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Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Weekly SPI inflation down 1.92pc
ISLAMABAD: The Sensitive Price Index-based inflation for the week ended April 24, 2025, decreased by 1.92 per cent due to a decrease in the prices of electricity charges for Q1 (19.17per cent), chicken (11.75 per cent), wheat flour (5.68 per cent) and LPG (1.09 per cent), says Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The year-on-year (YoY) trend depicts a decrease of 3.52per cent due to a decrease in the prices of onions (69.78per cent), tomatoes (40.77per cent), garlic (31.96per cent), wheat flour (30.70per cent), electricity charges for q1 (29.40per cent), tea Lipton (16.98per cent), potatoes (16.93per cent), chilies powder(15.69per cent), maash (15.62per cent), petrol (13.24per cent) and diesel (10.85per cent), while major increase is observed in the prices of ladies sandal (55.62per cent), moong (26.85per cent), powdered milk (23.11per cent), pulse gram (21.08per cent), beef(18.64per cent), sugar (16.14per cent), vegetable ghee 2.5 kg (15.45per cent), vegetable ghee 1 kg (14.50per cent), cooked daal(12.77per cent), firewood (10.49per cent), lawn printed (10.33per cent) and Georgette (9.90per cent). During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 11 (21.57per cent) items increased, 18 (35.29per cent) items decreased and22 (43.14per cent) items remained stable. Weekly SPI decreases 0.69pc The SPI for the week under review recorded at 308.86 points against 314.92points during the same period of previous week. The SPI for the consumption group up to Rs17,732, Rs17,732-Rs22,888, Rs22,889-Rs29,517, Rs29,518-Rs44,175 and above Rs44,175 decreased by 1.81per cent, 2.33per cent, 1.81per cent, 1.64per cent and 1.59 per cent, respectively. The items prices of which increased during the period under review include, potatoes (6.94per cent), toilet soap Lifebuoy (0.90per cent), eggs (0.66per cent), cigarettes Capstan 20's packet each (0.51per cent), salt powdered (0.51per cent), gur (0.37per cent), curd (0.18per cent), masoor (0.09per cent), long cloth 57' Gul Ahmed/Al Karam(0.08per cent), pulse gram (0.07per cent) and lawn printed Gul Ahmed/al Karam(0.06per cent). The items prices of which decreased during the period under review include electricity charges for q1 per unit (19.17per cent), chicken (11.75per cent), wheat flour bag 20 kg (5.68per cent), garlic (4.66 per cent), bananas (3.51per cent), onions (1.93per cent), rice irri-6/9 (1.58per cent), mustard oil (1.10 per cent), LPG (1.09per cent), tomatoes (0.76per cent), bread plain (0.55per cent), sugar (0.26per cent), maash (0.25per cent), vegetable ghee Dalda/Habib2.5 kg tin each (0.15per cent), cooking oil Dalda or other similar brand (sn), 5 litre tin each (0.14per cent), moong (0.12per cent), rice basmati broken (0.10per cent) and vegetable ghee Dalda/Habib or other superior quality 1kg pouch each (0.10per cent). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ready to Wear Suits Collection 2025 by Ideas by Gul Ahmed
If there's one rule to live by in 2025, it's this: style should be effortless. This season, chic meets tradition with the Ready to Wear Collection 2025 by Ideas by Gul Ahmed—a sartorial masterpiece designed for women who refuse to compromise on style, comfort, or convenience. Whether you're curating your Eid 2025 look, elevating your work wardrobe, or perfecting your off-duty ensemble, this collection brings together luxurious fabrics, intricate craftsmanship, and modern silhouettes to ensure you're always the best-dressed in the room. Ditch the tailoring stress and step into impeccably stitched outfits that embody grace and sophistication. From delicately embroidered suits to minimalist co-ord sets, the 2025 ready to wear collection is a celebration of effortless elegance. Trend Report: The Must-Have Ready to Wear Collections Everyday Edit – Chic, Yet Unbothered For the woman who believes that style should be second nature, the Everyday Edit is a dream. Think breezy printed suits in lightweight lawn—a cool-girl uniform for errand runs, coffee dates, or spontaneous getaways. Whether it's a modern abstract print or delicate florals, the Everyday Edit redefines Pakistani ready to wear fashion, proving that casual doesn't have to mean careless. 9 to 5 – CEO Energy, Always Boardroom or brunch? The 9 to 5 collection ensures you command attention effortlessly. Immaculately tailored stitched suits in neutral tones and refined embroidery exude a quiet power. These pieces are polished yet comfortable, making them the perfect answer to power dressing with ease. Essentials – Timeless, With a Twist Meet the Essentials Collection—the ultimate wardrobe foundation. 1-piece, 2-piece, and 3-piece stitched suits in cotton, jacquard, and textured fabrics ensure versatility while keeping things effortlessly stylish. Layer a lightweight dupatta for daytime charm or add statement accessories for an evening twist. Signature – The Art of Festive Dressing When it comes to Eid 2025 fashion, it's all about luxurious stitched Eid dresses that blend heritage with haute couture. Enter the Signature collection, where opulent embroidery, flowing silhouettes, and rich fabrics redefine modern Pakistani ready to wear. Whether you opt for a chiffon masterpiece or a jacquard ensemble, these pieces guarantee a show-stopping festive look. ✨ Want something uniquely yours? The Gul Ahmed Unstitched Eid Collection 2025 offers exquisite fabrics for those who love a personalized touch—because sometimes, couture starts with the perfect fabric. Why Invest in Ready to Wear Outfits? ✔ No Tailoring Hassles – Say goodbye to long wait times and unpredictable fittings. ✔ Perfect Fit, Always – Designed for modern Pakistani women, ensuring a flattering silhouette. ✔ Premium Fabrics – From airy lawn to structured jacquard, each fabric is carefully chosen for comfort and elegance. ✔ Versatile Styles – Whether you need formal ready to wear suits or casual ready to wear suits, the 2025 collection has something for every occasion. Don't Wait—Shop Before It's Gone! The countdown to Eid 2025 has begun, and the best styles are selling fast! Make sure you're Eid-ready with hassle-free, ready to wear stitched suits that guarantee the perfect fit—no tailoring needed. Whether shopping from the comfort of your home or visiting a store, the Ideas by Gul Ahmed Ready to Wear Collection is your one-stop destination for effortless elegance. Shop now before your favourite designs sell out!
Express Tribune
23-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Unlocking perfume industry's global potential
Listen to article The global fragrance market is thriving, valued at over $50 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $70 billion by 2028. Asia, particularly South Asia and the Middle East, is at the heart of this expansion. Countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, and Saudi Arabia have well-established fragrance industries, driven by cultural traditions, rising disposable incomes, and a growing middle class. In South Asia, urbanisation, increased spending power, and a heightened focus on personal grooming and luxury have fuelled a surge in perfume demand. Pakistan, with its rich cultural heritage and expanding consumer base, has the potential to become a significant player in this industry. However, despite its strengths, the country's perfume sector remains underdeveloped and underutilised in the global market. Fragrances hold deep cultural and religious significance in Pakistan. Traditional 'ittar' (non-alcoholic, oil-based perfumes) has been part of Islamic and South Asian traditions for centuries. Widely used in religious rituals, weddings, and festivals, it remains a staple in many households. Meanwhile, modern perfumes have gained popularity as symbols of status and sophistication, especially among the urban youth. The use of fragrances extends beyond personal grooming. In Pakistan, perfumes are an integral part of celebrations, from Eid festivities to weddings, where guests are often gifted ittar or designer fragrances. This cultural affinity for fragrances provides a strong foundation for the growth of the local perfume industry. The sector is primarily divided into two segments. The first is traditional ittar and essential oils, crafted using ancient techniques with natural ingredients such as sandalwood, rose, jasmine, and oud. Cities like Kannauj in India and certain regions in Pakistan have historically been known for ittar production. Brands such as Ajmal Pakistan, S Abdullah, and Al Haramain have gained recognition for their high-quality ittar and essential oils, which are particularly popular in religious and cultural settings and have a growing demand in both domestic and international markets, especially the Middle East. The second segment consists of modern perfume brands that offer affordable alternatives to international luxury fragrances. Companies like J Fragrances, WB by Hemani, Bonanza Satrangi, and Essence by Gul Ahmed have successfully carved a niche in the local market. These brands provide a diverse range of scents, from floral and fruity notes suitable for daily wear to intense, long-lasting fragrances designed for special occasions. The demand for women's perfumes has also risen significantly in recent years, driven by factors such as increased workforce participation, targeted marketing campaigns by both local and international brands, and the greater affordability and accessibility of perfumes through e-commerce platforms. Brands like Fogg, Nishat Linen Fragrances, and Al-Rehab have introduced a variety of scents catering to women's preferences, ranging from light floral notes to rich, musky undertones. Despite the growth of local brands, Pakistan remains heavily reliant on imported perfumes, primarily from France, the UAE, and the United Kingdom. Luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, and Gucci dominate this segment, with many Pakistanis purchasing these high-end products from duty-free shops or online platforms. However, imported perfumes are often expensive due to high customs duties and fluctuating exchange rates, leading to a gradual shift in consumer preferences towards locally produced alternatives that offer similar quality at more affordable prices. On the export front, Pakistan's perfume industry shows promise but remains underdeveloped. In 2023, the country exported approximately $4.43 million worth of perfumes and toilet waters (commodity group 3303), with major destinations including the UAE, the Netherlands, and the UK. While this figure remains modest, it highlights significant potential for growth, particularly in traditional ittar and organic fragrances. Comparatively, Pakistan imported $2.32 million worth of perfumes in the same year. Though exports exceed imports in this category, the overall trade volume remains small, indicating substantial room for expansion. Several factors hinder the growth of Pakistan's perfume industry. A lack of standardisation leads to inconsistent quality control, affecting the credibility of local brands. Many manufacturers rely on imported synthetic fragrance oils and packaging materials, which increases production costs. Limited global recognition and weak branding make it difficult for Pakistani brands to compete internationally. Additionally, inadequate investment in research and development prevents the creation of unique, long-lasting fragrances that could rival global competitors. Despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities for growth. The rise of e-commerce and digital marketing has played a significant role in boosting perfume sales in Pakistan. Online platforms like Daraz, Shopify, and Instagram have made it easier for consumers to access both local and international brands. Social media influencers and YouTubers such as Fragrance Hub Pakistan and Perfume Geeks have become key players in driving consumer interest through reviews and endorsements. Pakistan's ittar production remains an underutilised asset. With proper branding and strategic export initiatives, the country could position itself as a leading global supplier of natural, alcohol-free fragrances, particularly for the Middle Eastern market. The increasing global demand for organic and natural products presents an opportunity for Pakistani brands to establish themselves in this niche. Investing in local production facilities could help reduce dependence on imported raw materials, lowering costs and improving profitability. Collaborating with international fragrance houses for technology transfer and expertise could further enhance the quality of locally produced perfumes. Several Pakistani perfume brands have already leveraged celebrity collaborations to boost their market presence. J Fragrances partnered with actor Feroze Khan, while Bonanza Satrangi has associated itself with popular TV dramas to promote its scents. The fragrance industry in Asia is expected to surpass $40 billion by 2025, with major growth concentrated in China, India, and the Middle East. South Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh, is emerging as a significant player in both production and consumption. Pakistan, with its strong local perfume culture and increasing consumer demand, has the potential to develop a world-class fragrance industry. To achieve this, key steps must be taken. Expanding local production is essential to reducing import dependence. Strengthening export markets, particularly in the Middle East and Europe, will be crucial in increasing Pakistan's global footprint. Investing in research and development to create unique, high-quality fragrances can help Pakistani brands stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Additionally, improving branding and marketing strategies will be vital in establishing a global identity for locally produced perfumes. Pakistan's perfume industry is at a crossroads. The scent of success is within reach – it is time to seize it. THE WRITER IS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND IS PURSUING MASTERS DEGREE
Express Tribune
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
GulAhmed Summer Lawn 2025: Exclusive launch on Feb 4th
The wait is over! February 4th marks the exclusive online launch of GulAhmed's Summer Lawn Collection 2025 , and it's everything your wardrobe needs this season. Featuring over 250 breathtaking designs, this lawn collection 2025 is a true celebration of timeless elegance and contemporary flair. With ten distinct lookbooks, each offering a fresh take on summer fashion, there's something for every style enthusiast. The Art of Lawn Dress Design 2025 This year, GulAhmed redefines summer dressing with a stunning array of unstitched lawn suits in both 2-piece and 3-piece options. Whether you're drawn to delicate pastels or bold, vibrant hues, the collection's diverse colour palette and lawn dress design variations promise to elevate your seasonal wardrobe. The selection is an ode to the most coveted fabrics of the season, featuring printed and embroidered lawn, chunri , premium embroidered chiffon, embroidered swiss voile, schiffli, jacquard, silk, and chikankari . From breezy lawn dresses to sophisticated embroidered ensembles, each piece reflects an exquisite attention to detail, making it perfect for both casual and formal wear. A Look Inside the Lookbooks Each lookbook in the summer collection 2025 tells its own story, capturing the spirit of timeless beauty and effortless grace: Chunri Collection: A vibrant symphony of colours, intricate embroidery, and delicate prints, this range redefines traditional aesthetics with a modern touch. The kaleidoscope of hues brings an air of festivity to every piece. Premium Luxury Collection: Designed for the fashion-forward woman, this collection boasts lawn dress design 2025 infused with Jacquard, chiffon, Swiss voile, and silk. Perfect for an elegant soirée or a chic daytime look, these outfits radiate luxury. Dhoop Kinare Collection: A perfect blend of heritage and contemporary design, this collection pays homage to classic elegance. The intricate embroidery and soft textures create a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity. Floral World Prints: Inspired by nature, these pieces embrace fresh botanical motifs with a contemporary twist, offering a delicate yet striking selection of lawn 2025 designs. Timeless Allure Collection: Fit for a queen, this line brings regal aesthetics to the forefront. With luxurious fabrics and exquisite craftsmanship, these ensembles are designed for women who love to make a statement. Tribute to Mothers Collection: Crafted with love and care, this collection reflects the warmth and devotion of motherhood. Each fabric tells a story of legacy and tradition, making it a meaningful addition to any wardrobe. Beyond Lawn Suits – The Ultimate Summer Must-Haves For those who love effortless elegance, GulAhmed introduces silk kaftans and printed cotton saris —perfect for breezy summer evenings and tropical getaways. With their fluid silhouettes and breathable fabrics, these pieces redefine summer chic. Beyond Lawn Suits – The Ultimate Summer Must-Haves Sustainability Meets Style Adding to its legacy of innovation, GulAhmed incorporates bamboo fabrics into select designs, offering sustainable, lightweight, and UV-protective options. These pieces are machine washable, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant—making them both stylish and practical. This season, let your style speak volumes with GulAhmed's unstitched lawn masterpieces. Whether you're in search of an everyday lawn suit or a standout ensemble, the lawn collection 2025 is an ode to craftsmanship, heritage, and modern elegance. Don't miss the chance to be among the first to own these exclusive designs—shop the collection online starting February 4th!
