Business

Gold reaches historic high of Rs169,650 per tola

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

Silver price surpasses key level of Rs1,900 per tola.
Gold price jumps Rs2,350 per tola.
Expert cites shortage of dollars major reason behind rising prices.

Gold price in Pakistan reached a historic high of Rs169,650 per tola on Monday as investors continued to take refuge in the safe-haven metal on mounting concerns that the country’s economic conditions will deteriorate further.

According to All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the prices of gold surged by Rs2,350 per tola and Rs2,016 per 10 grams to settle at an all-time high of Rs169,650 and Rs145,448, respectively, data released by All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA) showed.

Gold, which has been continuously touching new peaks for the last few days, closed at Rs167,300 per tola after registering a gain of Rs4,000, or 2.49% during the week ended December 10.

Meanwhile, silver prices surpassed the key level of Rs1,900 per tola. The price surged by Rs80 per tola and Rs68.58 per 10 grams to settle at an all-time high level of Rs1,970 and Rs1,688.95.

Speaking to Geo.tv, AA Gold Commodities Director Adnan Agar cited a shortage of dollars as major reason behind rising gold prices in the local market.

“Investors want to invest in the dollar because of the rising difference between the open market and the interbank market rate, which is around Rs20-30; however, despite the significant difference dollar isn’t available and people are concerned about the financial situation in Pakistan and chances of default,” he explained the reason behind sudden shift in investors focus.

He added that because of the speculations that the dollar can reach 350-400 against the rupee; investors are trying to invest in the precious commodity.

“However, due to its [dollar] shortage they have shifted their focus toward gold as the price of the yellow metal is also rising in the international market,” Agar maintained.

Elaborating on the main driving points, he said that amid the current situation people are looking for investment options which are very limited because small investors cannot invest in real estate at the moment because of its high prices.

“Therefore, small and medium investors are investing in gold so that their money is secured as the rupee is continuously depreciating against the dollar,” he stated.

Gold dealers, however, lament that since gold prices were touching new peaks in the country, it had seized to exist as a lucrative business.

Only investors are investing in gold here. Otherwise, artificial jewellery is being used in marriages and other ceremonies.

It should also be noted that gold demand in Pakistan jumped 34% to 13 tonnes during the period of July and September 2022 from a year earlier, Bloomberg reported Wednesday citing data compiled by the World Gold Council.

The data revealed that this was the most amount of gold purchased during a quarter in at least about three years.

In the international market, gold price fell registered a decline of $3 per ounce settling at $1,794.

Business

There are US$13,280.5 million in foreign exchange reserves in Pakistan.

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

According to a representative for the central bank, as of April 19, 2024, the nation’s total liquid foreign reserves were valued at US$ 13,280.5 million. A loss of US$74 million left the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign reserves at US$7,981.2 million.

Commercial banks have $5,299.3 million in reserves for Pakistan.

In the week that concluded on April 12, the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves increased by $14.4 million to $8.055 billion.

“In a weekly statement, SBP stated that it has repaid US$ 1 billion in principal and interest on Pakistan’s International Bond, which matures this week.”

But at $13.374 billion, the nation’s total reserves decreased by $68 million. In the same way, commercial banks’ reserves dropped to $5.319 billion, a reduction of $82 million.

Business

NIMA seminar to increase Pakistan’s ship recycling industry’s capacity

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

According to a release, important players from a range of maritime industries attended the conference to discuss issues facing the shipping sector.

It further stated that the symposium cleared the path for the resurgence of a sustainable future in ship recycling.

Participants in the conference included representatives of the Gadani Ship Breaking Labour Union, PSBA, KS&EW, KPT, PMSA, GEMS, and the federal and Balochistani governments.

Furthermore, global perspectives and ideas were offered by international specialists such as Rabia Razzaque from UN-ILO and Professor Raphael Baumler from the World Maritime University.

The seminar emphasized Pakistan’s capacity to emerge as a pioneer in the field of environmentally friendly ship recycling.

In order to protect the environment and the safety of employees, the participants emphasized the importance of following international standards and regulations.

During his speech, Chief Guest Senator Nisar Ahmed Khoro emphasized the importance of the maritime industry’s resurgence and the crucial necessity for coordinated efforts from all parties involved.

A new age of economic prosperity, worker safety, and environmental responsibility for Pakistan’s maritime industry was called for as he urged the stakeholders to work together on a comprehensive SENSREC program.

Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed (Retd), the president of NIMA, emphasized the significance of environmental stewardship and safety in ship recycling procedures.

Business

Inflows into the Roshan Digital Account surged to $7.660 billion on March 24.

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

According to the data, remittance inflows for the month of March totaled US$ 182 million, whereas they were US$ 141 million in February and US$ 142 million in January 2024.

Millions of Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs), including those who own Non-Resident Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs), can now engage in banking, payment, and investing activities in Pakistan with the help of these accounts, which offer cutting-edge banking solutions.

According to a statement from the State Bank of Pakistan, the number of accounts registered under the program increased by 11,091 from 668,701 accounts in February 2024 to 679,792 accounts in March 2024.

As of March 2024, the central bank reported that foreign nationals of Pakistan have invested US $312 million in Naya Pakistan Certificates, US $528 million in Naya Pakistan Islamic Certificates, and US $31 million in Roshan Equity Investment.

It is important to note that former prime minister Imran Khan introduced the Roshan Digital Account initiative in September 2020 with the goal of giving Pakistanis living abroad access to digital banking services for the first time.