Cheetay mulling shut down, Dastgyr, others look towards layoffs as startups go through another purge  

Hurting macros, global dearth of risk capital lead to massive layoffs, closures in Pakistan’s startup scene. 

As military tensions rise between Pakistan, Iran, both official and unofficial trade remains unaffected

Trading has continued across the border and so has smuggling. But could that change in the days to come? 

Suzuki’s stock market drama takes new twist

With the introduction of a new minority shareholder with 10%, things are heating up over at Suzuki. 

Banks continue process of establishing exchange companies

After Meezan Bank, Faysal Bank receives a certificate of incorporation from the SECP for its exchange subsidiary

Why is HUBCO doubling down on Thar Coal? 

A shakeup in the shareholding of the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company is on the cards as HUBCO looks to have a bigger piece of the pie

Petroleum Division rescues Sui Southern MD from dismissal 

Questions abound about Shamshad Akhtar’s role as Chairperson SSGC after Petroleum Division clips SSGC Boards’ wings to stop removal of MD 
Onion exports

Onion prices skyrocket, MEP increased to $1200/tonne

As the commerce ministry hikes the minimum export price of onions to restrict exports, is the problem solved?

Chinese banks throw a curveball in $600mn loan talks with Pakistan. Are we surprised?

The new conditions set forth indicate that the Chinese might not always bail Pakistan out

Govt fails to find an investor for Kot Addu plant for the fifth time  

The 600 MW has previously fail to receive a bid in April, May, October, and December 

Breaking down the stock market performance

How have the sectors performed in context of inflation and interest rates
SMEs

SMEs propel economy with 40% GDP contribution, Senate Committee

5.2mn small and medium enterprises serve as the economy’s backbone

Interim govt announces plan to open 10,000 e-job centres 

Centres to facilitate freelancers to increase Pakistan’s freelance income potential to $10bn 

HBL PSL broadcasting rights sell for over Rs 7bn to ARY 

The board’s interim chairman Zaka Ashraf without disclosing a figure said the rights had sold for Rs 3bn more than the last deal. 

The govt is looking to hand DISCOs over to the army. It isn’t the first time. 

HESCO set to be first of five DISCOs to be handed to Army and Power Division led management units

Why is the caretaker govt offering free money to Pakistani startups?  

Unlike VC funds, the PSF is an equity-free grant, aimed at bolstering the tech ecosystem in the country, but can it do so?