PRO 29-02-2012_Layout 1 2/28/2012 11:01 PM Page 1
Bears neutralise bull surge amid blue-chip consolidation Page 03
profit.com.pk
Wednesday, 29 February, 2012
islamic banking industry to double its market share in next five years: Yaseen Anwar ISLAMABAD
G
AMER SIAL
overNor State Bank of pakistan (SBp) Yaseen anwar on Tuesday said islamic banking in pakistan is all set to double its market share in the next five years and the islamic banks need to offer agriculture financing to tap the huge productive potential of the sector. Speaking as the chief guest at the 2nd international conference on islamic Business organised by the riphah international University at National institute of Banking and Finance (NiBaF), Governor SBp noted that the islamic banking industry is growing at a fast pace and maintaining an average growth rate of 30 per cent over the past six years. He said the islamic banking industry’s asset base has reached rs641 billion which constitutes almost 8 per cent of the overall banking industry, while deposits represent 8.5 per cent of the banking system’s deposits. islamic banking network is also spread across the country at a significant pace with the total number of branches reaching 886, he said, adding the industry is still facing challenges and constraints that need to be addressed to sustain the growth momentum. However, he observed the islamic banks have not been able to come out of the conventional shadow and lack better risk management and due diligence. He said the agriculture sector and SMes are of paramount importance for the growth, but these were highly ignored, urging the islamic banks to tap the huge opportunities available in the agriculture sector. Given its relatively short history, the industry has over one trillion dollar assets with presence in over 75 countries across the globe. The widespread growth has not only been a result of activities of pure islamic financial institutions, but also has contributions of conventional institutions that eyed islamic finance as a profitable economic opportunity. Moreover, resilience of islamic financial institutions during the financial crisis has lent them more credence than their interest-based conventional counterparts, he added. He said a closer look at the second round impacts of recent financial crisis shows that islamic financial institutions did take some hit as a result of downturn in property markets. He said the inherent risk sharing mechanism though has helped the industry steer through this turbulent period, but economic anxiety of
these times has pointed towards the need of better risk management practices and due diligence on part of islamic financial institutions. SBp Governor pointed out islamic banks, both at global and domestic level, are working in the shadow of conventional finance that is adoption of conventional products that have been tailored to comply with Shariah principles. He said problems of moral hazard and adverse selection are of serious nature and remain a major hurdle in using participatory modes of financing. However, their absence deprives the industry from attaining one of its desired socio economic goals of ensuring equitable distribution of wealth. SBp is aware of the issue and is working on a framework in consultation with the industry to encourage participatory mode based financing. He said agriculture and SMe are sectors of paramount importance in terms of their contribution to pakistan’s GDp, employment generation and overall development of the country. However, these remain largely ignored despite their huge potential and financing appetite. He said pakistan is the fifth largest milk producer in the world, but does not export any dairy products like New Zealand. This represents huge Sharia compliant opportunities for islamic banks and reaching out to such sectors will not only be beneficial for islamic financial industry, but will also guarantee economic welfare of the society. realising the significance of Shariahcompliant agriculture financing, the State Bank is working rigorously with the industry to develop standardised products and has issued a model Salam based product recently to facilitate financing in this sector, he said adding that the central bank was incentivising and facilitating islamic banks to expand in second and third tier cities. SBp has revised the definition of rural and underserved areas, according to which any district having less than 10 islamic Banking Branches (iBBs) will be termed as underserved with respect to islamic banking facilities, he said, adding that islamic banks need to be more aggressive in increasing their outreach to these areas as more than 70 per cent of their presence is still concentrated in 12 cities. To encourage existing islamic banking players and incentivising new entrants, SBp has not only allowed the establishment of full-
fledged islamic microfinance banks and permitted full-fledged islamic banks and islamic windows to offer islamic microfinance services, but has also issued guidelines for islamic microfinance business, he said. referring to issues confronting the industry which revolve around asset liability mismatch due to lack of investment avenues and its adverse impact on portfolio of islamic banks, he said limited Shariah compliant instruments and avenues make it difficult for islamic banks to efficiently place their excess liquidity that negatively affects their deposit mobilisation ability. To this end, the development of Sukuk has been instrumental, he said, adding that frequent Sukuk issuance in pakistan since october 2010 has resulted in improving profits of the industry. Mr anwar said absence of secondary market and lender of last resort facility in many countries, including pakistan further creates barriers for islamic financial institutions in managing their operations effectively. acknowledging the dire need of an islamic money market, SBp is focused on developing a comprehensive solution that would provide islamic interbank money market, islamic interbank offered rate (iiBor) as benchmark for pricing of various islamic banking products, development of Shariah compliant portfolio of SBp to offer placement facility to islamic banks and the provision of lender of last resort facility. This mechanism can also help the government in bridging its financing needs, he added. SBp Governor emphasised the growth of any industry is subject to overall global environment and so the architecture of islamic
banking industry needs to be agile enough to adjust to ever changing requirements. investment in human resource, technology and research and development can be key building blocks of such architecture, he said and added ‘We are encouraging islamic banks to use sophisticated technologies to be more efficient and have provided them leverage for product development.’ He said SBp is helping the industry in developing desired human resource. ‘We offer regular islamic banking courses to domestic and international participants through our training subsidiary, NiBaF. We also offer customised training for professionals and experts as well as cross country official visits. We are also collaborating with many international and domestic well-reputed research and training institutes and universities for developing and conducting islamic banking courses, trainings and degree programmes. We have recently launched customised capacity building programme for front line managers with special focus on handling client queries,’ he said, adding that for raising awareness, we have also launched mass awareness campaign and have conducted targeted workshops, public seminars and conferences. on the legislation front, regulations should be dynamic enough to facilitate the growth of the industry while protecting interest of all stakeholders and i can assure you that the State Bank of pakistan remains committed to these objectives.
Quick edit
Logistics and (Russian) logic
S
o the bond with russia grows stronger. Moscow’s $500m sanction to upgrade the steel mills is not only a logical follow up of the president and foreign minister’s trips there, it is surely part of the first exchanges that define a new political stratagem in the region. indeed, our russian friends, quite smartly, and frequently, mentioned rigidities stemming from american designs towards both countries. This has happened just after Moscow foiled US designs on Syria, and islamabad played a part in blunting Washington’s efforts to isolate iran. interesting times indeed. But while pieces of the new political/diplomatic puzzle are put in place, it is important to focus the economic barter on carefully identified areas. The steel mills is a good start. one, it will put some polish on the most prized family silver. Two, it will set the stage for targeted fiscal expansion, with steel in plenty. Three, and perhaps most importantly in the long term, it will breathe fresh life in the pSe debate. Four, it may just set the precedent for restructuring similar organisations, followed by privatisation or smoother functioning in government hands. it has taken its sweet time coming, but an alliance with russia was only logical considering our logistics. There’s much both countries can do for each other. a good start would be helping each other emerge from political (and military) designs of other, not so friendly players, as soon as possible.
Iran offers Pakistan 80,000 barrels per day of crude g
Offers $150 million for oil pipeline g Qatar wants to under take due diligence of private sector LNG importers ISLAMABAD
S
AMER SIAL
pecial assistant to prime Minister on petroleum, Dr asim Hussain said on Tuesday that iran has offered to provide 80,000 barrels per day of crude to pakistan and $150 million assistance to lay pipeline between the two countries for transporting the fuel. Talking to reporters after the meeting of the National assembly Standing committee on petroleum, he said a
pakistani delegation will be visiting iran next week to finalise the modalities. He said iran has offered financing of $150 million for the oil pipeline which pakistan wants to be enhanced to $500 million. iran, he said was ready to offer for three months deferred payment facility, but it should be forward looking as otherwise the disparity between rupee and dollar could hurt us. He said the petroleum ministry was discussing with the State Bank of pakistan to fine tune the proposal that will be discussed with
iranian authorities in the upcoming talks. When asked whether pakistan could import more crude from iran, he said, it was not possible at present as the local refineries lacked capacity to handle more fuel supplies. However, he added the petroleum ministry was working on a new refining policy to increase refining capacity. He said incentives will be provided to attract more investment in the refining sector. The new policy will make it mandatory for the refineries to have at least one hydro cracker plant, he added.
in reply to a question on iran pakistan gas pipeline, he said tender documents for the construction of the pipeline on the pakistani side will be issued next week. pakistan he said will meet the deadline for the construction of the pipeline as the important project of route survey was going on as scheduled. about lNG imports from Qatar, he said the head of terms from Doha has been received. Qatar, he said has indicated an initial price of $16 mm BTU which will be considered by the government
and after due diligence, counter offer would be made. He said Qatar has agreed to provide 3.5 million tonnes of lNG for a 15 year period. Qatar he said will be carrying out due diligence of the three private sector companies which have obtained construction licence from pakistan and after inspection of their sites and terminals, it will decide on which terminals their ships will go. He said the government has already asked the private companies to get their due diligence done from Qatar.
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Wednesday, 29 February, 2012
news
NA body directs permanent appointments on 63 key posts of OGdcL by April end ISLAMABAD
N
AMER SIAL
aTioNal assembly Standing committee on petroleum on Tuesday recommended permanent appointments on 63 top management posts of the state owned oil and Gas Development company limited (oGDcl) by april end to improve its performance. The committee, chaired by Sardar Talib Hassan Nakia was informed that all the top management posts of the company were occupied by people on acting charge, some of which were continuing since February 2010. Special assistant to prime Minister on petroleum Dr asim Hussain said that the ministry had already sent a new Hr policy for implementation at all the state
owned oil and gas entities under which postings on acting charge will be shunned and no promotions would be made without conducting proper tests and interviews. He asked the committee to direct the board of the company to strictly implement the new Hr policy. Barjees Tahir of pMl-N pointed out that other than occupying key posts some of the people were having fake degrees. He demanded the degrees of the 63 top officials should be submitted to the committee secretariat within three days to get them verified from the Higher education commission. acting Managing Director oGDcl Basharat Mirza informed the committee that the company had already sent educational documents of its 1,700 staff members to Hec for verification. So far degrees of 1,000 officials were verified and
e&P FY12 profit revise, up by 3pc on oil rally KARACHI STAFF REPORT
W
oeS of oil supplies arising from iran-west standoff have created a bull run in the oil market with benchmark crude oil prices, WTi and Brent, rallying 11 per cent and 18 per cent in 2012YTD to currently hover around $109 and $127 per barrel, respectively. The bull sentiment has eclipsed the previously held demand worries, while majority of the international oil analyst also expect the oil prices to remain elevated in 2012, said a research report of Topline Securities. Following the similar trend, arab light price, benchmark for pakistan, has also surged by 16 per cent in 2012YTD to stand around $126 per barrel, currently. Given this scenario, we are revising our FY12 oil price assumption to $110 per barrel, previously from $100 per barrel, which has subsequently increased our e&p universe earnings by an average 3 per cent for FY12. Geopolitical tension arising from west, possible sanctions against iran and its impact on the oil supply scenario has created frenzy in the oil markets, which has also turned majority of the international research houses bullish on the crude prices at least for 2012. pakistan relevant, arab light prices are currently trading above the level of $125 per barrel, which have averaged $110 per barrel in FY12 so far. With four months remaining in FY12, we believe our previously oil assumption of $100 per barrel has turned out to be on the lower side and we are revising our FY12 oil assumption to $110 per barrel. However, given the prevalent uncertainty on the economic front, we have kept our long-term oil price assumption unchanged at $95 per barrel. increase in the oil prices assumption would positively impact the e&p sector profitability.
documents of four junior officials were found fake. During the last meeting of committee on February 1, oGDcl management refused to share the inquiry reports of massive irregularities in the company saying the reports were confidential and could not be shared with members of the parliamentary committee. The parliamentary panel also took up the issue of alleged irregularities in oGDcl, amounting to rs202.16 million. The panel discussed oGDcl’s inquiry report on unnecessary purchase of chemical worth rs55.130 million ($1.219 million) and loss of rs5.630 million on account of its sale below cost price. But acting MD told the panel that chemical was not sold below the market prices instead oGDcl sold it on higher prices and earned profit. The committee
constituted two sub-committees to further investigate the issues of irregularities in oGDcl. When chairman Nakai asked petroleum ministry how much price hike in pol products was proposed for March, Dr asim Hussain said he was not aware of the situation as it was determined by the oil and Gas regulatory authority and sent directly to the finance ministry for approval. However, chairman Nakai condemned any future increase in pol prices saying that the government should abstain from further increasing the prices. He also criticised the formation of the special committee to look into the increase in pol prices saying it should have included at least some of the members of the National assembly Standing committee on petroleum as they knew the issues better than other members.
CCP issues notices to seven courier services for using DHL trademark ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
c
oMpeTiTioN commission of pakistan (ccp) on Tuesday issued show cause notices to seven courier service providers for fraudulently using the trademark of DHl pakistan for advertisement and marketing purposes. a statement issued by ccp said such an act is considered to be false, misleading and is capable of harming the business interest of DHl and amounts to be in violation of Section 10 of the competition act, 2010. DHl pakistan filed seven formal complaints before the ccp alleging that Uzair Zainul-abidin, asif iqbal, Waqqas ahmad Malik, Nauman anwar Butt, rehan Sheikh, Malik M pervaiz of accS international World Wide express and raja asir Munir were fraudulently using its stylised and artistically cre-
ated logo and trademark without its or its principal’s permission, authorisation and consent thus violating Section 10 of the competition act. an enquiry conducted by ccp revealed that there appeared to have been no authorisation given by DHl to the abovementioned respondents to use its trademark, thus its use by them for advertisement and marketing purposes, prima facie, was fraudulent which amount to deceptive marketing practice. The enquiry report observed that deceptive marketing practices have a direct impact on consumers and the public at large. it is in the interest of the general public that the undertakings should be stopped from advertising their products and services in an unfair and misleading manner and be encouraged to resort to the advertising practices which are transparent and gives consumers and customers’ true and correct information. Based on the recommen-
dations of the enquiry report and in order to safeguard the business interest of the undertakings as well as of the consumers in accordance with law, the show cause notices were issued by ccp. in the show cause notices the respondents have been given 14 days time to file their written reply and to avail the opportunity of being heard on 13 March 2012 before ccp. ccp is working to safeguard the consumers from deceptive marketing practices and has passed seven orders against major undertakings such as proctor and Gamble, paint Manufacturers, Sc Johnson and Sons, Zong and Ufone and four major banks for violating Section 10 of the competition act that deals with deceptive marketing practices. earlier, ccp also took cognizance of the fraudulent use of trademark of BMW and Harley Davidson by ace Group of industries, which was instantly discontinued.
SBP warns of panel action for banks not obeying orders of governor, ombudsman KARACHI
T
ISMAIL DILAWAR
He central bank has warned of “penal action” as the commercial banks are not complying with the banking regulations relating to the implementation of the orders of banking ombudsman and the Governor State Bank of pakistan (SBp). The regulator issued a circular Tuesday and told the executives and presidents of the country’s banks that it had taken serious notice of a “significant delay” being made by the banks in
implementing Section 82 e (5) of the Banking companies ordinance 1962 (Bco). The said law requires the banks to comply with the decision of Banking Mohtasib of pakistan (BMp) within 40 days of the date of order. However, if an appeal against the decision of the Banking Mohtasib is referred to the SBp Governor, the aforesaid period of 40 days reckons from the date of decision of appeal. “instances have been noted where banks have not adhered to the aforementioned provisions of Bco and have complied with the orders of BMp and the Governor
State Bank of pakistan with a significant delay,” warned the central bank. Taking a serious notice of such non-compliance, the State Bank has decided that any future violation of Section 82 e (5) of the banking regulations would be subject to penal action. SBp advised the banks and DFis to submit a “compliance report” of every order along with documentary evidence within one week of its compliance to the head of its consumer protection Department. The compliance report, it said, may be submitted through the
banks’ duly authorized officers at or above the rank of executive vice president or group head. Section 82 e (5) of the Banking companies ordinance 1962 (Bco) provides that: “The findings of the Banking Mohtasib shall be implemented by the concerned bank or financial institution within forty days and compliance thereof shall be submitted accordingly”. “in case an appeal against the decision of the Banking Mohtasib is preferred to the Governor State Bank, the aforesaid period of forty days shall be reckoned from the date of decision of appeal.”
Government writes off bank loans in war-torn Malakand division KARACHI: The central bank Tuesday asked the banks and development finance institutions (DFis) to totally write off loans of the borrowers in northern parts of country including Malakand, Swat, Buner and chitral districts under the government’s Fiscal relief package. The package is aimed at rehabilitating economic life in the terrorism-hit Khyber pakhtunkhwa province including tribal areas, FaTa, paTa. “Now Finance Division, Government of pakistan, has informed that prime Minister has approved to extend the facility of writing off of total loans outstanding as on 31-122009 to the residents of lower Dir, Upper Dir and Shangla Districts of Malakand Division,” the State Bank asked the banks, DFis and microfinance banks (MFBs) through issuing a circular Tuesday. STAFF REPORT
Punjab govt installs 1500 family size bio-gas plants LAHORE: punjab government has launched installation of 1500 family size bio-gas plants in all the districts of the province through transparent balloting process at a cost of rs74 million. The government is providing a subsidy of rs50,000 for every bio-gas plant and a family size plant can daily generate five cubic meter gas catering to the energy and electricity needs of a family comprising of eight to ten members. 30 feet wide and 15 feet deep bio-gas plant made of latest fibre glass can run a turbine for 12 hours a day by using dung of 10 to 12 animals. punjab Minister for agriculture Malik ahmad ali aulakh disclosed this while inspecting a bio-gas plant installed in Multan by an engineer Muneeb iqbal. Briefing the minister, Muneeb iqbal said training to operate bio-gas plant is being imparted to 50 young men from all four provinces of the country and azad Jammu and Kashmir. STAFF REPORT
Agri forum for representation to farmers in OGRA LAHORE: agri forum pakistan chairman Muhammad ibrahim Mughal has urged the government to give representation to growers in oil and Gas regulatory authority (oGra) as they are one of the biggest consumers of diesel and petrol and fertiliser which is made of gas. Mughal said about 9 billion litre diesel is used per annum in the country out of which four billion is used for agricultural purposes. Similarly, growers are the buyers of fertiliser worth rs300 billion made of natural gas. Thus, growers are the biggest buyers of oil and gas and paying billions to the government in taxes every year. Speaking at a meeting here Tuesday, Mughal said agriculture and farmers were the biggest sufferers whenever prices of oil and gas were increased. STAFF REPORT
in-search of solution to POL price hike ISLAMABAD: after a lengthy closed door meeting by the National assembly Special committee to consider increase in pol prices, the committee decided to assemble again today to find solution to counter the massive hike in fuel prices affecting the masses and economic activity. Minister for Water and power Naveed Qamar chaired the meeting that was also attended by other ministers, including riaz Hussain peerzada, Farooq Sattar and abdul Hafeez Shaikh. The committee was formed on February 15 after the uproar in parliament against the massive fuel price during the current month. The special committee was mandated to give its recommendations within one week. at the outset, chairman Naveed Qamar desired holding a closed door meeting as he said all the members were already aware of the issues and since important matters were to be discussed the tickers on electronic media could create some misperception in the masses. STAFF REPORT
PiAF asks Sc to act against ‘indian conspiracy’ LAHORE: While showing a grave concern over the indian Supreme court order to implement an ambitious project to interlink 30 rivers, pakistan industrial and Traders association Front (piaF) has appealed to the Supreme court of pakistan to order work on all dams including Kalabagh Dam on war footing. in a press statement issued here Tuesday, chairman piaF Sohail lashari said that indian government in connivance with the indian Supreme court is hatching conspiracies to turn pakistan barren. The project interlinking the 30 rivers was made in 2002 while a task force was also formed in india for the purpose but unfortunately the government of pakistan did not bother to prepare a counter strategy and played the role of silent spectator on the issue. He said that Kalabagh dam is a project of national importance but present regime shelved the project with a one stroke of pen. He urged the chief Justice of pakistan Justice iftikhar Mohammad chaudhry to initiate suo moto proceedings and direct work on Kalabagh Dam. He said that Kalabagh Dam could generate cheap electricity but federal government shelved the project with one stroke of the pen and utilizing all energies to generate costly electricity through furnace oil. He said that electricity prices in Bangladesh and india are 9.5 cent and 9 cents respectively while in pakistan electricity prices are 14 cent per unit. Sohail lashari said that manufacturing growth is stagnant and hardly around 2.3 per cent while burden of internal and external debets getting havior with every passing day. He said that industry can not grow by using much costly electricity. pakistani products are already losing their share in the international market and situation would nose dive if Kalabagh Dam is not constructed on war footing. STAFF REPORT
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Wednesday, 29 February, 2012
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news KSE clears 10pc of MTS blocked shares for SLB financiers KARACHI ISMAIL DILAWAR
Karachi Stock exchange (KSe) has decided to ensure the availability of 10 per cent of Margin Trading System blocked shares to facilitate the financiers of the Securities lending and Borrowing (SlB) market. also, the exchange is planning to allow a rollover facility to the investors in Deliverable Futures Market (DFM) through a separate window during the overlapping period. Subject to Secp’s formal approval and development of operational modalities by the exchange, the decisions, which were made by Development and Trading affairs commit-
tee (DTac) of the KSe, were approved by KSe Board of Directors in its Monday’s meeting. KSe Board has also decided to collect service charges from the non-member occupants of the offices in the KSe premises to meet maintenance and administrative expenses of the exchange. The charges, being levied by the exchange on the non-members occupants would be applied at the same rate as being charged to the members. “We pay around rs4,000 to rs5,000 per month as maintenance charges to the exchange,” a director told profit. The front regulator also cleared amendments in the regulations governing Deliverable Futures contracts and cash-settled futures contracts to
harmonise the same with relevant criteria along with changes in uniform criteria for selection of securities for futures market at KSe. The Board agreed upon following recommendations of the DTac: 1) Mechanism of settlement of negotiated deals/off-market transactions through Nccpl with certain terms and conditions. 2) availability of 10 per cent of MTS blocked shares to financiers for the purpose of lending through SlB market. 3) allowing rollover facility in Deliverable Futures Market (DFM) through a separate window during overlapping period, subject to the mutual consent of parties.
KSe Board also approved the (un-audited) condensed interim financial statements of the exchange along with the Directors’ review for the period ended December 31 last year. The board also decided to convene a meeting of the Tax committee to submit tax proposals for the tax year 2012-13 to Secp. The meeting would develop and finalise tax proposals based on the feedback received from members and listed companies. To continue the existing electricity tariff for applying on members till June 30, 2012 and review the same thereafter, was another decision that the board took on Monday.
Bears neutralise bull surge amid blue-chip consolidation
Major Gainers Company Indus Dyeing Pak.Int.Con. SD J.D.W.Sugar Attock Refinery EFU General Ins
Open 350.10 106.66 82.95 124.07 63.96
High 367.50 111.99 87.09 129.85 67.15
Low 348.00 107.10 83.00 123.25 64.01
Close 359.09 111.99 86.82 127.59 67.12
Change Turnover 8.99 421 5.33 27,214 3.87 20,396 3.52 5,571,900 3.16 72,187
2750.00 710.00 210.00 449.80 3370.00
2886.50 676.25 204.00 441.00 3340.39
2700.00 679.23 204.00 442.88 3340.39
2700.00 -50.00 106 -32.61 415 -6.00 193 -4.22 20,742 -3.47 189
10.87 1.94 52.11 28.80 7.56
9.77 2.57 49.80 27.65 7.74
10.01 -0.48 25,680,423 0.60 20,881,199 52.11 2.48 14,568,704 27.92 -0.31 14,437,695 -0.80 11,346,960
Major Losers Rafhan Maize Product Bata (Pak) Ltd. 711.84 Bhanero Tex. 210.00 Attock PetroleumXD 447.10 Nestle PakistanXD 3343.86
Volume Leaders Jah.Sidd. Co. Pace (Pak) Ltd. National Bank D.G.K.Cement B.O.Punjab
10.49 1.97 2.63 49.63 28.23 8.54 8.80
KARACHI STAFF REPORT:
Karachi stock market closed lower Tuesday amid what the analysts said consolidation in blue-chip stocks after major earning announcements. The day saw the benchmark KSe 100-share index shedding 4.44 points to close at 12,739.22 points against 12,743.66 points of the previous day. The index hit the intraday high of 12,821.22 points and then plunged to the intraday low of 12,727.39 points. The turnover at the ready counter remained encouraging and was recorded at 217.592 million shares against 205.790 million shares of Monday. The trading value, however, contracted slightly to rs6.209 billion from rs6.330 billion of a day earlier. The market capitalisation also remained lower at rs3.316 trillion against rs3.319 trillion of the previous session. of the total 347 scrips traded, 115 appeared as gainers, 153 losers while 79 remained unchanged. The turnover in the future contracts slid to 12.880 million shares compared to 13.234 million shares of the last trading day. “(The) stocks closed lower amid consolidation in blue-chip stocks after
Interbank Rates US Dollar UK Pound Japanese Yen Euro
major earning announcements,” viewed ahsan Mehanti of arif Habib Securities. “Speculations continued in banking, cements stocks on strong earnings outlook,” the analyst added. However, the analyst said, market sentiment also depended on the political situation of the country and associated foreign flows. “our top picks for the coming week are eNGro, FFc, FFBl, oDGc, ppl, pol and DGKc,” he said. The cement sector led by DG Khan cement (DGKc), the dealers said, played as a catalyst in the Monday’s bullish trend. Jahangir Siddqui company being volume leader of the day counted its traded shares at 25.68 million each priced at rs10.49 in the
opening and rs10.01 in the closing. “(The) index closed near sessions-lows on concerns for falling rupee value,” Mehanti said. The concerns for government’s debt over rs130 billion and uncertain global commodities played a catalyst role in bearish sentiments in the post major announcement sessions at KSe, he said. “The KSe100 index was unable to sustain above the resistance level of 12,767pts, as it attracted selling pressure towards the end of the session. Side board items remained as investor-favorite in the market, which is a little concern,” said abdul azeem, a market observer at investcap.
90.9649 144.2249 1.1259 122.2296
US Dollar
Buy
Sell
90.60
91.10
Euro
121.35
122.54
Great Britain Pound
143.12
144.45
Japanese Yen
1.1182
1.1280
Canadian Dollar
90.23
91.68
Hong Kong Dollar
11.49
11.74
UAE Dirham
24.63
24.82
Saudi Riyal
24.13
24.29
Australian Dollar
96.76
99.21
CORPORATE CORNER telenor to benefit with expansion of teradata enterprise data Warehouse ISLAMABAD: Teradata corporation, the data analytic solutions company, has entered into an agreement with Telenor pakistan to expand its Teradata enterprise Data Warehouse. a Teradata customer since 2005, Telenor pakistan has used the Teradata enterprise Data Warehouse to its competitive advantage, as it was fifth to enter the market and is now the second-largest mobile operator in pakistan. The expanded Teradata enterprise Data Warehouse will help the company better understand the market and unleash new opportunities for competitive advantage and growth. in particular, it will help the company maximise its return on investment by providing unique views of subscribers and revenues. PRESS RELEASE
PtcL products and services setting trends for 2012 ISLAMABAD: in its sustained drive for leading technological innovation and elevating customer experience, pakistan Telecommunication company limited (pTcl) is setting industry trends for 2012 by launching a variety of exciting new products and services. The telecom giant began the year 2012 by launching pakistan’s first 3G enabled android Smartphone ivio icon pro that offers dual support for both evDo and GSM/cDMa network. Based on android 2.2 Froyo and powered by a 600 MHz Qualcomm processor, the ivio icon pro lets its users surf and talk simultaneously while on-the-move and without any GSM network restrictions. This has been followed by the introduction of a proficient “one Wire Does it all” package. Through a single landline connection, customers can now avail a multiple range of services, including unlimited on-net calling, unlimited Broadband downloads, Mobile calls at rs1.25 per minute, ipTv service charges waiver, line rent waiver and a free Wifi Modem. PRESS RELEASE
Mobilink, diL partner for literacy initiative LAHORE: Mobilink has partnered with Developments in literacy (Dil) to set up a computer lab at the Dil Model School in the Khuda ki Basti commu-
nity in Kala Shah Kaku near Sheikhupura. as part of the partnership, Dil will provide the iT curriculum and teacher training, and Mobilink has provided the hardware and equipment for this. Mobilink has sponsored a total of ten computer systems, one printer, 20 audio headsets and ten webcams for online lessons. This hardware was handed over to the school management by Mobilink Torchbearers during a brief ceremony. on the occasion, omar Manzur, Director public relations and cSr Mobilink highlighted, “as pakistan’s premier cellular services provider, we are fully cognizant of the importance of iT literacy for the economic development of the country and bridging the digital divide. it is indeed an honor to provide this support for iT education at the very basic level, where it is needed the most.” PRESS RELEASE
Warid Glow announces ‘dosti ke Rung’ campaign LAHORE: Youth-based cellular brand Glow by Warid has announced an exciting campaign, ‘Dosti Ke rung’, celebrating its core ideology of providing youth entertainment and value. Glow’s ‘Dosti Ke rung’ movement is based on the premise of providing groups of friends with an opportunity to come and enjoy its uniquely designed on-ground activities. These special activities will be taken on-ground live with customised Warid Glow activity areas in select colleges, universities, shopping and entertainment venues across lahore, Karachi and islamabad. Glow’s celebration officially begins with the brand new ‘Dosti Ke rung’ music video being aired across all major local networks, promoting the colours of friendship. PRESS RELEASE
Benazir Sehet card a major step towards welfare state
ISLAMABAD: prime Minister Syed Yusuf raza Gilani is expected to launch Benazir Sehet card, a cashless card under BiSp in Faisalabad by the end of March, 2012 which will provide health insurance up to rs25,000 per family for the 90,000 poorest of the poor families consisting of 550,000 individuals. prime Minister appreciated the scheme and said that the redressal of the health problems of the poor would be a leap forward to alleviate poverty as these are the cause and effect of each other. He said that the health insurance coverage to the downtrodden section of society was a major stride towards making pakistan a welfare state, and BiSp would prove as a catalyst to achieve that cherished goal. PRESS RELEASE
Wateen gets consumer choice Award
KARACHI: National Bank of Pakistan has planned to establish a World Class Training Centre at Clifton, Karachi. In this regard, a simple yet graceful ceremony was held at NBP Staff College Karachi on 28 Feb 2012 to sign contract agreements with NESPAK and Exponent Engineers (Pvt) Ltd as Design and Construction Supervision Consultants and Project Management Consultants respectively. Mr M Arif Changezi, GM/Head Architecture and Planning Division NESPAK, Brig (R) Mansoor Ahmad, Project Director Exponent Engineers (Pvt) Ltd and Ms Fauzia Mumtaz, VP/ NBP, Project Coordinator, signed on behalf of their organisations. PRESS RELEASE
LAHORE: Wateen Telecom, recently ranked as pakistan’s No 1 wireless broadband company by the pTa, has also been awarded the consumer choice award for Best internet Service provider. The award was presented at the prestigious ceremony for the 7th annual consumer choice awards, held in Karachi and attended by representatives of the country’s leading national and multinational brands. in total, around 85 awards were presented in various categories, ranging from financial services to FMcG to telecommunications. The award was presented by Mr raza Haroon, provincial minister for information Technology, along with Mr Nisar Khoro, speaker of the Sindh assembly, to Mr Jalil ahmed Farooqi, Wateen’s head of consumer for the southern region. PRESS RELEASE
ISLAMABAD: HE Richard E Hoagland – Deputy Chief of Mission and Acting Ambassador, US Embassy Islamabad, Ms Carolina Gonzalez – CEO, Walkabout Foundation, Mr Ali Jahangir Siddiqui, CEO, Mahvash and Janangir Siddiqui Foundation, Ms Saira Siddiqui, Director, Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and Mr Ali Munir along with other senior members at Wheelchair Distribution Ceremony. PRESS RELEASE
uBL led consortium acquires 67.4pc equity stake in khushhali Bank KARACHI: a consortium led by United Bank limited and comprising aSN-NoviB Microkredietfonds (Triple Jump B.v), credit Suisse Microfinance Fund Management company (responsability Global Microfinance Fund), rural impulse Fund ii S.a. SicavFiS (incofin investment Management comm.va) and Shorecap ii limited (equator capital partners llc) have been declared the successful bidders for a 67.4 per cent equity stake in Khushhali Bank limited (KBl), the largest microfinance bank in the country. post the acquisition the consortium will own 80 per cent of KBl’s equity of which UBl own share will be 29.7 per cent (inclusive of its existing 11.7 per cent holding in the institution). PRESS RELEASE