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Salman Siddiqui is an experienced journalist based in Berlin, Germany. As an experienced English news/content editor, writer, and podcaster, he has over a decade of experience in the journalism industry. He lived and worked in various countries including Germany, Turkey, Cyprus, Qatar, Pakistan and Kuwait, allowing him to deeply understand different cultures and international events. Currently, he works in Berlin as a freelance Editor for the English service at Deutsche Welle (DW). He's also produced a 25-episode-long podcast show for a separate American firm, showcasing his abilities in multimedia content production and audience engagement. His expertise in news writing, socia media, data analysis/analytics, video editing, search engine optimization (SEO), and content writing, combined with his skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premier Pro, Flourish, and SQL makes him an asset to any newsroom or media organization. He has interviewed several prominent personalities such as Composer Yanni, British artist Damien Hirst, British politician Philip Hammond, Master Chef Gordon Ramsay, Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, WWE superstar wrestler R-Truth, the late fashion icon L’Wren Scott, Qatar Airways CEO Al-Baker, ex-Afghan president Karzai, ex-Tunisian president Dr. Moncef, CPJ chief Joel Simon, etc. He also investigated human rights abuses such as the recruitment of migrant workers for Qatari companies etc. He's native in English and Urdu, with elementary proficiency in Punjabi, Turkish, and Arabic. Additionally, he's currently learning German. He has an MA in Global Creative and Cultural Industries from SOAS, University of London. Overall, his experience, skills, and passion for journalism makes him a strong candidate for roles such as Analyst, Reporter, News Writer, Story Editor, Multimedia Content Producer, Subeditor, Content Writer, Social Media Coordinator, SEO Specialist, Community Manager, Content Editor.
Portfolio
Power demand rises by 7% in October
In October, Pakistan's power demand increased by 7% to 10,262 GWh, driven by a slow revival of industrial activities and prolonged summer. Despite the rise, electricity generation costs surged due to reliance on expensive coal-fired plants. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority reported a demand surge after four months of decline, attributed to economic activity. However, power generation fell by 18% from September. Subsidised electricity rates contributed to the demand rise, aiming to reduce capacity payments and circular debt. Expert Dr Khalid Waleed noted economic recovery supported by reduced inflation and interest rates. The textile sector showed export growth amid Bangladesh's political turmoil. Concerns remain about sustaining power production growth due to rising prices and solar panel installations. Chinese solar panel imports reached $1.7 billion in 2024, highlighting a shift towards solar energy.
IDEAS fetch $36b MoUs
Pakistan has signed 82 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various countries to export defence products worth $30 billion during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024) in Karachi. The agreements include advanced drones, fighter jets, and electronic warfare equipment. The Ministry of Defence Production aims to convert these MoUs into export orders worth $36 billion. The Defence Export Promotion Organization highlighted significant MoUs with public sector entities and a private firm with Switzerland. New export opportunities have emerged in Africa and East Asia.
PAF aims AI-based air mastery in future
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is advancing its military capabilities by developing AI-based unmanned aircraft to collaborate with manned fighter jets, a project initiated four years ago. The PAF showcased its third-generation JF-17 warplane and launched the Shahpar-III drone at the IDEAS-2024 exhibition in Karachi. The Shahpar-III, developed by Global Industrial & Defence Solution, Pakistan, boasts advanced surveillance and defense capabilities, comparable to Turkiye's drone technology. The PAF's AI project envisions a future where manned and unmanned aircraft operate in tandem, though a timeline for its implementation remains uncertain.
Inflation hits 18-week high
The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) in Pakistan reached an 18-week high of 0.67% due to rising food prices, marking the fourth consecutive week of increased short-term inflation. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported a 4.92% year-on-year increase, with significant price hikes in ladies' footwear, tomatoes, and other essential commodities. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attributed the rise to middlemen, despite international trends showing a decrease. Factors such as reduced vegetable production, population growth, and inadequate storage for perishables are contributing to price fluctuations.
Gold rebounds on geopolitical tensions
Gold prices in Pakistan rose by Rs3,600, reaching Rs273,500 per tola, driven by geopolitical tensions in Europe, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Globally, gold prices increased by $36, totaling a $71 rise within a week. Adnan Agar from Interactive Commodities noted that gold's future price trajectory depends on the conflict's developments, with potential for continued uptrend if tensions persist. Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee slightly depreciated against the US dollar, despite positive economic indicators, with analysts predicting stability in the exchange rate through December 2024.
Up to 37% return on equity likely
Research houses in Pakistan project significant returns on investment in the Pakistan Stock Exchange, with expectations of the KSE-100 index reaching new highs by December 2025. The positive outlook is driven by improving macroeconomic indicators under the IMF loan program, declining interest rates, and stable currency. Key factors include successful IMF reviews, credit rating upgrades, and foreign investments. Sector-wise, commercial banks, oil and gas, fertilizers, cement, and technology are expected to perform well, while the textile sector may face challenges due to higher taxes. The article highlights the potential for economic growth and market rerating in Pakistan.
Forex reserves rise $29m to $11.29b
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have increased by $29 million, reaching $11.29 billion, marking a 31-month high. This growth is attributed to robust remittances, improved exports, and the receipt of an IMF loan tranche. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad project reserves to reach $13 billion by June 2025, with potential further increases from IMF climate financing. The rupee has remained stable, aided by expected investments from Azerbaijan and loans from the Asian Development Bank.
Weekly inflation hits six-year low at 4.16%
Pakistan's weekly inflation rate has dropped to 4.16% year-on-year, the lowest in six years, driven by decreases in staple food and energy prices. Despite this, short-term inflation rose by 0.55% week-on-week. Key commodity prices, such as wheat flour, petrol, and diesel, saw significant reductions. However, there were notable price increases in essential items like pulses and meat. Discrepancies in the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics' calculations were highlighted, particularly regarding electricity price adjustments, which have not been fully reflected in the Sensitive Price Indicator.
Top 95 PSX firms report Rs403b profit
Ninety-five top-performing companies on the Pakistan Stock Exchange reported a net profit of Rs403 billion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024-25, marking a 14% decline from the previous year but a 16% increase from the previous quarter. The KSE-100 Index, representing 99% of the market capitalization, saw a slight decline following profit-taking. The banking sector maintained steady earnings, while the fertilizer and cement sectors experienced profit growth. Conversely, sectors like oil and gas exploration, food, and technology faced declines. Cash dividends announced totaled Rs106 billion, reflecting a 26% payout ratio for the quarter.
Refineries barred from adjusting tax
The Pakistani government has restricted oil refineries from adjusting input tax on crude oil purchases against sales tax on petroleum products, increasing refining costs. Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) reported this change as detrimental, impacting its operations and upgrade projects. The company, along with the oil industry, is negotiating with the government to resolve the issue. The Special Investment Facilitation Council has directed the Petroleum Division to address the matter by mid-November 2024. Despite challenges, PRL remains committed to its expansion and upgrade plans, aiming to double its crude processing capacity. The government has also revised the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy, extending incentives for refineries to produce Euro-V compliant fuels.
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