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[ Concerns persist as 21.4% credit rise tilts to production but development lending lags KARACHI: Agricultural credit disbursement rose 21.4% year-on-year to Rs2.79 trillion during July-May FY2025-26, indicating stronger formal-sector financing of agriculture, but the composition and distribution of lending continue to raise questions about its impact on long-term farm productivity and financial inclusion. While … Read more
Commodity vessel transits remain lower than month’s daily average as shipping risk persists Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 3, 2026—REUTERS Shipping traffic at the Strait of Hormuz fell below the month average towards the end of the week due to volatile sentiment between the United States and Iran, with both countries making competing claims … Read more
Friday is delivering another day of near record heat to the continent, but toward the end of the weekend temperatures could retreat to seasonal averages.
Scotland posted 347 for seven after captain Richie Berrington struck his seventh ODI century, setting Canada a daunting target at Forthill. The hosts then bowled out Canada for 177 to close their League 2 campaign at the top of the standings. Robertson, 23, was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with six for 52 … Read more
PARIS: Somali referee Omar Artan described taking charge of Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg as his “World Cup”. The 34-year-old was denied the chance to referee at the World Cup itself after being refused entry to the United States. He was turned away on arrival at Miami International … Read more
[ KARACHI: Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves increased by $23.7 million during the week ended August 7, 2026, reaching $22,498.3 million, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. Foreign reserves held by the central bank rose by $14 million to $17,057 million. Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks increased by … Read more
[ Apparel sector becomes uncompetitive due to fuel price uncertainty, costly power and gas LAHORE: The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has urged the government to take immediate measures to address the growing cost pressures and logistics disruptions affecting Pakistan’s export-oriented apparel sector. In a statement, PRGMEA North Zone Chairman Imran Salahuddin … Read more
[ Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Photo: Reuters/ File ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir to discuss digital transformation, digital finance and measures to improve access to finance through technology, a statement from the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday. Aurangzeb emphasised … Read more
ANKARA: Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will group senior ministers, hold joint exercises and deepen defence industry cooperation under a military pact signed between the regional powers last week, Turkey’s defence ministry said on Thursday. The three US allies, alarmed by a regional conflagration that has brought Iranian missile fire onto Gulf oil exporters, signed … Read more
[ KARACHI: The benchmark KSE-100 index closed over 200 points lower at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday as the market remained largely range bound amid a lack of fresh positive triggers. The index shed 0.73% for the week. Market breadth remained weak, with more stocks declining than advancing. At the close of trading, … Read more