff increased under fuel adjustment charges

ISLAMABAD: The power tariff has been increased by 95 paisa per unit for the current month and Rs1.09 per unit for the next month under fuel adjustment charges. However, the new tariff will not be applicable to lifeline consumers. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has notified the changes in the approved tariff on […]

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87pc overseas workers went to KSA, UAE in 2019

KARACHI: Over 87 per cent of Pakis­tanis looking for overseas jobs went to the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 2019, data shared by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment as quoted by the State Bank of Pakistan showed. The figures show pre-Covid-19 trends as the pandemic has almost halted […]

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Duration of electricity interruption much higher in Pakistan: WB

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank, in its first comprehensive stock-taking of infrastructure services in Asia, says although electricity access in Pakistan is in line with regional averages of 92.5 per cent, the average interruption duration and frequency values are much higher. This is apparent from frequent power outages due to loadshedding. Pakistan suffers from outdated facilities […]

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Stocks settle over 40,000 level in outgoing week

KARACHI: The gaining streak at the stock market continued for seventh week in a row with the outgoing one recording a rise of another 772 points (two per cent) and the index settling above the 40,000 level at 40,030 points. Investors were relieved by the spectacular drop in active Covid-19 cases, resulting in opening up […]

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