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[ KARACHI: Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem is moving beyond the early adoption phase, with instant payment infrastructure increasingly being integrated into everyday financial transactions, according to banking and payment industry officials. According to the State Bank of Pakistan’s Payment Systems Quarterly Review, 3.7 billion retail transactions were recorded during January-March 2026. Digital channels accounted for … Read more
[ KARACHI: The year-on-year inflation measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) surged back into double digits, reaching 10.64% in the week ended September 17, as the fallout from the Middle East situation pushed up fuel prices and added to pressure on household budgets. The latest increase marked a sharp acceleration from the 8.62% year-on-year … Read more
[ ISLAMABAD: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have played a significant role in keeping the country’s fuel supply chain intact, particularly during periods of heightened supply risks, but mounting financial pressures are now putting a strain on the industry’s ability to continue financing uninterrupted supplies. The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), which represents major OMCs, has … Read more
HARARE: Australia registered another emphatic win over hosts Zimbabwe to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in their One Day International series as Travis Head hit a century in Friday’s 84-run win. Head bludgeoned 112 runs off 84 balls as the visitors’ top order laid the platform for victory in the second of three ODIs at … Read more
[ KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its recovery on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index gaining around 1,850 points, as easing crude oil prices and hopes of renewed US-Iran diplomatic engagement improved investor sentiment. At the close of trading, the KSE-100 index posted a gain of 1,841.39 points, or 1.09%, and settled at 170,884.59. … Read more
[ KARACHI: Experts, civil society representatives, policymakers and energy-sector stakeholders have called for a community-centred and inclusive transition towards clean and renewable energy in Sindh, stressing that livelihoods, land rights and well-being of local communities must not be compromised by new energy projects. The call was made at a strategic stakeholder dialogue titled “Just Energy … Read more
Actor urges creators and audiences to stop turning women’s appearances and personal lives into online content Hania Aamir has spoken out against the growing trend of women being trolled over their bodies, appearances and age, calling out creators who disguise misogyny as commentary. The actor took to Instagram to share a lengthy note aimed at … Read more
. HAVANA: Cuba’s electricity grid suffered a total collapse on Friday, plunging the island into a nationwide blackout as fuel shortages, deteriorating infrastructure and prolonged power cuts continue to strain its ageing energy system. “A total disconnection of the electrical system has occurred,” the energy ministry said in a post on X, without specifying the … Read more
[ Delegation will comprise 15 to 16 representatives of Pakistan’s business and investment community ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani business delegation will visit Kigali from September 23 to 25 to participate in the Rwanda-Pakistan Investment Forum, aimed at expanding trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation. The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by the Rwanda High … Read more
Pentagon watchdog says hundreds of structures hit, senior service member warns repairs to take ‘decades’ Images of damage to Camp Buehring in Kuwait, released and annotated by Iranian state-affiliated media. (Washington Post illustration; Center row: Iranian state-affiliated media; Background: Planet, with Post annotation) US military bases in the Middle East have sustained heavy damage from … Read more