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Tag: pakistan economy

  • Gold price surges to Rs218,500 per tola amid global uptick

    Gold price surges to Rs218,500 per tola amid global uptick

    In the latest update on the precious metals market, the cost of gold in Pakistan has witnessed a consistent upward trend for the third consecutive week, culminating in a settling price of Rs218,500 per tola on Wednesday.

    According to data released by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association (APGJA), the rate of 24-karat gold experienced a notable surge, increasing by Rs900 per tola, reaching the current benchmark of Rs218,500.

    Simultaneously, the price for 10 grammes saw a rise of Rs771, now standing at Rs187,328.

    This surge in gold prices is a continuation of the trend observed earlier in the week, when prices increased by Rs400 twice.. This cumulative rise over the week amounts to Rs1,700 per tola, following a similar trend from the previous week when the precious metal’s price escalated by Rs1,200 per tola.

    Internationally, spot gold exhibited a modest 0.1 percent increase, reaching $2,042.10 per ounce as of 0729 GMT.

    Concurrently, US gold futures recorded a 0.2 percent uptick, settling at $2,055.90.

    These global market dynamics further contribute to the evolving landscape of gold prices, adding nuances to the economic outlook both domestically and abroad.

  • Concerns rise over circulation of fake Rs5,000 banknotes

    Concerns rise over circulation of fake Rs5,000 banknotes

    In a recent meeting, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance convened to address the escalating circulation of counterfeit Rs5,000 banknotes, a matter that has raised serious apprehensions among officials, including those from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    Chaired by Senator Salim Mandviwala, the committee delved into the severity of the issue as it showcased a bundle of forged Rs5,000 notes.

    Senator Mandviwala, underscoring the gravity of the situation, asserted that even parliamentarians are susceptible to falling victim to this fraudulent activity.

    During the proceedings, Senator Mandviwala directed a challenge to SBP’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Inayat Hussain, urging him to identify the counterfeit notes.

    However, the attempt was met with a purported failure on the part of the Deputy Governor.

    Expressing the need for immediate and decisive action, the committee chairman called upon the central bank to take robust measures to combat the widespread dissemination of counterfeit currency.

    Mandviwala suggested that the infiltration of fake notes into circulation might be occurring through banks.

    A noteworthy proposal from Senator Mandviwala involved the exchange of counterfeit currency for genuine notes, an idea promptly dismissed by Deputy Governor Inayat Hussain.

    The latter cited concerns about potential misuse and abuse as the basis for the refusal.

    During the discussion, Hussain acknowledged the absence of a concrete system to prevent the printing of fake currency within the country.

    He further elaborated that while counterfeit dollars are a global issue, efforts are underway to enhance regulations to control the production and circulation of fake currency, specifically within Pakistan.

    According to ARY News, Mandviwala, highlighting the urgency of the situation, called for immediate relief measures. The committee, in unanimous agreement, advocated for the formulation of a comprehensive policy to combat the growing use of counterfeit currency, particularly within the banking system.

    The committee stressed the necessity of proactive measures to safeguard the financial integrity of the nation.

  • Gold price in Pakistan surpasses Rs217,000 per tola

    Gold price in Pakistan surpasses Rs217,000 per tola

    In Monday’s trading session, the price of 24-karat gold witnessed a surge, with a per-tola increase of Rs400, reaching Rs217,200.

    This marks a notable uptick from its previous closing at Rs216,800. Similarly, the cost of 10 grammes of 24-karat gold experienced an increment of Rs1,543, now standing at Rs186,214, compared to its earlier rate of Rs185,871.

    Concurrently, the rates for 10 grammes of 22-karat gold rose to Rs170,696 from Rs170,382, as outlined by the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association.

    Maintaining stability, the prices of silver remained unchanged, with per tola and ten-gramme silver being quoted at Rs2,670 and 2,289.09, respectively.

    On the global front, the international market witnessed a $3 increase in the price of gold, reaching $2,043 from $2,040, according to the association’s report.

    Shifting focus to economic indicators, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced a surplus in the current account, reporting a noteworthy $9 million surplus for November 2023.

    This represents a remarkable improvement, considering the current account deficit (CAD) was recorded at $775 million in July 2023.

    The data provided by SBP indicates a substantial turnaround, with the CAD evolving from $15.7 million in the last financial year to the recent surplus.

    The positive trend in the current fiscal year continues, with the CAD for the first five months showing significant improvement.

  • Govt implements measures to control onion prices amidst rising inflation

    The interim federal government has reportedly chosen to implement restrictions on onion exports due to the persistent surge in prices, as revealed by sources on Sunday. 

    According to detailed information, the government has introduced advance payments to discourage onion exports and has established a minimum export price. 

    These measures are aimed at preventing an anticipated shortage of onions and curbing further increases in prices.

    In light of escalating inflation, Pakistan witnessed a short-term inflation spike of 43.16 per cent in the week ending December 14, primarily driven by increased costs of pulses, rice, and vegetables. 

    The weekly inflation has now surpassed 41 per cent for the fifth consecutive week, influenced by elevated gas prices and electricity tariffs compared to the previous year.

  • Pakistan repays $5.4 billion of $24.6 billion external debt

    Pakistan repays $5.4 billion of $24.6 billion external debt

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor revealed that Pakistan’s external debt obligations for Fiscal Year 2024 are $24.6 billion, as stated during the post-Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Tuesday.

    Breaking down the figures, the principal amount is $20.7 billion, with an additional $3.9 billion accounting for interest.

    Notably, a total of $5.4 billion has already been repaid, encompassing a $4 billion principal payment and a $1.4 billion interest payment.

    As a result, the outstanding debt now stands at $19.2 billion, with plans to rollover $12.4 billion (with $9.3 billion already confirmed), according to the governor.

    This leaves a net remaining amount of $6.8 billion for the remaining seven months of the fiscal year. This comprises a $4.3 billion principal and a $2.5 billion interest payment.

    It’s crucial to note that the current foreign exchange reserves are relatively limited, standing at approximately $7 billion.

  • State Bank of Pakistan to announce monetary policy decision on December 12

    State Bank of Pakistan to announce monetary policy decision on December 12

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to unveil its monetary policy on Tuesday, December 12. A statement released by the central bank on Friday informed that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of SBP will convene in Karachi on December 12 to deliberate on monetary policy. 

    Subsequently, the central bank will issue the official monetary policy statement. In its preceding meeting on October 30, the MPC judiciously opted to uphold the policy rate at 22%, citing global market volatility. 

    The committee underscored the imperative of persisting with a stringent monetary policy stance to mitigate inflation.

    PKR ends another week in green

    The Pakistani currency is experiencing an upward trend against the US dollar for the past several sessions, concluding the week in positive territory on Friday. 

    According to the SBP, the Pakistani rupee gained 0.09 per cent, closing at Rs283.87 against the US dollar.

  • Overseas workers’ remittances to Pakistan dip to $2.3 billion

    Overseas workers’ remittances to Pakistan dip to $2.3 billion

    In November 2023, overseas workers sent a total of $2.3 billion in remittances to Pakistan, reflecting an 8.6 per cent decrease from the $2.5 billion recorded in October 2023, as per data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). 

    However, on a yearly basis, there was a 3.6 per cent increase in the monthly inflow compared to the same month in the previous year.

    Remittances are a crucial element in supporting Pakistan’s external accounts and play a vital role in boosting the country’s economic activity while also supplementing the disposable incomes of households dependent on remittances.

    The recent rise in remittances was attributed to an improved exchange rate following a crackdown against currency smugglers and hoarders. 

    This crackdown resulted in a reduction of the rate gap between the open and interbank markets. However, despite this positive trend, remittances have observed a decline on a monthly basis again this November.

    In the first five months of the fiscal year 2024, remittances amounting to $11 billion have been recorded, in contrast to $12.3 billion in the same period of the previous year.

    Breaking down the remittances, it was noted that overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia sent the highest amount in November 2023, totaling $540.3 million. 

    This amount represented a 12.5 per cent monthly decline but was 5.5 per cent higher than the remittances in the same month of the previous year. 

    Remittances from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also declined on a monthly basis by 13.6 per cent, from $473.9 million in October to $409.4 million in November. 

    However, there was a yearly improvement of 7.6 per cent. Remittances from the United Kingdom increased by 3.5 per cent to $341.7 million compared to October 2023.

    Conversely, remittances from the European Union declined by nearly 10 per cent on a monthly basis, amounting to $268.3 million in November 2023. Overseas Pakistanis in the US sent $261.5 million in November 2023, experiencing a month-on-month decrease of 7.7 per cent.

  • IMF praises Pakistan’s economic progress and stability efforts 

    IMF praises Pakistan’s economic progress and stability efforts 

    The Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bahador Bijani, acknowledged a positive trend in the economic landscape of Pakistan, highlighting the effective measures taken by the authorities. 

    The statement was made during an event hosted by Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, bringing together representatives from key international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) at Pakistan House. 

    Expressing optimism, Bijani highlighted Pakistan’s significance regionally and globally, asserting that the nation merits enhanced prospects.  

    This observation coincides with Pakistan’s current status under a caretaker government while participating in an ongoing IMF programme. 

    Nathan Porter, IMF Mission Chief to Pakistan, addressed the assembly of over 40 IFI representatives, expressing contentment with the recently concluded staff-level agreement.  

    Porter praised the interim government’s actions and policies, underscoring their dedication to steering the country towards stability. He expressed the hope that this foundation would enable the pursuit of reforms for a more robust, prosperous, and inclusive Pakistan. 

    Porter further commended the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for its cooperative efforts and policies aimed at ensuring fiscal stability in the country.  

    Athanasios Arvanitis, Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF expressed optimism that the upcoming elections in February would bring about the necessary reforms for Pakistan’s progress. 

    Syed Ali Abbas, Advisor Mission Chief UK, European Department at the IMF, echoed similar sentiments, anticipating a more enduring approach following the successful completion of the electoral process. 

    Ambassador Masood Khan underscored the transformative impact of Pakistan’s economic digitization, emphasising the emergence of new opportunities for the youth and professionals in steering the nation towards a promising future. 

    Khan asserted that Pakistan, as a nation of talented individuals, has the potential for significant accomplishments.  

    The statement aligns with earlier commendations from Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, who lauded the Pakistani government for its adept handling of economic stability and timely implementation of reforms earlier this month. 

  • IMF proposes solutions for streamlining Pakistan’s budget through digitisation 

    IMF proposes solutions for streamlining Pakistan’s budget through digitisation 

    The Caretaker Minister for Finance recently presided over the inaugural meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Technical Assistance Mission, focusing on the digitisation of the budgetary process.  

    The mission, led by Fazeer Rahim and Sybi Hida, senior economists from the Public Financial Management Division, along with IMF Resident Representative in Pakistan, Esther Pérez Ruiz, discussed strategies for enhancing the efficiency of the budget-making process through digitisation. 

    During the meeting, the minister highlighted the importance of tailoring the IMF’s recommendations to the specific needs of the ministry.  

    The goal is to streamline and improve the effectiveness of budgetary procedures through the integration of digital technologies. 

    The Technical Assistance Mission is committed to providing practical and implementable solutions tailored to the ministry’s requirements.  

    This collaborative effort seeks to modernise and optimise the budgetary framework, aligning it with contemporary digital practices. 

    In related developments, discussions have surfaced regarding Pakistan’s pursuit of another loan package from the IMF upon the completion of the ongoing standby agreement.  

    The caretaker government has initiated consultations for the forthcoming IMF programme, and sources indicate that talks with the IMF are likely to commence in the current month.  

    Finance ministry officials have clarified that the elected government will carry forward the measures initiated by the caretaker government.  

    It is anticipated that the newly elected government will be responsible for finalising and signing the IMF programme, assuming governance responsibilities. 

  • Gold price in Pakistan increases to Rs221,000 per tola

    Gold price in Pakistan increases to Rs221,000 per tola

    The per tola price of 24-karat gold in Pakistan witnessed a rise of Rs2,600, reaching Rs221,000 on Wednesday. This marks an increase from its previous sale at Rs218,400 on the last trading day.

    Similarly, the price of 10 grammes of 24-karat gold experienced an uptick of Rs2,229, settling at Rs189,472 compared to the previous Rs187,243.

    Meanwhile, the cost of 10 grammes of 22-karat gold rose to Rs173,683 from Rs171,640, according to the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association.

    The prices for both per tola and ten-gramme silver remained unchanged at Rs2,620 and Rs2,246.21, respectively.

    In the international market, the price of gold increased by $29, reaching $2,062 from the previous $2,033, as reported by the Association.