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Aptar today announced that it has been named a World’s Top Companies for Women 2025 by Forbes for the fifth consecutive year (formerly World’s Top Female Friendly Companies). Aptar is ranked 72 out of the 400 companies included on the list by Forbes and their partner Statista.

“Being recognized by Forbes for the fifth year in a row is a testament to the strides we’re making in advancing inclusion, equity and belonging across our global teams,” said Shiela Vinczeller, Aptar’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “When we honor and appreciate each person’s unique strengths, we build a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

“We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Top Companies for Women – a reflection of our meaningful progress to further a workplace where everyone is encouraged to participate in numerous events that promote inclusivity,” said Marcia Thomas, Chief Diversity Officer.

This award is presented on behalf of Forbes and Statista, a leading market research firm. Data for the “World’s Top Companies for Women” is based on an anonymous survey of over 120,000 women working in 36 countries. In this survey, participants are asked to evaluate companies based on three areas: employer brand, public opinion and leadership score. These surveys are conducted periodically over a two-year period.

For a full list of the World’s Top Companies for Women and a breakdown of the methodology, please visit the Forbes website here.

ISLAMABAD:

KARACHI

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised a total of Rs775.9 billion through the sale of Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) and an additional Rs157.8 billion via Pakistan Investment Bonds – Floating Rate (PFLs) in separate auctions held on Wednesday.

According to the SBP’s Domestic Markets and Monetary Management Department, tenders for one-month, three-month, six-month, and 12-month MTBs were invited through primary dealers, with settlement scheduled for October 16, 2025.

The auction saw total acceptance of Rs775.9 billion, with cut-off yields remaining largely stable at 11.11% for one-month, 11.05% for three-month, 11.04% for six-month, and 11.25% for 12-month instruments.

Separately, the SBP conducted an auction for 10-year Pakistan Investment Bonds – Floating Rate, raising Rs157.84 billion, including Rs2.84 billion in non-competitive bids. The cut-off price for the issue was set at 94.84, with bids received in the price range of 94.89 to 92.93.

Furthermore, the Pakistani rupee recorded a slight appreciation of 0.01% against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. According to market data, the local currency closed at Rs281.12 per dollar, gaining Rs0.03 from the previous session’s closing rate of Rs281.15.

Gold prices in Pakistan soared to another all-time high, mirroring the global surge in bullion that broke past the $4,200-per-ounce level for the first time in history, as escalating US-China trade tensions and growing expectations of further US Federal Reserve rate cuts boosted safe-haven demand.

According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the price of gold per tola jumped by Rs5,800 to reach a new peak of Rs440,900, while 10-gram gold rose by Rs4,972 to sell at Rs378,000.

On Tuesday, the yellow metal had already notched a record high of Rs435,100 per tola, after gaining Rs6,900 in a single session.

In the international market, gold touched an unprecedented $4,218 per ounce before stabilising around $4,194, according to market data. Analysts said the rally was driven by heightened global uncertainty and the ongoing US government shutdown, which continues to weigh on investor sentiment.

Commenting on the development, Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, said that gold has once again set a record high. For spot gold, the high of $4,218 has been reached. The market remains firm near $4,194 after hitting the low of $4,180. “Every day, gold is gradually climbing by $50-60, setting a new record each time.”

The US government shutdown is adding to this momentum. Until there’s a major update or economic data release, the trend remains one-sided – “gold is moving steadily upwards.”

Market observers said that unless there is resolution of the US fiscal uncertainty or there are signs of profit-taking, the bullish momentum for gold is expected to persist, with investors continuing to seek safety amid global market volatility.