Author: Admin

Banks to close for public dealing on 1st Ramadan

Admin
Banks to close for public dealing on 1st Ramadan

February 17, 2026 (MLN): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared a Bank Holiday on the 1st of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, 1447 A.H., designated for the purpose of Zakat deduction. In a circular addressed to the Presidents and Chief Executives of all Banks, DFIs, and MFBs, the central bank confirmed that it will remain closed for public dealing. All commercial banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) across the country are directed to follow suit and suspend public-facing operations on that day. However, the holiday will not affect internal operations. All bank…

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Pakistan reaffirms nuclear cooperation with IAEA

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IAEA

February 17, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear technology, emphasizing its continued focus on harnessing nuclear science for socio-economic development and public welfare. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) , Rafael Mariano Grossi, at the Vienna International Centre. Both sides discussed cooperation in cancer diagnosis and treatment, agriculture, nuclear power generation and industrial applications, while the IAEA chief praised Pakistan’s expertise in nuclear safety and security and welcomed its expected participation in the Nuclear Energy…

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Technical Textiles: The Shift Pakistan Can’t Ignore

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Technical Textiles

The global textile landscape is transforming faster than many in Pakistan realise. What was once largely a commodity-driven business — fabrics, basic garments, bedsheets — is increasingly shifting toward technical, high-performance textiles. The textile industry does not offer protection to those who stand still. If Pakistani manufacturers do not actively expose themselves to new technologies, new products, and new ways of thinking, other countries will move ahead — and take those buyers with them. China, Vietnam, Turkey, India and even Bangladesh all benefit from strong knowledge of technical textiles. It…

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Pakistan bears heavy climate burden despite low carbon footprint: PM Shehbaz

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heavy climate burden

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that although Pakistan contributes less than one per cent to global carbon emissions, it is amongst the most affected by climate change in his address at a United Nations event in Vienna. Speaking on ‘Sustainable Development as a Path to Global Peace and Prosperity’, the PM emphasised that sustainable development must be inclusive and equitable, leaving no one behind. “Development cannot be called sustainable if it excludes millions from the promise of a better life,” he added. Highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by…

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Govt notifies cuts in industrial electricity tariffs by up to Rs4.58/unit, providing relief to businesses

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electricty

Tariff cut from Rs30.80 to Rs26.23 for small industries in B1 category; from Rs30.73 to Rs26.16 for medium-sized industries in B2 category and from Rs31 Rs27 per unit for high-tension industrial consumers in the B3 category; effective from February 2026 The federal government has announced a significant reduction in electricity tariffs for industrial consumers, slashing rates by up to Rs4.58 per unit, providing much-needed relief to factories and businesses impacted by high energy costs. The revised tariffs, effective from February 2026, were officially notified following a ruling from the National…

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