Transport Fares Increase as Petrol Prices Hike
Public transport in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and surrounding areas has raised fares following a second major increase in petroleum prices. The stop-to-stop fare has now been fixed at Rs. 30, becoming the new minimum for intra-city travel. Longer routes between Rawalpindi and Islamabad have seen a Rs. 15 increase per passenger. Trips to suburban areas and […]
Gold Demand Rises as Markets Stay Uncertain
Gold prices climbed on Monday as investors sought secure investments amid growing uncertainty in global financial markets. Spot gold gained about 1.3% to trade near $5,349 per ounce, touching its highest level in more than four weeks during early trading. US gold futures also moved higher, rising over 2% to around $5,362 per ounce. Analysts […]
Global Markets Hit by Oil Price Volatility
Global oil prices rose sharply at the start of trading this week amid concerns about possible supply disruptions. US crude oil prices jumped nearly 8% in early trading, briefly reaching around $72 per barrel before easing to about $71 later. Brent crude, the global benchmark, recorded an even stronger increase. It gained more than 12% […]
All 3 Telcos Qualify for Pakistan’s 5G Auction
Pakistan’s 5G rollout is moving closer. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that all three major telecom operators, Jazz, Ufone, and Zong, have qualified for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. Each operator has submitted the required USD 15 million bid bond. This makes them eligible to participate, PTA Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman told the National Assembly Standing […]
Pakistan to Replace Rs10 Note with Coin
The federal cabinet is considering replacing the ten-rupee note with a coin to save billions over the next decade. A report by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) highlighted that a ten-rupee note lasts only 6 to 9 months, while a coin can last 20 to 30 years. Currently, […]
Pakistan Grants 11 Oil and Gas Blocks to Local Companies
The Government of Pakistan has awarded 11 onshore oil and gas exploration blocks to local companies, with a minimum investment commitment of over $31 million over the next three years. The move aims to boost domestic energy production and reduce reliance on imports. The Petroleum Division signed Petroleum Concession Agreements and Exploration Licences in Islamabad, […]
KP Moves to Curb Beggary with Rehabilitation-Based Law
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has approved the KP Vagrancy Control and Rehabilitation Bill 2025, which aims to address beggary through a modern and rights-based approach. The proposed law will replace the 2020 framework, focusing mainly on rehabilitation rather than punishment. It also clearly separates vulnerable individuals in need of support from organised criminal groups involved […]
Banks Report Rs671 Billion Profit in 2025
Pakistan’s banking sector posted combined profits of Rs671 billion in 2025, marking an 11% year-on-year growth, according to a report by Topline Securities. The growth was mainly driven by a significant decline in interest expenses, which offset lower interest income in a low policy rate environment, boosting overall net interest income (NII). United Bank Ltd […]
Islamabad Initiates ‘No Child Left Behind’ to Enroll Out-of-School Children
A three-year campaign, ‘No Child Left Behind’, has been launched in Islamabad to enroll out-of-school children. The initiative has been introduced by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training under Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. It is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and the Islamabad Capital Territory Education […]