Situation explosive: PM, allies on trial:
At a time when Pakistan economy is in oxygen tent, and domestic situation is filled with divisive tendencies, the latest decision of the prime minister to sack the defence secretary and accuse the army and the ISI chiefs of violating the constitution, has driven the country to a critical and dangerous point. The situation is now explosive Ref. Source 1
Pakistan wants $1000 per truck for transporting NATO supplies to Afghanistan:
Pakistani authorities have proposed the imposition of a levy of $1,000 on each truck and container transporting supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan through the country's territory, a senior official has said. Ref. Source 9
Moody's Cuts Pakistan Credit Rating Deeper Into Junk:
The foreign- and local-currency bond ratings were cut one step to Caa1 from B3 with a negative outlook, Moody's said in a statement yesterday. That hands Pakistan its lowest assessment in more than a decade, putting it on the same level as Cuba and below countries including Nicaragua. Ref. Source 4
The $5.3 billion loan will have an interest rate of roughly 3%. The deal has been approved by the Pakistani government and IMF staffers in the country. It still needs to be approved by IMF officials in Washington and the institution's board of directors. Ref. USAToday
World Bank approves $12 billion, five-year loan for Pakistan: finance minister:
The ministry said the money will target "Energy, economy, (Fighting) extremism and education", with $1 billion being transferred to Pakistan in the next week. The loan will carry a 2 percent interest rate and is repayable after 30 years. Ref. Source 2