Author: S.M. Inam

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…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Pakistan’s stock market witnessed its worst opening in history on Monday following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, as investor panic spread across global markets. The benchmark KSE-100 Index fell sharply by 13,209 points during trading, closing at 154,852. The market faced heavy selling pressure right from the opening bell, pushing the index down further to 152,940 points after an initial drop of 15,121 points. At one point, the KSE-100 hit a low of 152,717 points. The KSE-30 Index declined by 9.42 percent, triggering a temporary suspension of trading for 45 minutes. The market reopened…

The PBC has called for a rationalization of advance and withholding tax regimes, warning that they function as de facto minimum taxes and stifle investment and economic growth By S.M. Inam/ Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: Both multinational and major local companies have urged the International Monetary Fund to abolish the super tax, reduce corporate rates gradually, and rationalize advance and withholding taxes to ease the burden on compliant businesses, Daily Metro Morning reported on Sunday. The visiting IMF review mission held separate meetings with the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industries (OICCI), representing over 200 multinational firms, and the…

By S.M. Inam ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a major step to strengthen its energy sector by awarding 11 onshore blocks for oil and gas exploration. The Ministry of Energy, Petroleum Division, announced the deals on Thursday, highlighting efforts to increase domestic energy output and attract new investment. The signing ceremony for the Petroleum Concession Agreements and Exploration Licences was held in Islamabad, with Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, senior officials, and industry representatives in attendance. The agreements are projected to bring 8.66 billion rupees in investment over the next three years, along with 276 million rupees allocated for social…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: Global markets saw crude oil and gold prices surge to six-month highs as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran stoked fears of potential conflict in the Middle East. On Monday, Brent crude rose by 62 cents to $71.39 per barrel, while US crude climbed 37 cents to $66.21 per barrel, marking the highest levels since late 2025. Analysts attributed the spike to growing uncertainty over energy supplies amid the geopolitical crisis. Gold also experienced a notable jump, gaining $107 to surpass $5,200 per ounce, driven by investors seeking safe-haven assets amid mounting instability. Former…

By S.M. Inam ISLAMABAD: SOMALIA is advancing high-level negotiations to acquire up to 24 JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan in what would mark the country’s most significant military procurement since the end of the Cold War and a decisive step towards rebuilding an air combat capability lost after the collapse of the state in 1991. The discussions are centred on the advanced Block III variant of the multi-role jet and form part of a multi-phase package valued at about $900m, according to sources familiar with the talks. If finalised, the agreement would signal a major shift in the security…

By S.M. Inam KARACHI: The 18th Lamp Lighting and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the MBJ School of Nursing at Kharadar General Hospital marked a milestone for the graduating cohort and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education. The event was attended by former federal minister for commerce, industry and production Dr Gauhar Ejaz as chief guest. He praised the hospital’s dedicated services and state-of-the-art nursing school. Highlighting the transformative power of charity, Zakat, and helping others in the path of Allah, he said true societal progress begins with improving the lives of ordinary people. Dr Ejaz acknowledged the pivotal…