Author: S.M. Inam

By S.M. Inam GWADAR: Trade activity at Gwadar Port has continued its steady ascent, marked most recently by the arrival of the cargo vessel MV Riva Glory, which docked carrying 14,629 metric tons of goods. The development underscores the port’s growing importance as a regional trade hub, reflecting both the restoration of commercial operations and increasing confidence from international traders. According to Gwadar Port Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch, the continuous arrival of vessels such as the MV Riva Glory highlights Gwadar’s transformation into a central node for trade across South and Central Asia. The chairman emphasized that the port’s strategic location,…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: LPG is being sold at 450 to 500 rupees per kilo, far above the official government price of 310 rupees per kilo, causing hardship for citizens relying on cylinders amid a shortage of gas. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has warned that operations against dealers and shopkeepers selling LPG at inflated rates will begin today. Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi Khan, Chairman of LPG Distributors, stated that supply is limited and distributors are purchasing stock at higher costs. He added that OGRA and importers have so far failed to prevent the sale of LPG at excessive…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The government of Pakistan has announced a major increase in petrol and diesel prices, with petrol rising by Rs 137.24 per litre to Rs 458.41 and diesel by Rs 184.49 per litre to Rs 520.35. The new rates will come into effect from midnight following the official notification. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said that global conflicts have caused a surge in energy prices, forcing the government to take difficult but responsible decisions. He noted that record increases in crude oil prices have impacted the global economy and stressed that Pakistan had no role in creating…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has introduced a new framework to expand financial access for young people, allowing teenagers to open and manage their own bank accounts and digital wallets, Metro Morning reported. Under the initiative, individuals aged 13 to 18 will be able to independently access regulated financial services, marking a significant step toward integrating younger segments of the population into the formal banking system. According to the SBP, the framework is designed to promote financial literacy and encourage responsible money management among youth. Teenagers will be allowed not only to open accounts but also…

By S.M. inam KARACHI: Asian stock markets rallied after Donald Trump signalled an end to the ongoing conflict, boosting investor confidence across the region. At the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the benchmark index rose by more than 3.3 per cent at the start of trading. During the session, the index gained over 4,900 points, crossing the 153,600 level, reflecting strong buying activity. Regional markets also recorded sharp gains, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 rising around 4 per cent, while South Korea’s KOSPI surged by more than 6 per cent. Analysts said the rally was driven by expectations of easing geopolitical tensions and…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The federal government has decided not to impose a smart lockdown after failing to reach consensus with provincial authorities. The decision was made during a high-level consultative meeting at the Presidency chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik, and other senior officials in attendance. Leaders from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, and GB Chief Minister Yar Muhammad, were also…

The special vessel MV HM Leader successfully docked at Gwadar Port, with crews efficiently handling 35 transshipment cargo units amid smooth, incident-free operations, underscoring Pakistan’s growing maritime capacity By S.M. Inam/Anwar Nawab KARACHI/GWADAR: Gwadar and Karachi ports emerged as vital safe havens for global shipping amid escalating Middle East tensions, as a new vessel berthed successfully at Gwadar and container ships queued up at Karachi, daily Metro Morning reported on Sunday. The special vessel MV HM Leader completed berthing operations at Gwadar Port, where crews handled 35 units of transshipment cargo without incident. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid…

By S.M. Inam/Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce has approved a temporary exemption from financial instruments, including bank guarantees and letters of credit, for exports to Iran, the Central Asian Republics, and Azerbaijan via Iran’s land route, officials said on Saturday. The decision follows a March 24 notification by the Ministry of Commerce received by The Express Tribune. The exemption, issued under the Import and Export Control Act 1950, waives the requirement under Paragraph 3 of the Export Policy Order 2022, which mandates compliance with Foreign Exchange Rules set by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The concession…

By S.M. Inam ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has allowed the export of multiple goods to Iran, including rice, seafood, and pharmaceutical products. A temporary exemption has also been granted on the condition of bank guarantees and letters of credit for land-route exports. According to the Ministry of Commerce, exports via land routes to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian countries have been permitted. A special relaxation has been introduced for three months, effective from March 24 to June 21, 2026. Trade through Iran is expected to significantly reduce exporters’ costs and transit time. The statement said that the Ministry of Commerce has approved…

Islamabad pledged unwavering commitment to regional and global stability, with the foreign minister emphasizing persistent diplomatic and strategic efforts By S.M. Inam/Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emerged as a central intermediary in the efforts to defuse the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirming that indirect talks between Washington and Tehran are underway through messages relayed by Islamabad. Turkiye and Egypt have also played supporting roles in these back-channel efforts. In a post on X on Thursday, Dar addressed what he described as “unnecessary speculation” in the…