Connect with us

Business

Gold price sees massive jump amid political plight

Published

on

The price of gold jumped massively in Pakistan Wednesday, as political turmoil following the arrest of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan continued to persist.

According to data provided by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the rate of gold (24 carats) soared by Rs9,900 per tola and Rs8,487 per 10 grams to reach Rs240,000 and Rs205,761, respectively.

There was no change in the rate of gold in the international market, which stood at $2,031 per ounce.

While the previous metal’s value has been rising sharply recently, with its price reaching a new high almost every day, the primary reason for the latest jump is the new political storm that has erupted after Khan’s arrest. There have been violent protests across the country and the army has been deployed in three provinces. 

With the economy already in dire straits, people prefer to buy yellow metal to protect themselves against inflation and currency depreciation.

The weekly inflation hit an all-time high of 48.35% year-on-year (YoY) with prices of chicken and wheat flour increasing during the seven-day period ending May 4.

Meanwhile, it seems that Pakistan may not get a crucial tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) anytime soon, as the country’s loan programme is not on the agenda of the lender’s Executive Board till May 17.

The delay in the revival of the IMF programme negatively impacts the currency market which, in turn, bolsters the demand for gold.

The rupee also fell to a fresh low of Rs290.22 against the US dollar in the interbank market Wednesday after losing Rs5.38 or 1.89%.

Data shared by the association also showed that the price of silver hit a new high after it increased by Rs100 per tola and Rs85.75 per 10 grams to settle at Rs3,100 and Rs2,657.7, respectively.

Business

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Business

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Business

Discos report losses of Rs239 billion.

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending