Business

Gold reaches historic high of Rs169,650 per tola

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

Silver price surpasses key level of Rs1,900 per tola.
Gold price jumps Rs2,350 per tola.
Expert cites shortage of dollars major reason behind rising prices.

Gold price in Pakistan reached a historic high of Rs169,650 per tola on Monday as investors continued to take refuge in the safe-haven metal on mounting concerns that the country’s economic conditions will deteriorate further.

According to All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the prices of gold surged by Rs2,350 per tola and Rs2,016 per 10 grams to settle at an all-time high of Rs169,650 and Rs145,448, respectively, data released by All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) showed.

Gold, which has been continuously touching new peaks for the last few days, closed at Rs167,300 per tola after registering a gain of Rs4,000, or 2.49% during the week ended December 10.

Meanwhile, silver prices surpassed the key level of Rs1,900 per tola. The price surged by Rs80 per tola and Rs68.58 per 10 grams to settle at an all-time high level of Rs1,970 and Rs1,688.95.

Speaking to Geo.tv, AA Gold Commodities Director Adnan Agar cited a shortage of dollars as major reason behind rising gold prices in the local market.

“Investors want to invest in the dollar because of the rising difference between the open market and the interbank market rate, which is around Rs20-30; however, despite the significant difference dollar isn’t available and people are concerned about the financial situation in Pakistan and chances of default,” he explained the reason behind sudden shift in investors focus.

He added that because of the speculations that the dollar can reach 350-400 against the rupee; investors are trying to invest in the precious commodity.

“However, due to its [dollar] shortage they have shifted their focus toward gold as the price of the yellow metal is also rising in the international market,” Agar maintained.

Elaborating on the main driving points, he said that amid the current situation people are looking for investment options which are very limited because small investors cannot invest in real estate at the moment because of its high prices.

“Therefore, small and medium investors are investing in gold so that their money is secured as the rupee is continuously depreciating against the dollar,” he stated.

Gold dealers, however, lament that since gold prices were touching new peaks in the country, it had seized to exist as a lucrative business.

Only investors are investing in gold here. Otherwise, artificial jewellery is being used in marriages and other ceremonies.

It should also be noted that gold demand in Pakistan jumped 34% to 13 tonnes during the period of July and September 2022 from a year earlier, Bloomberg reported Wednesday citing data compiled by the World Gold Council.

The data revealed that this was the most amount of gold purchased during a quarter in at least about three years.

In the international market, gold price fell registered a decline of $3 per ounce settling at $1,794.

Business

The amount of trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan hits $700 million.

Published

8 hours ago

Farwa

Through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan’s trade connections with Saudi Arabia have grown significantly, with bilateral trade volume rising from $546 million to $700 million and exports to the Kingdom growing by 22%.

As bilateral economic cooperation continues to grow, Saudi investors have shown a strong interest in Pakistan’s construction, energy, agricultural, and information technology sectors. The objective for exporting IT services between the two countries has been raised from $50 million to $100 million.

Saudi Arabia has set up a help desk dedicated to making it easier for Pakistani IT companies to register in the Kingdom in order to expedite commercial procedures. The goal of this program is to speed up economic collaborations between the two countries and lower administrative barriers.

The well-known Saudi restaurant chain AlBaik has revealed plans to open locations in Pakistan, which is a big step for the food service industry and should lead to the creation of new job possibilities in the area.

Officials have noted that stronger business links between the two countries lead to greater economic stability, and the SIFC has played a crucial role in promoting these trade advancements. For bilateral trade and investment projects, the Council remains a crucial facilitator.

According to a trade official with knowledge of the developments, “the establishment of dedicated support mechanisms, such as the help desk for IT companies, demonstrates a commitment to long-term economic partnership,” The goal of these programs is to improve the conditions for commercial collaboration between the two nations.

The increasing amount of trade and the diversity of investment sectors show that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s economic ties are changing as both countries seek to deepen their business alliances in a number of industries.

Business

After more than 50 years, Bangladesh and Pakistan resume direct trade.

Published

8 hours ago

Farwa

After more than 50 years, the two governments will resume direct bilateral trade, with Bangladesh’s food ministry announcing Sunday that it will receive a supply of 25,000 tonnes of rice from Pakistan next month.

After former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown last August, relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have begun to improve after decades of tense relations.

Since then, there have been increased bilateral interactions between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the interim government’s senior adviser, has met twice with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to the food ministry, Dhaka completed an agreement earlier this month to import grains from Pakistan.

“On March 3, the first shipment of 25,000 tonnes will reach Bangladesh,” Zia Uddin Ahmed, a ministry assistant secretary, told Arab News.

“This is the first time that Bangladesh has started importing rice from Pakistan at the government-to-government level since 1971.”

Following direct maritime contact between the two South Asian countries in November—a Pakistani cargo ship stopped in Bangladesh for the first time since 1971 with imports and exports arranged by private companies—their trade relations grew.

Resuming trade with Pakistan is a significant step for Bangladesh, according to Amena Mohsin, a lecturer at North South University and a specialist in international relations.

“We want to see progress in our bilateral relationship with Pakistan. Most significantly, we are currently going through a low point dispute with India, even though we constantly diversify our partnerships.

This most recent move to purchase rice from Pakistan is really significant in this context,” she told Arab News.

Business

The total amount of Pakistan’s liquid foreign reserves is $15.95 billion.

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

As of February 14, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves were $15,947.9 million, with the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) holdings being $11,201.5 million.

Official figures for the week ending February 14, 2025, show that the central bank’s liquid foreign exchange reserves rose by $35 million to $11,201.5 million.

Commercial banks maintained net foreign reserves of $4,746.4 million during the period under review, according to the breakdown of foreign reserves.

The nation’s total liquid foreign reserves as of the week ending February 07, 2025, were $15,862.6 million.

Of these, the central bank held $11,166.6 million in foreign reserves, while commercial banks kept $4,696 million in net reserves.