Author: S.M. Inam

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: A 150-acre auto zone was planned at Port Qasim to create new export opportunities for Pakistan’s automotive industry and strengthen links between vehicle-related businesses, port infrastructure and regional markets, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Port Qasim Authority Board in Karachi, chaired by the federal minister. The meeting reviewed matters relating to the development and operations of the port and discussed ways to use its infrastructure to support industrial activity and expand the country’s trade capacity. Chaudhry said the proposed auto zone would provide…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Pakistan recorded a trade surplus of $2.59 billion with the United States during the 2025-26 financial year, according to government sources, with the US remaining the country’s largest export market. Official figures showed that Pakistan’s exports to the US reached $5.91bn during the year, while imports from the American market stood at $3.32bn. The figures left Pakistan with a sizeable surplus and underlined the importance of the US market to the country’s external trade. The latest figures also showed that Pakistan had maintained a favorable trade balance with the US over a longer period. Its cumulative…

The measures were designed to ease exporters’ financial burdens while helping manufacturers modernize production, strengthen competitiveness and expand their presence in international markets By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Pakistan has sanctioned Rs10 billion, or about $35.5 million, for the textile and apparel industry and other export-oriented sectors as the government seeks to improve industrial competitiveness, strengthen cash flows and encourage investment in modern technology. The Ministry of Commerce said the allocation had been approved under duty drawback and technology upgradation schemes. The measures were aimed at easing financial pressure on exporters while helping manufacturers modernize production facilities and improve their ability…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has begun an indefinite nationwide strike, with freight operators stopping work from Friday over fuel prices and other demands. Alliance president Malik Shehzad Awan told Geo News that the strike would continue until the government and transporters reach an understanding and a future course of action is announced. The federal government has invited representatives of the transport alliance to a meeting on Monday. A committee has been formed to represent the transporters in talks with government officials. Awan said the strike would remain in force until the outcome of the…

Pakistan unveils major maritime incentives as Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announces up to 80 per cent discounts for transshipment vessels, aiming to transform ports into competitive regional trade hubs By S.M. Inam ISLAMABAD: The federal government had announced a new incentive package for transshipment cargo at Karachi’s ports, offering major reductions in port charges and expanded storage facilities in an effort to attract regional trade traffic and strengthen Pakistan’s position as a maritime hub. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said transshipment vessels would receive discounts of up to 80 per cent on port handling charges under the new…

Pakistan’s manufacturing sector showed renewed strength as the Quantum Index of Manufacturing climbed, reflecting a gradual industrial recovery and improving economic activity By S.M. Inam ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing sector had recorded year-on-year growth of 5.77 per cent during the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2025-26, according to official data, showing continued improvement in industrial activity and production levels. The latest figures indicated that the Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) had increased to 121.65 during the July-May period, compared with 115.02 recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year. The rise reflected stronger output across several…

Uzbekistan expands regional trade routes as Tashkent begins moving machinery and industrial supplies through the Pakistan-Iran border corridor By S.M. Inam ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has moved to strengthen its position as a regional trade and transit hub by developing new transport corridors aimed at connecting landlocked Central Asian countries with the country’s strategic ports of Gwadar and Karachi. The move has gained momentum as Uzbekistan has started using alternative trade routes to reach Pakistani ports while avoiding traditional pathways through Afghanistan, according to a report by Azerbaijani media outlet The Caspian Post. The report said Tashkent had begun transporting agricultural machinery…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the trading week in negative territory as cautious investor sentiment, profit-taking and selling pressure weighed on market performance. The benchmark KSE-100 Index declined by 6,438 points during the week to close at 175,802 points. The market remained under pressure as investors adopted a careful approach and reduced their exposure amid concerns linked to economic indicators and future policy direction. According to market data, the KSE-100 Index moved within a wide range of 7,798 points during the trading week. The index touched a high of 181,148 points, while its lowest level…

By S.M Inam KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan fell sharply on Thursday, tracking a steep decline in the international market, with the price of the precious metal dropping by Rs9,720 per tola. According to data released by the All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the price of 24-karat gold settled at Rs432,716 per tola. The price of 10 grams declined by Rs8,748 to Rs369,422, while 22-karat gold was traded at Rs338,998 per 10 grams, down Rs7,950. The domestic fall mirrored weakness in global markets, where gold dropped by $97.20 to $4,102.80 per ounce. Silver also weakened, with the per-tola…

By S.M Inam KARACHI: Saudi Arabia is set to establish a crypto and blockchain zone in Karachi while also exploring wider investment opportunities linked to major infrastructure and maritime development projects. Pakistan’s government is currently working on regularising crypto trade, a move described in official discussions as part of broader digital finance reforms. Authorities are also pursuing investment partnerships with international stakeholders to develop large scale commercial zones in key urban centres. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Karachi Port Trust, the Saudi Business Council Najd Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Ltd and the…