Pakistan and World Liberty Financial have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance innovation in digital payments.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, and other senior officials.
On the other hand, the World Liberty Financial USA delegation, led by Chief Executive Officer Zachary Witkoff, also met with the Prime Minister.
At the event, the Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the vision of Digital Pakistan, stating that digital connectivity, transparency, and public access are government priorities, and digital payments and financial innovation are key components of a digital economy.
Shehbaz Sharif said that growing global interest in Pakistan's digital financial markets is encouraging, and Pakistan is becoming an integral part of the global digital finance landscape.
At this occasion, Zachary Witkoff expressed interest in working with Pakistan to establish a secure and transparent foundational framework for digital payments, including innovations in cross-border settlements and foreign exchange acquisition and payment processes.
The longest-ever US government shutdown has ended after 43 days.
The fallout forced around 1.4 million federal employees to go without pay for weeks, suspended food to many low-income Americans and delayed or cancelled thousands of flights for airline passengers.
Fed set to cut rates, but forecast for rest of 2025 is key to markets with politics clouding the picture
The Fed meets with some big items on the agenda: An important rate decision and forecast of what's ahead, combined with a healthy dose of political intrigue uncommon for central bank policymakers.
While the rate decision is fairly pretty much in the bag, what happens from there is anybody's guess.
Markets are betting heavily that the Fed will stick to a quarter-point, or 25 basis point, reduction from the current target range of 4.25%-4.5%.
US Eyes $5B Fund to Boost Critical & Rare Earth Minerals
The U.S. government is negotiating with Orion Resource Partners to create a $5B fund aimed at securing access to critical minerals like copper, cobalt, and rare earths.
Goal: Reduce reliance on China, strengthen domestic & global supply chains for tech & defense industries.
⚠️ But: These are still talks — no deal confirmed yet; terms and contributions still being worked out.
TL;DR: $5B critical minerals fund could be a game changer — if it materializes.
Markets believe a 25bps rate cut is highly likely.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent HAS NOT officially confirmed it. He has expressed optimism and made comments that fuel expectations, but no final public confirmation.
Want to bet? Watch upcoming economic data and Fed statements closely — those will seal it.
TL;DR: Strong odds for a 25bps cut, but “confirmed” status is still rumor territory.