PESHAWAR: The Board of Directors of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) on Saturday approved an annual bonus for employees in recognition of their performance during the fiscal year 2025–26.According to a notification issued by PESCO, regular, contract, and deputation employees will receive a bonus equivalent to one month's basic salary.Lump-sum and daily-wage employees will be awarded a bonus equal to one month's initial basic pay.The notification states that only employees who have remained on the payroll for at least six months will be eligible for the bonus.However, employees involved in corruption, power theft, or other forms of misconduct will not qualify for the bonus.Similarly, employees facing investigations by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), or any other inquiry body will be excluded from the incentive.The notification further states that employees who have received major disciplinary penalties will not be entitled to the performance incentive.Officers responsible for delays in net metering approvals and billing-related connections will also be ineligible for the bonus.In addition, employees found responsible for delays in resolving complaints registered through the 118 Complaint Portal will be deprived of the annual bonus.DISCOs officers face disciplinary action for failing to resolve 118 complaintsEarlier, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday directed the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) to avoid unannounced load-shedding across the province, particularly in Dera Ismail Khan, during Muharram-ul-Haram.The directive was issued during a meeting with a PESCO delegation led by Chief Executive Engineer Akhtar Hameed Khan at Governor House.The Governor was informed that the required equipment for the Band Korai Grid Station had been delivered, paving the way for its early inauguration.He also said the Dera Ismail Khan 220-KV Grid Station would be inaugurated after legal issues were resolved.

Lahore: The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has directed the authorities to ensure the early completion of the province’s first Environment Observatory Project and ordered the continuation of legal action against the use of substandard plastic bags.In a message on World Environment Day, CM Punjab reaffirmed the provincial government's strong commitment to eliminating plastic pollution and protecting the environment across the province.She urged citizens to plant more trees and safeguard natural resources, while expressing gratitude over the significant reduction in fog and improvement in environmental quality over the past year.The chief minister stated that Punjab had become the first province in the country to develop an early-warning capability for environmental pollution. She noted that the province’s first state-of-the-art Air Quality Forecast System was monitoring air pollution indicators across Punjab, while the province’s first “Environment Wall” was operating round the clock to monitor environmental institutions and activities.Maryam Nawaz said authorities were continuing legal action against vehicles emitting excessive smoke, brick kilns, crop-residue burning and other environmental violations. She added that 30 fog guns were being used to help combat smog, with additional equipment being procured for Lahore and other cities.She also said tree-planting campaigns were continuing across the province under the Green Punjab and Plant for Pakistan initiatives.Appealing to the public, she said: “Let us pledge to abandon plastic and work together for the protection of our environment.”

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has cautioned students to carefully verify the status of foreign degree program before enrolling, as international universities increasingly adopt online and hybrid learning models. The HEC warned that not every format will automatically be accepted in Pakistan after Spring 2026.The HEC said that degrees officially registered as conventional on-campus programs but completed entirely through online or blended learning modes will no longer be recognised in Pakistan after Spring 2026, unless such delivery methods are formally approved by the relevant regulatory authority in the university's home country.The HEC urged both prospective and current international students to ensure that their chosen programs are properly accredited and that any physical attendance or residency requirements are fulfilled in accordance with official regulations.The warning applies not only to students planning to study abroad but also to those already enrolled in foreign universities. The commission advised them to urgently cross-check program structures with their institutions to avoid serious complications regarding degree recognition and equivalence in Pakistan.Despite the tougher stance, the HEC clarified that applications for degree equivalence will continue to be processed through its online system, with each case evaluated individually on its own academic merits.Officials emphasized that the advisory is aimed at safeguarding students from future academic, professional, and legal setbacks, ensuring that foreign qualifications remain aligned with Pakistan’s regulatory framework.For the unversed, Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan does not maintain a single public list of all approved foreign degrees. Instead, each international qualification is assessed individually to determine equivalence with Pakistani academic standards.According to HEC guidelines, degrees are generally considered for recognition if they are awarded by universities listed in global databases such as UNESCO’s World Higher Education Database and are properly accredited in their home countries.Applicants must apply for equivalence through the HEC online portal, where each case is verified separately. HEC also maintains a separate list of approved transnational education (TNE) collaborations and foreign university programs operating in Pakistan, mainly in partnership with UK institutions. These arrangements are generally easier to recognize due to prior approval.

Spain has introduced a new regularisation policy aimed at granting legal status to certain illegal immigrants living in the country.According to guidance issued by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment of Pakistan, the government of Spain's recent policy applies only to individuals who were in Spain before January 1, 2026, and meet the eligibility criteria set by the authorities.Anyone entering Spain after the mentioned date will not be eligible for regularisation under the new policy.Spanish authorities also informed that there are currently no plans to introduce a similar scheme in the near future.Officials also noted that the last regularisation program was introduced in 2005.In light of the latest announcement, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment of Pakistan has urged Pakistani citizens not to be misled by agents to enter Spain illegally, which could put both their lives and financial resources at risk.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has granted an interim bail to a man accused of fraud with his wife by selling a vehicle received as dowry.Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa has issued a ruling on the bail petition filed by Muhammad Umair Riaz, whose wife has lodged a fraud case against him for allegedly selling a car that she claimed had been given to him.The court said in judgment that the record shows that the vehicle was registered in the wife's name, while the husband was using it.The petitioner has taken the stand that his wife lodged a case against him over a family dispute. The wife had already filed a separate petition in a family court seeking the recovery of dowry items, and the disputed car had already been included among those items.The court observed that the complainant had herself described the vehicle as a dowry item in the family court case, but did not mention the pending civil proceedings in the FIR.The court said that the dispute appeared to be because of worsening marital relations. The husband had joined the investigation and cooperated with the authorities.The court also observed that the vehicle remained registered in the wife's name and that there was no evidence on record suggesting any dishonest intention on the part of the accused.

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Home Department has issued a notification declaring the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a banned organisation under the region’s anti-terrorism laws, ARY News reported.According to the notification, organisations operating under the names “Jammu Kashmir Action Committee” and “Joint Awami Action Committee” have been placed in the First Schedule under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act 2014.The notification states that the decision was approved by the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, formally declaring the group as a proscribed organisation.It further alleges that there is sufficient material indicating involvement in activities that could undermine peace and public safety, including creating unrest and disturbing law and order in the region.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elue3p2y_EoThe government stated that the organisation was found involved in spreading fear among the public and creating a sense of insecurity in society. It also accused the group of promoting hatred and attempting to disrupt state stability.Under Section 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2014, the organisation and its alternate names have been formally listed as banned, according to the notification.The Home Department has also included all alternative names of the organisation in the notification to prevent its operation under different titles.Also Read: Internet and mobile shutdown ordered in AJK from tonightCopies of the notification have been dispatched to federal and provincial authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, as well as the President, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary, and other senior officials of AJK.Directives have also been issued to all Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, CTD, and Special Branch units, as well as divisional administrations in Muzaffarabad, Poonch, and Mirpur.Authorities said the decision aims to ensure law and order, public safety, and state stability, adding that no organisation will be allowed to threaten peace or security in the region. AJK government warns Joint Awami Action Committee Earlier, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has said that the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is prioritising pressure-based street politics over flexibility and dialogue, warning that any attempt to disrupt public order on June 9 will be dealt with under the law.An AJK government spokesperson said JAAC has opted for confrontation instead of constructive engagement, adding that roads cannot be blocked or public life paralysed under the guise of protest. The spokesperson reiterated that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, taking the law into one’s own hands is not acceptable.The spokesperson further warned that any attempt to disturb law and order or create chaos in the name of agitation would invite legal action. He said Azad Kashmir requires stability, dialogue, and practical solutions rather than prolonged protest politics.Referring to the planned activity on June 9, the spokesperson said that obstructing the electoral process would not serve public rights but would instead undermine democratic procedures. Citizens, he added, should rely on voting, dialogue, and constitutional mechanisms rather than pressure tactics.  

MUZAFFARABAD: Authorities have issued orders to suspend mobile phone and internet services across Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) ahead of a planned strike by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), ARY News reported..According to reports, the communication blackout will begin at 11:30pm tonight following a breakdown in negotiations between the government and the JAAC. Sources said the services are expected to remain suspended until June 12 as part of security and administrative measures.The decision comes ahead of a region-wide shutdown and wheel-jam strike announced by the JAAC for June 9, amid ongoing tensions over unresolved demands.JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir told the media that talks between the government and the committee had failed to produce any breakthrough. He added that government representatives had insisted on withdrawing the protest call, a demand the committee rejected.Following the deadlock, the JAAC has reiterated its decision to go ahead with the planned strike, maintaining its call for a complete shutdown across AJK.Authorities said the suspension of communication services has been ordered to maintain law and order and prevent any potential unrest during the planned protest activity.Also Read: AJK Joint Awami Action Committee announces strike, long march on June 9

Karachi, June 5, 2026 — The UAE Dirham (AED) strengthens slightly against the Pakistani Rupee today, reaching 76.55 PKR in the open market on Friday, according to latest forex market reports.This slight rise in the open market may be closely tied to the Dirham’s foundational valuation mechanism. The AED to PKR rate is firmly anchored to the US Dollar at a fixed peg of 3.6725, which inherently imports the greenback's strength against other currencies.The open market saw the Dirham touch 76.55 PKR, but interbank rate remains slightly lower at 75.77 PKR—a typical divergence in Pakistan’s dual exchange rate system.The Dirham's rise and fall effects millions of Pakistanis residing in the UAE for the country is the destination for the Pakistani diaspora, the Gulf nation is a primary source of foreign remittances, contributing billions of dollars to Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves annually. A stronger Dirham translates directly into increased purchasing power for families back home, providing a crucial buffer against domestic inflation.Underpinning this currency strength is the United Arab Emirates' robust macroeconomic framework.The dirham's strength is a direct reflection of UAE's economic policies which include business-friendly reforms, investing in non-oil sector and attracting foreign direct investment. About the AED and PKR The UAE Dirham is Emirates official currency. It has maintained its crucial dollar peg since November 1997 and due to UAE's prudent policies, people even buy dirham as investment.The Pakistani Rupee goes up and down against several foreign currencies on daily basis.Currency deals and market experts expect the AED to PKR exchange rate to remain relatively stable in the near term, buoyed by the Dirham's unwavering dollar peg.

After an upward trend against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in buying and selling, the Kuwaiti Dinar failed to maintain stability in open market trading on Friday, June 5, 2026.Kuwaiti Dinar to Pakistani RupeeOn June 5, 2026, in the trading session, the Kuwaiti Dinar exchange rate against the Pakistani Rupee was Rs. 883.25 for buying and was being sold at Rs. 893.65. Read Also: Dollar and Other Currency Rates in Pakistan Today - June 5, 2026 Compared to the previous session, the Gulf Currency lost 10 paisa in buying after gaining Rs. 1.17 on June 3, 2026, and setting at Rs. 883.35 on June 4, 2026.Meanwhile, on the selling side, the Gulf currency also dropped by 10 paisa after surging by Rs. 1.00 and stood at Rs. 893.75 on June 4, 2026.On June 3, 2026, the buying rate was at Rs. 882.18, while the selling rate was Rs. 892.75.Despite a downward trend, the Kuwaiti Dinar has a strong position in the financial market against the Pakistani Rupee.

Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that a fixed tax scheme is being introduced for small traders and retailers.Addressing a joint news conference along with Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani in Islamabad,The Federal Minister said that the government wants to expand the tax net to reduce the burden on existing taxpayers. The Minister said that Pakistan’s economy remained stable despite last year’s floods and the ongoing Middle East conflict.He added that Pakistan overcame these challenges using its indigenous resources and did not seek foreign assistance in this regard.He emphasized that in order to generate revenue, the expansion of the tax net is inevitable.Outlining details of the scheme, Bilal Azhar Kayani said that the scheme carries a fixed tax rate of one percent, while any withholding tax already deducted will be adjusted against it.He added that the minimum tax payment under the scheme would be 25,000 rupees, while businesses with higher turnover would pay tax at one percent according to their sales volume.Bilal Azhar Kayani said that an optional fixed tax scheme has been introduced in consultation with small traders and retailers. The scheme is meant for traders with an annual turnover of up to 200 million rupees. Shop owners in the fixed tax scheme will be exempted from using POS (point of sale) machines.The Minister of State said that a plaque with a QR code will be fixed at shops, which will be scanned by FBR officials to verify the taxpayer status of the particular shop.He added that a single-page form has been introduced for small traders and retailers, which will be available in Urdu as well as regional languages. He said that those who want to benefit from the fixed tax scheme will submit the form along with a minimum payment of 25,000 rupees.He added that traders who do not want to benefit from the fixed tax scheme can remain general taxpayers. He also mentioned that already deducted withholding tax will be adjustable.Bilal Azhar Kayani said that retailers and small traders in the fixed tax scheme will be exempted from general audits, and a committee will be formed to handle any audit-related issues.He said that non-filers as well as existing filers are eligible to join the fixed tax scheme.He said that those traders who are filers and want to join the fixed tax scheme should have a turnover of 200 million rupees or less during the previous three years.He said that those who will neither file a return under the fixed tax scheme nor become filers through the general tax regime will be fined with 10,000 rupees in the first month, 25,000 rupees in the second month, and 50,000 rupees in the third month.

KARACHI, June 5, 2026: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is trading at Rs74.65 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in the open market on Friday, according to leading forex platforms.In the interbank market, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) M2M rate stands at Rs74.28.The SAR to PKR pair affects a lot of Pakistanis including those who are preparing for Umrah and those waiting for remittances from their loved ones in KSA.Current exchange rates show the open market retail buying rate at PKR 73.95 and selling at PKR 74.65, while the interbank market closed at PKR 74.28.Digital and mid-market platforms are quoting approximately PKR 74.10 to 74.15. Compared to recent trends, today's rate of PKR 74.65 remains unchanged from the previous day, up by PKR 0.25 from one week ago, and up by PKR 0.15 from one month ago.The thirty-day average sits around PKR 74.45, placing today's rate comfortably within the established trading range and confirming the pair's low-volatility profile anchored by the Riyal's structural peg to the US Dollar.The gap between the official SBP rate of Rs74.28 and retail counter prices of Rs74.65 selling can be explained by some ground realities.During peak Umrah and Hajj periods, families actively purchase physical Saudi Riyal notes, creating shortages that push retail prices slightly higher.Licensed money changers incorporate modest handling costs for secure cash logistics, currency authentication, and branch-level liquidity management. These operational realities account for the typical spread observed between institutional and retail forex markets.Market sentiment for early June 2026 shows  SAR to PKR pair recording a monthly low of PKR 73.95 and a high of PKR 74.70, with a seven-day average of approximately PKR 74.50.Disclaimer: Exchange rates are subject to market fluctuations and may vary by location, service provider, and transaction size.

RAWALPINDI: A convicted prisoner brought from Adiala Jail for medical treatment at Benazir Bhutto Hospital has escaped from police custody, ARY News reported.According to police sources, the inmate identified as Jamil, who was serving a nine-year sentence in a narcotics case, was shifted from Adiala Jail for treatment when he managed to flee from the hospital premises.Police have registered a case at Waris Khan police station following the escape incident. The FIR names Assistant Sub-Inspector Imran and Constable Qamar Ali, who were on duty during the incident.As per the FIR details, the convicted prisoner was allegedly taken out of the ward on a wheelchair by unidentified individuals. It further states that he was later helped into a vehicle by his son Adnan and another unknown person before escaping.The accused had been arrested in a drug trafficking case registered last year with the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force and was later convicted by a court, which sentenced him to nine years in prison. He was originally detained at Adiala Jail before being shifted for medical treatment.Also Read: Peshawar court jails police officer for 10 years over flawed murder probe

In the open market in Pakistan, today, on the second consecutive day, the Omani Riyal (OMR) shows an increase against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) both in buying and selling rates.Omani Riyal to Pakistani Rupee exchange Rate On Friday, June 5, 2026, compared to the previous day, the Omani Riyal stood at Rs. 719.22 for buying, an increase of 7 paisas, and sold at Rs. 730.32, also surged by 7 paisas.A day earlier, Thursday, June 4, 2026, the OMR was bought at Rs. 719.15, an increase of 95 paisa, and sold at Rs. 730.25, showing an increase of Rs. 1.05 against the Pakistani Rupee.On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the buying rate of OMR was at Rs. 718.20, while the selling rate was at Rs. 729.20.During the three-day open market trading, the gulf currency shows a continuous increase and stability against the Pakistani Rupee in open market trading.

Today, Friday, June 5, 2026, the open market exchange rate of the UK Pound (GBP) against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) shows a marginal decline of 22 paisa in the buying rate and traded at Rs. 372.33.On the other hand, the selling rate also increased negligibly by 25 paisas and was recorded at Rs. 378.50.A day earlier, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, compared to the previous day in the open market trading, the UK Pound (GBP), the buying rate against Pakistani Rupee (PKR) increased by 3 paisas and stood at Rs. 372.55, while the selling price surged by 5 Paisas and was available at Rs. 378.25.Three-day open market trading witnessed a slight fluctuation in the exchange rate of the UK Pound to the Pakistani Rupee, which indicates that the UK currency continues to maintain its stability against the Pakistani Rupee.UK Pound Stable Amid Financial ConfidenceThe UK Pound continued to draw support from positive sentiment surrounding the UK economy and expectations that policymakers will maintain a sensible monetary policy approach. Confidence in the UK's economic outlook has helped the currency retain its strength against major counterparts.Pakistani Rupee Trades in a Stable RangeThe Pakistani Rupee remained relatively steady, fluctuating within a limited range as investors monitored Pakistan's external funding needs, import payments, and progress on economic reforms.Economic analysts note that foreign exchange reserves, remittance inflows, and policy actions by the State Bank of Pakistan will continue to play a key role in determining the rupee's performance in the months ahead.Implications for Businesses and ImportersThe stability of the UK Pound to the Pakistani Rupee exchange rate provides short-term certainty for businesses involved in trade between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.However, the UK Pound's higher value continues to raise costs for Pakistani importers purchasing British products, including industrial equipment, medical devices, and other expensive goods.What It Means for Students Travelling to the UKCurrency movements remain an important consideration for Pakistani students and families planning to study in the United Kingdom. Tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and daily living costs are largely paid in pounds, making exchange rate fluctuations a significant factor in budgeting education expenses.Higher Value for UK-Based RemittancesFor overseas Pakistanis living and working in the UK, the stronger pound continues to increase the value of money sent home. At prevailing market rates, £100 converts to nearly Rs. 37,800, boosting the purchasing power of recipient families in Pakistan.Near-Term Exchange Rate OutlookMarket experts expect the UK Pound to Pakistani Rupee exchange rate to remain broadly stable in the short term. However, upcoming UK economic data, central bank policy decisions, and Pakistan's domestic economic developments could influence the currency pair's direction in the coming weeks.Disclaimer: Exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day and may vary between banks and exchange companies depending on market conditions, liquidity, and demand.

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has said that the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is prioritising pressure-based street politics over flexibility and dialogue, warning that any attempt to disrupt public order on June 9 will be dealt with under the law, ARY News reported.An AJK government spokesperson said JAAC has opted for confrontation instead of constructive engagement, adding that roads cannot be blocked or public life paralysed under the guise of protest. The spokesperson reiterated that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, taking the law into one’s own hands is not acceptable.The spokesperson further warned that any attempt to disturb law and order or create chaos in the name of agitation would invite legal action. He said Azad Kashmir requires stability, dialogue, and practical solutions rather than prolonged protest politics.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiaiKWWcE6YReferring to the planned activity on June 9, the spokesperson said that obstructing the electoral process would not serve public rights but would instead undermine democratic procedures. Citizens, he added, should rely on voting, dialogue, and constitutional mechanisms rather than pressure tactics.The government maintained that it has kept its doors open for negotiations and has pursued implementation and relief measures. However, it alleged that JAAC has continued its protest despite what it described as significant progress on demands, including the acceptance of a majority of issues raised.The spokesperson also said that out of 38 demands, 35 have reportedly been addressed, and insisted that continued agitation despite this progress reflects political rigidity rather than public interest.Reaffirming the government’s stance, the spokesperson said there would be no compromise on peace in Azad Kashmir, adding that any attempt to hold public life hostage would be prevented within the ambit of the law.Also Read: AJK Joint Awami Action Committee announces strike, long march on June 9

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Friday issued a show-cause notice to a private news channel for airing a controversial statement, ARY News reported.According to ARY News, the channel had broadcast a controversial statement by journalist Mohsin Baig targeting Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb.Following the broadcast of the statement, a negative propaganda campaign was launched against Aurangzeb on social media.The PEMRA show-cause notice reads, "Why should action not be taken against the private channel for airing the disputed statement?"Sources said that the journalist made inappropriate remarks against the Finance Minister during a program aired over the Eid holidays.The journalist accused Muhammad Aurangzeb of being physically and mentally absent during office hours, claiming this was the reason behind the sorry state of the country's economy.https://youtu.be/MYnVr3wYe3I?si=rFN3hA7Fm316U7pJEarlier, addressing a joint news conference along with Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani in Islamabad today, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that the government wants to expand the tax net to reduce the burden on existing taxpayers., he said that Pakistan’s economy remained stable despite last year’s floods and the ongoing Middle East conflict.He added that Pakistan overcame these challenges using its indigenous resources and did not seek foreign assistance in this regard. He emphasized that in order to generate revenue, the expansion of the tax net is inevitable. He said that a fixed tax scheme is being introduced for small traders and retailers.Outlining details of the scheme, Bilal Azhar Kayani said that the scheme carries a fixed tax rate of one percent, while any withholding tax already deducted will be adjusted against it.

MUZAFFARABAD: The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced a strike and long march on June 9, amid ongoing tensions over its demands and negotiations with the government, ARY News reportedAccording to officials, despite what they described as serious efforts by the government to engage in dialogue, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has maintained its protest call and adopted what authorities termed a rigid stance.Government sources alleged that the committee is attempting to pressure the administration through street protests under the pretext of public issues, questioning the intent behind what they described as disruptive political activity.While reiterating that peaceful protest is a democratic right, officials stressed that blocking roads and disrupting public life would not be permitted. They said all political stakeholders in AJK, including opposition parties, appear aligned against the politics of agitation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcLA32CMD6sAuthorities further said that the resolutions of the All Parties Conference, later endorsed by the Azad Kashmir Assembly, reflect a broader democratic consensus. They warned that any attempt to disturb law and order would be dealt with strictly under the law.Officials also said that disrupting the electoral process on June 9 would not serve public interests but would instead undermine democratic procedures. They urged citizens to place trust in voting, dialogue, and constitutional means rather than pressure-based politics by Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).The government maintained that it has kept channels of negotiation open, but accused the JAAC of opting for confrontation instead of constructive engagement.Also Read: AJK Govt files reference in SC over refugees' seats in assembly

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Friday staged protests across Karachi against the worsening water shortage in the city, warning that it could launch a strike if authorities fail to restore adequate water supply.The party's main demonstration was held outside the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) headquarters, where a large number of protesters gathered carrying banners and placards highlighting the city's prolonged water crisis.According to a JI spokesperson, the protest was organized against what the party described as an artificial water shortage and the continued failure to provide adequate water to Karachi residents.Addressing the protesters, JI Karachi acting chief and Leader of the Opposition in KMC, Saifuddin Advocate, said demonstrations were being held across the city to draw attention to the growing water crisis.He criticized city authorities for failing to address the issue, saying Karachi routinely receives less water than its actual requirement despite repeated assurances from Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC)."If water is being supplied through the Hub Canal and repairs to the Dhabeji transmission lines have been completed, then why is more than half of Karachi still deprived of water?" he questioned.Saifuddin Advocate also highlighted the delay in the long-awaited K-IV water supply project, stating that despite being initiated more than two decades ago, the project remains incomplete.He said residents faced severe hardships during Eid al-Adha holidays due to water shortages, while the prices of private water tankers surged significantly amid rising demand.Questioning the frequent breakdowns in Dhabeji water supply lines, he alleged that disruptions often occur ahead of major occasions such as Ramadan and Eid, further aggravating the crisis.The JI leader demanded that authorities ensure water is supplied through pipelines rather than forcing citizens to rely on expensive water tankers.Water Crisis deepens in Karachi as supply suspended in some areas for almost a month

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has released its latest mark-to-market currency rates on Friday, June 5, 2026 showing PKR's strength against major foreign currencies like US Dollar, Saudi Riyal, UAE Dirham, Australian Dollar and others. US Dollar (USD) The US Dollar is trading at 278.4117 PKR in the ready market today. That's pretty much where it has been hovering for weeks now — stuck in that 278–280 corridor that traders have grown used to.The 1-week forward is barely higher at 278.8219, and even the 1-year tenor is sitting at 291.2735, suggesting the market isn't expecting any dramatic moves anytime soon. For ordinary folks and businesses alike, this stability is a mixed bag — it keeps import costs predictable but also signals the central bank is keeping a tight leash on things. Saudi Riyal (SAR)The Saudi Riyal rate (SAR to PKR) is marked at 74.1561 PKR today. With millions of Pakistani workers sending money home from Saudi Arabia every month, this rate matters to a lot of households. The 1-year forward at 77.3964 shows a modest premium building up, which is pretty standard given the peg to the dollar. For families in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa especially, even a few paisas here and there add up when remittances come in. UAE Dirham (AED)The Emirati dirham rate (AED to PKR) is quoted at 75.8057 PKR for ready transactions. Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain massive sources of remittance flows, and the dirham's rock-solid dollar peg means it moves in lockstep with the greenback. The 1-year forward at 79.3477 reflects that same gradual depreciation the market is pricing in across the board. Workers in Sharjah and Ajman will be watching this one closely as they plan their monthly transfers. Qatari Riyal (QAR)Qatar's currency stands at 76.4282 PKR today. The Pakistani community there — busy in construction, services, and the energy sector — keeps a steady stream of riyals flowing back home. The rate has been steady, and the forward curve shows the same gentle upward slope you'd expect. Nothing dramatic, just the usual grind. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)The Kuwaiti dinar is, as always, the big kahuna at 907.0261 PKR. That's nearly a thousand rupees for a single dinar, which is why a remittance from Kuwait can go a long way for families back home. The 1-year forward is touching 955.1518, a chunky premium that reflects both the dinar's strength and the rupee's gradual drift. Pakistani workers in Kuwait have every reason to feel their earnings stretch further than most. Bahraini Dinar (BHD)Bahrain's dinar is sitting at 739.2966 PKR today. It's another high-value Gulf currency that punches above its weight for remittance families. The 1-year forward at 769.3437 shows the market expects this premium to hold. The Pakistani community in Manama and beyond has deep roots, and this rate directly affects how far their money goes when it lands in a bank account in Karachi or Lahore.Australian Dollar (AUD)The Aussie dollar is at 198.5910 PKR today, which is a touch softer than where it was trading a couple of weeks ago. Commodity prices and what the Reserve Bank of Australia is up to both play into this. For Pakistani students in Sydney and Melbourne, or importers bringing in Australian goods, this rate sets the tone for their budgets. The 1-year forward at 206.1270 suggests the market sees some room for the AUD to firm up against the rupee over time.Canadian Dollar (CAD)The loonie is marked at 200.5053 PKR today, keeping a slight edge over the Aussie. Canada's Pakistani diaspora — particularly in the Greater Toronto Area and Vancouver — keeps the CAD/PKR cross busy with remittance flows. The 1-year forward at 212.7762 points to gradual depreciation pressure on the rupee side. For families with kids studying in Canadian universities, every paisa counts, and this rate is their starting point. Other Major Currencies Currency Ready Rate (PKR) 1-Year Forward (PKR) Euro EUR 324.0016 343.5420 British Pound GBP 374.3941 390.6357 Japanese Yen JPY 1.7407 1.8746 Swiss Franc CHF 353.4713 384.6099 Swedish Krona SEK 29.7993 31.7254 Norwegian Krone NOK 29.8299 30.9903 Danish Krone DKK 43.3487 46.1244 New Zealand Dollar NZD 163.5251 172.3932 Singapore Dollar SGD 216.8653 232.7465 Hong Kong Dollar HKD 35.5416 37.3537 Malaysian Ringgit MYR 69.0506 72.8913 Indian Rupee INR 2.9227 2.9735 South African Rand ZAR 17.0904 17.3346 Omani Rial OMR 723.1096 756.3483 Thai Baht THB 8.5311 9.0784 Turkish Lira TRY 6.0413 4.5132 Indonesian Rupiah IDR 0.0155 0.0157 Mexican Peso MXN 16.1112 16.3310 Russian Ruble RUB 3.7669 3.5452 South Korean Won KRW 0.1808 0.1905 Chinese Yuan CNY 41.1249 44.1509 Bangladeshi Taka BDT 2.2682 — Brazilian Real BRL 54.9732 — Argentine Peso ARS 0.1937 — Kazakhstani Tenge KZT 0.5714 0.5971 Note: BDT, BRL, and ARS show zero values across forward tenors, meaning there's basically no forward market for these. The Turkish lira's 1-year forward at 4.5132 is actually below the spot, which is an odd quirk worth watching.

ISLAMABAD: The planned deployment of Islamabad Police personnel to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for upcoming electoral duties has reportedly been cancelled, official sources told ARY News.Sources said that the decision was taken after a significant portion of Islamabad Police was already being sent to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), which affected the availability of additional force required for upcoming GB elections.According to details, the Gilgit-Baltistan government had formally requested the assistance of Islamabad Police to ensure security arrangements during the election process.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PBZXlWyR98Under the initial plan, personnel from multiple branches of Islamabad Police were scheduled to be dispatched to Gilgit-Baltistan to support local law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order.Officials sources further noted that due to ongoing deployment commitments in Azad Kashmir, Islamabad Police could not spare additional manpower for GB elections at this stage.As a result, the proposed inter-provincial deployment was put on hold, and no final schedule for sending the force to Gilgit-Baltistan has been issued so far. Two killed in aerial firing during PML-N rally in Gilgit-Baltistan Meanwhile, at least two people were killed and two others injured following a firing incident during a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) election rally in the Tangir area of Gilgit-Baltistan, police said.The incident occurred during an election campaign rally for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections. The video of the incident went viral on the internet.According to police, a child died on the spot after being struck by a bullet, while three other people sustained serious injuries.One of the injured later succumbed to his wounds while undergoing treatment at a hospital, raising the death toll to two.Initial investigations suggest that the incident occurred during aerial firing at the rally. Police said an AK-47 (Kalashnikov) slipped from the hands of a rally participant, causing bullets to be fired toward the crowd.Local police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and launched an investigation into the incident.Also Read: 403 candidates in the race as Gilgit-Baltistan heads to polls