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Rupee breaks all records, plunges to 239.94 against US dollar

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  • Rupee closes at Rs239.94 against US dollar in interbank market.
  • Depreciates Rs3.92 against greenback in a single-day.
  • Analyst says higher dollar demand and outflows are taking a toll on currency.

KARACHI: The Pakistani rupee plunged to a new low on Thursday while continuing its downward spiral against US dollar in the interbank market despite Finance Minister Miftah Ismail assuring investors that the pressure on local currency will soon “vanish”.

Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed that the local unit closed at a historic low of 239.94 against the US dollar — surpassing its last day low of 236.02 after depreciating by Rs3.92, or Rs1.63% today.

Speaking to Geo.tv, Arif Habib Limited’s Head of Research Tahir Abbas said the currency pressure continued today as well, amid higher dollar demand and outflows — mainly oil-related payments tagged with lower inflows.

Fears have risen about Pakistan’s stuttering economy as its currency fell nearly 8% against the US dollar in the last trading week, while the country’s forex reserves stood below $10 billion with inflation at the highest in more than a decade.

Alpha Beta Core CEO Khurram Schezad said that the US dollar is getting stronger in the global market almost against all the world currencies — and the rupee is not an exception.

In addition, he said, Pakistan’s external account issues are not settled as yet though imports are slowing.

He noted that although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is on board for disbursement, the flows are yet to materialise as the Executive Board’s final approval is awaited.

“Global rating agencies have put a negative outlook on the economy, so that is an additional burden that is weighing in on the financial markets in general and forex market in particular,” he added.

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Irfan Siddiqui meets with the PM and informs him about the Senate performance of the parliamentary party.

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The head of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Standing Committee and the PML-N’s parliamentary leader paid Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif a visit in Islamabad.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Parliamentary Party’s Senate performance.

Additionally, Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs’ performance.

He complimented the Prime Minister on his outstanding efforts to bring Pakistan’s economy back on track and meet its economic objectives.

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SIFC Increases Direct Foreign Investment: Investment in the Energy Sector Rises by 120%

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The Special Investment Facilitation Council is intended to help Pakistan’s energy sector attract $585.6 million in direct foreign investment in 2024–2025. The amount invested at the same time previous year was $266.3 million.

This is a notable 120% rise, mostly due to investments in gas exploration, oil, and power. Such expansion indicates heightened investor confidence and emphasizes the development potential in important areas.

The State Bank reports that foreign investment in other vital industries has increased by 48% to $771 million.

This advancement is a blatant testament to SIFC’s efficient investment procedure and quick project execution.

The purpose of the Special Investment Facilitation Council is to establish Pakistan as an investment hub by aggressively promoting regional trade and investment in the energy sector and other critical industries.

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Discos report losses of Rs239 billion.

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When compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that discos have decreased their losses in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

The distribution businesses recorded losses of Rs239 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year, a substantial decrease from the Rs308 billion losses sustained during the same period the previous year.

Additionally, the distribution businesses’ rate of recovery has improved. It has increased to 91% in the first quarter of this year from 84% in the same period last year, indicating success in revenue collection.

Regarding circular debt, the Power division observed a notable change. Last year, between July and October, the circular debt grew by Rs301 billion. Nonetheless, this year’s first four months saw a relatively modest increase in circular debt, totaling about Rs11 billion.

These enhancements show promising developments in the electricity sector’s financial health in Pakistan, where initiatives are being made to accelerate recovery rates and slow the expansion of circular debt.

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