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SBP launches whistle-blowing forum to bust illegal money dealers

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  • Illegal money-dealers be reported at whistleblowing.FX@sbp.org.pk.
  • Complaints be sent to SBP at facilitation.fx@sbp.org.pk.
  • Public at large asked to refrain from making false allegations.

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a whistle-blowing forum for the identification of foreign exchange companies operating illegally in the country to ensure accountability and integrity, it said in a statement.

“The public, at large, may use the dedicated email address: WhistleBlowing.FX@sbp.org.pk- to report to SBP any unauthorised foreign exchange activity, said a statement issued here,” the central bank announced.

“The email may also be used to report if any exchange company refrained from providing system-generated receipt of the currency exchange transaction.”

The central bank urged the public to be judicious in reporting any unauthorised foreign exchange activity and provide facts and as much specific information and particulars as possible to examine the matter thoroughly.

“They are also expected to refrain from rumour mongering, speculation, false and frivolous allegations or accusations,” the SBP said adding that the identity of the complainant would be kept confidential however the disclosure of identity for utilising the forum was voluntary.

The SBP has also introduced another email address, facilitation.fx@sbp.org.pk, to receive public concerns if any person faced any issue in dealing with exchange companies including the sale/purchase of foreign currency notes by the money-changers, issuing receipts which are not system-generated, charging exorbitantly high exchange rate over those displayed on the notice board, denial of genuine requests of the customer for the provision of foreign currencies, etc.

The SBP regulates foreign exchange business in the country under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 and under the Act central bank has authorised twenty-six exchange companies of the “A” category and twenty exchange companies of the “B” category to deal in foreign exchange business including sale purchase of foreign currency notes.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Dr Ayesha Ghous Pasha on Friday warned the commercial bank of exemplary punishment for overcharging on Letters of Credit (LCs) payments.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue the minister of state said that the banks involved in such activities would be fined heavily.

The meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmed said that when the commercial banks faced a shortage of dollars they started charging extra dollars on payments of LCs.

He said that the central bank had thoroughly investigated the matter.

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In interbank trade, the Pakistani rupee beats the US dollar.

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In the international exchange market, the US dollar has continued to weaken in relation to the Pakistani rupee.

The dollar fell to Rs278.10 from Rs278.17 at the beginning of interbank trading, according to currency dealers, a seven paisa loss.

In the meantime, there was a lot of turbulence in the stock market, but it recovered and moved into the positive zone. The KSE-100 index recovered momentum and reached 116,000 points after soaring 1,300 points.

Both currency and stock market swings, according to analysts, are a reflection of ongoing market adjustments and economic uncertainty.

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Phase II of CPEC: China-Pakistan Partnership Enters a New Era

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The cornerstone of economic cooperation between the two brothers and all-weather friends is still the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the initiative’s flagship project.

In contrast to reports of a slowdown, recent events indicate a renewed vigour and strategic emphasis on pushing the second phase of CPEC, known as CPEC Phase-2, according to the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.

According to the statement, this crucial stage seeks to reshape the foundation of bilateral ties via increased cooperation, cutting-edge technology transfer, and revolutionary socioeconomic initiatives.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal is leading Pakistan’s participation in a number of high-profile gatherings in China, such as the 3rd Forum on China-Indian Ocean Region Development Cooperation in Kunming and the High-Level Seminar on CPEC-2 in Beijing.

His involvement demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to reviving CPEC, resolving outstanding concerns, and developing a strong phase-2 roadmap that considers both countries’ long-term prosperity.

At the core of these interactions is China’s steadfast determination to turn CPEC into a strategic alliance that promotes development, progress, and connectivity.

Instead of being marginalised, CPEC is developing into a multifaceted framework with five main thematic corridors: the Opening-Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor, the Innovation Corridor, the Green Corridor, the Growth Corridor, and the Livelihood-Enhancing Corridor.

With the help of projects like these, the two countries will fortify their partnership, and CPEC phase-2 will become a model of global economic integration and collaboration that benefits not just China and Pakistan but the entire region.

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The inflation rate in Pakistan dropped to its lowest level.

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On December 2, core inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) significantly slowed, falling to 4.9% in November 2024 from 7.2 percent in October 2024.

The CPI-based inflation rate for the same month last year (November 2023) was 29.2%, according to PBS data.

Compared to a 1.2% gain in the prior month, it increased by 0.5% month over month in November 2024.

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