By Aftab Ahmed | October 31, 2025

New framework to formalize $2bn informal gemstone trade and grant exporters industry status. Pakistan is drafting a comprehensive National Gemstones Policy aimed at formalizing and regulating the country’s largely undocumented gemstones trade, currently estimated at over US$2 billion, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said. Read More: Pakistan…

By Salman Khan | October 31, 2025

The federal government has issued detailed guidelines clarifying advance salary entitlements available to employees seeking financial assistance for housing-related purposes. A memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance states that employees in Grades 1 to 16 are eligible to receive housing advances equal to a maximum of thirty-six months’ salary. Employees in Grade 17 and…

By Salman Khan | October 31, 2025

The federal government has proposed additional tax measures worth Rs200 billion to address the revenue shortfall in the second half of the current fiscal year. Officials said the proposals shared with IMF during a recent staff-level agreement include levies on non-filers, solar panel imports, and telephone users. The FBR chairman denied any plans for a…

By Aftab Ahmed | October 30, 2025

Following widespread delays and operational issues, Pakistan Railways has withdrawn its newly introduced winter timetable and reverted to the previous schedule (April–October 2025) until further notice. The decision affects all major divisions—including Karachi, Sukkur, Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta—and comes after multiple complaints from passengers about hours-long train delays and irregular departures. Read More:…

By Aftab Ahmed | October 30, 2025

Deposits rise 6% to Rs4.37trn in 2024; management sees room for rate cuts Habib Bank Ltd (HBL) projected robust deposit growth for 2025, with management expecting a 17–18% increase following a 6% year-on-year rise to Rs4.37 trillion in 2024. The outlook was shared during the bank’s corporate briefing held on Thursday, where executives also discussed…

By Aftab Ahmed | October 30, 2025

The KSE-100 Index ended the session at 156,732 points, registering a decline of 1,732 points amid intense volatility and mixed investor sentiment. The benchmark fluctuated between an intraday high of 159,507 and a low of 156,327, pressured by rollover activity and inconsistent corporate earnings. Read More: Selling Pressure Deepens as Market Extends Correction Blue-chip counters…

By Salman Khan | October 30, 2025

Organised by Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd. in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Works, Build Pakistan – Let’s Build Together has opened its doors at the Expo Centre, Lahore. The three-day national exhibition and conference brings together over 100 leading local and international companies, showcasing modern technologies, sustainable solutions, and innovative practices across the…

By Aftab Ahmed | October 30, 2025

Earnings driven by higher dispatches and lower coal costs; margins soften QoQ amid normalized taxation. D.G. Khan Cement Company Limited (PSX: DGKC) reported unconsolidated net earnings of Rs2.16 billion for the first quarter of FY26, translating into earnings per share (EPS) of Rs4.9, up 169% year-on-year from Rs804 million (EPS: Rs1.8) in the same period…

By Aftab Ahmed | October 30, 2025

Earnings rise on stronger margins, lower finance costs; quarterly profit dips on seasonal slowdown. Pak Elektron Limited (PSX: PAEL) reported a consolidated profit of Rs3.05 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, translating into earnings per share (EPS) of Rs3.30, up 64% year-on-year, according to the company’s financial results released on Thursday. The…

By Aftab Ahmed | October 30, 2025

Earnings surge on impairment reversal; no interim dividend announced amid tower investment funding. Engro Holdings Limited (PSX: ENGROH), formerly Dawood Hercules Corporation Limited, reported a consolidated profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs86.15 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to Rs32.6 billion a year earlier. Profit attributable to shareholders stood at Rs42.02 billion, translating…