By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s parliament on Tuesday passed a bill to amend the century-old Official Secrets Act, giving sweeping powers to intelligence agencies to raid and detain citizens suspected of espionage.
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PM Sharif pushes for new census-based polls, sparks row with allies
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the next general elections would be held on the basis of the latest census, sparking a row with opposition and coalition parties who fear a delay in the vote.
Inflation dips for second month in July
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s inflation eased for a second month in July as food and fuel prices stabilized, giving some breathing space to the central bank that has been battling soaring price pressures and a weak currency.
Exports, imports fall double digits in July
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports and imports both fell more than 12 percent in July, the first month of the new fiscal year, as the country faced a dollar crunch and a slowdown in imports of non essentials goods, official data showed on Tuesday.
Fuel prices soar by 8pc as Sharif’s coalition bows to IMF pressure
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday raised the prices of petrol and diesel by almost 20 rupees per liter or 8 percent, the biggest increase in more than a year, citing a surge in global oil prices and pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase revenues.
IS claims deadly attack on Pakistan rally as ‘war on democracy’
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility on Monday for a suicide bombing that killed 54 people at a political rally in northwest Pakistan, saying it was part of its war against democracy.
SBP holds rate at 22 percent, sees inflation easing
By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Pakistan’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 22 percent on Monday, saying it expected inflation to ease in the coming months after securing a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Pakistan, China ink six deals to boost cooperation on CPEC anniversary
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China signed six agreements and memorandums of understanding on Monday to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure, and industrial development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said.
OGDCL boosts oil and gas output from four Sindh wells
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan’s largest oil and gas explorer, said on Monday it had increased its oil and gas production from four wells in Sindh province using cutting-edge technologies.
PM Sharif rules out finance minister Dar as caretaker leader
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday dismissed speculation that his finance minister would become the caretaker leader ahead of general elections, saying a neutral person would be chosen to ensure a fair vote.