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Rupee continues recovery against dollar for second consecutive day

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KARACHI: For the second straight session, the local currency on Thursday appreciated against the dollar amid news that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would hand over the draft memorandum of economic and financial policies (MEFP) to Pakistan today.

During intra-day trade, the rupee appreciated by 4.83 against the dollar in the interbank market. The greenback is currently changing hands at Rs268.50 compared to the Rs273.33 it closed a day earlier.

Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) General Secretary Zafar Paracha termed it a “good day” for the economy. 

“The main reason behind [rupee’s appreciation] is the staff-level agreement between Pakistan and IMF drawing closer, with sources claiming that the talks went successful,” said Paracha. 

The currency dealer said that another factor that led the rupee to gain in the interbank market was that the exporters who had held payments started encashment and the inflow of remittances from overseas Pakistanis has also started.

“The economy will be better in the coming days and foreign direct investments will also be received,” predicted Paracha. 

Capital market expert Saad Ali told Geo.tv that the rupee rallied due to the rising optimism in the market about economic stability led by news of investments by Qatar in state-owned assets. 

He agreed that news of IMF talks ending on a positive note was also a factor for the local currency to gain ground. 

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Irfan Siddiqui meets with the PM and informs him about the Senate performance of the parliamentary party.

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The head of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Standing Committee and the PML-N’s parliamentary leader paid Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif a visit in Islamabad.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Parliamentary Party’s Senate performance.

Additionally, Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs’ performance.

He complimented the Prime Minister on his outstanding efforts to bring Pakistan’s economy back on track and meet its economic objectives.

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SIFC Increases Direct Foreign Investment: Investment in the Energy Sector Rises by 120%

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The Special Investment Facilitation Council is intended to help Pakistan’s energy sector attract $585.6 million in direct foreign investment in 2024–2025. The amount invested at the same time previous year was $266.3 million.

This is a notable 120% rise, mostly due to investments in gas exploration, oil, and power. Such expansion indicates heightened investor confidence and emphasizes the development potential in important areas.

The State Bank reports that foreign investment in other vital industries has increased by 48% to $771 million.

This advancement is a blatant testament to SIFC’s efficient investment procedure and quick project execution.

The purpose of the Special Investment Facilitation Council is to establish Pakistan as an investment hub by aggressively promoting regional trade and investment in the energy sector and other critical industries.

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Discos report losses of Rs239 billion.

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When compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that discos have decreased their losses in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

The distribution businesses recorded losses of Rs239 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year, a substantial decrease from the Rs308 billion losses sustained during the same period the previous year.

Additionally, the distribution businesses’ rate of recovery has improved. It has increased to 91% in the first quarter of this year from 84% in the same period last year, indicating success in revenue collection.

Regarding circular debt, the Power division observed a notable change. Last year, between July and October, the circular debt grew by Rs301 billion. Nonetheless, this year’s first four months saw a relatively modest increase in circular debt, totaling about Rs11 billion.

These enhancements show promising developments in the electricity sector’s financial health in Pakistan, where initiatives are being made to accelerate recovery rates and slow the expansion of circular debt.

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