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Is Pakistan launching digital currency?

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KARACHI: After making impressive progress in digital banking, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is planning to launch a digital currency in the future, The News reported Friday.

Central Bank’s Digital Financial Services Group Additional Director Shoukat Bizinjo said that a large number of central banks around the world, including Pakistan’s, are studying CBBCs (callable bull/bear contracts) in order to launch digital currency in their respective countries.

Bizinjo — while speaking at the 16th international conference on Mobile Commerce 2023 —  said: “Pakistan’s central bank is reviewing and consulting with other central banks in this regard (CBBCs and digital currency).” 

They are leveraged investments that track the performance of the underlying assets without requiring investors to pay the full price required to own the actual assets. Bizinjo said that the SBP is also in consultation with local industrial players to introduce digital currency.

He said that Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) have made remarkable progress in e-banking through the launch of e-money wallets for consumers and merchants, and other digital payment instruments such as prepaid cards and contactless payment instruments.

Currently, the country has four live commercial EMIs, including NayaPak, Finja, CMPECC, and Sada Tech Pakistan. EMIs have an outstanding e-money balance of Rs2 billion, managing 1.6 million e-money wallets and 2.4 million payment cards as of March 31, 2023.

There are around 12 EMIs at different stages of acquiring licenses from the central bank. There are also dozens of companies that are in constant talks with the SBP to become EMIs. 

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PSX 100-index reaches an unprecedented peak, exceeding 111,000 points.

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The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reached the significant milestone of 111,000 points shortly after today’s market opening.

The KSE-100 Index ascended by more than 1,000 points in the initial five minutes of trade, achieving a notable increase of 1,044 points to attain 111,014 points.

The increase indicates heightened investor confidence and a robust market sentiment.

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SIFC Initiates Carbon Market Initiative: Pakistan Pursues Green Investment at COP29

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Pakistan has introduced its inaugural Carbon Market Policy at the 29th Conference of the Parties in Baku to attain climate objectives and encourage green investments.

The policy seeks to enhance investment in the energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors.

Through the initiatives of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, Pakistan has developed a transparent carbon market framework that adheres to international norms.

The policy conforms to international standards and establishes a definite strategic orientation.

Pakistan’s carbon market policy promotes environmental conservation, economic development, and sustainability.
It promotes the use of eco-friendly technologies by enterprises and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The policy represents a substantial advancement in the worldwide effort to combat climate change. It encourages international investors and organizations to participate in Pakistan’s carbon market.

SIFC aims to mitigate environmental concerns while promoting economic growth via the Global Carbon Market.

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When the benchmark hits 109,881 points, the PSX-100 index sets a new record.

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During the first hour of trading today, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) made a stunning comeback, moving from negative to positive territory. After losing 1,400 points, the market recovered and gained 800 points.

Setting a new high, the benchmark KSE-100 Index jumped 827 points to a record-breaking 109,881 points. Restored investor confidence was also reflected in the market’s return to its crucial levels of 108,000 and 109,000 points.

Supportive government policies and recent strong economic data are credited by experts with this success, as they have improved market mood.

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