Business
‘President’s rulings on banking appeals final’ | The Express Tribune
KARACHI:
Legal Adviser to the President of Pakistan Justice (Retd) Irfan Qadir has said that the president’s decision on appeals against rulings of the Banking Mohtasib (Ombudsman) holds great importance.
“Banks can appeal to the president against the ombudsman’s decision,” he said while addressing a conference on Saturday, marking the completion of 20 years of the establishment of Banking Mohtasib Pakistan and themed “Work Ethics”.
He said that once the president delivers a decision on an appeal, banks cannot challenge that ruling in a court of law. According to the law, judges cannot hear cases against the president’s decisions on such appeals.
The legal adviser pointed out that Section 18 of the Federal Ombudsman Institutional Reforms Act 2013 bars judges from hearing such cases. If a judge hears a case against the president’s ruling, a reference can be filed against them. He said that banks have approached courts against the president’s decisions, but despite such violations of the law, no reference has been filed against any judge so far.
Irfan Qadir added that during fiscal year 2024-25, the president endorsed more than 500 decisions of the Banking Mohtasib. The president provided more than 100% relief to victims of bank fraud. He stressed that the ombudsman is of vital importance as it helps restore confidence in the banking sector.
He noted that cases of ATM misuse, digital transaction fraud, e-commerce frauds and account closures have been observed in the country. The Banking Mohtasib not only provided relief to almost 100% of fraud victims but also safeguarded the rights of ordinary citizens. Most banks have accepted and implemented the ombudsman’s decisions.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan Banks’ Association President Zafar Masud said that negative outlook has become common in society, where even good actions are often viewed with suspicion. He said there are examples showing that when arrogance sets in, decline soon follows. Therefore, it is necessary to control one’s desires and strictly adhere to the code of ethics in work.
He recalled the tragic plane crash he survived, saying that at first he thought the plane would land safely, but when he looked out the window and saw buildings dangerously close, he realised the gravity of the situation. The incident deeply affected him for four months. He said that no one in society is mentally fully healthy. He himself has never feared death, a trait he said he inherited from his father. After the plane crash, he has become even more fearless.
Business
Greggs to reveal trading amid pressure from cost of living and weight loss drugs
Greggs is to shed light on demand from customers as the high street bakery chain contends with the rise of weight loss treatments and cost of living pressures on shoppers.
The high street chain is also wrestling with other factors including increases to labour costs and tax changes.
As a result, on Tuesday March 3, Greggs is expected to reveal pre-tax profits of around £173 million for the year to December 27, representing a 9% drop.
In its previous update shortly after Christmas, Greggs pointed to a strong finish to 2025 as sales growth accelerated in the final quarter of the year.
Like-for-like sales growth rose from 1.5% in the third quarter to 2.9% in the final months of 2025.
Totals sales were up 7.4% in the final quarter amid a boost from the group’s continued store opening programme.
The company opened 121 stores last year.
However, analysts at Deutsche Bank said expectations “have already been set low” for 2026 and are “unlikely to change”.
In January, Greggs said it was “cautious but hopeful” about its outlook for 2026, highlighting “subdued” consumer confidence.
Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, also warned alongside its previous update that there was “no doubt” appetite-suppressing medication is having an impact on the bakery chain’s business.
It may provide more detail on how this continues to change customer eating habits.
Meanwhile, the group also announced that inflation was likely to be shallower than last year.
The group increased the price on a number of products and deals last year, so shareholders will also be keen to see how these changes have continued to impact trading.
Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Investors are keen to hear how 2026 is shaping up in the early months.
“While the picture on the cost front is beginning to look more favourable, Greggs has plenty of other challenges still to wrestle with.
“Unhelpful changes to tax rules and minimum wages, slowing UK economic growth, and cost-conscious consumers are all weighing on the outlook.”
Business
India’s GDP grows at 7.8% in Q3 FY 2025-26: Top highlights from first data under new series – The Times of India
India’s real GDP grew at a robust 7.8% in the third quarter of FY 2025-26 according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). This is the first GDP data that has been released by MoSPI under the new series which revises the base year for calculation purposes.India’s economy grew at 7.8% in the October–December quarter of 2025-26, compared with 7.4% in the corresponding period a year earlier, according to the revised national accounts series.MoSPI on Friday released the updated annual and quarterly national accounts estimates based on the 2022-23 base year, replacing the earlier series that used 2011-12 as the reference year.
India’s Q3 FY 2025-26 GDP data: Key Highlights
1. Under the revised series, GDP growth for the current financial year is projected at 7.6 per cent, slightly higher than the 7.4 per cent estimate provided in the ministry’s advance projections issued in January. Nominal GDP is projected to increase by 8.6 per cent in FY 2025-26. 2. The growth estimate for the July–September quarter of 2025-26 has been revised upward to 8.4 per cent from the earlier 8.2 per cent. 3. In contrast, the estimate for the April–June quarter has been lowered to 6.7 per cent from the previously reported 7.8 per cent.4. The overall economic performance in FY 2025-26 has been supported mainly by strong real growth recorded in the second quarter at 8.4 per cent and in the third quarter at 7.8 per cent.5. The economy has maintained steady growth momentum, with real GDP rising by 7.2 per cent in FY 2023-24 and 7.1 per cent in FY 2024-25.6. Nominal GDP growth stood at 11.0 per cent in FY 2023-24 and 9.7 per cent in FY 2024-25.7. Following the base year revision, the manufacturing sector has emerged as a key contributor to the economy’s resilience over the past three financial years, seeing double-digit growth in FY 2023-24 and again in FY 2025-26.8. Growth in both the secondary and tertiary sectors has also strengthened economic performance, with each recording growth of more than 9 per cent in FY 2025-26.9. Within the services segment, the “Trade, Repair, Hotels, Transport, Communication and Services related to Broadcasting and Storage” category registered growth of 10.1 per cent at constant prices in FY 2025-26.10. On the expenditure side, Private Final Consumption Expenditure and Gross Fixed Capital Formation each recorded growth exceeding 7 per cent during FY 2025-26.
Business
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