KARACHI/LAHORE, June 2, 2026 — The Iranian Rial (IRR) continued its steady trading pattern against the Pakistani Rupee today, with one Rial valued at 0.000206 Pakistani Rupees according to mid-market exchange data.This means that 4,854 Rials are being sold for a single Pakistani Rupee, reflecting modest volatility in the cross-border currency pair.Market observers note that the IRR PKR rate has seen a slight downward adjustment of 2.91 percent over the past thirty days, with the pair trading between a high of 0.000213 and a low of 0.000206 during that period.Currency analysts attribute the movement to broader regional economic conditions, including fluctuations in energy markets and shifting trade dynamics between South Asian and Middle Eastern economies.For those tracking larger transactions, one crore Iranian Rials, equivalent to ten million Rials, converts to approximately 2,060 Pakistani Rupees at the current mid-market rate. This figure serves as a useful reference for traders and businesses engaged in cross-border commerce, though actual exchange counters typically apply service fees or spreads that may adjust the final amount received.In Lahore's bustling forex corridors, exchange bureaus report consistent demand for Iranian currency from traders engaged in cross-border commerce. "We see regular inquiries from businesspeople who import goods from Iran or support family members across the border," said a currency dealer who requested anonymity. "The rate has been relatively stable this week, which helps with planning."The Pakistani Rupee itself has shown resilience against major currencies, with the USD PKR pair settling near 278 earlier today. This relative strength has indirectly supported the Rupee's position against smaller regional currencies including the Rial.For travelers and small-scale traders, the current rate means that 10,000 Iranian Rials would convert to roughly 2.06 Pakistani Rupees at the mid-market rate. However, actual exchange counters typically apply service fees or spreads, so customers should expect to receive slightly less when converting physical banknotes.Financial advisors recommend that anyone planning significant currency exchanges monitor rates throughout the day, as forex markets can shift quickly in response to economic announcements or geopolitical developments. Online platforms and licensed exchange houses remain the most transparent options for obtaining current rates before conducting transactions.As regional trade ties continue to evolve, currency pairs like IRR to PKR serve as important indicators of economic connectivity between neighboring markets.

On June 2, 2026, the Omani Riyal (OMR) was recorded at approximately Rs. 717.70 for buying and Rs. 727.25 for selling against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).A day earlier, on June 1, the Omani Riyal was slightly higher against the Pakistani Rupee at Rs. 719.15 for buying and Rs. 730.25 for selling, showing a marginal downward adjustment in the latest session.Pegged Currency Supports StabilityThe Omani Riyal remains one of the most stable regional currencies due to its long-standing peg to the US dollar at 1 OMR = 2.6008 USD, a system in place since 1986. This fixed arrangement shields the currency from global volatility, making its movement against the Pakistani Rupee largely dependent on PKR-side economic conditions rather than fluctuations in the Riyal itself.Remittances and External Flows Support PKRPakistani Rupee performance against the Omani Riyal continues to be influenced by strong remittance inflows from Gulf countries, including Oman. These inflows play a crucial role in supporting the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and help limit sharp volatility in the exchange rate.Trade and Economic Linkages Remain SteadyPakistan and Oman share steady trade relations, with bilateral trade estimated at around $1–1.2 billion annually. Pakistan exports textiles, rice, and agricultural products, while importing energy-related commodities from Oman.Analysts note that relative exchange rate stability supports predictable trade costs and long-term business planning between the two countries.Impact on Overseas Workers and HouseholdsThe stable Omani Riyal continues to benefit Pakistani workers in Oman, where remittances remain a key source of household income. At current rates, a monthly salary of 500 OMR equals approximately Rs. 362,000, providing significant financial support to families in Pakistan. Conversely, Rs. 1,000 converts to around 1.38 OMR, reflecting the Pakistani Rupee’s comparatively lower value.Outlook Remains Stable in Near TermMarket analysts expect the Omani Riyal to Pakistani Rupee exchange rate to remain broadly stable in the coming weeks, with limited volatility due to the Riyal’s dollar peg. Movement in the pair is likely to depend primarily on Pakistan’s macroeconomic conditions, including inflation trends, external financing needs, and foreign exchange reserves.Disclaimer: Exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day and may vary across banks, exchange companies, and market platforms depending on demand and liquidity conditions.

The UK Pound (GBP) to Pakistani Rupee (PKR) exchange rate recorded minor fluctuations in the open market, reflecting ongoing pressure on the local currency amid global and domestic economic developments.On June 2, 2026, the UK Pound was traded against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) at Rs. 372.52 for buying and Rs. 378.20 for selling in the open market.A day earlier, on June 1, the UK Pound stood slightly higher on the buying side at Rs. 372.98, while the selling rate was marginally lower at Rs. 378.10. The movement indicates a narrow but noticeable adjustment in currency trading within 24 hours.Mixed Economic Signals Driving Currency MovementMarket analysts attribute the UK Pound’s relative strength to the United Kingdom’s stable macroeconomic outlook and expectations of continued monetary discipline from the Bank of England. The British currency remains firm globally, supported by investor confidence and steady policy direction.In contrast, the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) continues to face pressure due to external financing needs, import demand, and ongoing obligations under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has maintained its benchmark interest rate at 10.50% as part of efforts to balance inflation control with economic growth.Impact on Trade, Education, and Household RemittancesThe exchange rate trend is increasing costs for import-dependent businesses in Pakistan, particularly those dealing in machinery, healthcare equipment, and other UK-linked goods. A standard £10,000 import payment now costs around Rs. 3.78 million, highlighting the growing burden on corporate budgets.The education sector is also affected, as families funding studies in the United Kingdom face higher expenses. Annual costs ranging between £15,000 and £25,000 now translate into significantly larger rupee outflows, depending on exchange rate fluctuations.However, the stronger pound is benefiting households receiving remittances from the UK. At current rates, sending £100 yields approximately Rs. 37,800, providing increased purchasing power for families in Pakistan and supporting domestic consumption.Outlook Remains Sensitive to Global and Domestic FactorsAnalysts expect the UK Pound to the Pakistani Rupee parity to remain relatively stable with a mild upward bias in the near term. Future movement will largely depend on upcoming UK economic data releases and policy signals from the Bank of England, which could trigger short-term volatility in global currency markets.For Pakistan, maintaining foreign exchange stability will depend on sustained remittance inflows, export growth, and continued progress on external financing arrangements.Disclaimer: Exchange rates vary throughout the day and may differ across banks and exchange companies depending on market demand and liquidity conditions.

ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed 17 Indian sponsored "Fitna Al Hindustan" terrorists during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in different areas of Balochistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).The military’s media wing said that, post-train incident on 24 May 2026, Security Forces conducted series of intelligence based operations in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Ketch districts of Balochistan province.During the conduct of these operations, own troops effectively engaged multiple terrorist locations. Following intense and fierce exchanges of fire, seventeen terrorist belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Hindustan have were gun down, giving a significant blow to the terrorist networks operating in these areas.Also Read: Death toll in Quetta blast rises to 16Weapons, ammunition and large cache of explosives and prepared Improvised Explosive Devices have also been recovered from a killed Indian-sponsored terrorist, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.Sanitisation operations continue to eliminate terrorists from these areas, as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

ISLAMABAD: Timely action by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) at Islamabad airport saved a precious human life, ARY News reported.According to details, a passenger aboard Abu Dhabi-bound PIA flight PK-261, which had departed from Islamabad, experienced severe chest pain mid-flight.The airline's crew and management quickly decided to divert the flight to Karachi Airport to ensure the passenger, identified as Muhammad Sadaqat, received immediate emergency medical treatment.All necessary medical arrangements were finalized on the ground prior to the aircraft's landing.Upon arrival, the passenger was immediately transferred to a specialized cardiac hospital in Karachi.Read More: PIA set to be fully privatisedFollowing successful treatment, the passenger safely returned to Islamabad this morning aboard PIA flight PK-300. 

KARACHI: The Pakistan stock exchange (PSX) ended in positive territory on the trading session on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index rising by 421.57 points, or 0.25 percent, to close at 171,021.77.The index traded at PSX within a range of 1,607.89 points during the session, touching an intraday high of 171,856.36 and a low of 170,248.47.Market participation remained mixed. In the ready market, 221 companies advanced, 226 declined, and 41 remained unchanged, highlighting a broadly balanced trading session.Overall turnover in the ready market stood at 550.79 million shares, compared with 589.75 million in the previous session.Traded value also declined to Rs. 27.44 billion from Rs. 31.98 billion, indicating reduced trading activity despite index gains.

RAWALPINDI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has asserted that "no power" can remove him from his post, as he was appointed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan, ARY News reported.Speaking to the media at the Factory Checkpost in Rawalpindi, Sohail Afridi stated that he would remain the Chief Minister unless a direct message to the contrary comes from Adiala Jail.He claimed that no one has the authority to dismiss the KP government except the party’s founding chairman, adding that all party MPAs stand united under the PTI flag.Critiquing the federal government’s upcoming budget, Afridi warned that it would "suck the blood of the masses once again," pointing out that Pakistan's internal and external loans have now surpassed 97,000 billion rupees.He noted that the government’s tax collection fell short of its targets and alleged that the budget would be passed through political compromise ("give and take").He added that the trade deficit is on the rise, with the entire financial burden ultimately being shifted onto the public.The Chief Minister also demanded that Imran Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital, where he could receive treatment under the supervision of his personal doctors and in the presence of his family. He accused the government of having ulterior motives for denying meetings with the PTI founder."If they are not allowing me to meet Imran Khan, they should at least allow his family to meet him," Afridi urged.Read More: PTI's Salman Raja says he was expelled from Gilgit-BaltistanReiterating that PTI is synonymous with Imran Khan, he maintained that rumors of a "forward block" within the KP assembly are mere propaganda designed to distract the public while the government prepares a harsh budget.

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has announced that overseas Pakistanis will now be able to invest in Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) in Saudi Arabian riyals and UAE dirhams, broadening the range of currencies available under the investment scheme.In a circular issued, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said all commercial banks had been informed that the Finance Division of Pakistan had approved the issuance of NPCs in both currencies, Saudi Arabian Riyals and UAE Dirhams.Under the revised profit rates, investments in Saudi Riyals and UAE Dirhams will earn returns of 6.5 percent for three months, 6.75 percent for six months, and 7 percent for one year.Three-year and five-year NPC will offer returns of 7.25 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively.Returns on NPC investment in US dollars remain slightly higher, with investors receiving 6.75 percent on three-month deposits, 7 percent on six-month deposits, and 7.25 percent on one-year investments.The rates rise to 7.5 percent and 7.75 percent for three-year and five-year tenors.The highest returns continue to be offered on certificates denominated in Pakistani rupees, which provide profits ranging from 11.75 percent to 12.75 percent, depending on the investment period.By contrast, euro-denominated certificates offer the lowest returns, ranging from 4.75 percent for three months to 5.5 percent for one year.Launched in 2020 under the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative, Naya Pakistan Certificates have become a key source of overseas investment.According to SBP data, total inflows through RDAs have reached $12.74 billion, with more than 62 percent invested in NPCs.The central bank said approximately $8.15 billion of those inflows had been utilised within Pakistan, while the country's net repatriable liability stood at about $2.44 billion.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan interrupted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, questioning why the provincial government was moving ahead with the budget before a meeting with the party founder.The exchange took place during a sit-in staged by PTI leaders and the founder's family members after they were denied a meeting with him.As Afridi addressed reporters, Aleema Khan objected to the approval of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget and urged him first to secure a meeting with Imran Khan. She said the founder had previously directed that budget-related matters should be discussed with him before any final decision."Why are you passing the budget? First arrange my meeting with him," she said, adding that the PTI founder had also raised the issue during last year's budget process.Aleema Khan further alleged that the PTI founder was being kept isolated, calling the situation unlawful and unconstitutional.Also Read: Aleema Khan wants leadership through ‘accident politics’, claims Talal ChaudhryEarlier, Afridi told reporters that he would remain chief minister until he received different instructions from Imran Khan. He rejected reports of divisions within the party and maintained that only the founder could decide the future of the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.He also criticized the upcoming federal budget, claiming it would place a greater burden on the public, while stating that the KP cabinet had already approved a balanced provincial budget. 

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has published its latest mark-to-market revaluation rates for Tuesday with all major international currency rates against PKR, mainly the US Dollar, Saudi Riyal, UAE Dirham, UK Pound and Canadian Dollar. US Dollar (USD) The greenback opens the month at 278.4634 PKR for spot transactions, maintaining its position within the familiar 278–280 band that has defined interbank activity through much of 2026. The marginal softening from mid-May levels suggests measured central bank guidance, with the SBP likely intervening to prevent excessive volatility while preserving reserve buffers. The 1-year forward rate of 292.1822 PKR indicates markets are pricing in gradual rupee depreciation over the coming twelve months. FOREX RATES - LATEST UPDATES Saudi Riyal (SAR) The riyal from the Kingdom is quoted at 74.1995 PKR today. As the currency of choice for Pakistan's largest overseas workforce, the SAR rate holds outsized importance for millions of families who depend on monthly remittance flows from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The peg to the US dollar ensures the riyal moves in lockstep with greenback fluctuations, offering stability to both senders and recipients. UAE Dirham (AED) The Emirati dirham stands at 75.8208 PKR, reflecting its rigid dollar peg. With the UAE ranking among Pakistan's top remittance corridors, this rate serves as a critical reference for workers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the northern emirates. The consistency of the AED/PKR pair provides a degree of predictability in an otherwise uncertain economic environment. Qatari Riyal (QAR) Qatar's currency is marked at 76.3907 PKR in today's SBP circular. The rate matters significantly for the Pakistani community engaged in Qatar's infrastructure and service sectors, as well as for businesses involved in bilateral trade and LNG-related transactions. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) The Kuwaiti dinar retains its crown as the highest-valued currency in the SBP's table, trading at 907.6382 PKR. Backed by substantial hydrocarbon wealth and prudent fiscal stewardship, the dinar's elevated rate translates into substantial remittance value for Pakistani workers in the emirate, even as the currency's limited float keeps movements tightly constrained. Bahraini Dinar (BHD) The dinar from Manama is set at 738.6198 PKR. Bahrain hosts one of the oldest Pakistani expatriate communities in the Gulf, and the BHD rate remains a key metric for households with breadwinners employed in the kingdom's financial and service sectors. Australian Dollar (AUD) The Aussie dollar is valued at 200.0342 PKR today. Sensitive to commodity price swings and Reserve Bank of Australia policy signals, the AUD has shown measured movement. The rate is particularly relevant for Pakistani students enrolled in Australian universities and for importers sourcing agricultural and mineral commodities from down under. Canadian Dollar (CAD) The loonie trades at 201.1946 PKR, providing a reference point for Canada's sizeable Pakistani diaspora. With significant communities in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, the CAD rate influences both remittance decisions and educational funding arrangements across the trans-Pacific corridor. Other Major Currencies Currency Code Ready Rate (PKR) Euro EUR 324.4098 British Pound GBP 375.1876 Swiss Franc CHF 354.8434 Japanese Yen JPY 1.7439 Chinese Yuan CNY 41.1782 Indian Rupee INR 2.9244 Malaysian Ringgit MYR 70.2304 New Zealand Dollar NZD 165.2959 Singapore Dollar SGD 217.9497 Norwegian Krone NOK 30.0141 Swedish Krona SEK 30.0279 Danish Krone DKK 43.4065 Hong Kong Dollar HKD 35.5267 Omani Rial OMR 723.2627 South African Rand ZAR 17.1926 Thai Baht THB 8.6602 Turkish Lira TRY 6.0632 Indonesian Rupiah IDR 0.0160 Mexican Peso MXN 16.0889 Russian Ruble RUB 3.8377 South Korean Won KRW 0.1834 Kazakhstani Tenge KZT 0.5652 Brazilian Real BRL 55.4029 Argentine Peso ARS 0.1951 Bangladeshi Taka BDT 2.2686 Note: Zero values across forward tenors for BRL, BDT, ARS, and select other currencies indicate thin or absent forward market liquidity.

LAHORE: The City Traffic Police (CTP) Lahore, Punjab, has launched a mobile application, “RASTA,” for citizens to access real-time traffic advisories and choose less congested routes.According to the CTP Lahore, the application is designed to help motorists avoid traffic congestion, save travel time, and reduce fuel consumption through timely route guidance.The RASTA app also offers features aimed at improving commuting efficiency, including traffic updates, route planning, and travel alerts.The CTP have also encouraged motorists to use the RASTA app to select the most convenient routes, helping them save both time and fuel.It was also cautioned that drivers who do not use the application are more likely to encounter congestion, resulting in longer travel times and higher fuel consumption.Traffic police officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance urban mobility and provide motorists with modern digital tools for safer and more convenient travel across Lahore.The application is available for download on both Android app on Google Play and and iOS platforms.

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has announced that electricity consumers will receive a relief of 20 paisa per unit in June 2026.According to an official statement, the monthly fuel adjustment has been recorded at 1.73 rupees per unit, while the quarterly adjustment stands at a negative 1.93 rupees per unit.The statement said the quarterly adjustment is higher than the monthly increase, resulting in an overall benefit of 20 paisa per unit for consumers. It added that electricity rates in June will remain in line with the prices from January to May 2026.The Power Division further said that the quarterly adjustment will provide a total relief of around 65 billion rupees. It added that reductions in line losses and improved electricity demand have helped pass on additional benefits to consumers.Also Read: Electricity bill subsidy: Step-by-step procedure revealedThe statement also noted a negative change of 46 billion rupees in the expected base tariff, which has worked in favour of consumers.The division said that tensions between Iran and the United States had put pressure on global energy markets, pushing Brent crude price estimates from 70 dollars to as high as 120 dollars per barrel. It added that timely government measures helped prevent a larger increase in electricity prices.According to the statement, a possible increase of 5 to 6 rupees per unit in April was limited to 1.73 rupees. It said these steps helped avoid an additional burden of around 38 billion rupees on consumers.The Power Division said that through controlled load management and the use of local gas and furnace oil, the government managed to handle the energy situation and keep electricity prices stable despite global and regional challenges.

SKARDU: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stated on Tuesday that he and other party leaders, including Shaukat Basra, Naeem Panjutha, and Zaheer Babar, were stopped upon entering Gilgit-Baltistan for an election campaign, ARY News reported.The PTI leader took to X to share that they were barred at the Jal Thana checkpoint within the limits of Gilgit-Baltistan and were not allowed to proceed.He further claimed that the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) already had a list of their names specifically to block their entry into the region. گلگت بلتستان سے صوبہ بدر ہوتے وقت انصاف سٹوڈنٹس کے دوستوں کے ہمراہ جابر کو پیغام : تم جھوٹ، فریب اور دھونس ہو۔ حق، سچ اور شرافت ہر پاکستانی کا ایمان ہے۔ جیت ہمارا مقدر ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/EGtwXTqh9Y — salman akram raja (@salmanAraja) June 2, 2026 Raja added that he, along with his fellow PTI leaders and members of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF), were ultimately expelled from the province.The GB Election Commission had announced that general elections in the region would be held on June 7 after a four-month delay.On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Superemo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari both visited Gilgit Baltistan today.Read More: "Vote or not, I will work for Gilgit Baltistan," says Nawaz SharifThe duo addressed their respective election campaign rallies.

SKARDU: Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has said that Gilgit-Baltistan should be given powers similar to those granted to Pakistan’s provinces under the 18th Amendment.Addressing a public gathering in Skardu, he said the PPP wants to strengthen Pakistan economically and believes in a long-standing political and generational connection with the people.Bilawal noted that the political atmosphere in the last election was one of celebration, while the current environment feels more like mourning.He said the PPP remains the only party that truly represents the poor and working class. According to him, the party has consistently supported farmers and labourers and believes real national progress comes only when the lower-income segments of society are uplifted.Also Read: "Vote or not, I will work for Gilgit Baltistan," says Nawaz SharifHe criticized opposing political parties, saying they believe that supporting the wealthy alone leads to national development. “This approach only makes the rich richer and the poor poorer,” he said, adding that development should ensure fair income for farmers and jobs for young people.He also highlighted the contributions of former leaders, saying Zulfikar Ali Bhutto empowered workers by giving them ownership in industries, while Benazir Bhutto was remembered for her focus on jobs and social support programs. He added that Asif Ali Zardari continued those policies through initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme.Referring to national security, Bilawal said Pakistan is the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear capability, which he claimed prevents other countries from viewing it aggressively. He added that the country’s nuclear programme was initiated under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

GILGIT: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Tuesday claimed that he and several other PTI leaders were barred from entering Gilgit-Baltistan.In a post on X, Raja said that he, along with PTI leaders Shaukat Basra, Naeem Haider Panjutha and Zaheer Babar, was travelling to Gilgit-Baltistan to campaign for the party ahead of the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections.According to Raja, police stopped their convoy within the jurisdiction of the Jal Police Station as they attempted to enter Gilgit-Baltistan. آج مجھے شوکت بسرا، نعیم پنجوتھہ اور ظہیر بابر کو گلگت بلتستان داخل ہوتے ہی جل تھانہ کی حدود میں آگے جانے سے روک دیا گیا۔ میرا نام ڈی آیس پی کے پاس درج تھا۔ ہمیں اور آئی ایس ایف کے آئے دوستوں کو پولیس کی گاڑیوں کے نرغے میں صوبہ بدر کر دیا گیا ہے۔ عمران خان اور آزادی _ قوم کا فیصلہ pic.twitter.com/CDSXrcr1Gd — salman akram raja (@salmanAraja) June 2, 2026 "Shaukat Basra, Naeem Panjutha, Zaheer Babar and I were stopped as soon as we entered Gilgit-Baltistan," Raja wrote on X.He claimed that the police informed them that the road ahead was closed. However, he alleged that authorities had already prepared a list of names to prevent them from proceeding.Raja further claimed that he and members of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) who accompanied the delegation were escorted out of the region under police supervision. 403 candidates to contest from 24 constituencies Meanwhile, the final list of candidates for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly General Elections 2026 was released on Tuesday, showing that a total of 403 candidates will contest elections across 24 constituencies.According to data released by the Election Commission, 272 independent candidates are in the race, while 131 candidates are contesting on tickets of various political parties.Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) leads the field with 23 candidates, followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 22 candidates.Read More: Junaid Akbar among PTI leaders taken into custody in GBOther political parties participating in the elections include Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) with 15 candidates, Pakistan Muslim League with 11, Islami Tehreek Pakistan and Pakistan Nazriyati Party with 10 candidates each, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) with 9 candidates.Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) has fielded 7 candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have nominated 6 candidates each. Awami Workers Party is represented by 4 candidates.Constituency-wise details indicate that the most competitive contest is expected in GBA-2 Gilgit-II, where 40 candidates are vying for a single seat. The second-largest contest will take place in GBA-14 Astore-II, where 33 candidates are in the running. In contrast, GBA-24 Ghanche-III has the fewest candidates, with only 6 contestants.The document also highlights the limited participation of women in the electoral process. Out of the total 403 candidates, only 8 are women. Among them, five are contesting as independent candidates, while one each represents Pakistan Peoples Party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and Pakistan National Party.Following the issuance of the final candidate list, election campaigns have gained momentum across Gilgit-Baltistan. Political parties and independent candidates have intensified voter outreach efforts, resulting in heightened political activity throughout the region ahead of the polls.

KARACHI: Police on Tuesday arrested an alleged drug dealer, identified as Shireen alias Sherina, during an operation in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, days after the arrest of high-profile cocaine suspect Anmol alias Pinky.According to police, the suspect was arrested along with her two sons near Kamran Chowrangi following a tip-off.Investigators said Shireen is allegedly involved in the sale of heroin, hashish and other narcotics and has been named in dozens of criminal cases related to drug trafficking.Officials claimed that Shireen previously ran what was considered one of the largest drug distribution networks in the Sohrab Goth area before relocating to Gulistan-e-Jauhar following repeated police raids.Police said around 35 cases have been registered against the suspect. In one previous case, a hand grenade was also allegedly recovered from her possession. Read More: Anmol Pinky: Cocaine being supplied in ‘chips packets’ in Karachi According to investigators, after moving to a flat in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, the suspect adopted a new method of selling drugs, allegedly supplying heroin to drug addicts through the window of her apartment while buyers consumed the narcotics in the street outside.Police further said that the suspect's husband and sons have also been named in multiple criminal cases and have been arrested on several occasions in the past.Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East said Shireen had previously been imprisoned in a drug-related case and was released from jail about two years ago. However, she resumed drug trafficking activities after her release.A case has been registered against the suspects, and further investigations are underway. Police said efforts are continuing to identify other individuals allegedly linked to the network.

GILGIT: "You cast the vote to the PML-N or not, I will ensure providing facilities to Gilgit Baltistan", former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said while addressing an election rally in Gilgit on Tuesday."We had built roads, hospital and airport here, tell the name of any party who had lay a brick of a project in the region," PML-N President said.Nawaz Sharif said that he will personally monitor the projects that will begin now. "I will visit Gilgit Baltistan in every two months, if we will form the government here," he said."I am feeling sad seeing the condition of roads here," Nawaz Sharif said."I will assure to dispatch electric buses here like the buses running in Punjab," he said.Promising to provide scholarships and laptops to local students, Nawaz said that the interest-free loans and job opportunities will be provided to the young men of the region.

PESHAWAR: At least six children were killed and an 11-year-old girl was injured after the roof of a house collapsed in Rahimabad village of the Kozah Alpuri area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla district, rescue officials said on Tuesday.According to Rescue 1122, seven children were trapped under the debris when the roof suddenly caved in during the early hours of the morning.Rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call and launched an operation to retrieve the victims from beneath the rubble.Despite efforts by rescuers, six children were pronounced dead, while one girl was pulled out alive and shifted to a hospital for treatment.Police said the incident occurred at around 2:15am.The deceased were identified as Nazira Bibi, 14, Samira Bibi, 13, Rizwan, 4, Nayab, 8, Haya Noor, aged between four and five years, and Umaira, aged between 12 and 13 years.The injured girl was identified as 11-year-old Marwa.Hospital sources said Marwa received first aid before being referred for further medical treatment.The rescue operation was supervised by District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 Shangla, Engineer Malik Sher Dil Khan, who said all available resources were utilised to complete the operation and recover those trapped under the debris.Read More: Three children among 5 injured in Afghan Taliban shelling on WaziristanPolice said the children's father had passed away some time ago.Funeral prayers for the deceased children were later offered in Rahimabad, attended by a large number of local residents. The victims were subsequently laid to rest in a local graveyard.

LAHORE: An 18-year-old housemaid died during an abortion procedure after allegedly being sexually assaulted in Lahore, police said on Tuesday.According to police, the victim was employed at a house in the Model Town area and had accused the son of the house owner and a driver of rape.She was initially admitted to a private clinic in Raiwind for a medical procedure and was later shifted to Services Hospital after her condition deteriorated.Police said the girl had given both written and video statements alleging gang rape. However, investigators added that she later changed her statement under alleged pressure, naming only the driver as the accused in her final statement.The victim remained under treatment at Services Hospital for two days before she died.Police said an FIR was registered on the basis of her initial statements, including allegations of gang rape, and charges of murder were later added to the case after her death.Authorities confirmed that one suspect, identified as the driver, has been arrested and sent to judicial remand.Read More: Viral video: Lahore Speedo Bus conductor arrested, sacked for assaulting young girlFollowing the addition of murder charges, police said the investigation has been transferred from the Gender Cell to the Investigation Wing, and notices have been issued to re-investigate the involvement of all suspects, including members of the household who were previously cleared during earlier proceedings.Police further said that statements recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and the final cause of death will be determined after the report is completed.Officials added that action will also be taken against the private clinic involved if evidence of negligence or unlawful procedure is found.

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided against presenting the FY2026-27 federal budget on June 05, sources said.The next fiscal year's budget is likely to be rescheduled to June 10 or 12.The government, however, doesn't take the final decision with regard to the new date of announcement of the next year's budget.Meanwhile, the National Economic Council's (NEC) session, which was scheduled on June 03 (Wednesday), has also been postponed.Read More: IMF pushes Pakistan to withdraw more tax concessions in upcoming budget"The change in budget schedule, has been made owing to the regional election in Gilgit-Baltistan", according to sources. Moreover, further talks are likely with the IMF over the development budget and other budget-related issues, sources added.The federal budget for 2026-27 was earlier scheduled to be presented in the National Assembly on June 5, 2026, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb delivering the budget speech.