Saudi Ambassador Calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral relations, ongoing cooperation, and future investment opportunities. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with Saudi Arabia in diverse sectors.
Bullish Momentum Continues at PSX as 100-Index Crosses 129,000 Mark
KARACHI: The bullish trend at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued on the second day of the new fiscal year. After a record-breaking surge on July 1, the benchmark 100-index gained over 1,200 points on Wednesday, surpassing the 129,400 level, reflecting strong investor confidence and market optimism.
CPEC’s 81st Meeting Reviews Preparations for Upcoming 14th JCC Session
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired the 81st high-level CPEC meeting to review preparations for the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) session. Ministries were directed to finalize agendas by next week. CPEC Phase 2 aims to position Pakistan as a hub for trade, technology, and connectivity.
Hong Kong Celebrates 28th Anniversary of Return to China with Enthusiasm
The 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. Events across the Special Administrative Region highlighted unity, cultural pride, and the deepening integration with mainland China since the 1997 handover from British rule.
US Stocks Close Mixed as Dow Rises and Nasdaq Declines
US stock markets closed mixed, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining nearly one percent. The S&P 500 slipped slightly, while the Nasdaq dropped over eight-tenths of a percent. Investors reacted cautiously amid varied corporate earnings and ongoing economic data releases influencing market sentiment.
Trump Optimistic on India Lowering Barriers to Avoid 26% Tariff
President Donald Trump expressed confidence that India is prepared to reduce trade barriers for American companies. This development could lead to a deal preventing the implementation of the 26% tariff he announced on April 2, which has been paused until July 9, easing trade tensions between the two nations.
Trump Announces Israel’s Agreement to 60-Day Ceasefire Conditions
President Donald Trump stated that Israel has agreed to conditions for a 60-day ceasefire. He said the pause will allow all parties to work toward ending the ongoing war. The announcement signals a potential step toward de-escalation amid continued regional conflict and international pressure for peace.
Gold Prices Steady Ahead of U.S. Payroll Data Amid Fed Caution
Gold prices held steady Wednesday as investors awaited U.S. payroll data and evaluated Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s cautious approach to interest rate cuts. A weaker U.S. dollar provided support to dollar-priced bullion, balancing cautious market sentiment amid uncertainty about future monetary policy moves.
Dalai Lama’s Institution to Decide His Reincarnation, Rejecting China’s Claim
The Dalai Lama declared that only his non-profit institution will have the authority to identify his reincarnation, directly opposing China’s claim to select his successor. This move challenges Beijing’s control over Tibetan Buddhism and signals ongoing tensions over the spiritual leadership of the Tibetan people.
US Charges Two Chinese Nationals with Spying on Navy Bases
U.S. prosecutors have charged two Chinese nationals with acting as agents for China’s security service. They allegedly gathered intelligence on U.S. Navy bases and attempted to recruit Navy personnel as spies for Beijing. The Justice Department says the case highlights ongoing espionage threats targeting American military operations.