Article:
Pakistan is witnessing a historic rise in gold prices, with the current rate reaching PKR 4,561,162 per tola. According to the All Pakistan Sarraf Association, the price hike has resulted in a significant increase in the cost of gold in the country. The global market prices of gold have also seen a notable rise, with a 22-dollar increase taking it to $4,334 per ounce.
In a related development, the State Bank of Pakistan has announced that the government will soon have the authority to limit or eliminate contactless payment limits for banks and financial institutions in the country. The move is aimed at promoting digital payments and reducing the use of physical currency.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has reported a 5.02% increase in the production of large industries in the country during the first four months of the current fiscal year. The data also shows that the annual production of large industries in October 2025 has increased by 8.33%.
In other news, the global market prices of gold have seen a slight dip, with a 9-dollar decrease taking it to $4,325 per ounce. The 100 Index closed at 1,709,600 points on the last day of trading, a decrease from the previous day’s close of 1,709,600 points.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Minister for Finance, Miftah Ismail, has approved the establishment of 75,000 schools in the country. The ECC also approved the allocation of funds for the Youth Skills Development Programme.
In a separate development, the President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Riaz Haq, has written a letter to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, expressing concerns over the recent increase in shipping costs.
In a related story, the Bank of England has reduced its interest rate to 3.75% from 4%, in an effort to boost economic growth.
In other news, World Bank Country Director, Bulouma Amagobazar, met with Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Haider Zaidi, in Islamabad. The meeting focused on the country’s economic growth and development.
The State Bank of Pakistan has reported that the country’s current account has a surplus of $1 billion in November, a significant improvement from the deficit of $2.9 billion in October. The bank also reported that the country’s trade deficit has decreased by 14% in the last quarter.
In a related story, a group of goods transporters have gone on strike, disrupting trade activities at the country’s ports. The strike has resulted in a shortage of goods and a rise in prices.
In other news, the Government of Nepal has introduced a new policy, the Nepal Solar Consumers Act 2025, aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major purchase of arms and ammunition for the country’s armed forces. The deal includes the purchase of 50 Barrett sniper rifles, 100 sniper rifles, and 1,250 modern automatic weapons.
In a related story, New Zealand cricketers, Tom Latham and Devon Conway, have set a record in test cricket history.
Finally, Australia has won the Ashes series in Pakistan, defeating the hosts in five test matches.
