Author: S.M. Inam

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a sharp decline on the first day of the business week, forcing authorities to halt trading temporarily. The PSX benchmark 100-Index dropped by 9,780 points at the opening, falling to 147,715 points. During the session, the index touched a low of 147,710 and a high of 150,174 points. For context, the 100-Index had closed at 157,496 points at the end of last week, highlighting a significant downward movement in early trading. This sudden slump reflects growing market volatility and investor caution amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. #PakistanStockExchange #PSX #StockMarketCrash…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: WhatsApp is reportedly preparing to launch a new paid subscription service called WhatsApp Plus, designed to give users advanced customization options while keeping the core messaging service free. According to social media reports tracking upcoming features, the key focus of WhatsApp Plus will be enhanced personalization. Subscribers are expected to be able to change the app’s icon and choose from a variety of visual themes. The service could include around 14 additional app icons and a wider selection of color schemes, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences. The premium plan may also introduce…

By S. M. Inam KARACHI: Pakistan is set to receive three petrol tankers today, as the federal and Sindh governments met to review emergency steps amid rising global oil prices that threaten the country’s fuel import bill. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed the arrival of the tankers and said alternative plans are being prepared to manage the financial impact of escalating crude oil prices, which could reach $120 per barrel if Middle East tensions worsen. He added that Pakistan’s monthly oil import bill may rise to $600 million. The meeting at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi was attended…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan saw a significant increase today, according to local dealers. The All Pakistan Sarafay, Gems & Jewelers Association reported that the price of gold per tola rose by Rs 6,100 to reach Rs 539,862. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs 5,230, bringing it to Rs 462,844. In international markets, gold prices rose by $61 to $5,171 per ounce. This increase comes after a decline of Rs 3,400 in gold prices recorded yesterday, highlighting the continued volatility in both local and global gold markets. #GoldPrices #PakistanMarket #PreciousMetals #Jewelry #GlobalGoldPrices…

By S.M.Inam KARACHI: Rising tensions from the Iran–Israel conflict have sparked fears of a major energy crisis for Pakistan after Iran reportedly closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and LNG shipments. The closure threatens Pakistan’s fuel imports, as around 80% of its oil and nearly 90% of LNG cargoes pass through the strait. Experts warn that limited reserves, currently just enough for 28 days, could leave the country vulnerable to supply disruptions. Global crude prices have already risen by $10–$13 per barrel, and analysts fear the impact could worsen Pakistan’s trade deficit by $5–$7…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Pakistan’s textile sector, a cornerstone of the country’s export economy, witnessed a 6.34% decline in exports in February 2026, as rising business costs and regional instability weighed on the industry. Official trade documents show that textile exports fell to $1.33 billion in February 2026, down from $1.42 billion in February 2025. Analysts attribute the decline to rising operational costs and the impact of escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. Rising freight and shipping costsExporters are facing higher freight charges and shipping costs, which are expected to rise further due to regional instability. These additional logistics expenses…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Pakistan’s domestic debt increased by Rs615 billion in January 2026, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The central bank’s figures showed that the country’s total domestic debt rose from Rs47.86 trillion in December 2025 to Rs48.47 trillion by the end of January 2026. The increase was mainly driven by higher government borrowing through market treasury bills and Pakistan Investment Bonds to meet fiscal requirements. According to the SBP, the government has increasingly relied on domestic borrowing in recent months to finance the fiscal deficit amid limited external inflows. Economists…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a positive trend on the fourth day of the trading week, with the benchmark 100-Index gaining 2,396 points to reach 158,173 during intraday trading. The index touched a low of 156,250 points and a high of 158,173 points during the session. On the previous day, the 100-Index had closed at 155,777 points. Positive momentum was also observed in Asian markets. Japan’s Nikkei index rose by 2%, South Korea’s KOSPI increased by 9.5%, Indonesia’s IDX gained 2%, and Thailand’s SET index climbed 3%. In the interbank market, the US dollar eased…

S.M. Inam KARACHI: Global markets reacted sharply after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, pushing Brent crude oil prices to $83 per barrel. Gold also saw a significant rise, with prices climbing nearly 2%, adding $88 per ounce to reach $5,176 per ounce at the start of trading. Stock markets across Asia reflected investor caution. According to international media, the Korean Stock Exchange fell by 6%, while Japan’s market dropped 3%, indicating broader risk-off sentiment amid geopolitical uncertainty. #OilPrices #Gold #StockMarkets #IranCrisis #GlobalEconomy

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan soared sharply on Monday following US-Israel strikes on Iran and escalating regional conflict, triggering a spike in both local and international markets. According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of 24-karat gold per tola jumped by Rs13,300, reaching Rs563,862. Similarly, 10 grams of 24-karat gold climbed by Rs11,402 to Rs483,420, while 10 grams of 22-karat gold rose by Rs10,453 to Rs443,151. Internationally, gold per ounce surged by $133, reaching $5,411 amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. Silver prices in Pakistan also followed the upward trend. The price per tola…