KARACHI: Pakistan’s economic indicators displayed a mixed but steady trend this week, with foreign exchange reserves recording a modest increase and the rupee maintaining its stability against the US dollar, even as domestic gold prices retreated from their record-breaking rally. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Thursday that the nation’s liquid foreign exchange reserves saw a slight uptick of $22 million during the week ended September 19, 2025. The central bank’s own reserves climbed to $14.38 billion, elevating the country’s total liquid foreign reserves to $19.79 billion. The remaining $5.41 billion are held by commercial banks. This gradual accumulation…
Author: Imran Ali Khan
Amna Munawwar Awan, Senior Vice President of Pakistan Business Forum
BEIJING:Saudi Arabia and China have taken a significant step toward deepening their economic cooperation with the signing of 42 investment agreements valued at over $1.74 billion during the Saudi-Chinese Business Forum in Beijing. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, who is leading a high-level delegation to China to enhance bilateral ties. The agreements span multiple sectors including advanced industries, smart vehicles, energy solutions, medical devices, and mineral resources, reflecting the diversification goals of both nations. The forum, organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, brought together around 200 companies and private…
In a major leap toward combating pollution, the Punjab government on saturday launched Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art Air Quality Forecast System a powerful new tool designed to predict smog and pollution levels before they strike. This landmark system will provide weekly forecasts for major cities like Lahore and Faisalabad, arming citizens and authorities with timely information to take preventive action. Provincial Senior Minister Mariyam Aurangzeb unveiled the initiative, highlighting its potential to transform how Punjab responds to environmental threats. This system merges real-time data from our own monitoring network with global scientific models, she explained. It will integrate with international platforms…
NEW YORK, September 26: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a substantial meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The discussions, characterized as warm and cordial, encompassed a broad spectrum of issues central to Pakistan’s foreign policy and global challenges. The Prime Minister commenced by reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, underscoring the indispensable role of the United Nations in navigating the world’s most pressing issues. He commended the Secretary-General for his leadership in promoting global peace and improving governance structures to better include developing nations. A…
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a strongly-worded address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), urged urgent collective action to address the crises of Gaza, Islamophobia, and climate change, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace and multilateral cooperation. Condemning Israel’s genocidal onslaught in Gaza, the premier said each passing day brought “new brutality” upon Palestinians, particularly women and children. In its blind pursuit of nefarious goals, the Israeli leadership has unleashed a shameful campaign against innocent Palestinians which history will remember as one of its darkest chapters, he said. Citing the tragic death of…
ISLAMABAD: Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari has urged the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to preserve CCTV footage of an incident that reportedly took place in the courtroom of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq Dogar earlier this month. In her application to the IHC registrar, Mazari highlighted that the incident occurred on September 11, 2025, between 9am and 11am in Courtroom No.1. She maintained that the exchange was captured on CCTV and requested that the footage be preserved without delay. I write to you today to seek preservation of CCTV footage as an unfortunate incident took place with the undersigned counsel, as…
ISLAMABAD: The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has decided to induct additional buses and reorganise existing routes to address the long-standing transport problems faced by female students. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by IIUI Vice President (Administration and Finance) Prof Dr Abdul Raheman. The meeting was attended by Dr Amna Mahmood, In-charge Female Campus, Mr Hassan Aftab, Director Transport, Dr Inam ul Haq, Director Administration and Works, Mr Naveed Ehtesham, Director Academics, Mr Sajjad Siddiqi, Additional Director Female Campus, and other senior officials. The participants discussed the increasing complaints of overcrowding and overloading of buses. It was…