profitepaper pakistantoday 11th may, 2012

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profit.com.pk

Friday, 11 May, 2012

Handing over the baton

UN’S OPTIMISM

AVENUE OF ESCAP

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ISLAMABAD ONLINE

Pakistan economy to grow by 4 percent in 2012: report Agriculture touted as the backbone of economic growth g

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ISLAMABAD

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ONLINE

he United Nation economic and Social Survey of Asia and Pacific (eSCAP) has projected the economy of Pakistan to grow by 4 per cent during the year 2012.

According to a report launched by eSCAP on Thursday, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Pakistan is projected to grow by 4 per cent in 2012 which is an improvement from 2.4 per cent growth in 2011.

Speaking at a report launching ceremony held here, Dr. Ashfaq hassan, an economist said that the economic growth of the country has increased mainly due to the enhanced output of agriculture sector. he said the agriculture sector was improving due to the post-flood recovery in cotton, rice, wheat, sugar cane and other minor crops.

Dr. Ashfaq said cut in monitory policy by 200 basis points by the State Bank of Pakistan also supported the economic growth of the country.

“Pakistan, after several increases in the policy rate, lowered the policy rate by

50 basis points in July 2011 and further by 150 basis points in October, 2011 despite inflation remains elevated.

The moves were aimed to stimulate private investment and economic growth”, Dr. Ashfaq said while elaborating the report. The GDP growth in the country slowed considerably to 2.4 per cent in fiscal year 2011 from 3.8 per cent in the previous year, mainly due to prevailing security concerns, the exogenous shock from elevated oil prices and unprecedented floods in a large part of the country and shortage of electricity and natural gas have also hampered the economic growth, he added.

The economic Survey of Asia reported that to reduce the budget deficit in Pakistan, the government was making ef-

NA body suggests OGRA’s handing over to petroleum ministry

forts to improve tax compliance and broaden the tax base.

The report said that current account of balance of payments in the country registered surplus in 2011.

“In Pakistan, the external sector registered a surplus on the current account, making it a bright spot of the economy in 2011”, the report added. According to the report the exports increased by 29.3 per cent and workers’ remittances reached an historic level of more than $11.2 billion in 2011.

Rising prices of value-added textiles helped propel the rapid growth of exports. Foreign exchange reserves also increased considerably.

The report further said that in order to address energy shortages, the government should take various measures in-

cluding setting up viable new power projects, minimizing transmission and distribution losses including theft of electricity, increasing exploration of natural gas, crude oil and coal, tapping of regional markets and setting up infrastructure for energy imports.

The report said that widespread poverty continues to be major challenge in South Asia. “To fight against poverty, countries need to continue to implement economic reforms to improve productivity, strengthen public institutions, improve economic governance and build social safety nets to protect the more vulnerable segments of the population”, the economic Survey of Asia added.

Clovis Freire, representative said on the occasion that Asia and the Pacific faces another year of slowing growth as demand for its exports falls in developed nations and capital costs rise, but the region will remain the anchor of global economic stability. he said that the growth rate of the region’s developing economies is projected to slow down to 6.6 per cent in 2012 from 7.0 per cent last year compared to a strong 8.9 per cent in 2010.

The National Assembly legislative body, while showing its concerns over functions of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), suggested to give it under the control of the Ministry of Petroleum or make it a separate ministry. The meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources held under the chair of Sardar Talib Nakai in which committee strongly showed its reservation over absence of Secretary Cabinet in the meetings of the standing committee. Members said that she should be here to answer the queries of members. Rana Afzaal hussain said that present government is ridiculing the supremacy of the parliament as more than fifty recommendations have been sent by the committee but no action has been seen so far over these recommendations. he said that OGRA has become white elephant and it should be given under the control of the ministry of petroleum and natural resources. he said that Prime Minister is also facilitating OGRA officials in corruption and is part of the game. During the meeting, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural resources and officials of OGRA were different opinion over pricing of petroleum products. Barjees Tahir said that OGRA has failed to prove that its existence is essential so it should be dissolve or it should be given under the control of the ministry. Committee suggested Chairman Talib Nakai to give OGRA under the control of the ministry of petroleum and natural resources or it should given status of separate ministry. Federal minister for petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim hussain said that OGRA follows policies given by the ministry of petroleum however its capacity building is required. he said that ten to fourteen rupees of GST goes to provinces while only four rupees goes to federal government.

SCRUMPTIOUS RECIPES

APCC proposes Rs 825.2b PSDP for next fiscal ISLAMABAD AMER SIAL

The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) on Thursday finalized a total national development outlay of Rs 825.2 billion, with federal component of Rs 350 billion and provincial share of Rs 475 billion for the next fiscal year 2012-13.

The committee also decided that priority will be given to complete ongoing projects, while new un-approved projects will be discouraged as they may cause thin spread resource allocation resulting in time and cost overrun.

Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Chairman Dr Nadeem-ul-haq

LET’S bEEf UP ThE PUbLIC SECTOR chaired the meeting. he said the proposed PSDP for the next fiscal year has been prepared in line with the growth strategy framework and to achieve the government’s nine points agenda to ensure inclusive growth, reducing poverty, achieving MDGs, minimizing wastages, ensuring balanced development, food, water and energy security. The proposed PSDP also articulates the division of subjects between provincial and federal governments after passage of 18th constitutional amendment.

APCC was informed that the next year plan envisages a GDP target of 4.3 percent which has been fixed under the growth strategy. The targets will be achieved through improvement in productivity and competitiveness, reforms in the markets, promoting cities as regional clusters, improve connectivity,

reforming the civil service, institutions and PSes, harnessing the potential of youth and embarking on result based management.

In the total proposed PSDP 201213, the size of foreign assistance has been estimated at Rs 120 billion. New schemes for capacity building or for construction of housing and devolved subject’s projects have been excluded.

Federal ministries and divisions have formulated their own development priorities while remaining in their approved ceilings and adopting guidelines of the Planning Commission and Finance Division. The emphasis has been placed on completion of ongoing priority projects.

While reviewing PSDP 2011-12, it was informed that no reduction in current year’s PSDP size was made to help

restore GDP growth. As such, the National Development Outlays 2011-12 remained at Rs 730 billion. It was informed that foreign assistance increased than the budgeted allocation of Rs 39 billion to Rs 90 billion.

The releases to the executing agencies have been more streamlined so as to reach the project authorities on a fast track basis. So far, 91 percent of the PSDP allocations have been released. emphasis was placed on timely completion of projects by making special efforts. About 174 projects would likely to be completed during the current fiscal year.

Review of Annual Plan 2011-12 and proposed Annual Plan 2012-13 was presented by Joint Chief economist, Planning and Development Division Sohail Rehan. APCC was informed that

performance during the current fiscal year was satisfactory. The GDP growth is expected to be 3.7 percent as against 3 percent achieved during the last year.

Despite floods, the agriculture sector has performed better and major crops including cotton, rice, maize, and sugarcane witnessed sizable growth over the last year. The Wheat crop, however, is expected to be around 23.2 million tons, which is 2 million tons less than the last year production.

APCC was also informed that CPI and food inflation are easing down.

CPI inflation is expected to be around 11 percent during the year as against 13.7 percent during the previous year.

Similarly, food inflation has witnessed a big reduction from 18 percent in the last year to 11.5 percent in the current year. The large-scale manufacturing has shown some improvement. The external sector, especially export is expected to be behind target, while worker remittances have shown positive growth.

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PETROLEUM PENDULUM

Synchronising price fluctuation with int’l market g

Ministry to move ECC to conduct petroleum prices evaluation on fortnightly basis ISLAMABAD

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APP

INISTeR for petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim hussain on Thursday said that the Ministry would take up a proposal to evaluate the petroleum prices on fortnightly basis instead of monthly basis. he said the proposal would be placed before next meeting of economic Coordination Committee (eCC) with an objective to pass on the impact of fluctuation of petroleum prices in international market to consumers.

Responding to the questions, raised in the Question hour in the Upper house of the Parliament, he said there were concerns being raised by certain quarters that the decrease in petroleum prices in the international market was not being passed on to the consumers. Therefore, the Ministry had formulated the proposal in this regard, he added.

Responding to a question by Col. (R) Tahir Mashhadi as to why Pakistan was not purchasing oil from Iran on lower rates, the Minister said Iran was itself an oil-deficient country and this was the reason that oil was not being purchased from Iran.

Asked whether there was any plan to provide subsidy to the people at large, the Minister said that there was 16 percent GST and Rs 10 petroleum levy per litre of the petroleum products. he said 70 percent of the GST share goes to the provinces and the provincial governments have refused to do so. he said the federal government however had sacrificed its share and instead of Rs 10, the government was charging Rs 7/per litre as petroleum levy.

Responding to another query about import of LNG, the Minister said that after the apex court decision, the Mashal project had become controversial and the sponsors of the

project had fallen bankrupt. he said the Ministry was re-initiating the LNG project and the matter would be taken to the eCC. About the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gasline project, the Minister said the project was on track and it would be completed by year 2014 despite snags. he said the country was facing acute gas shortage and demand was on the rise. he said last year, the diesel import had decreased due to increase in gas consumption. he said if Pakistan continued to waste its precious gas resources on CNG and domestic consumers, it would have to face serious consequences in future. he said a long term constructive policy would have to be evolved to meet the future challenges.

“Due to the absence of a long-term policy, we don’t know what will happen after year 2020 when one of our rich reservoirs would come to an end,” he added. he said OGRA needed to be placed under the Ministry of Petroleum and he had put up this proposal to the Prime Minister which was turned down. he asked the house to make this recommendation to streamline the OGRA affairs. he said Pakistan had rich reserves of tight gas but its exploration was very costly.

State Minister for Water and Power Tasneem Qureshi assured the house that he would conduct visits across country to clamp down power theft and whosoever would be found involved in deliberate power theft would be dealt with accordingly. he said check-meters would be installed at every transformer to reduce the power leakages and losses.

ThREE ChEERS?

Remittances up by 20pc to $10.88bn in July-April FY12 KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The Pakistanis working abroad sent back home over $10.876 billion during first 10 months, July 2011– April 2012, of the current fiscal year 2011-12, reported the central bank Thursday. This, the bank said, shows an impressive growth of 20.23 percent or $1830.38 million when compared with $9.046 billion received during the corresponding period of FY11. According to State Bank, during the period in review the inflow of remittances from across the globe showed an upward trend. The inflows from Saudi Arabia, UAe, USA, UK, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman) and eU countries amounted to $2.987 billion, $2.386 billion, $1.922 billion, $1.263 billion, $1.226 billion and $304.59 million, respectively.

These receipts were against last year’s $2.085 billion, $2.091 billion, $1.677 billion, $990.92 million, $1.063 billion and $290.77 million, respectively, in July-April of 2011.

The remittances received from Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan and other countries were counted, accumulatively, at $785.65 million as against $846.36 million received last year. A monthly account of remittances depicts that on average the remittances for JulyApril period comes out to $1.087 billion compared to $904.66 million of same period in FY2011, registering an increase of 20.23 percent. In April, $ 1.141 billion were remitted that were up by 10.73 percent compared with $ 1.030 billion received in the same month of 2011. “Almost all of this growth in remittances during April, 2012 over the corresponding period of the last fiscal year was through banking channels,” the central bank said.

Country-wise receipts during April from Saudi Arabia, UAe, USA, UK, GCC and eU countries amounted, respectively, to $332.43 million, $245.33 million, $198.00 million, $131.82 million, $127.12 million and $31.14 million.

EYEING IRAN

ELECTRICITY bILLS MIGhT STOP CAUSING bANKRUPTCY AfTER ALL KARACHI

Electricity can be generated at Rs3 per unit: Dr Samar Mubarakmand g

STAFF REPORT

Through underground gasification technology, electricity can be generated at Rs 3 to 4 per unit while diesel can be produced at $40 per barrel. This was stated by Member Science and Technology, Planning Commission Dr Samar Mubarakmand while speaking at oil and gas exhibition and conference POGee2012 held here at Karachi expo Centre Thursday.

The nuclear scientist said the underground gasification (UGC) technology was the cheapest solution to produce electricity, natural gas and diesel in the present scenario of sky rocketing oil prices. he said 80,000 megawatts of electricity was being produced through underground coal gasification in different countries of the world including South Africa, Australia, China, Russia, Poland, Czech and Uzbekistan. Similarly, South Africa was producing 160,000 barrels per day from UGC technology while China was providing 1,550 mmcf per day from UGC project to Beijing and adjacent cities as town gas. Dr Samar pointed out that Australia is commissioning 8,000 MW through underground coal gasification. he said 20,000 barrels of diesel per day can be produced at a cost of $650 million from Thar coal under UGC project. “We can directly supply gas to fertilizer industry as feedstock from Thar coal under UGC, he opined,” he said. he opined that commissioning of UGC project would serve as a game changer for energy-scarce Pakistan’s economy.

“We have successfully commissioned the first phase of UGC pilot project by burning the gas flame at Thar coal field and now we need money equivalent to $ 116 million to generate 100 MW of electricity.”

Dr Samar said several foreign companies from China, UK, Czech Republic and Australia were interested to start UGC projects in Thar, but that would increase the cost of power generation like IPPs or RPPs.

he said new technology was always being opposed in Pakistan and this was the reason why the money was not being released for the project.

On the occasion, Muhammad Yasin executive Director Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) said gas demand in the country was rising exponentially while its supply was shrinking. The current gas demand was 5.6 billion cubic feet per day while the supply is 3.8 bcf per day, leaving a gap of 1.8 bcf per day, he added. he said gas demand would rise to 6.2 bcf per day during 2015-16 while the availability would be 4.5 bcf per day. The demand for natural gas would reach 7.7 bcf per day while its availability would fall to 1.2 bcf per day due to depleting gas reserves and decline in new recoveries, he observed. Yasin said the supply of 500 mmcf per day of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected in 2013-14 while import of gas from Iran (first 263 mmcfd) is expected in 2015-16.

Program leader SAARC energy Centre, Dr Muhammad Pervez said that energy trade can be initiated with SAARC under the South Asia energy ring and added that various action plans are underway to promote cheaper energy within this block.

Chief Operating Officer SSGC LPG Pvt Ltd, Malik Usman hasan said his company has floated tender for the start of two projects to supply 50 mmcf per day, one for the supply of gas to KeSC and the second for other industrial units.

DGM operations National Gas Company Oman, Sanjeev Kumar Sinha said that synthetic natural gas (SNG) is the solution to energy crisis. Sales expert Ultraflux, France, Vincent Raimbaud said that oil and gas production can be enhanced by using new technology. -

QUINTESSENTIAL MOO MOMENT

Karachi Chamber of Constructive Ideas

Dutch uncle gives milking tips

KCCI seeks banking channel, currency swap to enhance Pak-Iran trade

Pakistan has potential to triple milk production by 900 pc: Netherlands

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s President Mian Abrar Ahmad has urged the Governments of Pakistan and Iran to introduce banking channel and make arrangements for currency swap to enhance Pak-Iran bilateral trade. exchanging views in the reception meeting at KCCI in the honour of Mayor of Mashhad h.e. Syed Muhammad Pejman, he asserted upon the need to take measures such as economic integration and reduction in transaction costs, port-to-port activities and customs mechanism to expand the volume of bilateral trade. he urged to activate and develop regional trading block of eCO countries, particularly between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. he proposed that the trade between Pakistan and Iran should be permitted in local currencies instead of dollars and the trade through railways and road be regularized. he was of the view that Pakistan has been severely discriminated by West and as energy-hungry country we should not accept any dictation on Iran-Pakistan-India Gas pipeline project which is burning need for our country to overcome the energy crisis and for industrialization. The status of $ 7.5 billion Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Gas Pipeline can enhance the economic relationship with Iran. he highlighted the existing tremendous potential for Pak-Iran bilateral trade and identified possibilities of joint ventures in value-added agricultural, mining and engineering sector. To enhance bilateral economic and commercial cooperation, he voiced to es-

tablish banking channel as the business transactions between Iran and Pakistan was routed through Asian Clearing Union which was more time-consuming than a normal letter of credit (LC), while opening a LC through Iran’s sister companies in Dubai also adds to cost. he appreciated that the Pak-Iran Trade during last half decade increased from $389 million to $1.2 billion, however, it is not aligned with the real existing trade potential. he emphasized to deepen the existing Preferential Trade Agreement to be followed by Free Trade Agreement. he said that Iran can export to Central Asian Republics China and Indiavia Pakistan. he said that Pakistan was one of the fastest growing economies of the world, however, its pace was slowed due to energy crises. he lamented that Pakistan lacks energy security plan and he urged the government to devise a strategy on war-footing to produce 40 per cent electricity from nuclear, remaining 40 per cent from coal and rest from other energy resources. he lamented that successive governments never paid attention to take the benefits of Pakistan’s geostrategic position as gateway to China, Iran, India, CentralAsian Republic Republics and Middle east, while exploring the economic and commercial opportunities in the region. he emphasized that Pakistan should do trade with the regional countries and with trading blocks for the swift revival of the economy. he said that the biased policies of USA & West never allowed economic independence to Pakistan as allowed to other countries in the region. he said that Pakistan was facing Non-Tariff Barriers to export in terms of restricted market access and un-liberalize business visa regime from West.

ISLAMABAD APP

Pakistan can easily triple its milk production by employing simple methods while latest measures can further milk output by 900 per cent. Pakistan has a impressive dairy industry which can be exploited to its real potential, said economic Councilor embassy of Netherlands, Ian Van Ranselaar here on Thursday. he said a developed environment can help revolutionize Pakistan’s dairy industry. “A Dutch cow produces nine times more milk a Pakistani cow or buffalo can produce”, he said and added that some measures are needed to bring per cow production of both friendly countries at par. The Dutch diplomat was talking to Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Mirza Abdul Rehman, Chairman Coordination Atif Akram Sheikh and Chairman Media Malik Sohail.

Ian Ranselaar further said that 16 Pakistani major dairy stakeholders are due to leave for Netherlands to know the latest trends and techniques. he said currently balance of trade is in favor of Pakistan and they are working on various projects to boost Pakistan economy. The diplomat said various Pakistani products including rice, textiles, surgical goods, sports hardware, leather products and fruits are of superior quality but local

entrepreneurs lag behind in branding which has been identified as a major obstacle.

“Security situation in Pakistan is not as bad as perceived in many countries which is shying away investors. Pakistan should improve its perception”, the diplomat remarked.

The Dutch diplomats were all praise for the tireless efforts of Pakistan Commercial Councillor in hague. On the occasion, Mirza Abdul Rehman said with 180 million population, Pakistan has great potential for investment, vast space for business activities and there is no issue of law and order.

Atif Akram Sheikh said both the countries have good political ties which should supplement our trade relations. Pakistan has three times the animals that Germany has, but yields are one-fifth of Germany’s and onethird of New Zealand, representing a significant loss, he added. Business community is satisfied with the efforts of the Ambassador hugo Gajus Scheltema, said Sheikh, adding that issuance of visa should be made easier.

Malik Sohail said being the fourth largest producer of milk in the world, Pakistan produces 35 billion liters of milk from around five million animals which is worth Rs.177 billion.

“Our dairy sector is growing by five per cent per annum while demand is increasing by fifteen per cent which calls for urgent measures to address issues effecting production”, he underlined.

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Exports dwindle Pakistan’s exports during last ten months decrease by 3.3 percent g

KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Pakistan’s exports increased by 11.94 percent in April 2012 over March 2012. export data showed a declining trend in the first five months of the current fiscal year; however, during last five months – since December 2011 – it is continuously increasing. During first five months (July-November) of the fiscal year 2011-12, the average month-over-month export growth was 8.5 percent. however from December 2011 this trend reversed and showed a positive trend. The average month-over-month export growth during last five months has been 8.13 percent. This has been possible from the resilience of our business community who despite having the nonavailability / shortages of gas and electricity.

As per released data, Pakistan exports during ten months of the fiscal year 2011-12, decreased by 3.3 percent. The cumulative trade figure shows that Pakistan’s exports during July-April 2011-12 were US $ 19.43 billion, while in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, exports were $ 20.09 billion. Imports during July-April 2011-12 were $ 37.042 billion as compared to $ 32.263 billion during the same period of the year 2010-11, registering a 14.81 percent increase. On the other hand Pakistan’s exports during April 2012 were valued at $ 2.24 billion which was 4.91% lower than the level of $ 2.365 billion during April 2011.

Imports during April 2012 were valued at US $ 3.757 billion registering an increase of 15.7 per cent over the imports of $ 3.247 billion in April 2011.

Major Gainers

bEAR hUG

Bears breed on apprehension g

US aid restriction, profit-taking drags KSE down 193.40 pts KARACHI

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STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN stocks closed bearish on investor concerns over outcome of new restrictions on US aid and assistance subject to certification by US Secretary of State. Viewed

by Ahsan Mehanti, Director at Arif habib Investments Limited.

The Karachi Stock exchange (KSe) 100-share index declined 193.40 points or 1.32 percent to close at 14,420.19 points as compared to 14,613.59 points of the previous session. The KSe 30-share index shed 187.49 points to close at 12,558.94 points as compared with 12,746.43 points.

The market turnover was down to 268.853 million shares after opening at 318.885 million shares. The overall market capitalization declined 0.05 percent and traded Rs 2.683 trillion as against Rs 3.732 trillion. Losers outnumbered gainers 94 to 225, while 51 stocks were unchanged.

Mehanti added “Limited foreign interest, fall in global stocks and commodities pending eurozone debt crises, outstanding circular debt issues in pakistan energy sector and uncertainty over federal budget announcements for banking sector played catalyst role in bearish sentiments amid

consolidation in stocks across the board at KSe.” The KMI 30-share was plunged by 356.26 points to close at 24,767.74 points from its opening at 25,124.00 points. The KSe all-share index closed with a loss of 134.57 points to 10,116.60 points as against 10,251.17 points.

P.T.C.L.A was the volume leader in the share market with 31.447 million shares as it closed at Rs 15.33 after opening at Rs 16.20, down by 87 paisas. D.G.K Cement traded 28.602 million shares as it closed at Rs 46.83 after opening Rs 46.22 gaining 61 paisas. Lotte Pakistan PTA traded 25.710 million shares as it closed at Rs 9.77 from its opening at Rs 9.94, decreasing Rs 17 paisas. Fatima Fertilizer Company XD traded 23.424 million shares and closed at Rs 26.14 as against its opening at Rs 26.89, shed by Rs 75 paisas. engro Corporation traded 17.393 million shares as it closed at Rs 113.67 as compared to its opening at Rs 118.93, decreasing Rs 5.26 paisas.

On the future market, the turnover decreased to 22.822 million against 23.241 million shares of Tuesday. The Unilever Food SPOT and Colgate Palmolive, up Rs 56.64 and Rs 43.75, led highest price gainers while, Unilever Pakistan SPOT and Rafhan Maize SPOT down Rs 86.43 and Rs 42.25 respectively, led the losers.

CORPORATE CORNER Allied bank to launch mobile banking services

LAHORE: Allied Bank Limited, one of the largest banks in Pakistan inked a Technology Support Agreement for the deployment of mobile banking services with Sybase, an SAP Company, the global leader in mobile commerce services and Abacus Consulting, the leading consulting, technology and outsourcing firm in the region. The deal was closed at the head Office of the Bank today. Khalid A. Sherwani, President/CeO, Jalees Ahmed, executive Director - Strategic Planning, Zia Ijaz, Group Chief - Commercial & Retail Banking & Mujahid Ali, Group Chief - Information Technology from Allied Bank, Asad Ali Khan, President & Abbas Ali Khan, Senior Partner from AbacusConsulting and hasan Jamal, Country head - Pakistan from SAP were present on the occasion along with other officials. Pakistan happens to be one of the fastest developing markets in the world for mCommerce and these services will create opportunities of unprecedented scale for bank customers. Allied Bank’s decision to deploy mCommerce solution will enable it to offer mobile phone based financial and non-financial services to its customers. On the occasion, Sherwani commented “Allied Bank, being one of the largest

PESHAWAR: Mr Bilal Mustafa Managing Director, The Bank of Khyber (BoK) presenting Cheque for Journalist’s welfare to Mr Arshad Aziz Malik President, Khyber Union of Journalist (KHUJ) at BoK Head Office Peshawar.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has launched its newest “Life Made easy” re-charge service through which Vfone and eVO customers can recharge t heir accounts through a nationwide network of Uload retailers. PTCL customers of Vfone and eVO can now enjoy instant recharge of minimum Rs.20 through nearly 150,000 retailers situated across the country. Customers and retailers will get SMS alerts for all recharges, which will help them keep track of their account status. “PTCL has always strived to provide the best services and exciting offers to its valued customers,” said PTCL Senior executive Vice President Commercial, Naveed Saeed. “PTCL’s focus remains our customers’ convenience and the new ‘Life Made easy’ service will certainly bring a qualitative difference to the lives of our customers.” “Keeping in mind the needs of our customers, we will keep upgrading PTCL’s services in future,” said executive Vice President Wireless, Omar Khalid.

PEMRA to take action against derogatory programmes, excessive advertisements, foreign content ISLAMABAD: PeMRA, in pursuance to the decision of the Authority in its 75th meeting held last day at PeMRA headquarters Islamabad has issued final notices to TV channels involved in airing derogatory, humiliating programmes purposely meant for character assassination of individuals and organization in the guise of parody or satire. The Authority also conclusively asked channels to stop excessive advertisements and foreign content being run beyond the permissible limit. As per law TV channels cannot run more than 12 minutes of advertisement in an hour. Similarly, the proportion of foreign content cannot be beyond 10% of total broadcast in 24 hours. The Authority earlier in October last year had also issued advice to all channels asking them to exercise

Open

High

Low

Close

Change

Turnover

Unilever Food Rafhan MaizeSPOT Nestle Pakistan Ltd. Colgate Palmolive Sanofi-AventisXD

2990.06 2902.00 4122.31 861.00 168.58

3139.56 3047.10 4320.00 875.00 176.75

3000.00 2950.00 4150.00 850.00 168.58

3139.01 3047.00 4199.75 875.00 176.70

148.95 175 145.00 442 77.44 2,102 14.00 180 8.12 1,606

Major Losers Siemens Pakistan Indus Dyeing UniLever PakSPOT Island Textile Shezan Inter.

718.97 438.10 7341.25 228.73 172.94

702.00 416.32 7400.00 217.50 168.01

683.10 416.20 7100.00 217.30 165.00

15.90 10.06 46.55 17.46 29.40

16.20 9.13 44.70 16.25 27.74

685.57 416.29 7326.43 217.30 165.69

-33.40 1,345 -21.81 69 -14.82 315 -11.43 1 -7.25 3,900

Volume Leaders P.T.C.L.A 16.05 Lotte PakPTA D.G.K.Cement Jah.Sidd. Co. Bank AL-Habib

16.90 9.12 45.84 16.46 28.00

0.15 47,264,734 9.94 0.82 38,610,901 46.22 0.38 25,254,141 17.46 1.00 22,052,868 29.24 1.24 16,474,965

Interbank Rates US Dollar UK Pound Japanese Yen euro

90.8170 146.2971 1.1401 117.8351

Dollar East US Dollar Euro Great Britain Pound Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Hong Kong Dollar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal Australian Dollar

Buy

Sell

91.10 117.58 146.45 1.1358 90.38 11.58 24.78 24.28 91.02

91.80 118.40 147.43 1.1433 91.49 11.75 24.92 24.41 93.09

ffC reduces prices

by Rs.145 per bag

banks in Pakistan, has been capitalizing on technology to provide fast and cost efficient services to its customers. The imminent implementation of mCommerce solution would further enhance Allied Bank’s capacity to extend its services to wide range of banking customers and help in extending financial inclusion to the hitherto untapped market segments”.

PTCL introduces “Life Made Easy” re-charge service

Company

ISLAMABAD APP

GUJRANWALA: Federal Minister for Communications Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan inaugurating the Khayali Flyover. prudence while airing satirical or comical programmes as these programmes should not be targeting any specific individual or organization. Adding insult to or disgrace someone is no way an act of joy but are highly condemnable being unethical and immoral. No law of the land even Islam and the freedom of expression and speech enshrined under Constitution of Pakistan permit such acts to defame, malign, slander or harm repute of others merely on the basis of personal likings or disliking.

Fauji Fertilizer Corporation (FFC) has reduced urea prices by Rs.145 per bag including of General Sales Tax (GST) to Rs.1650 per bag which will be effective from May 11 (Friday). Stock Analyst, Zaheer Ahmed told APP that the reduction in prices is primarily due to record inventory available with local manufacturers approximately around 0.85 million tons and in addition, imported urea in pipeline which will be available to farmers at a subsidized rate, cheaper than local brand. he believed that the price decline may improve sales of local branded urea whose price gap with imported urea is now being narrowed down to Rs.40-50 per bag after recent reduction in urea prices. “Moreover, other companies of fertilizer sectors including engro, FFBL and Fatima is also expected to follow by reducing the prices in few days”, he added. “however, the price decline of Rs.145 per bag is expected to reduce the earnings of FFC in current year by Rs1.8 per share, provided new prices remain the same for rest of the year”, Ahmed said.

Besides, the earning of engro, FFBL and engro may also be reduced by Rs.2.4, Rs.0.45 and Rs.0.2 per share respectively, if the companies followed by reducing the prices of urea.

SECP to support insurance reforms KARACHI: Senior Management of JS Bank and JS Investments joined the team of JS Bank’s New Challi Branch, Karachi to celebrate the start of Distribution Campaign of JS Investments’ Mutual Funds by the Branch. Picture shows Mr. Rashid Mansur, CEO of JS Investments (2-R) and Mr. Kamran Jafar - Group Head Retail Banking, JS Bank (4-R) accompanied by their respective Management Teams.

ISLAMABAD: Mr. Sardar Tanvir Ilyas Khan, CEO of The Centaurus pictured with senior media persons during a Media Familiarization Trip and Lunch hosted by The Centaurus Marketing Team on 9th May, 2012.

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The best international practices in the field of insurance should be studied and one must learn from the experiences of other emerging markets where the insurance penetration is much higher than Pakistan. Mr Muhammad Ali, the SeCP chairman, said this on Thursday, while chairing the first meeting of the Insurance Industry Reform Committee, which has been formed by the SeCP. he further emphasized the importance of the incremental usage of technology in delivering the insurance products to the masses resulting in the amplified efficiency of insurance companies. The committee consists of industry experts, professionals and SeCP officers. It is looking at areas like regulatory reforms, market development, operational challenges, education and awareness and technology development. Mohammed Asif Arif, the SeCP Commissioner for Insurance, said that the SeCP fully supports the reforms in the insurance industry. he further said that the committee with its zeal and commitment will come up with specific recommendations for the growth and development of the insurance industry, which would contribute to economic growth by improving the financial system functions, both as a provider of risk transfer and indemnification and as an institutional investor.