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The Punjab government is considering a package for individuals who consume up to 300 units of energy.

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Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman announced on Thursday that the provincial government is developing a package specifically for individuals who use up to 300 units of electricity. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on low-income groups, who have been disproportionately impacted by ongoing inflation.

During an interview with a journalist outside the Punjab Assembly, Shuja stated that the scheme would be included in the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2024–25.

According to the statement, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had already established a committee, and there was potential for the announcement to be made prior to the budget. It was also mentioned that more than 25 million households in Punjab had a power use of 300 units or less.

The provincial minister attributed the repeated increases in gas and electricity tariffs to the federal government, while highlighting that the rise was a consequence of the PTI’s inefficiency during its time in power.

The founder of PTI previously asserted that he would never choose to borrow funds from the IMF and other sources and instead would opt for taking his own life. Mujtaba informed the media that the PTI’s tenure resulted in an increase in the national debt that exceeded the total accumulated debt of Pakistan over a span of 70 years.

He asserted that Punjab’s economic well-being surpassed that of other provinces and pledged to enhance tax revenue. He also acknowledged the efforts of Shehbaz Sharif, the former chief minister, in addressing this matter.

Shuja asserted that the 2024–25 budget, which will be presented in June, will be exceptional. He also stated that the PML-N has made significant progress in generating revenue.

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Pakistan’s gold prices are still declining; see the most recent

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The price of 10-gram gold reduced by Rs943 to settle at Rs207,733, while the price of gold dropped by Rs1200 to close at Rs242,300 a tola, according to the Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association.

In the global market, the price of the precious metal fell by $10 to $2,349 per ounce, resulting in losses.

At 04:48 GMT, the spot price of gold had dropped by 0.2% to $2,354.77 per ounce. In the previous session, prices reached a two-week high.

American gold futures dropped 0.6% to $2,361.

Spot silver decreased by 0.4% to $28.03 per ounce, while palladium remained steady at $978.03 and platinum decreased by 0.1% to $992.89.

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Pakistan and the IMF begin talks for a new loan.

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Pakistan is requesting a $6 to $8 billion bailout package from the international lender over the next three to four years to address its financial troubles.

A mission team led by Nathan Porter, the IMF’s Mission Chief in Pakistan, is meeting with a Pakistani delegation led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Islamabad may face more difficult options, such as raising power and gas bills.

Mr. Aurganzeb informed the IMF team that the country’s economy has improved as a result of the IMF loan package, and Islamabad is ready to sign a new loan programme to further develop.

The IMF mission expressed satisfaction with Islamabad’s efforts to revive the country’s struggling economy.

The IMF praised Pakistan’s economic growth in its staff report earlier this week, but warned that the outlook remains challenging, with very high downside risks.

The country nearly avoided collapse last summer, and its $350 billion economy has stabilized since the end of the last IMF program, with inflation falling to roughly 17% in April from a record high of 38% last May.

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Petrol prices are likely to drop significantly beginning May 16.

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According to sources, the government is set to decrease petrol prices by Rs 14 per litre and diesel prices by Rs 10 on May 16 for the next fortnight’s revision.

Last month, the government reduced the price of fuel and high-speed diesel by Rs5.45 and Rs8.42 per fortnight, respectively.

The current fuel price is Rs288.49 per litre, while the HSD price is Rs281.96.

Meanwhile, oil prices fell further on Monday, as signs of sluggish fuel consumption and comments from U.S. Federal Reserve officials dimmed optimism for interest rate reduction, which may slow growth and reduce fuel demand in the world’s largest economy.

Brent crude prices down 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $82.54 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 19 cents, or 0.2%, to $78.07 per barrel.

Oil prices also declined on signals of poor demand, according to ANZ analysts, as gasoline and distillate inventories in the United States increased in the week before the start of the driving season.

Refiners throughout the world are dealing with falling diesel profitability as new refineries increase supply and warm weather in the northern hemisphere and weak economic activity reduce demand.

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