BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

BYD tops global sales in new energy vehicles

BYD sets

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has announced its global sales results for 2025, reporting over 4.6 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) sold worldwide, securing its position as the top-selling NEV company globally.

For the first time, BYD achieved over 1 million overseas sales in a single year, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion.

Li Jian, Country Head of BYD Pakistan, stated, “The year 2025 has been a defining period for BYD. Alongside record-breaking sales, we have received remarkable recognition both domestically and internationally.”

He added, “In Pakistan, our vehicles have received overwhelmingly positive responses from consumers, reflecting the growing demand for new energy solutions.”

PSX 100 Index continues bullish run, hits new record

PSX 100 Index

KARACHI:  The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) maintained its strong upward momentum on Tuesday, with the KSE-100 Index reaching a new historical high of 185,000 points during intraday trading.

The benchmark index was trading at 185,023 points, up by 2,615 points, as investor optimism continued to drive market activity.

Yesterday, the KSE-100 had closed at 182,408 points, gaining 3,373 points. Over the first four trading sessions of the new year, the index has already surged by 11,151 points, reflecting sustained confidence in the market.

Market analysts attribute the rally to positive investor sentiment, encouraging economic indicators, and expectations of policy stability, which have kept buying activity robust.

PSX continues bullish run as index jumps more than 2,600 points

PSX continues bullish

Karachi: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its strong upward trend on the second trading day of the year, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index posting significant gains.

Trading on the final day of the business week began on a positive note, with the 100 Index crossing the 179,000-point mark during early hours. At one point, the index surged by 2,661 points to reach 179,016.

By the end of the first session, the index was halted at 178,504 points, while a total of 570 million shares were traded, generating a turnover of Rs 32 billion.

It is worth noting that a strong bullish trend was also observed on the first trading day of the New Year, when the PSX 100 Index closed at 176,355 points, gaining 2,300 points.

Market analysts attribute the sustained rally to renewed investor confidence and positive economic expectations at the start of the year.

BYD sets new global EV sales record in 2025, overtakes Tesla

BYD sets

Chinese automaker BYD has set a new global record for electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2025, selling a total of 2.26 million units worldwide, the company said in a statement.

The milestone marks the highest annual EV sales ever achieved by a single manufacturer and places BYD ahead of US rival Tesla for the first time on a yearly basis.

Tesla had reported sales of 1.22 million electric vehicles by the end of September 2025, with its full-year results expected to be released on Friday.

According to a foreign news agency, BYD disclosed the sales figures in a statement submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The report noted that while BYD and other Chinese automakers face steep tariffs in the United States, the company’s sales continue to grow strongly across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

It is worth noting that in 2024, Tesla narrowly outperformed BYD, selling 1.79 million electric vehicles during the year, compared to BYD’s 1.76 million units.

Bloomberg confirms sharp decline in inflation, policy stability in Pakistan

Bloomberg confirms

A leading US publication Bloomberg has confirmed a significant improvement in inflation and greater policy stability in Pakistan, citing recent economic data and policy measures.

In its latest review on Pakistan, Bloomberg reported that price stability and economic management are improving, with inflation easing to 5.6 percent in December, lower than market expectations and down from 6.1 percent in November.

The report noted that pressure on food prices has declined, with food inflation limited to 3.24 percent.

According to Bloomberg, better food availability has helped stabilize markets and provided visible relief to the public. Inflation coming in below market estimates has boosted confidence and reinforced the credibility of the government’s policy direction.

The report highlighted that the State Bank of Pakistan, taking account of improving stability, has reduced the policy rate to its lowest level in nearly three years. A 50 basis points cut in interest rates was seen as a clear signal that inflationary pressures are now manageable.

Bloomberg said lower interest rates are expected to make financing more favorable for businesses and investors, supporting economic activity.

The easing of inflation has sent a positive signal for the investment climate, reducing uncertainty in the economy.

The publication further noted that lower inflation is improving purchasing power and increasing the likelihood of relief for consumers.

December’s figures indicate that the impact of policy measures is beginning to materialize, while the continued downward trend in inflation points toward medium-term economic stability and stronger governance.

Govt announces major cut in petroleum prices at start of New Year

Govt announces

ISLMABAD: The public has received significant relief at the beginning of the new year as the government announced a substantial reduction in petroleum product prices.

According to the official announcement, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs10.28 per litre, while diesel prices have been lowered by Rs8.57 per litre.

 Following the cut, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs253.17 per litre, whereas diesel will now be sold at Rs257.08 per litre.

As per the notification, the revised prices will come into effect from January 1, a move expected to provide noticeable relief to consumers in their daily transportation and household expenses.

PSX hits record high as KSE-100 crosses 174,000 points

PSX hits record high

KARACHI:  The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reached a historic milestone as the benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed to an all-time high during intraday trading.

During the session, the KSE-100 Index crossed the 174,000-point level for the first time in history, reflecting strong investor confidence.

The market opened on a positive note at the start of the business week, with the index gaining momentum throughout the session and at one point rising more than 1,411 points above 174,000.

By the close of trading, the KSE-100 Index settled at 173,896 points, registering a net gain of 1,495 points.

Trading activity remained robust, with around 850 million shares changing hands, valued at approximately Rs42 billion. Market capitalization increased by Rs125 billion to reach Rs19,590 billion.

According to economic analysts, positive developments related to key institutions, including the Fauji Foundation, and other favorable economic indicators contributed to the strong bullish trend in the stock market.

Pakistan rejects Eurobond, Sukuk issuance, explores alternative options

Pakistan rejects

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided against raising funds through Eurobond or Sukuk issuances this fiscal year, opting instead for a new financing approach that includes launching Pakistan’s first Panda bond in China to raise $250 million in the initial phase.

According to official sources, the Panda bond is expected to be issued by mid-January 2026, with the Prime Minister’s Office granting formal approval for the launch by January 31. A second phase of the programme, valued at $500 million, is expected to be completed before June 30, 2026.

Senior government officials told that the Panda bond is likely to be issued at an interest rate of around 4 percent. Pakistan faces two major external repayments during the current fiscal year due to the maturity of Eurobonds.

The first instalment of $500 million was paid in September 2025, while the second payment is due in April 2026, amounting to $1.3 billion, including $1 billion in principal and $300 million in interest.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed reservations over the government’s plan to issue Panda bonds in the Chinese market, questioning why Pakistan is not opting for commercial borrowing if Chinese banks are expected to be the main buyers.

In response, Pakistani authorities informed the IMF that the government is pursuing diversification of its financing sources and aims to strengthen its presence in the Chinese capital market through the issuance of Panda bonds.

Pakistan to launch Crypto mining within weeks, says PVRCA Chairman

Crypto mining

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVRCA), Bilal Bin Saqib, announced that cryptocurrency mining in the country will commence within a few weeks.

In an exclusive interview, he revealed that technologies for Bitcoin mining are now available, and mining cards can be installed at power plants. The first phase of mining is set to start shortly, which he said will address public concerns and allow Pakistan to sell surplus electricity in dollars.

Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted that while Pakistan lacked a legal framework for crypto transactions in the past, the government has now established the authority to regulate and license cryptocurrency activities.

He compared the introduction of crypto to emerging technologies like robotics and quantum computing, which governments regulate after initial adoption.

He emphasized that cryptocurrency adoption is being driven by Pakistan’s youth, who are already thinking ahead to 2030. The government aims to provide opportunities and ensure that investments are guided and experiential, benefiting the country economically.

The chairman also stated that P2P banking could play a bigger role in crypto transactions, and mining operations would enable Pakistan to convert excess electricity into foreign currency revenue. He stressed that global institutions are increasingly moving toward cryptocurrencies, and Pakistan must participate to maintain competitiveness.

Using examples like Singapore’s pilot security initiatives, he said Pakistan could fund crypto development through capital markets rather than relying solely on the IMF.

Bilal Bin Saqib concluded that crypto, robotics, and blockchain adoption would strengthen Pakistan’s economic integrity and global presence.

Eight working groups formed ahead of 11th NFC award

NFC award

ISLAMABAD: Eight working groups have been formed by the federal government to draft recommendations for the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, according to sources.

A working group on provincial jurisdictional expenditures has been formed, headed by the Finance Minister of Punjab. Another group on resource-sharing ratios between the federal and provincial governments will be led by the Finance Minister of Balochistan.

Additional working groups include: national debt structure and utilization, improving tax-to-GDP ratio, led by the Finance Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, direct transfer of resources to provinces, headed by the Finance Minister of Sindh, integration of former FATA and NFC shares and structure of the divisible pool, led by Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb.

The first meeting on the 11th NFC award was held on December 4, during which the formation of these working groups was approved.

The second meeting is expected by mid-January, where each working group will present its recommendations within its area of focus.

These working groups aim to ensure a transparent and efficient resource distribution framework between the federation and the provinces.