Pakistan’s remittances totaled $3.1 billion in December 2024, reflecting a 29.3% increase compared to the same month last year, according to data released by the central bank. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that not only had the remittances recorded a yearly increase, but also a 5.6% surge compared to the previous month. Cumulatively, remittances for the first half of the fiscal year 2024-25 (July-December) stood at $17.8 billion, showing a 32.8% increase compared to $13.4 billion received during the same period in FY24, the central bank stated. The rise in remittance inflows is linked to Pakistan’s economic recovery,…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Karachi: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad admitted that the country’s exports have been lower than expected and urged the business community to ramp up production and international trade activities. He mentioned that the country’s external liabilities have remained stable for an extended period, attributing this stability to the current government’s prudent economic and fiscal management. “The foreign debt has not increased in the past two and a half years, while an $8 billion loan has been fully repaid in the short term,” said the SBP governor while addressing industry leaders at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of…
Islamabad: The federal government has expressed optimism about a reduction in electricity prices by Rs10-12 per unit amid ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding captive power plants. Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari stated during a session of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Energy on Thursday that the matter concerning captive power plants is nearing resolution. The minister revealed plans to review eight bagasse-based power plants and an additional 16 plants. He added that these evaluations would be followed by an assessment of the return on equity for government-owned plants. “By the end of this month,…
Islamabad: Amid the federal government’s efforts to improve the economy, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised Pakistan’s growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024-25 to 3%, up from the previously projected 2.8%. The report highlights that greater macroeconomic stability, following the approval of a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) program under the Extended Fund Facility, will support economic recovery. Additionally, industrial output growth is expected to accelerate due to the suspension of import management measures, higher investor confidence, and easier access to foreign exchange. A more accommodating monetary policy, due to the faster-than-expected easing of inflationary pressures, should further…
Bella Hadid is celebrating her mother Yolanda Hadid’s birthday with a heartwarming post! On Sunday, January 12, the 28-year-old American model shared a carousel of photos on her official Instagram to mark her “queen” mother’s special day. Along with the images, Bella wrote a heartfelt message beautifully describing her mother. “Happy birthday to the queen of my world. With all that goes on, you are my peace. I love you mommy. Thank you for being you and all that you are. A guiding light, a loving heart, and a generous soul. I feel so blessed God chose me to be…
Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, opens up about the physical and emotional toll of her extensive spinal surgery in 2024. David Beckham’s son’s love revealed that she underwent a “spinal fusion” and sought advice from her followers. Jackie posted, “Question for my friends who have also had a spinal fusion – do you find it gets way more tense and painful when it’s cold outside?” She added, “First winter with the rods in and it’s so weird.” Notably, a spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that connects two or more vertebrae in the spine to reduce pain, correct problems, and…
Bradley Cooper is on dad duty! The 50-year-old A Star is Born actor was spotted strolling through New York City with his 7-year-old daughter Lea on Friday, January 10. For the outing, Cooper wore a warm black jacket, light gray pants, and a brown muffler. Carrying a bag over his right shoulder, he completed the look with a sea-green beanie, stylish sunglasses, and black boots. Meanwhile, Lea was photographed in an adorable bright pink jacket paired with a matching chunky scarf wrapped around her neck. She wore brown pants and white-and-brown boots to complement her cute outfit. The outing took…
Ariana Grande has teased fans with glimpses of her upcoming projects, offering insights into Glinda’s new song for Wicked 2 and hinting at a possible deluxe release of Eternal Sunshine. While speaking on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, the 7 Rings singer shared details about the upcoming sequel to the hit Broadway musical Wicked For Good. She revealed that the sequel will feature the iconic duet between Glinda and Elphaba (played by her Oscar-contending co-star, Cynthia Erivo). “Shooting For Good was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Grande said. She continued, “It was such a long and emotional process. I kind…
A former contestant of The Traitors has spilled the beans on Claudia Winkleman’s surprising behind-the-scenes behavior! In a conversation with The Daily Star, Wilfred Webster, a participant in the first season of the hit BBC show, spoke about the series’ host, Winkleman, revealing her level of enthusiasm and unexpected conduct. Webster, who was a traitor in the first season, shared that the host’s enthusiasm went beyond her presenting duties, as she acted as a secret cheerleader for the contestants. He explained, “She doesn’t care who wins, it’s really strange. She’s like, ‘I just want someone to win.’ She doesn’t care…
Simon Cowell has issued a heartfelt plea for assistance as Los Angeles faces the aftermath of a devastating wildfire that has ravaged 37,000 acres of land and claimed 16 lives. Taking to Instagram, the America’s Got Talent judge released a video message for the victims of the chaotic wildfires in LA. In the video message, Cowell said, “Los Angeles has been my second home for the past twenty-five years. I am devastated by what I’ve seen and read. It’s horrific.” He continued, “Like a lot of other people, I want to do something to help. I’ve done some research, and…
