Author: S.M. Inam

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a negative trend last week, influenced by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The benchmark 100-index dropped 3,629 points over the week, closing at 153,866. During the week, the index fluctuated within a range of 144,119 to 158,624 points. A total of 2.25 billion shares were traded, valued at 132 billion PKR, while market capitalization decreased by 369 billion PKR, settling at 17,329 billion PKR. #Pakistan #PSX #Stocks #Market #Economy

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The escalating conflict involving Iran, United States, and Israel has revived debate over a controversial prophecy attributed to the late Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga. Tensions intensified after the United States and Israel reportedly launched attacks on Iran on February 28, killing several key figures. Iran has since carried out retaliatory strikes, pushing the Middle East into a period of heightened instability. As the regional crisis deepened, social media users began revisiting Baba Vanga’s predictions about the year 2026. Born in 1911, the blind Bulgarian mystic gained worldwide attention for alleged forecasts of major historical and tragic…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Airlines in Pakistan have raised both domestic and international ticket prices following a recent hike in jet fuel costs, industry sources reported. Domestic fares have increased by Rs2,800 to Rs5,000 per ticket, affecting major routes such as Karachi–Lahore and Islamabad–Karachi. International flights have also seen significant price rises, with fares to the Middle East and Central Asia climbing by up to Rs15,000, while tickets to destinations like Toronto and Manchester have jumped by as much as Rs28,000. Economy-class one-way fares to these cities now exceed Rs250,000. Read More: https://metro-morning.com/airfares-may-rise-by-rs5000-as-jet-fuel-prices-soar/ The fare adjustments come after jet fuel…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Fears of a petrol shortage in Pakistan began to ease on Tuesday as multiple oil shipments arrived at Port Qasim, providing relief after fuel prices surged due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict in the Middle East. Port Qasim Authority (PQA) spokesperson Asad Altaf Hussain Warsi said the vessel Torm Damini has already discharged about 37,000 metric tonnes of gas oil over roughly 40 hours and is scheduled to depart tonight. “The tanker Nave Atropos, carrying around 50,000 metric tonnes of motor gasoline from Singapore, arrived at Port Qasim on March 9 and is set to berth…

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…