By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday signed a debt service suspension agreement with France amounting to suspension of loan worth $107 million, under the G-20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) framework.
Economy
PM launches public-private panel to spur economic activities
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tacked together a powerful new panel that brings together federal ministers, lawmakers, and business tycoons to join heads for the promotion of commercial activities in the country, a statement said on Monday.
IMF Target: Rs10/litre petroleum levy on fuels likey from July
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Inflationary fires are set to get worse as the government is weighing slapping Rs10/litre Petroleum Levy on fuels from July 1 as the IMF insists it is critical to cut a staff-level deal for the resumption of a suspended loan, Independent Pakistan has learnt.
ISLAMABAD: Minister of Finance Miftah Ismail addressing a press conference along with others at Pak Secretariat in Federal Capital. ONLINE PHOTO by Sultan Bashir dated June 11, 2022
Miftah Ismail’s ironclad case for super tax
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A candid exchange over Twitter involving Finance Minister Miftah Ismail was reported here the other day as “a rare peek” into his approach to budget making. It turns out such peeks are anything but rare.
OFFICIAL SEAL: Image courtesy IMF official website
Staff level deal with IMF likely this week
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities are expecting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to share a draft Memorandum of Financial and Economic Policies (MEFP) in the next 24 hours, paving the way for a staff level agreement within this week.
SBP, banks challenge Riba verdict in Supreme Court
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The central bank and at least four commercial banks on Saturday challenged a ruling of the Federal Shariah Court (FSC) for the abolishment of interest in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, seeking apex court’s guidance on Riba free economy in the country.
Pakistan almost seals IMF deal with super tax
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Mustering the much-needed courage, the government on Friday levied a super tax on big-earners to raise extra Rs466 billion, enabling itself to chase a higher tax target of Rs7.470 trillion to reclaim the IMF loan ditched by the last government.
China’s BaoSteel likely to fire up long-cold PSM
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: China’s BaoSteel is likely to fire up the long-cold blast furnaces of Pakistan Steel Mills Corporation (PSMC) as the Chinese steelmaker, which has recently completed a successful due diligence tour, is eyeing a deal, the country’s privatisation managers said on Friday.
Inflows Unlocked: China’s $2.3bn lands in SBP coffers
By staff reporter
ISLAMABAD: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday received a $2.3 billion Chinese loan, which analysts termed as godsend support, as the country’s foreign reserves were barely enough for 45 days of imports a day ago.
The Plot: PSX plummeted after the announcement of super tax. Screenshot from PSX data portal.
Super tax: A bridge too far?
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The government scrambled to control damage Friday after the announcement of a 20 percent super tax sowed panic among the markets, causing the PSX to lose 2,055 points or 4.81 value in a mere 20 minutes before trading was closed to stem further damage.