Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Pakistan’s weekly inflation soars beyond 44%

    Pakistan’s weekly inflation soars beyond 44%

    In the latest economic developments, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in weekly inflation for the third consecutive week, marked by a notable increase in the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the Combined Group.

    The SPI for the said group witnessed a significant rise of 1.36 per cent week over week (WoW) during the week concluded on January 11, 2024.

    Adding to the economic landscape, the SPI showcased a remarkable year-over-year (YoY) increase of 44.16 per cent, comparing the current statistics with the corresponding period from the previous year.

    Last week’s SPI for the Combined Group demonstrated a WoW increase of 0.81 per cent.

    Data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reveals that the combined index stood at 317.92 in comparison to 313.66 on January 4, 2024.

    Notably, this index was recorded at 220.53 a year ago, specifically on January 12, 2023.

    Among the 51 items analysed, 21 experienced an increase in average prices, while prices for 8 items decreased, and 22 items remained stable.

    The noteworthy price hikes during the week were observed in tomatoes (15.63 per cent), onions (8.94 per cent), chicken (6.42 per cent), electricity charges for Q1 (5.11 per cent), and eggs (4.31 per cent).

    Conversely, significant decreases were noted in the prices of potatoes (5.92 per cent), vegetable ghee (1 KG) (0.84 per cent), sugar (0.43 per cent), vegetable ghee (2.5 KG) (0.29 per cent), and mustard oil (0.26 per cent).

    The weekly SPI percentage change, when categorised by income groups, indicated a uniform increase ranging between 1.2 per cent and 1.34 per cent across all quantiles. The lowest-income group experienced a 1.2 per cent rise, while the highest-income group recorded a 1.34 per cent increase.

    On a yearly basis, the analysis of SPI change across various income segments revealed an overall increase ranging from 36.06 per cent to 47.48 per cent.

    The lowest-income group witnessed a yearly rise of 36.06 per cent, whereas the highest-income group recorded a significant increase of 42.71 per cent.

  • Gold prices surge in Pakistani market, 24-karat hits Rs216,500 per tola

    Gold prices surge in Pakistani market, 24-karat hits Rs216,500 per tola

    On Friday, the domestic bullion market saw a modest increase, with the price of 24-karat gold in Pakistan rising by Rs200 per tola to reach Rs216,500.

    The Karachi Sarafa Association noted that the price of 10-gramme 24-karat gold reached Rs185,614, indicating a gain of Rs172, while the 10-gramme 22-karat gold stood at Rs170,146.

    In contrast, silver remained steady in the local market, with 24-karat silver being sold at Rs2,650 per tola and Rs2,271.94 per 10-gramme.

    On the global scale, international spot gold is currently trading at 2,036.75, marking an increase of $8.55 or 0.4% for the day.

    Notably, when the Karachi Sarafa Association reported local rates, the spot rate in the international market had seen a slight uptick of $4.

  • Pakistani rupee records 9th consecutive surge, gains Rs1.04 against US dollar

    Pakistani rupee records 9th consecutive surge, gains Rs1.04 against US dollar

    In the currency markets, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) maintained its winning streak for the 9th consecutive week, appreciating by 1.04 rupees against the US dollar.

    The local unit closed at PKR 280.36 per USD, showcasing resilience in the face of economic fluctuations. During today’s trading session, the PKR experienced fluctuations, reaching an intraday high bid of 279 and a low ask of 281.5.

    Exchange companies in the open market quoted the dollar at 279.15 for buying and 281.50 for selling, reflecting the ongoing strength of the PKR against the greenback.

    Notably, the PKR also demonstrated gains against major currencies, gaining 78.58 paisa against the Euro, closing at 307.85.

    The British Pound saw a decrease of 58.38 paisa, settling at 358.18, while the Swiss Franc experienced losses of 1.41 rupees, closing at 329.08.

    However, the Japanese yen posed a slight challenge, as the PKR lost 0.09 paisa, closing at 1.934 against 1.933 from the previous session.

    Overall, the PKR’s robust performance against the US dollar and several major currencies underscores the resilience and stability of Pakistan’s currency in the global financial landscape.

  • Nawaz’s birthday cake thief given party ticket for elections

    Nawaz’s birthday cake thief given party ticket for elections


    Umar Farooq Dar, accused of stealing the birthday cake of party leader Nawaz Sharif in Gujranwala has now been given party tickets to contest the upcoming elections.


    Umar Farooq Dar took to Twitter and expressed hope to win the elections under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz. He is going to contest the elections from PP-64.


    Journalist Majid Nizami shared the news by posting on X that Umar Farooq Dar, who collected Nawaz Sharif’s birthday cake from the bakery for free, has been issued MPA ticket by PML-N from Gujranwala. He also took a jibe at the politician that his devotees have collected cakes that were not theirs.

    Read more: Nawaz Sharif ki salgirah ka cake chori, case registered

  • Yo Yo Honey Singh and Mehwish Hayat’s epic meet-Up

    Yo Yo Honey Singh and Mehwish Hayat’s epic meet-Up


    Pakistani superstar Mehwish Hayat met Indian crooner Yo Yo Honey Singh, and the meeting has made a lot of people curious. Yo Yo Honey Singh is famous for his catchy songs and hit numbers. He’s not just a rapper but also a music producer and actor.


    Now, fans are excited, hoping that there might be news of the two stars working together, looking forward to an announcement that brings their talents together, crossing borders and celebrating the unity of art and culture.


    Honey Singh posted a selfie with Mehwish on his Instagram and praised her as lively in the caption, using the term “With zinda dil.” Mehwish, in return, shared Honey’s post on her Instagram Stories and wrote a sweet note expressing happiness about meeting him at last.

    She wrote, “It was an absolute pleasure meeting you finally. You are an incredible powerhouse of talent and a true inspiration.”She wrote, “It was an absolute pleasure meeting you finally. You are an incredible powerhouse of talent and a true inspiration.”

  • Watch: Nikah of Aiman and Minal’s Brother, Maaz Khan

    Watch: Nikah of Aiman and Minal’s Brother, Maaz Khan

    Maaz Khan, the brother of renowned Pakistani actresses Aiman Khan and Minal Khan, recently got married. Wedding celebrations started a few days ago with Dholki events. They had a lovely outdoor ceremony with family and friends.


    Maaz and Saba looked stunning in their outfits. Saba wore a beautiful dress from Aiman Minal closet. Now, Aiman Khan and Minal Khan have shared beautiful Nikah pictures, capturing the joyous occasion.

  • Senate receives another proposal for postponement of February 8 polls

    Senate receives another proposal for postponement of February 8 polls

    Independent Senator Hidayatullah presented a new resolution on Friday calling for the postponement of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8. He urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to consider delaying the polls by three months.

    The resolution was formally submitted to the Senate Secretariat by Hidayatullah, representing the Independent Parliamentary Group.

    Senator Hidayatullah’s resolution also highlights the recent surge in violent attacks within the country, along with an increase in incidents targeting election candidates.

    On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Thursday requested a senate session to ensure that general elections, scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024, proceed in a timely fashion, The News has reported.

    PTI senator Ali Zafar took signatures of senate members on a requisition to conduct a session to discuss the matter of holding elections on time. PPP and Jamaat-e-Islami supported the initiative.

    According to the requisition, Pakistan can’t afford political instability. To strengthen democracy, polls should be conducted on time.

    On January 5, the sparsely attended senate passed a resolution in favour of a postponement of the general elections.

    Majority of the lawmakers present in the legislature had approved the resolution — seeking polls delay in the light of extreme weather in hilly areas and deteriorating security situation — moved by independent lawmaker Senator Dilawar Khan.

    Only 14 senate members were present on the day when the resolution passed. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Afnanullah Khan and caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi had opposed the resolution, while PPP’s Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi and PTI’s Senator Gurdeep Singh remained silent.

    Senator Dilawar had also said that COVID-19 is still present, so elections should be postponed.

  • Woman of Pakistani origin elected as mayor of New Jersey

    Woman of Pakistani origin elected as mayor of New Jersey


    Fauzia Janjua has become the first Muslim and Pakistani-American to take oath for the office of the mayor of New Jersey. She took an oath of her new responsibility on the Holy Quran alongside her husband and children at Township Hall.


    Fauzia’s father Idris belongs to Chakwal while her mother is from Lahore. Her father migrated to the US, where she was born, in the 1970s. She opted for community service and is imparting education to poor children and prisoners. With her election, the position of mayor has gone to Democrats for the first time in 36 years. Before her election, the mayor slot was always held by a Republican representative.


    In the speech she gave on the historic occasion, Fauzia Janjua described her election as the first Muslim lady of Pakistan origin as a moment of pride, reports The News.


    New Jersey State Representative, Carol Murphy, wrote on X: “It is such a great honour to administer the oaths of office tonight in Mount Laurel. It was extremely special to celebrate my dear friends — Mayor Fozia Janjua (1st Muslim & South Asian Mayor in township history) & Deputy Mayor Nik Moustakas on this historic occasion.”


    Her election came about just days after when the Imam of a local mosque was shot dead.

  • New Zealand defeats Pakistan by 46 runs in first T20

    New Zealand defeats Pakistan by 46 runs in first T20

    New Zealand has defeated Pakistan by 46 runs in the first T20 match of the five-match T20 series.

    Pakistan cricket team captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and decided to field first. Kiwis Finn Allen and David Conway started the innings, but Afridi caught the latter out on the second ball. However, in the third over of the innings, the ace bowler was smashed for 24 runs.

    Alan fell to Abbas Afridi after scoring 34 runs in 15 balls with the help of 3 sixes and 3 fours.

    Several easy catches were dropped amid multiple instances of misfielding by Pakistan. Kiwi batsmen took full advantage cruising to 128 when the third wicket fell with Kane Williamson’s dismissal on 57.

    New Zealand’s fourth wicket fell when Glenn Phillips was caught out by Babar Azam for just 19 on an Abbas Afridi’s ball, after which Daryl Mitchell scored 61 runs before being sent back to the pavilion by Shaheen Afridi.

    New Zealand’s Mark Chapman made 26, Adam Milne made 10, Ortam Sothi was dismissed for just six runs while Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry returned to the pavilion for zero.

    Shaheen Afridi and Abbas Afridi took three wickets each while Haris Rauf took two wickets.

    Saim Ayub and Muhammad Rizwan started the innings on behalf of Pakistan. The former was run out after scoring 27 runs in 8 balls with the help of 3 sixes and 2 fours for a total of 33.

    Muhammad Rizwan also scored 25 runs and was caught out by Tim Southee while Fakhar Zaman scored 15 runs. Iftikhar Ahmed was dismissed for 24 runs while Azam Khan played an innings of 10 runs. Babar Azam completed his half-century with the help of 2 sixes and 3 fours before being dismissed at 57 runs off 35 balls.

    The captain was out on a duck while Osama Mir and Abbas Afridi could score one run each, Amir Jamal remained not out after putting up 14 runs.

    Tim Southee took 4 wickets while Adam Milne and Ben Sears dismissed two players each, and one scalp went to Ish Sodhi.

    The next match of the series will be played on January 14 on Sunday.

  • PML-Q decides not to go for seat adjustments with PML-N

    PML-Q decides not to go for seat adjustments with PML-N

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has decided on Friday not to go for seat adjustments with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    It has been stated in an official statement issued by PML-Q that the decision was taken in a meeting chaired by party president Chaudhry Shujaat.

    According to PML-Q’s statement, PML-N has fielded its candidates in their desired constituencies, and the party leadership has decided that they will not suffer from double standards.

    The PML-Q’s senior vice president, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, said that the PML-N should field its candidates against him and his brother in Gujrat. Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, the secretary general of PML-Q Punjab, also agreed with the decision.

    Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that if the PML-N will compete against them, they will prefer to stand with their party members.