It was in 1992 that the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) discovered huge deposits of coal – the second largest in the world – in Tharparkar District, Sindh. Thar coal field is estimated to have reserves of 175 billion tons, 68 times higher than Pakistan’s total gas reserves. Thar coal has been declared lignite type, spreads nearly 10,600 square kilometers, with power generation potential of 100,000 MW consuming 536 …

  Over the last one decade banks have been working hard to enhance their outreach, by increasing number of branches but more importantly through deployment of technology. The convergence of telephony and information technology has helped in developing ‘technology highway’. Now an account holder can complete a banking transaction irrespective of time, his location and even his/her primary bank. Initially there was some resistance against use of ‘plastic money’ as …

  Rising steel prices pushes up cost of construction Karachi can be termed a city of its own kind. It has an estimated population of 20 million people living in all sorts of dwellings, from huts to condominiums. Despite hardly any support from the federal or provincial governments, housing units are being constructed but still remains an acute shortage of housing units, be it for the richest or the poorest. …

  The calendar year 2014 (CY14) has proved to be another good year for Pakistan equities with benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining over 27.3%. It was also evident that during the period under review activity at the bourse lost pace slightly as daily average traded volumes declined by 6.4% to 208 million as compared to 222 million for CY13. Despite this bullish trend only 4 IPOs made their way to the …

  There can’t be two opinions regarding changing energy mix of Pakistan, presently heavily skewed towards fossil oil. However, it is yet to be decided which of the alternatives is cost efficient and economically viable. One of the much talked about option is solar power option. On the face value and keeping in view Pakistan’s climatic conditions the option looks attractive. The other benefits are: 1) installation in far flung …

  Females are often termed weaker gender, mainly because of their body construction and also because of earning lower remuneration. This phenomenon is not unique in Pakistan but prevails throughout the world, even in the developed societies. If one studies Pakistani society few observations are most evident: 1) parents are reluctant in sending their daughters to educational institutions, 2) the general perception is that females should remained confined to their …

  Creation of WTO and arriving at the agreement to give all countries equal opportunities ushered a new era in international trade. Simultaneously, different trade groups emerged to ensure collective wellbeing, NAFTA was the first to emerge, that was followed by European Union (EU) and the story continued. From Pakistan’s perspective it is member of ECO and SAARC but both these blocs have remained muted. RCD was broadened and given …

  After the un-ceremonial demise of DFIs and Investment banks, commercial banks have been undertaking many activities, which are not part of their prime mandate. They also undertake medium and long term financing that is not the role of commercial banks. However, to make it look more prudent some of the commercial banks have established fully-owned subsidiaries to undertake ‘other business’ that include insurance, asset management, leasing and Modarabas. This …

  The PML-N government is very actively perusing LNG import and also terming it the right solution to overcome Pakistan’s looming energy crisis. However, some of the quarters attribute this to be nothing more than ‘rental power scam’. They insist that it is ‘selecting a lesser evil’ and question the prudence of policy planners. They even go to the extent of saying that the power energy policies of ruling junta …

  Some of the quarters are spreading disinformation that Pakistan is currently passing through the most difficult phase of its economic history. The country’s acute energy crisis is posing a serious predicament for its feeble economy and volatile national security. The demand is outstripping supply. The expansion at Tarbella is expected to cost US$840 million but it will not be completed before mid to late 2018. Similarly, the nuclear expansion …