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Showing 1-17 / 17 matching articles
The currency gained one paisa as the U.S. dollar stayed near multi-month lows against major currencies despite rising crude oil prices.
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 5:08 PM
Impact
75
Bank Makramah Limited’s (BML) board has approved a proposal by the bank’s sponsor, Nasser Abdulla Hussain Lootah, to inject a further Rs10 billion, i.e. over $36 million, into the bank, strengthening its capital base as it seeks to meet regulatory requirements and support its operations. The listed bank disclosed the development in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday. “Bank Makramah Limited, in its 159th meeting held today, August 18, 2026, considered and approved the investment proposal received from the sponsor of the bank, His Excellency Nasser Abdulla Hussain Lootah, to inject a further Rs10 billion into the bank,” read the notice. BML board has authorised the President/CEO to execute the agreement between the bank and the sponsor, which sets out the terms under which the sponsor shall deposit Rs10 billion into the bank. “It may be noted that this amount of Rs10 billion shall be recorded in the books of the bank as an advance against share subscription, till such time regulatory and corporate approvals are obtained for the issuance of shares to the sponsor, by way of other than right issue,” the notice added. BML was formerly known as Summit Bank Limited (S
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 1:51 PM
Impact
65
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the public offering of New Nazimabad Apartments REIT, marking the 13th public offering on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) this year. As per a statement released on Tuesday, the REIT will offer more than 44 million units to investors, said SECP. “A new investment opportunity in one of Karachi’s prominent residential developments,” said Arif Habib Limited (AHL) in a post on social media. The company shared that the issue size is between Rs793 million and Rs1.01 billion. The price band has been set at Rs18-23 per share. “The increase in public offerings reflects the growing trend of raising capital from the capital market,” SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Siddiqui said in a statement. “A stable capital market is essential to provide long-term financing to businesses,” he added. “We are taking further steps to reduce the time and cost of raising capital from the capital market.” Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) at the PSX have seen significant fluctuations in recent years, with a notable revival in 2024 that continued with strong momentum into 2026. Analysts believe more IPOs are expected in 2026 as market valuations
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 11:34 AM
Impact
65
GENEVA: The portion of women in Afghanistan’s workforce has fallen to just 5% since the Taliban takeover five years ago, according to the International Labour Organization, which called for measures to address their “severe exclusion”. Female labour force participation fell to less than a third of its previous level, to 5.1% in 2026 from 16.5% in 2020. In contrast, male employment has expanded rapidly, the ILO said. “Afghanistan cannot build a resilient labour market while such a large share of its population remains excluded from economic activity,” said Tite Habiyakare, senior coordinator and head of the ILO Office for Afghanistan. Closure of transit trade: Pakistan, Afghan suffer huge economic losses The report attributed the decline to Taliban restrictions curtailing women’s education and employment. Afghanistan has the second-lowest level of female employment in the world after Yemen, it said. However, the number of women’s businesses has increased ten-fold since the takeover because of their exclusion from many other professions, according to the U.N. Development Programme. Overall, Afghan employment increased by 14% from a 2022 low, reaching 8.5 million in 2026, the ILO said
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 3:57 PM
Impact
58
Masood Textile Mills Limited (MSOT) has successfully commissioned an aggregate solar photovoltaic capacity of 6.2 MW, which is currently operational. The company informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange today. The installation of approximately 3.8 MW of additional solar photovoltaic capacity is underway, it said. READ MORE: From selling solar to storing solar? “Subject to completion, testing and successful commissioning, the Company’s aggregate operational solar capacity is expected to increase to approximately 10.0 MW. The initiative forms part of the company’s measures to optimise energy costs, reduce reliance on grid-supplied electricity and advance its sustainability objectives.” Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is a clean, cheap, and environmentally friendly method of generating electricity, and it is rapidly emerging as a leading energy source globally and in Pakistan. The total installed capacity of solar PV panels across Pakistan reached 33 gigawatts by October 2025. The market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2022 to 2027. Meanwhile, MSOT is a public limited company that was set up under the Companies Act, 1913. The company manufacture
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 9:56 AM
Impact
54
Pakistan recorded a current account deficit of $328 million in July 2026, narrowing from $814 million in June 2026 and $529 million in July 2025, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data released on Tuesday. The June deficit was also revised upward from $649 million to $814 million. The narrower deficit was supported by a 17% month-on-month (MoM) and 9% year-on-year (YoY) increase in goods exports to $3 billion, marking the highest monthly export level in 19 months. Meanwhile, imports remained broadly stable MoM at $6.2 billion. “Overall, the current account remained in deficit, but the shortfall narrowed significantly on a monthly and yearly basis,” Topline Research said in a statement. In the financial year FY26, Pakistan’s current account recorded a marginal deficit of $139 million, reversing a surplus of $1.84 billion in the previous fiscal year. Despite record workers’ remittances, Pakistan’s external account was pushed into negative due to high imports, while exports remained largely stagnant during the outgoing fiscal year.
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 4:21 PM
Impact
45
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is set to examine deceptive marketing and other competition concerns in the real estate sector, including misleading claims about project approvals and hidden charges. The competition watchdog will hold an open hearing on August 27 to hear stakeholders and examine competition concerns in the real estate sector, and has invited consumers, investors, developers, builders, real estate professionals, industry associations and other stakeholders to share their experiences and concerns directly with the commission. According to a statement released on Tuesday, the hearing is being held against the backdrop of complaints received by the CCP regarding deceptive and anti-competitive practices in the sector. “The Commission has observed that claims relating to project approvals, features, charges and other material information can significantly influence investment decisions. “Where consumers invest substantial amounts based on false or misleading representations, the consequences can be serious. Truthful and transparent information is therefore essential for informed consumer choice and fair competition,” CCP said. Under Section 10 of the Competi
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 2:19 PM
Impact
44
Master Changan Motors Limited (MCML), Pakistan’s No.1 new entrant and leading Chinese automotive brand, is preparing to introduce CHANGAN NEVO in Pakistan—marking the next major step in bringing Changan’s Global House of Brands to the local market. The announcement builds on Master Changan’s rapid rise in Pakistan. In 2025, the company became the country’s fourth-largest automobile brand, with more than 75,000 vehicles on the road. Backed by local manufacturing, Pakistan’s largest dedicated EV-equipped dealership network—with 29 dealers across 19 cities—and successful products across multiple segments, Master Changan has established the scale, capability and customer confidence needed for its next phase of growth. This next phase is rooted in Changan’s own Global multi-brand architecture. It is the same global portfolio through which Changan serves different customers and mobility needs around the world. Master Changan is now bringing this architecture to Pakistan through four distinct passenger-vehicle brands: · CHANGAN — Trusted mainstream mobility that combines quality, technology and value for everyday progress. · NEVO — Intelligent new-energy mobility designed to make electrif
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 1:45 PM
Impact
44
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), Pakistan’s leading telecom and ICT services provider, in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), is rolling out the digital literacy training component of its Ba-Ikhtiar Program across the 22 districts where the programme is currently active. The trainings will be delivered by the Institute of Rural Management (IRM), a leading organization specializing in Community Development and Capacity building. IRM will be responsible to equipping 2,100 Women with practical digital skills and the tools needed to participate more confidently in today’s digital economy. Participants will receive hands-on training in smartphone usage, digital literacy, online communication, internet safety and access to essential digital services. PTCL will also provide smartphones to participants, enabling them to continue learning and apply their skills beyond the training environment. Speaking on the occasion, Amad Khan, Chief Marketing Officer, PTCL, said, “The true measure of empowerment is the ability to create opportunities for yourself. Ba-Ikhtiar is built on that belief. Digital skills are becoming increasingly important in every
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 10:12 AM
Impact
43
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has formally downgraded implementation progress on a $245 million flood rehabilitation project in Balochistan to ‘moderately unsatisfactory’, mainly after the government decided to cap beneficiary coverage for resilient housing. “Progress remains uneven and continues to affect implementation,” said the Washington-based multilateral lending agency in its public disclosure, dated Aug 12, on the Integrated Flood Resilience & Adaptation Project (IFRAP), while downgrading implementation from ‘moderately satisfactory’ to ‘moderately unsatisfactory’ just six months earlier. “Over 74,000 households have received the first tranche of housing support; however, the Project Steering Committee’s decision to cap beneficiary coverage, a financing gap for remaining eligible households, unresolved grievances, and communication challenges pose risks to implementation mentation progress and achievement of the project development objective,” it added. Earlier, World Bank’s country director Boloromaa Amgaabazar had expressed concern over the decision to cap housing support to 62,966 first-tranche beneficiaries, and subsidy support to 97,000 people. Under Component 1 of the pr
Dawn | discovered by Dawn | Aug 18, 2026, 5:30 AM
Impact
40
WASHINGTON: Disney and its ABC unit sued the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday to block an early review of licenses for eight ABC stations, arguing the Trump administration is trying to punish the network over its broadcast content. President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged broadcasters to drop comedy or news programs he dislikes or which have been critical, pressing the FCC on numerous occasions to revoke ABC’s licenses. In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, Disney said the FCC was seeking to coerce and retaliate against “a network that refuses to bow to the administration’s demands”. Disney and ABC asked the court to quickly issue a temporary restraining order halting the license renewal proceedings and preventing the FCC from scheduling a hearing. The company said the public comment period ended earlier this month and the FCC could act at any time. The lawsuit alleges the administration is violating the company’s First Amendment free speech rights. “Again and again, the administration has attacked ABC’s speech — the stories its journalists report and the viewpoints its network programs air,” the lawsuit said. Disney names Pakistan-born Asad Ayaz
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 5:47 PM
Impact
33
LOS ANGELES: Pop music veteran Madonna scored the most nominations for MTV’s Video Music Awards on Tuesday, four decades after the “Material Girl” singer put the event on the cultural map with a headline-making performance. Madonna earned 11 nominations for next month’s VMA ceremony, including nods for video of the year with “Confessions II - The Film“ and for artist of the year. That eclipsed the nine nominations for Taylor Swift, who will compete for the video of the year honor with “The Fate of Ophelia” from her most recent album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” Both musicians already own several VMA Moon Person trophies. Madonna claimed her first in 1986 when she was given the Video Vanguard Award for helping to pioneer the music video format. In 1987, she won best female video for “Papa Don’t Preach” and has hauled in 20 VMAs over her career to date. It was her performance at the first VMAs in 1984 that created one of the show’s most iconic moments. Madonna took the stage in a wedding gown adorned with a “Boy Toy” belt buckle and rolled on the floor as she sang “Like a Virgin,” pushing the boundaries of what was considered permissible on cable television at the time. Taylor Swift an
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 5:25 PM
Impact
33
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated Google Pakistan’s office in Islamabad, saying there was a great scope to have a wonderful partnership with Google and enhance our relationship in many ways. “Google is a household name not only in Pakistan but around the globe,” PM Shehbaz said during a meeting with Vice President Global Affairs at Google Wilson L White. US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker was also present on this occasion. The premier said it was a coincidence that Google had arrived at a time when Pakistan was going through a major digital transformation in many areas of the governance. “We have a youth bulge and we can really turn around Pakistan’s fortune,” he added. Google Vice President Wilson said opening an office in Pakistan was a big milestone for the tech company. “We can’t tell you how excited we are for this combination of a very long time coming. Google has been investing in and is committed to Pakistan for over a decade. To be able to reach this milestone we are opening a local office which is a very special moment. “Prime minister, your ambition of making Pakistan a $30bn IT export hub very much aligns with the goals that we have at Google.” Wilson
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 5:00 PM
Impact
33
Security forces have eliminated over nine terrorists during a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) targeting terrorist hideouts across various districts of Balochistan, state media PTV News reported citing security sources on Tuesday. During the coordinated operations, troops effectively targeted terrorist hideouts in the mountainous terrains of Ziarat and Harnai, as well as in the Surab district, resulting in the destruction of multiple terrorist sanctuaries and the recovery of significant arms caches. The security sources said forces executed precise strikes against terrorist bases in Harnai and Ziarat, killing the majority of the terrorists and dismantling their operational infrastructure. Simultaneously, an operation in the Surab district resulted in the neutralisation of another terrorist. Following the kinetic actions, security personnel recovered a substantial quantity of ammunition, hand grenades, and military hardware from the slain terrorists’ possession. A comprehensive clearance operation remains underway in the affected areas to ensure the elimination of any remaining threats. The latest intelligence-based strikes follow a successful military engagement in th
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 3:15 PM
Impact
33
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced that Basant Lahore 2027 will be held from March 12 to 14, inviting people from across Pakistan and abroad to join the three-day spring festival. Sharing a teaser video announcing the dates, the chief minister described the event as a major celebration for Pakistan and the world. “After successful Basant 2026, I am proud and happy to announce Basant Lahore 2027!” she said in a post on X. Maryam said Lahore would once again come alive with “colour, culture, festivity, music, energy and legendary hospitality” during the celebrations. Addressing the youth of Punjab and Pakistan, she said the festival was meant to bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase Lahore’s vibrant spirit. She also invited overseas Pakistanis and international visitors to mark their calendars and return to Lahore for the festivities. “Come home to the warmth, colours and festivities of Lahore,” she said, adding that she, Lahore and Pakistan would be waiting for them. The chief minister expressed hope that Basant 2027 would build on the success of the previous year’s celebrations and become another memorable event. “Insha’Allah, together we
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 3:14 PM
Impact
33
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination and treatment, Aaj News reported. Under the court’s directives, Imran will be accompanied during his medical examination by his physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and his sister, Dr Uzma Khan. They will bear the hospital expenses themselves. The court also ordered that Imran be transferred to the hospital under tight security and directed the formation of a dedicated medical board for his treatment. According to the Supreme Court’s directions, Imran will remain at the hospital until the next hearing to facilitate his complete medical examination and treatment. The court further ordered that law and order should be strictly maintained outside the hospital and prohibited any political activity or gathering there. During the hearing, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan expressed concern that ordinary patients visiting the hospital for treatment should not face any inconvenience. PTI lawyers Salman Akram Raja and Shahid Khattak assured the court that no political activity would be held outside the hospital and that pa
Business Recorder | discovered by Business Recorder | Aug 18, 2026, 2:16 PM
Impact
32
Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday that jailed former prime minister Imran Khan be moved to hospital for medical checks, after a petition by his lawyers over claims of poor health. Justice Shahid Waheed said 73-year-old Khan, who had been in jail since 2023 on corruption charges, would be shifted in the next two days to Shifa International Hospital in the capital Islamabad. Khan and his wife, spiritual guide Bushra Bibi, were both sentenced late last year to 17 years behind bars. There...
South China Morning Post Business | discovered by South China Morning Post Business | Aug 18, 2026, 1:49 PM
Impact
32