
HBL's ‘Agahi Program' drives agricultural progress in Pakpattan
KARACHI: HBL held the 'Agahi Program' for farmers in Pakpattan, Punjab. The event took place at the Dera of HBL Zarai. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also collaborated in the event.
Through this initiative, HBL provided farmers with Agri-finance options, advanced agronomy practices, and efficient farm management techniques. Since 2018, over 30,000 farmers have benefited from the program.
Through this event, the Bank aims to promote sustainable farming practices and financial inclusion, thereby contributing to Pakistan's economic growth. The Bank continues to build a stronger, more resilient farming community and their agricultural livelihoods.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan rupee ends FY25 lower by 1.95% YoY
Rupee's Performance Against US Dollar Since 04 March 2025 The Pakistani rupee posted marginal decline against the US dollar, depreciating 0.01% in the interbank market on Monday to end the fiscal year 2024-25 down by 1.95% year-on-year (YoY). At close on Monday, the currency settled at 283.76, a loss of Re0.04 against the previous day close. During the previous week, rupee remained largely stable against the US dollar. The local unit closed at 283.72, marginally lower by Re0.02 or 0.01% against 283.70 it had closed the week earlier against the greenback, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Pakistan rupee ended the fiscal year 2024-25 down by 1.95% or Rs5.42 against 278.34 it had closed at on the last session of the previous fiscal year. The local currency remained under pressure due to increasing import demand, according to analysts. Globally, the US dollar wallowed near its lowest in nearly four years against the euro on Monday as market optimism over US trade deals bolstered bets for earlier Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The greenback also languished near a four-year low versus sterling and a more than decade trough to the Swiss franc after Washington and China moved closer to a tariff agreement, even as US President Donald Trump injected some uncertainty into the market's bullish narrative by abruptly cutting off trade talks with Ottawa. Investors interpreted Fed Chair Jerome Powell's testimony to U.S. Congress last week as dovish, after he said that rate cuts were likely if inflation does not spike this summer due to tariffs. Bets for at least one quarter-point reduction by September have risen to 92.4% according to CME Group's FedWatch Tool, from about 70% a week earlier. The US dollar index - which measures the US currency against six major counterparts, including the euro, sterling and franc - edged up 0.1% to 97.276, but was still not far from the more than three-year low of 96.933 late last week. Oil prices, a key indicator of currency parity, fell 1% on Monday as an easing of geopolitical risks in the Middle East and the prospect of another OPEC+ output hike in August boosted the supply outlook. Brent crude futures fell 66 cents, or 0.97%, to $67.11 a barrel by 0031 GMT, ahead of the August contract's expiry later on Monday. The more active September contract was at $65.97, down 83 cents. US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 94 cents, or 1.43%, to $64.58 a barrel. Last week, both benchmarks posted their biggest weekly decline since March 2023, but they are set to finish higher in June with a second consecutive monthly gain of more than 5%. Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Monday BID Rs 283.76 OFFER Rs 283.96 Open-market movement In the open market, the PKR gained 12 paise for buying and lost 4 paise for selling against USD, closing at 284.83 and 286.14, respectively. Against Euro, the PKR lost 64 paise for buying and 1.10 rupee for selling, closing at 333.65 and 336.55, respectively. Against UAE Dirham, the PKR gained 8 paise for buying and 1 paisa for selling, closing at 77.57 and 78.09, respectively. Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR gained 12 paise for buying and remained unchanged for selling, closing at 75.85 and 76.40, respectively. Open-market rates for dollar on Monday BID Rs 284.83 OFFER Rs 286.14


Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Punjab PA Speaker distributes cheques among sanitation workers
LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan distributed award cheques among hardworking sanitation workers in Kasur under the 'Suthra Punjab Programme' initiated by the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in recognition of their excellent cleanliness arrangements during Eid-ul-Azha. On this occasion, the Speaker not only distributed the award cheques on behalf of the Punjab government but also announced an equal amount of personal reward for each worker — a gesture that was warmly appreciated by the attendees. Addressing the workers, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan paid tribute to the leadership of the Government of Punjab and stated that the vision of public service envisioned by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is now being implemented in letter and spirit. The successful execution of the 'Suthra Punjab' initiative is a prime example of this. The Speaker commended the efforts of the Suthra Punjab workers, stating that hardworking individuals are the backbone of a province's progress and development. 'Loyal and dedicated individuals like you are our pride,' he said. 'The true beauty of our society lies in the hands that serve silently and selflessly.' Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan especially acknowledged the commitment, discipline, and sense of duty demonstrated by these workers during the Eid holidays. 'Their performance is truly commendable,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business Recorder
KPC holds workshop on trading markets
KARACHI: A one-day workshop titled 'Understanding the World's Largest Trading Market: A Guide for Journalists' was organised under the Skills Development Committee of the Karachi Press Club, aimed at to educate journalists about forex, cryptocurrency, and global financial trends. The keynote speaker was economic analyst and financial trading expert Talha Bin Javed, who provided detailed insights into the structure of global financial markets, the impact of news on currency valuations, and the practical use of trading platforms. Talha Bin Javed emphasized that journalists should not limit themselves to merely reporting news but should also acquire financial knowledge to provide the public with better information and explore new income streams for themselves. He dismissed the notion that stock or forex trading is merely gambling, stressing that with education and research, one can safely enter this field. He said that there are limited and reliable platforms for the forex trading, of which people generally not investing. The government can earn more foreign exchange by regulating the forex and cryptocurrency, he added. He appreciated the government's efforts for announcement of cryptocurrency council to regulate the digital currency trading in the country. This move will bring foreign exchange in the country, he hoped. During the workshop, journalists were informed about how major global or local news directly influences market trends and why the media must exercise responsibility when reporting on such matters. At the conclusion of the workshop, Karachi Press Club Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan and Secretary Skill Development Committee Manzar Turk presented Ajrak and a commemorative shield to Talha Bin Javed, while certificates were distributed among the participants. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025