Business Bytes Pakistan

Pakistan's total foreign exchange reserves have surpassed $16 billion, with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reporting a $46 million increase in the week ending January 31. The reserves now stand at $16.04 billion, with $11.42 billion held by the SBP and $4.62 billion in commercial banks. However, the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has expressed concerns that the government’s $60 billion export target by 2027 is unlikely to be achieved due to recent increases in gas prices for local industries. The reasons behind the rise in reserves have not been disclosed by the central bank. #PakistanReserves #ForeignExchange #SBP #EconomicStability #60BillionTarget #ExportChallenges

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will proceed without Indian officials, as two key candidates have opted out of officiating in Pakistan. Javagal Srinath and Nitin Menon have withdrawn from officiating in Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing personal reasons. Menon declined travel, while Srinath requested leave after an extended schedule. With India’s matches set in Dubai under the hybrid model, no Indian officials will feature in the tournament. The ICC confirmed a 12-member umpires panel, including Richard Illingworth and Ahsan Raza. Match referees include David Boon and Ranjan Madugalle. The ICC expressed confidence in the selected officials. #ChampionsTrophy2025 #Cricket #Pakistan #India #Umpires #MatchOfficials

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the official kit reveal for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February 07, following the opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the newly redesigned stadium, which has been completed in record time. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will also host a lunch for the 1,000 workers who contributed to the stadium’s transformation. The event will include the kit unveiling, individual performances, and a light show. #PakistanCricket #ChampionsTrophy2025 #OfficialKitReveal #GaddafiStadium #PCB

The Government of Pakistan has declared February 8, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning in honor of the late spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, Prince Shah Karim Al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV. This comes after his passing at the age of 88. A notification from the Cabinet Division confirmed that the national flag will be flown at half-mast nationwide as a mark of respect. Prince Karim Aga Khan, born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, was an influential leader and philanthropist, impacting millions of lives globally. The government and people of Pakistan are deeply saddened by his loss, with Prime Minister expressing grief on behalf of the nation. The national mourning will coincide with the funeral of His Highness on February 8, 2025. #AgaKhanIV #NationalMourning #Pakistan #AgaKhan #SpiritualLeader #Respect #DayofMourning

Flynas, a leading low-cost airline, has announced the launch of two weekly direct flights between Prince Muhammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah and Karachi, Pakistan, effective from March 5, 2025. This move is part of Flynas’ growth and expansion plan, aiming to further expand its network from Madinah Airport. The flights are in line with Saudi Arabia’s National Civil Aviation Strategy and the Pilgrims Experience Program, both aiming to connect the Kingdom with more international destinations and facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. #DirectFlights #MadinahToKarachi #Expansion #SaudiAviation #FlynasGrowth #AviationNews

The ICC has released a teaser for the official song of the 2025 Champions Trophy, featuring the talented Atif Aslam. The short clip shared on ICC’s social media platforms showcases the excitement building around the tournament, which will be held in Pakistan. With the return of the Champions Trophy after eight years, the full anthem is eagerly awaited. Atif Aslam’s powerful vocals are expected to captivate cricket fans worldwide. The 2025 tournament will feature top ODI teams with matches in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. #ICCChampionsTrophy2025 #AtifAslam #CricketAnthem #Pakistan2025

Pakistan has launched its first-ever single-country exhibition, the ‘Made in Pakistan’ expo, in Jeddah, marking a significant milestone in strengthening trade ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The event, inaugurated by Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, features 137 companies from various industries, including textiles, sports goods, food, and construction materials. Khan emphasized the potential for greater economic cooperation, focusing on sectors like food security, energy, mining, and human resources. He also highlighted the role of the 2.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia and expressed confidence in Pakistan's contributions to FIFA 2034. The minister urged businesses from both countries to explore joint ventures targeting regional markets, aiming to expand opportunities for mutual growth. #MadeInPakistan #JeddahExhibition #TradeOpportunities #PakSaudiRelations #BusinessCollaboration

Pakistanis are earning global praise for their kindness after stepping up to support Onijah Andrew, an American woman who traveled to Pakistan to marry someone who later aban_doned her. Despite her difficult situation, locals extended warmth and hospitality, ensuring she felt safe and welcomed. In a moment of resilience, she turned a Jinnah Hospital corridor into a dance floor, lifting spirits with her energy. Her story has sparked admiration worldwide, showcasing Pakistanis' generosity and compassion. This act of kindness once again highlights Pakistan’s tradition of hospitality, proving that even in tough times, humanity prevails. #PakistanHospitality #KindnessMatters #OnijahAndrew #Heartwarming #HumanityFirst #PositivePakistan

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is offering free entry for all to the grand unveiling of the redesigned Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The event will feature a special lunch for workers, performances, and a spectacular light show. PM Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the stadium, with free entry for spectators except the Imran Khan enclosure. Gates open at 5:30 pm. #GaddafiStadium #FreeEntry #ICCChampionsTrophy2025 #CricketFans #LahoreEvent

Fi_re erupted on the first floor of a building in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, causing a significant scare among residents. Fir_efigh_ting teams are working tirelessly to control the flames and prevent further dam_age. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fir_e. No cas_ualties have been reported so far. #Karachi #GulshanIqbal #Safety