The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that running a snooker club is a “lawful and legitimate” business, cautioning lower courts against using emergency laws to shut down recreational spots over vague complaints. Justice Jawad Zafar, in a five-page judgment, set aside a trial court’s order that had forced a citizen in Sargodha to shut […]
Business
Pakistan Seeks ADB Loan to Cut Circular Debt
Pakistan has approached the Asian Development Bank for help on circular debt. The government wants funds to clear Rs1.7 trillion power sector liabilities. Officials also aim to refinance costly commercial loans at better terms. Power Minister Awais Leghari made the request during a meeting with an ADB delegation. He asked for longer repayment periods and […]
Power Firms Seek Rs5.6bn Refund
Power companies in Pakistan are seeking an electricity bill refund of Rs5.6 billion for November usage. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) requested a 72 paise per unit negative fuel cost adjustment. If approved, consumers will see the refund in their January electricity bills. Nepra has scheduled a public hearing on December 31 to review […]
Gemstone Policy Pakistan Awaits Cabinet Approval
The gemstone policy Pakistan has moved closer to approval. The Ministry of Industries sent it to the federal cabinet. Officials finalized the policy after consultations. The focus remains on value addition and exports. Meanwhile, a key meeting reviewed the gemstone policy Pakistan framework. The prime minister’s aide chaired the session. Government officials and industry experts […]
Transporters Strike Pakistan Enters Tenth Day
The transporters strike Pakistan has entered its tenth day. Talks between transporters and government departments continue nationwide. Meanwhile, industrialists warn of massive daily trade losses. Each passing day costs billions in exports and commerce. Transporters said negotiations involve federal and Punjab officials. Several departments, including FBR, Customs, and NHA, joined discussions. They claimed governments accepted […]
ADB Loans Pakistan Back Reforms, Budget Support
The Asian Development Bank offered new ADB loans Pakistan needs for reforms and budget support. The offer came during talks in Islamabad. Officials discussed strengthening institutions and improving public finances. The move builds on existing support. ADB leaders said Pakistan remains a key partner. They noted ADB loans Pakistan already total nearly 17 billion dollars. […]
Reko Diq Exports Set for Port Qasim
Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Ltd will handle Reko Diq exports under a new agreement. The deal covers copper-gold concentrate handling and shipment. It was signed in Karachi on Monday. The move strengthens logistics for Reko Diq exports. Meanwhile, the agreement followed PIBT’s approval from Port Qasim Authority. This allows PIBT to store and export minerals. […]
Policy Rate Cut Draws Mixed Reaction Across Pakistan
Pakistan’s policy rate cut sparked mixed reactions across the business community on Monday. The State Bank reduced rates by 50 basis points. Therefore, the policy rate now stands at 10.50 percent. Many observers say the policy rate cut Pakistan needed was larger. Foreign investors welcomed the move and called it cautious and balanced. OICCI said […]
Broadband Taxes Stall Pakistan’s Digital Growth
Pakistan broadband tax policies continue to slow digital progress despite repeated promises of a modern economy. Pakistan broadband tax treats internet access like a luxury instead of essential infrastructure. As a result, high costs keep millions from stable broadband connections. This contradiction weakens digital adoption nationwide. Currently, Pakistan broadband tax varies by province after devolution […]
Cotton Revival Faces Tough Reality in Pakistan
Pakistan’s cotton revival faces serious challenges as production continues to decline across the country. Cotton revival Pakistan has become a major concern after output fell sharply over the past decade. The cultivated area has also reduced, forcing the country to rely on costly cotton imports. As a result, Pakistan imported more than $3 billion worth […]