KARACHI: After posting losses overnight, the stock market on Wedne­sday resumed its upward drive due to political clarity and strong corporate results as investors opted to do some cherry-picking at attractive levels. Topline Securities Ltd said the equities remained bullish almost throughout the session thanks to further clarity with regards to formation of new government in the centre. The market …

ISLAMABAD: The prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are estimated to increase by Rs1-4 per litre on Thursday (February 29) for the next fortnight due to minor adjustments in international prices, import premiums, and the exchange rate. Informed sources said that the prices of both major petroleum products — petrol and HSD — moved slightly in both directions (10 …

The United States has urged Pakistan to “continue working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international financial institutions towards macroeconomic reforms” for economic stability in the country. The development comes after the PTI wrote a letter to the Fund urging the lender to endorse an audit of the 2024 elections for the sake of political stability in the country, before …

Bulls dominated the trading floor on Thursday as shares gained over 800 points, which analysts attributed to “clarity on the formation of the new government” and the swearing-in of MNAs. According to the PSX website, the KSE-100 index gained 873.38, or 1.37 per cent, to stand at 64,576.82 at 11:43am from the previous close of 63,703.44 points. The benchmark index sustained …

MOSCOW: Pro-Russian rebel officials in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria appealed to Russia for “protection” on Wednesday, amid fears the territory could become a new flashpoint in Moscow’s conflict with neighbouring Ukraine. Russia responded that one of its “priorities” was to protect the thin sliver of land, which has been de facto controlled by pro-Russian forces since the collapse of …

CAIRO: Hamas urged Palestinians on Wednesday to march to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque at the start of Ramazan, raising the stakes in negotiations for a truce in Gaza. The call by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh followed comments by Biden, broadcast on Tuesday, that there was an agreement in principle for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas during Ramazan, while prisoners held …

KAMANYOLA: The United Nations on Wednesday kicked off the withdrawal of MONUSCO peacekeeping forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo by handing over a first UN base to national police, an AFP team saw. During an official ceremony at the Kamanyola base, close to the Rwandan and Burundian borders, the flags of the UN and Pakistan, the country of origin of the peacekeepers in …

ROME: Italy’s defence ministry has suspended a general and cut his pay for breaching army neutrality with a book that critics said insulted sexual and ethnic minorities, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Roberto Vannacci, 55, had already been ousted last year from the management of the Military Geographical Institute, and moved to an essentially administrative role as chief of staff …

GENEVA: The United Nations on Wednesday condemned recent public executions in Afghanistan, urging the Taliban authorities to cease the use of capital punishment. Afghanistan’s Taliban government publicly executed three convicted murderers in the past week on death warrants signed by Supreme Leader Hiba­tullah Akhundzada. All three men were shot multiple times in front of large crowds that included the families of their …

WASHINGTON: The Biden administration has established a mid-March deadline for Israel to sign a letter committing to adhere to international law when using American weapons. Furnished by Washi­ngton, the letter also mandates Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, where over half a million Palestinians are on the brink of famine. Axios, a US news outlet, which has a copy …