Buying & Selling

Pakistan’s IT exports have surged to $3.81 billion, but a new study warns that reliance on freelancing and low-value services could limit future growth amid rapid AI disruption.

Apple has trained a China-specific AI model with Alibaba’s support as it prepares to launch Apple Intelligence in the Chinese market amid growing competition and regulatory challenges.

The government has rejected petroleum dealers’ demand for monthly fuel price reviews, while the PPDA weighs a nationwide petrol pump shutdown over margin-related demands.

Gold price in Pakistan rose Rs4,200 to Rs463,936 per tola, while international gold prices remained mixed amid fresh US inflation data and shifting Fed rate expectations.

Pakistan has approved plans to outsource Lahore and Karachi airports and advance the privatisation of LESCO and MEPCO under the government’s broader privatisation programme.

Petroleum dealers have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding an 8pc increase in their petrol sales margin and warning of an indefinite nationwide petrol pump shutdown from August 15 if their demands remain unresolved.

The CDA has approved 37 commercial and residential projects in Islamabad in 2026, covering 6.69 million square feet and including shops, flats, offices, mosques and a school. The approvals highlight the authority’s efforts to facilitate construction, investment and planned urban development in the capital.

Pakistan’s EV market is gaining momentum, but industry stakeholders warn that policy uncertainty could slow consumer demand and investment. A stable, predictable auto policy aligned with the NEV Policy 2025-30 is seen as crucial for sustained EV growth.

Meezan Bank has surpassed Rs 3.05 billion in housing finance disbursements under the GHTA Programme, approving over 3,000 applications with financing exceeding Rs 22.5 billion.