
PM invites Etisalat to expand investment
He met with a five-member delegation of the Emirati telecommunications company Etisalat Group, led by its CEO Hatem Dowidar that called on him, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior officials from the relevant institutions also attended the meeting.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM reiterates talk offer to India
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan was ready for a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues. The prime minister stated this during his meeting with British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The prime minister expressed his appreciation for the UK's role in de-escalation of tensions during the Pakistan-India stand-off. He welcomed the UK government's recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the UK, which he said, would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by the British Pakistani community as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges. He particularly appreciated the role of the high commissioner in this regard. The regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East was also discussed. The UK high commissioner thanked the prime minister for receiving her and briefed him about her recent visit to London, where she had extensive consultations on enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral ties. She lauded the government's economic performance in the last year and a half, under the vision and leadership of the prime minister, which had brought about a significant improvement in all key macro-economic indicators. She also shared with the prime minister, the UK's perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East. Privatization Commission Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities to ensure that the Privatization Commission would be given full autonomy as per the law to eliminate red tape and unnecessary elements during the denationalisation process of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The prime minister chaired a review meeting on the progress of privatization of SOEs here at the Prime Minister's Office, a PM Office news release said.


Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
Most Gulf stocks slip on US tariff worries
DUBAI: Gulf stock markets ended mixed on Sunday, as investors looked ahead to corporate earnings and weighed renewed US tariff threats. Sentiment soured after the Financial Times reported on Friday that US President Donald Trump is pushing for a minimum tariff of 15% to 20% in any deal with the European Union, with the administration now considering reciprocal tariffs exceeding 10%, even if an agreement is reached. Trump's imposition of tariffs around the world risks hurting global economic growth and oil consumption. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index dropped 0.4%, surrendering early gains and extending its losing streak to nine sessions, the longest stretch in nearly two years, hit by broad sector declines. Saudi National Bank, the country's biggest lender by assets, fell 0.8%, and Saudi Arabian Mining Company declined 1.3% following the voluntary retirement of its chief financial officer. Among other fallers, Fawaz AbdulAziz Al Hokair & Co gave up early gains to end 10% lower, the top loser on the index. The retail and real estate firm sold a 49.95% stake to Emirati conglomerate Al Futtaim Retail in a deal worth over 2.5 billion riyals ($666.52 million). Qatar's stock index added 0.2%, nearing a two-year peak, led by a 1.2% rise in petrochemical maker Industries Qatar. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index gained 0.7%, hitting a record high as most sectors advanced, driven by optimism over the country's International Monetary Fund programme. Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said on Wednesday he was confident the country would hit its key economic reform targets and complete a delayed review of its $8 billion IMF programme by September or October.


Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business Recorder
3-day commercial plots auction: CDA generates revenue of over Rs17.14bn on first day
ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) successfully conducted the first day of its three-day commercial plots auction, generating a record-breaking revenue of over Rs17.14 billion. The auction is being personally supervised by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Mohammad Ali Randhawa. Among the top bids on the first day: (1) Plot No 13, Blue Area (G-8) fetched the highest bid of approximately Rs7.24 billion; (2)Plot No 14, Blue Area (G-8) was sold for around Rs4.16 billion; (3) Plot No 12, Blue Area (G-8) went for nearly Rs3.60 billion; (4) Plot No 3-A, I-14 Markaz fetched Rs749.32 million; (5) Plot No 3-B, I-14 Markaz was auctioned for Rs709.32 million; (6) Plot No 10-A, I-14 Markaz sold for Rs669.32 million. The open auction, taking place from July 15 to 17, includes 46 commercial plots and shops across prime sectors of Islamabad, including Blue Area and various Markaz centres. The auction also features commercial shops in a Blue Area parking plaza. The auction has witnessed enthusiastic participation from investors, reflecting strong market confidence in CDA's investment-friendly initiatives. All plots are being offered through open bidding in a transparent manner, with multiple categories of commercial properties available. In line with Randhawa's vision, senior CDA officials, including Member Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Engineering Syed Naffasat Raza, and Member Planning Dr Khalid Hafeez, are personally overseeing the auction proceedings. Additionally, a high-level committee headed by Member Finance Tahir Naeem has been formed, which includes DG Resource, DG Building Control, DG Law, and other senior officers. To further engage the business community, CDA is also hosting an Investment Expo at Jinnah Convention Centre, featuring booths by the Environment Wing, MCI, and Sports and Culture Directorate. Randhawa emphasised full facilitation of investors and directed that all possible services be extended. Investor-friendly incentives include a five per cent discount for full lump-sum payments made within one month, with an additional five per cent discount offered for payments made in US dollars. 'The proceeds from this auction will be utilized for the development of Islamabad, including sector infrastructure, road improvement, and beautification,' stated Randhawa, adding the ultimate goal is to make Islamabad a model and exemplary city. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025