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Gold loses shine as price falls for second consecutive day

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The gold rate declined for the second consecutive day in Pakistan on Friday in line with changes in the international market.

Data provided by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) showed that the rate of gold (24 carats) fell by Rs6,500 per tola and Rs5,573 per 10 grams to reach Rs230,800 and Rs197,874, respectively.

The yellow metal’s value had reached a record high on May 10 amid increased political uncertainty and violence following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest.

Meanwhile, the international gold rate decreased by $33 to settle at $2,005 per ounce. 

Analysts have said the international rate will continue to fluctuate during May because of uncertainty surrounding the raising of the United States debt ceiling by Congress.

Meanwhile, gold prices have been reaching new highs in Pakistan almost every other day due to a number of factors — economic and political turmoil, high inflation, and currency depreciation. People prefer to buy the yellow metal in such times as a safe investment and a hedge.

The government is yet to sign a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the release of a crucial economic bailout despite several months of talks, with international agencies warning that Pakistan risks default following the end of the current loan programme.

The country’s foreign exchange reserves are at a critically low level — not enough for even one month’s imports — and the rupee touched a new low of Rs300 against the US dollar on May 11.

Besides this, inflation has reached a record level and is the highest in South Asia while violent protests have been flaring up for days after the PTI chairman’s arrest. 

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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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