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The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a turbulent trading session on Thursday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index closed with a notable decline, ending the day at 168,574.69 points, down 877.17 points or 0.52%. After weeks of strong upward momentum, investors opted for profit-taking, triggering a broad-based selloff across major sectors. Volatility Dominates: Index Swings Over 1,700 Points: The market remained highly volatile throughout the session. The KSE-100 surged to an intraday high of 170,301.48 points (+849.62), but heavy selling pressure later dragged it down to an intraday low of 168,548.45 points (-903.41) a massive swing of 1,753 points. The benchmark index recorded a strong activity level, trading 656.55 million shares, reflecting sustained investor participation despite the bearish close. Market Breadth Turns Negative: Out of the 100 companies on the index:• 30 stocks closed higher• 68 declined• 2 remained unchanged The day clearly belonged to the sellers. Top Performers & Major Losers: Top GainersDespite the decline, a few stocks delivered impressive gains:• NML (+10.00%)• KAPCO (+10.00%)• SSGC (+7.50%)• GADT (+7.17%)• PABC (+5.30%) Top LosersSeveral major names came under intense pressure:• ISL (-6.62%)• PKGP (-6.51%)• PSEL (-5.80%)• INIL (-5.75%)• DHPL (-5.33%) Who Moved the Index? Key Contributors: Top Negative Contributors• FFC (-232.66 pts)• LUCK (-150.29 pts)• HBL (-97.52 pts)• PSEL (-85.26 pts)• HUBC (-63.40 pts) Top Positive Contributors• ENGROH (+86.63 pts)• NML (+86.60 pts)• OGDC (+57.57 pts)• KAPCO (+49.60 pts)• AICL (+37.86 pts) These gains helped cushion what could have been a steeper fall. Sector-Wise Performance: Cement & Banking Under Pressure: A deeper breakdown shows that multiple heavyweight sectors dragged the index into the red: Sectors Pulling the Index Down• Cement (-343.52 pts)• Fertilizer (-264.87 pts)• Commercial Banks (-253.96 pts)• Miscellaneous (-70.31 pts)• Engineering (-64.48 pts) Sectors Providing Support• Textile Composite (+108.80 pts)• Oil & Gas Exploration (+57.15 pts)• Investment Banks / Securities (+48.09 pts)• Insurance (+37.86 pts)• Technology & Communication (+26.22 pts) Broader Market Also Slips: The overall market followed a similar trend.The All-Share Index closed at 102,171.27 points, losing 383.53 points or 0.37%. • Total market volume: 1,288.97 million shares (higher than yesterday’s 1,190.53m)• Traded value: Rs 55.23 billion (up Rs 4.74 billion)• Total trades: 429,816 across 485 companies Among these:• 189 stocks advanced• 257 declined• 39 remained unchanged Despite Today’s Drop, KSE-100 Still on a Stellar Run: Even with Thursday’s correction, the market’s bigger story remains overwhelmingly positive. The KSE-100 has gained:• +42,947 points (34.19%) in FY 2025-26• +53,448 points (46.43%) in CY 2025 This makes PSX one of the world’s strongest performing equity markets this year.

Islamabad, December 11, 2025 – The All Pakistan Motor Dealers Association (APMDA) has urgently appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and reverse the Economic Coordination Committee’s (ECC) December 9 decision that abolished the popular Personal Baggage Scheme, Gift Scheme, and Transfer of Residence (TR) Scheme for overseas Pakistanis bringing vehicles into the country. In a strongly-worded letter dated December 11, APMDA Chairman H.M. Shahzad warned that the sudden scrapping of these decades-old schemes will deliver a devastating blow to the automobile import sector and the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis linked to it. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/imc-proposes-maintaining-40-tariff-difference-in-upcoming-auto-policy/ Overseas Pakistanis remit over USD 40 billion annually and, under the previous schemes, were allowed to import one vehicle every two years on concessional duty. In fiscal year 2024-25 alone, the sector contributed nearly USD 500 million to national exchequer through duties and taxes, the letter highlighted. The association argued that the ECC’s move, ostensibly to curb misuse, has instead punished genuine overseas Pakistanis and pushed thousands of authorised importers, clearing agents, and ancillary workers toward unemployment. Commercial importers, meanwhile, continue to enjoy significantly higher duty concessions, creating an uneven playing field. “On one hand, harsh conditions have been imposed on vehicles arriving under TR, Baggage and Gift schemes; on the other, commercial vehicle imports have been subjected to highly unreasonable terms. This dual pressure is pushing the entire automobile import business toward collapse,” the letter stated. APMDA has requested an immediate high-level meeting with the Prime Minister and relevant ministries to present detailed data and propose safeguards that protect revenue without destroying the overseas Pakistanis’ facility

With a series of record highs and crushing sell-offs, 2025 has been a rollercoaster ride for bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, which is at risk of ending the year with its first annual decline since 2022. The world’s main stock benchmarks have also had a turbulent year, repeatedly hitting record peaks and then pulling back as worries over tariffs, interest rates and a possible AI bubble whipsawed markets. While equities are mostly up year-to-date, bitcoin’s overall correlation with share prices has strengthened markedly this year, driven by surging retail and institutional adoption. Retail investors, empowered by user-friendly apps and ETFs, poured billions into bitcoin, mirroring their enthusiasm for high-growth tech stocks. Institutional heavyweights like BlackRock and Fidelity expanded crypto offerings, blending digital assets into traditional portfolios. This convergence has made bitcoin less of a “digital gold” hedge and more a high-beta play on equity rallies, analysts say. “Adoption is blurring lines between crypto and Wall Street,” noted Galaxy Digital’s Alex Thorn. Yet, after October’s brutal crash—triggered by regulatory jitters and leveraged liquidations—bitcoin has struggled to regain footing. Trading around $58,000 as of Monday, it’s down over 15% year-to-date, flirting with a negative close for the first time in three years. The post-crash malaise persists, with low trading volumes and fading hype around blockchain upgrades. Compounding woes, AI stock volatility—epitomized by Nvidia’s 20% swings—has rippled into crypto, amplifying bubble concerns. “If AI’s froth bursts, bitcoin could follow,” warned JPMorgan’s Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, citing shared speculative fervor. Market sentiment now hinges on Federal Reserve rate cut expectations. Traders price in a 75% chance of a December easing, which could buoy risk assets like bitcoin by cheapening liquidity. But persistent inflation data might dash hopes, extending the crypto winter. As 2025 closes, bitcoin’s fate underscores a maturing yet volatile asset class, increasingly tethered to broader economic tides.

Karachi 09 December 2025: Exports of kinnow from Pakistan have begun for the current season, with 6,000 tons shipped so far—since December 1—to the Middle East, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association has set an export target of 300,000 tons for this season, which is expected to generate 110 million dollars in foreign exchange. Last season, Pakistan exported 250,000 tons of kinnow, earning 95 million dollars. According to the Association’s Patron-in-Chief, Waheed Ahmed, this season has seen a bumper crop, with total production expected to reach 2.7 million tons compared to 1.7 million tons last season. Despite the increase in production, Pakistan’s kinnow exports are still 50 percent lower than the 550,000 tons exported five years ago. He said the main reason for this decline is the lack of research and development in kinnow cultivation and reliance on old varieties that cannot withstand environmental challenges, rather than introducing new ones. Waheed Ahmed said the PFVA has presented short-, medium-, and long-term plans to the government to boost kinnow exports. If implemented, Pakistan can introduce new varieties and increase kinnow exports to 400 million dollars within the next five years. He added that Pakistan will need to acquire new varieties from Egypt, the United States, Morocco, and China for local cultivation. At the same time, preference must be given to low-water-consuming varieties such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, and mandarin, which have strong demand in international markets. According to him, the suspension of trade with Afghanistan has created difficulties in exporting kinnow via land routes to Central Asian states and Russia. The alternative route through Iran is long and costly; freight rates through Iran have already increased by up to 100 percent at the start of the season, alongside additional logistics challenges. Waheed Ahmed also emphasized the need for a national-level strategy to enhance kinnow exports, strengthen research and development, and promote modern irrigation methods in view of the growing water shortage.

Pakistan recorded $3.19 billion in workers’ remittances during November 2025, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). While the figure reflects a 6.75% month-on-month decline from October’s inflow of $3.42 billion, the trend remains positive on a yearly basis. Compared to November 2024, when remittances stood at $2.92 billion, Pakistan witnessed a strong 9.4% year-on-year (YoY) growth, signaling sustained support from overseas Pakistanis despite global economic uncertainties. Remittances Hit $16.15 Billion in First Five Months of FY26: During July–November FY26, workers’ remittances reached $16.15 billion, up from $14.77 billion in the same period last year, marking a 9.33% YoY increase. This continued rise highlights the crucial role of expatriate Pakistanis in supporting the country’s external sector and stabilizing foreign exchange reserves. Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead Remittance Inflows in November 2025: Saudi Arabia Remains Top Contributor: Saudi Arabia maintained its position as the largest remittance source, sending $753.0 million in November 2025. MoM change: ▼ 10.11%YoY change: ▲ 3.26% Despite the monthly decline, remittances from the KSA showed healthy annual growth, reaffirming the significant Pakistani workforce presence across the Gulf region. UAE Ranks Second With $675 Million: The United Arab Emirates emerged as the second-largest corridor, contributing $675.0 million: MoM change: ▼ 4.01%YoY change: ▲ 8.98% Within the UAE, Dubai alone accounted for $567.0 million, reflecting its role as a major financial and employment hub for overseas Pakistanis. UK Inflows Surge, While US Remittances Decline: United Kingdom Shows Strong Growth: Workers’ remittances from the UK reached $481.1 million, delivering a significant 17.38% YoY increase. MoM change: ▼ 3.54% The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most stable and high-growth remittance partners, supported by a large, well-established diaspora. United States Records a Decline: Inflows from the United States dropped to $277.1 million: MoM change: ▼ 8.07%YoY change: ▼ 3.86% The decline reflects broader global economic pressures and evolving employment trends impacting overseas workers. EU Remittances Lead With Highest YoY Growth: Remittances from the European Union showed the strongest performance among major corridors, rising 28.81% YoY to $416.6 million. Key contributors included: Italy: $122.9 millionSpain: $72.4 million The growth highlights increasing labor mobility and strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and the EU region. Other GCC Countries See a Decline: Other GCC nations (excluding Saudi Arabia and UAE) sent $298.8 million in November 2025: MoM change: ▼ 13.61%YoY change: ▼ 1.38% The decline reflects softer employment demand and shifting workforce trends in several Gulf markets. Outlook: Remittances Continue to Support Pakistan’s External Accounts: Despite monthly fluctuations, Pakistan’s remittance inflows show strong annual growth, providing a vital buffer for the country’s economy amid ongoing fiscal and external challenges. With over $16.15 billion received in just five months, FY26 is shaping up to be a promising year for foreign inflows driven by overseas Pakistanis.

KARACHI: A week after three-year-old Ibrahim tragically died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s Nipa area, Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced on Monday that every Union Committee across the city will receive a dedicated Rs100,000 per month exclusively for installing manhole covers and repairing streetlights. The decision comes amid widespread public outrage and demands for immediate action to prevent further child deaths. Speaking to reporters, the mayor revealed that although UCs previously received Rs500,000 monthly for neighbourhood issues — later increased to Rs1.2 million by the Sindh government — much of the funds were diverted to salaries or deemed insufficient. “After the Nipa tragedy, we have ring-fenced Rs100,000 per UC purely for manhole covers and streetlights starting December,” Wahab said, stressing that the special allocation aims to ensure accountability and swift resolution of these life-threatening hazards.

As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates at unprecedented speed, it is not just transforming industries, it is reshaping global energy demand, climate strategy, and trillion-dollar investment priorities. The world is entering a new era where AI growth and climate commitments intersect, creating both a massive challenge and a high-value business opportunity. At the center of this transformation is a hard truth: the AI boom is building a global carbon debt that can no longer be ignored. AI’s Energy Surge: The New Demand Curve: By 2030, worldwide data center electricity consumption is expected to reach nearly 1,000 terawatt-hours, double today’s levels, and more than Japan consumes in an entire year. Even with renewable energy capacity hitting record growth, clean power simply cannot expand fast enough to feed the explosive demand from AI training and inference workloads. As a result:• Fossil fuels, gas, oil and coal, are poised to deliver more than 50% of global data-center power through 2030.• Annual emissions from data centers could exceed 300 million tonnes of CO₂, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).• Hyperscalers like Microsoft, Google, Meta and Amazon are moving toward net-zero targets, but emissions are still rising as deadlines approach.The race to scale AI is outpacing the world’s ability to scale clean energy. The Decarbonization Paradox: AI Growth vs. Net-Zero Commitments: No company illustrates this tension more than Microsoft.• Investing $80 billion in new data centers in 2025• Clean-energy contracts in 24 countries• Bets on both nuclear and emerging fusion technologies Yet, its energy consumption has surged 168% since 2020, and total emissions continue to climb. As Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer Melanie Nakagawa said, when talking about the 2030 carbon-negative goal:“The moon has gotten further away.” Even the most aggressive climate-leading tech companies are struggling to keep pace with AI’s power demands. Why Carbon Removal Is Becoming the Next Multibillion-Dollar Market: Reaching net zero is not just about cutting emissions. The world must also begin removing carbon already in the atmosphere. This is where Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) becomes a crucial and fast-growing market. Why CDR Matters:• Avoidance offsets don’t remove carbon, they shift responsibility.• CDR captures CO₂ and stores it in soils, oceans, biomass, or deep geological formations.• The IPCC says the world needs 5–10 billion tonnes of carbon removed annually by 2050.• There is no net-zero scenario without carbon removal at scale. Microsoft is leading the way, having already purchased over 30 million tonnes of high-quality carbon removal, representing ~80% of the global market as of October 2025. But to sustain AI growth without breaching climate commitments, other hyperscalers must match that ambition. Why Tech Companies Are Investing in Carbon Removal Now:Contrary to perception, these investments aren’t purely environmental. They’re strategic. The Role of Governments: Public Policy Must Match Private Investment: Tech giants are now operating at nation-state scale, influencing global markets for energy, materials, and carbon. But even with their massive capital power, private investment cannot solve the carbon-removal challenge alone. Governments must:• Establish clear regulatory frameworks• Fund early CDR demonstration projects• Accelerate permitting for storage sites• Integrate CDR into mandatory compliance markets• Invest in carbon infrastructure: measurement, transport, and storageThis mirrors how governments helped scale:• Renewable energy• Broadband• COVID-19 vaccinesA similar public-private model is essential for carbon removal. A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity: Balancing AI Innovation with a Livable Planet: AI has fundamentally redrawn the global emissions curve. But carbon removal provides a viable pathway to pay down the carbon debt created by the exponential rise in compute power.For businesses, investors, and policymakers, the next five years will define whether AI and net zero can grow togPlane, or collide. One thing is certain:Carbon removal is emerging as one of the most important investment markets of the next decade.Companies that act now will not only protect their AI-driven future, they will help build a sustainable one.