ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 (DNA) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has assessed Pakistan’s gross external financing needs at a record $27 billion for the next fiscal year, but warned that arranging the financing at favourable rates will now be a challenge due to risks to the country’s debt sustainability.
PSL-3 final tickets lead to long queues, website crash
LAHORE, MAR 15 (DNA) – Ticket sales of third edition of the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) final scheduled to take place in Karachi went online on Thursday and fans flocked to the outlets to get their hands on them. Tickets are available at the 25 TCS branches in Karachi and online through Yayvo. Ticket sales on Yayvo started at 12am, soon after which the website crashed due to the amount of traffic on it.
Conference: Govt to present electricity policy to CCI next month
ISLAMABAD, MAR 15 (DNA) – Participants of an energy conference on Wednesday underlined the need for cashing in on the opportunities arising in Pakistan’s growing off-grid solar power industry in order to address critical energy shortages. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, joined forces with Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC) and the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) to host the conference and highlight the opportunities in the off-grid solar industry to bridge the energy deficit.
Nepal chief justice sacked for faking date of birth
KATHMANDU, MAR 15 (DNA) – Nepal’s divisive Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli was sacked Wednesday for faking his date of birth in order to remain in office longer. The controversy over Parajuli’s date of birth has been brewing for months after he charged a prominent activist and Nepal’s largest newspaper with contempt of court for raising concerns about his multiple birthdays.
Private equity landscape in Pakistan – supporting financial markets with new entrants
ISLAMABAD, MAR 14 (DNA) – Private equity has always played a pivotal role in the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) globally by providing not only capital but also operational expertise, managerial bandwidth, leadership and vision. In Pakistan, although the regulatory framework for private equity and venture capital was first introduced by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in 1995 and has been revised thrice in 2001, 2008 and most recently in 2015, the industry is yet to make its mark in any significant manner.
Joint Declaration: Presidents of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan pledge to work hand in hand
DUSHANBE (DNA) -On March 9-10, 2018, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to the Republic of Tajikistan. During the fruitful talks held in an open, friendly and constructive atmosphere, the Heads of State discussed in detail key issues of the current state of relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, prospects for further expanding and deepening of bilateral multifaceted cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and communication, culture and humanitarian and other fields, as well as current regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Indian troops martyr three youth in occupied Kashmir
SRINAGAR, MAR 12 (DNA) – In occupied Kashmir, Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism martyred at least three Kashmiri youth in Islamabad district of occupied Kashmir. The youth including a B-tech student Eesa Fazli and Syed Owais were killed by the Indian troops during a siege and search operation in Hakoora area of south district, police said. Meanwhile, the authorities imposed curfew and restrictions in Soura area of Srinagar and Islamabad to prevent people from protesting against the killings. Eesa Fazli belonged to Srinagar, while Syed Owais was a resident of Kokernag area of Islamabad district.
Sensex rallies 301 points ahead of IIP, inflation data
MUMBAI, MAR 12 (DNA) – The BSE Sensex surged over 300 points in early trade and the Nifty reclaimed the 10,300-level on fresh capital inflows by foreign funds ahead of key IIP and inflation data to be released after market hours on Monday. Asian markets too were trading in the green on strong cues from Wall Street after a better-than-expected US jobs report on Friday. The 30-share Sensex rallied 301.55 points, or 0.90 per cent, to 33,608.69 in opening trade. The index had lost 44.43 points in the previous session on Friday.
Uzbek President Makes Fence-Mending Visit To Tajikistan
DUSHANBE — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev visited Tajikistan on an official two-day visit seen as an important step to mend a complicated bilateral relationship. Mirziyoev and his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon, held talks behind closed doors in Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, on March 9. Mirziyoev, who came to power following the death of his predecessor, Islam Karimov, in 2016, has said forging better relations with Uzbekistan’s Central Asian neighbors is a priority for his government.
Serena Olympics begin with a roaring start
FAISALABAD, MAR 08 (DNA) – The four-day Serena Olympics started with a glamorous launch ceremony held in Bahar Court, Faisalabad Serena Hotel. The chief guest for the inauguration was Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels. The Serena Olympics brought together male and female employees from all Serena properties across Pakistan to compete in team and individual sports. The featured games included the ever popular sports of football, volleyball, tug-of-war, basketball, badminton, table tennis, swimming, squash, snooker, and races including the 100 meter race and a marathon.
