Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: Pakistan’s tractor industry is facing an unprecedented crisis, with sales plummeting 63% below the eight-year average, raising serious concerns for the country’s agricultural economy. Sakib Eltaff, CEO of Al Ghazi Tractors Pakistan, attributes the sharp decline to economic instability, excessive taxation, and the lack of a comprehensive strategy for agricultural mechanization. As one of the two leading tractor industry manufacturers in the country, Al Ghazi Tractors plays a crucial role in modernizing Pakistan’s farming sector. The company, partly owned by Dubai’s Al-Futtaim Group (50%) and global agricultural machinery leader Case New Holland (43%), is integral to…
Author: Iqra Khan
Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a bullish rally today as the KSE-100 index surged to a new all-time high, fueled by the federal government’s electricity rate cut of over Rs. 7.4 per unit. The index briefly crossed 119,000, hitting 119,179 before settling at 118,938, marking a 1,131-point increase (+0.96%). READ MORE:
Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: The Citizens Foundation (TCF) USA recently hosted an Iftar Gala in Tribeca, bringing together over 300 philanthropists and community leaders to raise an impressive $350,000 for educational initiatives benefiting underprivileged children in Pakistan. The event was sponsored by Laxmi, a brand known for its commitment to community welfare. As part of its CSR initiative, Laxmi also partnered with ICNA Relief for its annual Rice Donation Drive, distributing 6,000 pounds of Extra Long Basmati rice across major locations in Chicago, New York, and Dallas to support families in need during Ramadan. READ MORE:
Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: Remittances to Pakistan have experienced a significant surge, with March 2025 expected to break records, potentially exceeding $3.5 billion, a 15% increase from February. This spike is attributed to higher inflows during Ramazan, providing crucial relief to the government by easing external debt pressures and bolstering the exchange rate. According to Zafar Paracha, the general secretary of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP), about $450 million was sold to banks in March, a substantial rise compared to February and March 2024. The total remittances for March 2025 are expected to surpass the $3.11 billion recorded…
Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: The low birth registration rates for girls in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) can be attributed to a combination of factors. Including limited access to registration centers, particularly in remote and underserved areas, and deep-rooted social biases that restrict women’s mobility and access to services. These factors not only contribute to the lack of legal identity for girls but also expose them to numerous risks such as child marriage, exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. Without a birth certificate, girls are unable to benefit from essential services like education, healthcare, and vaccination programs. The situation in K-P is particularly concerning, as…
Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s military junta, is set to attend a regional summit in Bangkok on Thursday, April 3, amid the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives in his country. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit, scheduled from April 2 to 4, brings together leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Min Aung Hlaing’s participation is notable, given Myanmar’s recent political isolation following the 2021 military coup. READ MORE:
Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is poised to unveil a long-anticipated reduction in electricity tariffs on Thursday (April 3), expected to Announce a Power Tariff cut today by Rs8 per unit. A high-level meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, is scheduled for today, bringing together key federal ministers and senior officials to discuss the reform measures that have facilitated this price reduction. Power Minister Awais Leghari will brief the gathering on the underlying factors driving the proposed adjustments in electricity pricing. The planned Power tariff cut results from a series of strategic decisions, including the termination of…
Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: As Pakistan faces an increasing burden of illnesses, many individuals find themselves confined to hospital beds during one of the most cherished times of the year, Eid ‘Hum Sab Ki Eid’ Initiative Spreads Festive Cheer to Patients Away from Home. For these patients, the festive season becomes a time of solitude, as they miss out on traditional celebrations and the warmth of home. Eid is synonymous with unity, featuring heartfelt prayers, joyous family reunions, festive meals, and the beloved custom of exchanging Eidi. Yet, for those undergoing medical care, these treasured traditions often remain out of…
Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has called on Pakistani entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to actively contribute to enhancing economic ties with the Kingdom. Addressing a gathering organized by the Pakistani business diaspora in Jeddah, he underscored that fostering stronger trade connections would solidify diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations. During his speech, Minister Ahsan Iqbal introduced the core elements of the 5Es framework, a fundamental component of the ‘URAAN PAKISTAN’ initiative. This strategic vision aims to propel Pakistan towards a $1 trillion economy by 2035 and an ambitious…
Islamabad, March 30, 2025: The Balochistan govt decision to impose a night-time travel ban on major highways reflects the worsening security situation in the province. With a surge in militant attacks, particularly targeting public transport passengers, authorities are taking preventive measures to safeguard travelers. This move, while necessary for security, also raises concerns about the impact on trade, connectivity, and the daily lives of commuters. The restrictions on key highways, such as the Karachi-Quetta (N-25), Makran Coastal (N-10), Quetta-Sukkur (N-65), Quetta-D.I. Khan (N-50), and Quetta-Taftan (N-40) routes, effectively disconnect Balochistan from neighboring provinces during the night. READ MORE:
