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  • Gold price rises to Rs215,700 per tola with Rs900 surge

    Gold price rises to Rs215,700 per tola with Rs900 surge

    The 24-karat gold price in Pakistan has once again surged, rebounding from a previous drop of Rs1,100 per tola in the last trading session.

    The latest market data reveals a noteworthy increase of Rs900 per tola, closing at Rs215,700 per tola on Thursday.

    On the preceding day, gold prices had recorded a dip to Rs214,800 per tola, experiencing a decline of Rs1,100. However, the recent spike has brought the values back on an upward trajectory.

    The local market also witnessed a rise in the price of 10 grammes of 24-karat gold, marking an increase of Rs772 to reach Rs184,928 from Rs184,156.

    Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold climbed to Rs169,517 from Rs168,810, as reported by the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association.

    The association suggests that these fluctuations are closely tied to the fluctuations in the value of the US dollar.

    This correlation emphasises the intricate relationship between currency values and gold prices, highlighting the impact of global economic factors on local gold markets.

    In contrast, the price of 24-karat silver remained stable at Rs2,570. Internationally, the global gold price experienced a minor uptick of $9, reaching $2,057 per ounce.

    This stability in silver prices locally and the marginal increase in global gold prices indicate the complex dynamics at play in the precious metals market.

    Investors and market analysts continue to monitor these shifts closely, recognising the interplay between global economic variables and the valuation of precious metals in the local market.

    The resilience of gold prices, despite recent fluctuations, underscores the ongoing influence of international factors on Pakistan’s gold market.

  • Sindh govt declares rain emergency, announces half-day in Karachi

    Sindh govt declares rain emergency, announces half-day in Karachi

    Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, has on Thursday imposed rain emergency in the province and declared that tomorrow (Friday) will be a half-day for all government and private offices in the megacity.

    On Wednesday, the Sindh Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a notice warning of the possibility of urban flooding in the province with expected heavy rainfall, directing deputy commissioners and all concerned officials to take required measures, reports Dawn.


    According to the advisory issued by the Meteorological Department, rain/thunderstorms with scattered heavy rainfall is expected in northern parts of the province from Feb 29 till March 2.


    “Heavy falls may generate urban flooding in low-lying areas. Fishermen of Balochistan are advised not to venture into deep sea till March 1 while those of Sindh are advised to remain careful during the forecast period,” it said.


    Today, the Sindh chief minister chaired a meeting to discuss the matter, deciding to declare a rain emergency in the province and put local institutions, the administration, and hospitals on high alert, a statement issued by his spokesperson said.


    The statement also said that Murad decided that tomorrow would be a half-day at all public and private offices in Karachi and urged the people to not leave their houses unnecessarily.


    “After 2 pm tomorrow, three to four spells of rainfall have been predicted in different areas of Karachi,” he said.


    Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also confirmed the same. In a post on X, he said: “Though preparations have been made, as a matter of abundant precaution, it has been decided in the meeting presided by CM that tomorrow will be a half-day for offices in Karachi division from 2 pm.


    “Citizens are requested to also avoid unnecessary movement to avoid any inconvenience,” he said.


    Meanwhile, the meeting chaired by the Sindh CM was informed by PDMA Director General Salman Shah that rainfall had been predicted in the northern areas of the province from tonight till March 2 (Saturday).


    He said that rainfall was expected in the central areas of the province from March 1 (tomorrow), adding that rains were expected in the province from today.
    “Rains are expected to begin in Karachi on Friday afternoon, with 13mm to 16mm expected in a 12-hour timespan,” the official informed the meeting.


    Over the possibility of rainwater entering the province from the mountainous areas in Balochistan’s Jhal Magsi and Khuzdar, CM Murad directed the Larkana commissioner to make the necessary arrangements in this regard.


    Meanwhile, the provincial irrigation department assured Murad that Manchhar Lake would be able to withstand the inflow of rainwater.


    The Karachi mayor acknowledged that there were drainage issues after last month’s rainfall. However, he assured that these were being resolved, adding that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) had 53 vehicles with suction machines available.


    PDMA’s Shah also vowed to provide the necessary machinery to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for draining rainwater, noting that Karachi’s main artery Sharea Faisal comes under water pressure during the rains.

  • Pakistan Customs officials foil attempt to smuggle PKR 1.5 crore in gold and cash

    Pakistan Customs officials foil attempt to smuggle PKR 1.5 crore in gold and cash

    Customs officials made a significant seizure of gold and cash at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on Tuesday. 

    Acting on a tip-off, the officials intercepted a passenger scheduled to depart for Hong Kong on Thai Airways flight TG-342, suspected of carrying a substantial amount of undeclared valuables.

    Following the tip-off, Customs personnel conducted a thorough search of the passenger’s belongings, uncovering over $40,000 (PKR 11 million) in assorted foreign currencies, along with 21 tolas of gold coins and jewelry. 

    The combined value of the confiscated items is estimated to be approximately $56,000 (PKR 15 million).

    The detained passenger failed to declare the cash and gold, a requirement for amounts exceeding $10,000 (PKR 2.78 million), when leaving Pakistan, leading to allegations of money laundering and smuggling. An FIR has been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

  • After Punjab gives control to a woman, all hail women deputy speakers in KP, Balochistan

    After Punjab gives control to a woman, all hail women deputy speakers in KP, Balochistan

    After Maryam Nawaz was given the charge of Chief Minister in Punjab, other provinces are also stepping up and recognizing the position of women in politics. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have also elected women for the post of deputy speakers in their respective assemblies.


    PTI-backed member from Chitral, Suraiya Bibi has been elected as the Deputy Speaker in KP Assembly after securing 87 votes.


    Suraiya Bibi is from the constituency of PK-1 Chitral, representing the Banu, Chitral, and Lower Dir regions. She has served as the Vice President of the Malakand Women’s Wing of the Tehreek-e-Insaf. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology. However, it is important to note that she is the second woman in the province to have been elected for this post. The first was Mehr Taj Roghani from Mardan, who is now a senator.

    In Balochistan, Ghazala Gola has been elected unopposed as the deputy speaker of the Balochistan Assembly.

    She belongs to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and according to her Twitter bio has served as a provincial minister on women’s development in Balochistan.


    Additionally, Sindh Assembly has elected Anthony Naveed from PPP as the deputy speaker. Naveed is from a minority community and is a former Special Assistant To Chief Minister Sindh – Pakistan on Interfaith & Harmony.

  • Who does Sarah Khan want to work with in Bollywood?

    Who does Sarah Khan want to work with in Bollywood?

    Actress Sara Khan has recently talked about the possibility of working in Bollywood, stating, “I have also grown up watching Bollywood so I will feel good if I get to work in another industry as working in any other industry is a good opportunity for any actor.”

    She also revealed that Salman Khan is her favorite actor and she would love to work with him.

    During an interview with India Today, Sara weighed in on Indo-Pak political tensions affecting the projects artists have done or signed up for. She mentioned that people in India love to watch Pakistani stars, and it saddens her when projects get stalled because of these tensions.’ She told India Today that after her drama Sabaat, she started receiving many messages from India, and many Indians follow her on Instagram. That’s when she realized she was famous in India.

    When asked about her viewing habits regarding Indian dramas, Sara admitted not watching them herself but shared that her husband is an avid viewer of Indian shows. She emphasized the mutual admiration between Pakistani and Indian audiences for each other’s films, indicating a shared cultural bond despite political tensions.

  • Won’t vote for top positions in National Assembly: JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman says about five party seats

    Won’t vote for top positions in National Assembly: JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman says about five party seats

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced that his party will not take part in the electoral process for the top political slots, including president, prime minister, and National Assembly (NA) speaker. It is important to note that JUIF has five national assembly seats.

    The senior politician told journalists in Islamabad on Thursday that his party will sit in opposition and party members will not vote in forthcoming polls in the National Assembly (NA).

    In response to a question regarding JUI-F’s strategy for a protest movement, he said, “Wait for it. We will represent the nation soon.”

    “I haven’t met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) quaid Nawaz Sharif so far. A delegation arrived yesterday which comprises representatives of the PML-N, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).”

    “We had a pleasant conservation as we were already very frank with them,” the senior politician said, regarding dialogues with major parties that formed a strong coalition to rule the country.

  • ‘Abdullahpur Ka Devdas’ with Bilal Abbas Khan and Sarah Khan hits YouTube on March 1

    ‘Abdullahpur Ka Devdas’ with Bilal Abbas Khan and Sarah Khan hits YouTube on March 1

    The much-awaited drama series ‘Abdullahpur Ka Devdas’ is now available for everyone to enjoy. Starring Bilal Abbas Khan, Sarah Khan, and Raza Talish, this captivating show has just been released on Zindagi DTH in India. Starting from March 1st, 2024, you can catch all the drama and romance on Zindagi’s YouTube channel.
    Directed by Anjum Shahzad and written by Shahid Dogar, this 13-episode series gives a modern twist to a classic story. It explores themes like love, friendship, and longing in a fresh and exciting way. The talented cast includes Naumaan Ijaz, Savera Nadeem, Anoushay Abbasi, and Ali Ansari, who all bring their magic to the screen.
    Every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM PKT, a new episode will be uploaded, treating fans to a thrilling story until April 7th. This marks a significant moment for cross-border entertainment, as Zindagi breaks boundaries and offers its content worldwide.

  • Arrested journalist Asad Toor goes on hunger strike

    Arrested journalist Asad Toor goes on hunger strike

    Journalist and vlogger Asad Toor has initiated a hunger strike following his detention by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on charges related to his social media activities.

    Toor’s lawyer, Hadi Ali Chatta, disclosed on Thursday that the vlogger has abstained from eating since the past 36 hours. The update on Toor’s health came after his mother was permitted to visit him on court orders at the FIA office.

    “@AsadAToor specifically told me that he is not being asked any questions regarding the judiciary but is asked about his vlogs against military and questions are being asked about specific generals and vlogs against them . Questions are sent in the FIA office on a “parchi” and @AsadAToor‘s answers are also sent out thru a “parchi” . He is on hunger strike and has refused to eat anything for the last 36 hours. Last night rescue 1122 had to be called because of his deteriorating health,” wrote Hadi on X (former Twitter).

    Concerns about Toor’s well-being escalated when he fell ill last night, prompting the FIA to call in rescue personnel. However, despite his deteriorating health, Toor has not been questioned about the alleged anti-judiciary campaign but rather about his vlogs concerning other individuals, as indicated by his legal representation.

    Imaan Mazari, another lawyer representing Toor, emphasized that the ongoing investigation does not pertain to contempt of judges.

    “On court order, counsels & @AsadAToor’s mother were allowed to meet him today in FIA CCRC Isb. He is on hunger strike and though his spirits are high, he is physically very weak. We are very concerned abt his health. Not a single q in investigation has been on subject of enquiry,” wrote Imaan on X (former Twitter).

    The situation unfolded further on Tuesday when Judicial Magistrate Islamabad Muhammad Shabbir remanded the vlogger into custody for five days, with a directive for the agency to present him again on March 3, 2024.

    During the hearing, Toor, identifying himself as a journalist, refused to surrender his mobile phone. He asserted that he had appeared before the FIA twice and had received the notice on February 24. Moreover, he mentioned that he had challenged the call-up notice in the high court and arrived at the FIA office with the court’s order on February 26 to inquire about the FIR and the allegations against him.

    The FIR against Toor alleges that he conducted a malicious campaign against the judiciary on social media platforms, specifically X and YouTube, fueling anti-state activities. Consequently, he has been booked under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.

    Toor’s detention and subsequent hunger strike have sparked concerns among human rights advocates and journalists regarding freedom of expression and press freedom in Pakistan.

  • Upset stomach hits 13 players of Karachi Kings, one admitted to hospital

    Upset stomach hits 13 players of Karachi Kings, one admitted to hospital

    More than a dozen players of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings are suffering from stomach upsets while one player has been admitted to the hospital.

    According to Geo News sources, the players complained of indigestion before the stomach ailments took over. Daniel Sams has been hooked to a drip, Dooply is also in hospital while Tabriz Shamsi is also not well, Mir Hamza and Arafat Minhas also have fever.

    Team sources say that three Karachi Kings players have been given a drip in the hotel. Reportedly, they are food in the hotel before becoming sick.

    According to the sources, foreign players including Daniel Simms and James Vance, are among the affected lot and did not play the match yesterday.

    The Kings have to face Quetta Gladiators today. Team sources say that they are in touch with the PCB and are trying to make some of the players available for the match.

    Sources have said that it has been decided to hold the match between Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators as per the schedule. On the other hand, the PSL administration has allowed a reduction in the limit of foreign players due to illness. Karachi Kings have been allowed to field at least two foreigners in the final XI.

  • Mahira Khan shines in gorgeous clothes by Indian designer Sawan Gandhi

    Mahira Khan shines in gorgeous clothes by Indian designer Sawan Gandhi

    Superstar Mahira Khan routinely does photo shoots, for all sorts of products and projects. And she looks gorgeous in all of them. But perhaps she has never looked better than in a recent ad where she teamed up with Indian designer Sawan Gandhi, causing quite a stir with her stunning clothes. She showed off a range of beautiful outfits, looking just like a wow.


    Mahira Khan has always been admired for her style and grace. She’s known for setting fashion trends and winning hearts with her clothing choices. This collaboration with Sawan Gandhi was no different. It highlighted why she’s considered one of the most stylish stars around.


    Khan wore various outfits, blending traditional and modern styles flawlessly. With her confident smile, she brought out the beauty in Sawan Gandhi’s designs, adding her own unique charm to each look.