LAHORE: The results (winners' list) of the second lucky draw under the Chief Minister of Punjab's Kissan Card program have been formally announced, with several fortunate farmers winning mobile phones through the scheme, ARY News reported.According to an official advertisement issued by the Government of Punjab, this special draw was exclusively held for farmers who had cleared their Kissan Card bills.In this second round, 10 lucky farmers from various districts across the province were selected to receive premium mobile phones.Complete List of Winners' Districts The official announcement detailed that the winning farmers hail from the following areas:BahawalnagarFaisalabadBhakkarRahim Yar KhanLodhranMultanChowk Sarwar ShaheedSargodhaSialkotChishtianThe initiative aims to reward active Kissan Card users while encouraging the farming community to adopt digital systems and modern agricultural facilities.The Punjab government has directed the successful candidates to contact their respective local agriculture officials with their identity documents (CNIC) to claim their prizes.Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasized that the government is simplifying the process of providing agricultural facilities, subsidies, and other state privileges to farmers. For further information or assistance, the farming community can contact the agriculture helpline at 0800-17000.List of the Winners.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, accompanied by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, toured major industrial enterprises in the city of Changzhou of China as Islamabad looks to attract investment and expand technology partnerships with Beijing.The delegation also visited StarCharge Group, a Chinese company specialising in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and smart energy technology, which operates in over 60 countries.Officials were briefed on the company’s work in EV charging systems, energy storage, cloud-based energy trading platforms and smart energy management solutions.Talks also focused on StarCharge’s plans for Pakistan, including proposals linked to EV infrastructure, localisation initiatives and industrial technology cooperation. Pakistani officials were informed about the establishment of the Chinese company’s local office and the deployment of resources to support long-term operations in the country.The Pakistani delegation later visited Changfa Group, a manufacturer of agricultural and industrial machinery known for producing tractors, diesel engines and other equipment.During the visit, Kingsbridge Ventures and Changfa signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring future cooperation opportunities in Pakistan.The agreement includes plans for phased localisation, technical collaboration and potential manufacturing projects linked to Pakistan’s industrial modernisation goals.The Pakistani delegation also held meetings with Changzhou Mayor Zhou Wei and senior municipal officials to discuss the city’s industrial development model and China’s broader manufacturing growth strategy.Both sides exchanged views on China’s industrial achievements, innovation-driven manufacturing growth, export-oriented policies, and investment facilitation mechanisms, with particular emphasis on identifying lessons and opportunities that could support Pakistan’s ongoing industrialization and economic transformation efforts.The two sides agreed to further strengthen future cooperation through enhanced industrial engagement, exchange of expertise and ideas, support for trade and investment expansion, and practical collaboration aimed at advancing Pakistan’s manufacturing capabilities and long-term industrial development objectives.The SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to creating an enabling environment for industrial growth and international partnerships, adding that such engagements will play an important role in attracting investment, promoting technology transfer, and accelerating economic progress.

LAHORE/PESHAWAR: The governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday announced Eid al-Adha holidays for their respective provinces, ARY News reported. Punjab has announced a three-day holiday for the festive occasion, running from May 26 to May 28, matching the schedule previously issued by the federal government. On the other hand, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced a four-day break, extending from May 26 to May 29. Eid-ul-Azha Holidays Notification :: 26-29 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/wH8GFpoBqn — Government of KP (@GovernmentKP) May 23, 2026 Similarly, the Sindh government has opted for a four-day holiday period from May 26 to May 29. Consequently, while the federal government and Punjab have settled on a three-day holiday for Eid, Sindh and KP residents will enjoy a four-day long weekend. The federal government made the decision regarding the holiday timeline to ensure that citizens working away from home have ample time to travel and celebrate the Eid holidays in their hometowns.

KARACHI: At the request of TransKarachi, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) will temporarily shut down the gas supply in areas surrounding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route near the NIPA flyover for the second consecutive week, ARY News reported.Work to lower a 20-inch high-pressure SSGC pipeline will be carried out along the BRT route near the NIPA flyover during the intervening night of May 23 and May 24.While SSGC will attempt to complete the project during the scheduled load-shedding hours from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM, the technical nature of the work means the shutdown is likely to be extended until 8:00 AM.During this period, the gas supply will be suspended or disrupted in several major areas and institutions, including Liaquat National Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and the Karachi Central Prison.Affected Areas Include: All blocks of Gulshan-e-IqbalPIB ColonyJamshed RoadLines AreaPECHSSaddarSSGC stated that consumers will be updated promptly as soon as the work is completed, after which the gas supply will be fully restored.It is mentioned that the regular shutdown of SSGC continues to affect Karachi from 10 am to 12 pm, then from 3 pm to 6 pm. Later, from 10 pm to 6 am the next morning.

Hunting for the latest copper price in Pakistan today or the 1 kg tamba rate on May 23, 2026? High-quality Millberry scrap copper is currently available at approximately Rs. 5,500 per kg across key cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Gujranwala. Refined new copper maintains a higher value, generally quoted from Rs. 5,800 to Rs. 6,200+ per kg based on quality, vendor, and area. On the world stage, copper prices demonstrated positive movement, with the benchmark reaching around $6.35 per pound (about $13,700+ per tonne on LME) after a daily increase of roughly 1.4%. This reflects solid gains over the past month and a strong year-on-year performance fueled by industrial needs and clean energy expansion.Copper Rates in Pakistan – May 23, 2026 High-quality Millberry scrap copper — the preferred grade in the market — remains firm at Rs. 5,500 per kg. Refined new copper, known for superior purity in industrial applications, carries a noticeable premium and is typically priced between Rs. 5,800 and Rs. 6,200+ per kg, especially in busy centers like Karachi and Lahore. Standard or mixed copper scrap displays broad differences, usually landing in the Rs. 2,100 to Rs. 3,500 per kg bracket according to condition and locality. Domestic rates stay elevated because of import tariffs, shipping expenses, taxes, reliable local requirements in electrical and building fields, and the existing USD/PKR exchange level.International Copper Prices – Global Overview (May 23, 2026) The global benchmark price sits near $6.35 per pound, showing a healthy daily advance. The 3-month LME copper futures are positioned in a strong zone. Recent weeks have delivered decent growth, with impressive year-on-year improvement. Converting at roughly 280 PKR per USD, the base international level equals about Rs. 3,900 – 4,000 per kg prior to duties, transport, and domestic adjustments. Experts anticipate copper trading near $6.35 by quarter close and climbing toward $7.04 over the next 12 months, backed by core strengths in power transition and manufacturing.Why Copper Rates Matter in 2026 Copper, famously known as “Dr. Copper,” functions as an immediate gauge of worldwide industrial and financial conditions. Steady or climbing prices often point to active production, major building projects, and progress in sustainable power areas. Present figures balance short-term shifts with powerful structural forces such as limited supplies and rising needs from electric vehicles, renewable power, battery systems, data hubs, and updated electricity networks. In Pakistan, movements in copper rates directly shape expenses for electrical cables and wiring, building scheme costs, solar and clean power setups, and earnings in scrap and recycling operations. This metal’s central position in worldwide power transformation guarantees firm future requirements.Key Uses Driving Copper Demand Copper’s remarkable electrical flow, rust protection, and recycling ability make it vital in numerous fields. It serves as the core for electrical wiring, power lines, engines, and converters in residences, workplaces, plants, and supply systems. The electric vehicle industry creates huge fresh requirements — a standard EV needs much more copper than regular cars, mainly for engines, batteries, and charging units. Clean power initiatives depend strongly on copper for solar panel links, wind turbine parts, and storage units. Building applications include strong plumbing tubes, roofs, and germ-resistant parts. Electronics, 5G systems, and AI data centers raise usage via fast cabling and boards. Notably, around 80% of all copper ever extracted stays active today because of superior recycling, aiding steady supply even as needs expand.

As of May 23, 2026, cement prices in Pakistan for a standard 50kg bag of ordinary Portland cement (OPC, typically 53 grade) range from approximately Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,610, depending on the brand, region, quality, and local dealer margins. The nationwide average sits around Rs. 1,400 to Rs. 1,560 per bag, with many popular options trading in the Rs. 1,540–1,580 range at retail level. In major cities: Karachi and southern markets (including other Sindh areas) often see more competitive rates, typically Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,520, benefiting from proximity to production plants and relatively lower freight costs. Lahore, Islamabad, and northern regions generally range from Rs. 1,400 to Rs. 1,610 (with some urban retail quotes higher), influenced by longer transportation distances and steady demand from residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. These authentic rates reflect the latest dealer and market updates as of May 23, 2026. Prices have shown modest firmness this month amid ongoing cost challenges. The ongoing Iran conflict (escalated since late February 2026) continues to disturb global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping international crude prices volatile and elevated. This has triggered repeated fuel hikes in Pakistan. Petrol currently stands at approximately Rs. 414–415 per litre and high-speed diesel at similar levels. Fuel costs have climbed dramatically — over 55–60% since the conflict began — substantially raising transportation expenses for cement (especially diesel for trucking) and energy costs for kiln operations. Despite this sustained pressure, robust domestic production, higher dispatches, and balanced supply have helped contain sharper spikes in cement bag prices so far.Cement Market Snapshot: Key Insights for Builders in Late May 2026 Pakistan’s construction sector continues to rely on cement as a foundational material for homes, roads, commercial developments, and large-scale government infrastructure initiatives. In late May 2026, the market displays balanced pricing amid global energy volatility from the Iran situation, backed by solid local demand. Today’s Cement Prices in Pakistan (Per 50kg Bag) Standard grey OPC cement trades in the Rs. 1,350–1,610 range across the country. Southern regions, particularly around Karachi and Sindh, maintain relatively competitive pricing near Rs. 1,350–1,520, while northern cities like Lahore and Islamabad typically see Rs. 1,400–1,610. These variations primarily arise from plant locations, freight charges, and regional demand patterns. The ripple effects of the Iran conflict on petrol and diesel prices have added to logistics and production costs, yet cement rates have experienced only gradual adjustments rather than major surges. This measured stability offers builders and homeowners a reasonable degree of predictability for planning renovations, new residential projects, or bigger developments. Practical tips for buyers right now: Compare quotes from multiple local suppliers to secure the most competitive rate. Inquire about bulk purchase discounts, which can help offset some of the fuel-driven cost increases. Keep an eye on energy price movements or any further policy responses to the Iran conflict that could influence future cement pricing. With sustained government emphasis on housing schemes and infrastructure spending, cement demand remains firm, supporting active supply chains. The recent fuel price volatility linked to the Iran war serves as a reminder of how international events can affect local construction costs, but current authentic rates still allow for effective budgeting in ongoing projects. For the most precise pricing in your area (especially in Sindh regions like Karachi or nearby), contact trusted local vendors or check daily dealer boards — small variations can occur based on immediate stock, delivery fees, or dealer margins. Staying informed on these real-time market rates, including the petrol price effects tied to the Iran conflict, helps keep your construction expenses under better control in Pakistan’s evolving building materials landscape.

ISLAMABAD: The Minister of State for Finance of Pakistan, Bilal Azhar Kayani, has assured traders that the government will consider introducing an ‘Easy Tax Scheme’ in budget 2026-27.A meeting was held between Bilal Azhar Kayani and a delegation from the Markazi Tanzeem Tajran Pakistan, led by its president Kashif Chaudhry in which discussions focused on the upcoming budget 2026-27, challenges faced by traders, and measures to broaden Pakistan’s tax base.Bilal Azhar Kayani said the government had been consulting traders for several months ahead of the budget 2026-27 in an effort to develop a cooperative framework that would benefit both businesses and the wider economy.The minister of state for finance has also acknowledged the trading sector’s role in driving economic activity and creating jobs, saying that all proposals submitted by traders would be reviewed carefully during the budget-making process.In the meeting, the president of the Markazi Tanzeem Tajran Pakistan, Kashif Chaudhry has also presented a detailed set of regulatory proposals for the retail and wholesale sectors.

The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) remained largely stable against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) during the week ending May 23, 2026, with only slight fluctuations recorded in Pakistan’s open market.As of May 23, 2026, the Kuwaiti Dinar was trading at Rs. 878.70 for buying and Rs. 889.25 for selling in the open market, reflecting a stable trend at the close of the trading week.A day earlier, on May 22, the buying rate of the Kuwaiti Dinar was recorded at Rs. 878.70, while the selling rate stood at Rs. 889.25, showing no major change in market activity.On May 21 and May 20, the Kuwaiti currency traded at Rs. 879.28 for buying and Rs. 890.25 for selling on both days, marking the highest selling rate recorded during the week.Earlier, on May 19, the Kuwaiti Dinar was trading at Rs. 879.18 for buying and Rs. 889.25 for selling in Pakistan’s currency market.The week began on May 18 with the Kuwaiti Dinar trading at approximately Rs. 879.28 for buying and Rs. 889.06 for selling in the open market.Overall, the KWD-PKR exchange rate remained within a narrow range throughout the week, indicating limited volatility in the foreign exchange market.Currency experts attributed the stable movement to balanced demand for Gulf currencies and consistent remittance inflows from overseas Pakistanis.The Kuwaiti Dinar remains one of the strongest and most valued foreign currencies traded in Pakistan due to strong employment and remittance links with Kuwait, where a significant Pakistani workforce resides.

The Omani Riyal (OMR) remained relatively stable against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) during the week ending May 23, 2026, with only minor fluctuations observed in Pakistan’s open market.As of May 23, 2026, the Omani Riyal was trading at Rs. 720.38 for buying and Rs. 731.25 for selling against Pakistani Rupee, unchanged from the previous trading session, reflecting a stable close to the trading week.A day earlier, on May 22, the buying rate of the OMR stood at Rs. 720.38, while the selling rate was recorded at Rs. 731.25 in the open market.On May 21 and May 20, the currency maintained a steady trend, with the buying rate recorded at Rs. 722.00 and the selling rate at Rs. 733.25 on both days, indicating limited movement in the foreign exchange market.Earlier in the week, on May 19, the OMR traded at Rs. 722.00 for buying and Rs. 732.25 for selling, showing slight stability compared to previous sessions.The week began on May 18 with the Omani Riyal trading at Rs. 722.05 for buying and Rs. 732.85 for selling in Pakistan’s open market.Overall, the weekly comparison showed marginal fluctuations in the OMR-PKR exchange rate, with the currency remaining within a narrow trading range throughout the week.Currency analysts attributed the stable trend to balanced demand for Gulf currencies, remittance inflows, and controlled activity in the local exchange market.The Omani Riyal remains an important foreign currency in Pakistan due to strong remittance flows and employment ties with Oman, where a large number of Pakistani expatriates are employed.

TEHRAN / ISLAMABAD — In a major diplomatic push to stabilize a volatile region, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has concluded a swift but "highly productive" official visit to Iran, signaling substantial progress toward a lasting regional peace agreement. The high-stakes visit comes amid simmering regional tensions following the April 8, 2026 ceasefire. Acting as a key mediator, Field Marshal Asim Munir engaged in intensive, round-the-clock negotiations with Iran's top civilian and military leadership to fast-track de-escalation efforts.High-Level Engagements in Tehran During his 24-hour visit, the Field Marshal held a series of critical meetings with Iran's highest officials to push the ongoing consultative process forward. His itinerary included meetings with: H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran H.E. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament H.E. Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran H.E. Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister of Iran (who also received the Field Marshal upon his arrival alongside senior civil and military officials). According to official statements, the discussions were held in a "positive and constructive environment," focusing heavily on finalizing a conclusive regional stability agreement. The intensive diplomatic marathon over the last 24 hours has reportedly yielded "encouraging progress" toward a final understanding. "The Iranian leadership appreciated Pakistan’s sincere and constructive role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peaceful settlement of regional issues." While specific details of the upcoming agreement remain confidential, the success of this short visit underscores Pakistan's growing role as a pivotal mediator in Middle Eastern and regional affairs. With both sides reporting meaningful contributions to the mediation process, a formal diplomatic breakthrough could be on the horizon in the coming days.

The UK Pound Sterling (GBP) remained largely stable against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) during the week ending May 23, 2026, with only minor fluctuations recorded in Pakistan’s open market.As of May 23, 2026, the UK Pound was trading at Rs. 372.91 for buying and Rs. 378.10 for selling, unchanged from the previous trading session, indicating a stable close to the week.A day earlier, on May 22, the buying rate of the UK Pound stood at Rs. 372.91, while the selling rate was recorded at Rs. 378.10. The market showed little movement compared to earlier sessions.On May 21 and May 20, the pound maintained the same trend, trading at Rs. 373.10 for buying and Rs. 378.60 for selling on both days, reflecting steady demand in the foreign exchange market.Earlier in the week, on May 19, the pound touched its highest level during the review period, with the buying rate rising to Rs. 373.82 and the selling rate reaching Rs. 379.32.Meanwhile, the week began on May 18 with the UK Pound trading at Rs. 372.17 for buying and Rs. 377.30 for selling in the open market.Overall, the weekly comparison showed limited volatility in the GBP-PKR exchange rate, as the pound recorded only slight gains and declines throughout the trading period.Market analysts said stable remittance inflows and balanced foreign currency demand helped maintain relative stability in the open market.The pound sterling continues to remain among the most traded foreign currencies in Pakistan due to strong business, education, travel, and remittance links with the United Kingdom.

KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi has taken notice of illegal cattle markets (maweshi mandis) across the city and directed all district deputy commissioners (DCs) to take strict action against them, ARY News reported.The Commissioner stated that only 21 designated cattle markets have been authorized across the city, in addition to the central maweshi mandi.He emphasized that unauthorized markets are causing severe traffic congestion throughout the metropolis.During a briefing, the Deputy Commissioners updated the meeting on their progress.The DC South reported that an illegal cattle market set up on Ghulam Hussain Qasim Road in Kharadar has been removed.Similarly, the DC Central informed the chair that three illegal markets established in Nazimabad have been shut down. In District East, two unauthorized markets were closed, according to the DC East, while the DC Korangi confirmed that an illegal market at the Qayyumabad roundabout has also been removed.The buying and selling of sacrificial animals have reached their pinnacle as Eid al-Adha approaches.Some people have set up illegal maweshi mandis in different areas, causing several issues to be tackled, including cleanliness and traffic issues.

KARACHI: A severe water crisis has gripped Karachi, leaving various areas of the city deprived of this basic necessity of life for nearly a month, ARY News reported.The water supply has been completely shut down in many sectors of North Karachi, while residents in several blocks of Azizabad have faced a suspended supply for the last 10 days.Similarly, water has been unavailable in North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, and New Karachi for the past 15 days, and multiple blocks in Gulshan-e-Iqbal are facing acute shortages as well.Taking advantage of the situation, the water tanker mafia has seized the opportunity to exploit citizens, doubling their prices and selling water at exorbitant rates of their own choosing. Yesterday, residents of North Karachi protested against the acute water shortage, blocking the area's main traffic arteries. The protesters blocked the road connecting Shahjahan Avenue to the Sakhi Hassan roundabout, and also closed off the Naya Nazimabad bridge. Frustrated residents stated they are even being compelled to buy water just to feed their sacrificial animals. They lamented that the water tanker mafia is selling water at exorbitant rates, taking full advantage of the crisis through unchecked loot and plunder. According to residents, the tanker mafia has hiked the price of a standard Rs. 1,000 water tanker to between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 1,700.

KARACHI: A 12-year-old boy was killed in a tragic traffic accident involving a motorcycle, a rickshaw and a Red Bus near Defence Mor Signal in Karachi.According to police, two underage boys were riding a motorcycle when the accident occurred near the busy chowrangi.Police said the boys lost control of the motorcycle while attempting to take a U-turn at the signal. The motorcycle first collided with a rickshaw and then slipped under the bus tyres, causing the pillion rider to fall onto the road.The child was then run over by a speeding Red Bus and died on the spot.A horrifying video of the incident has also surfaced, showing traffic stopped at the signal when the two boys approached at high speed and attempted to make a sharp turn.SSP South said police immediately responded to the incident and took the Red Bus driver into custody.The arrested driver was identified as Sohaib ullah and shifted to the Defence police station lock-up for further investigation.Police also impounded the Red Bus involved in the accident and launched legal proceedings into the incident.According to officials, the second boy riding the motorcycle survived the crash and fled the scene shortly afterward. Further investigation is underway.

BANNU: At least eight terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said on Saturday.The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and police conducted a joint operation in the Miryan tehsil on intelligence reports regarding the presence of terrorists.According to officials, security forces successfully targeted suspected terrorist hideouts.During the operation, an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing 10 kilograms was also recovered and defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad.The Central Police Office in Peshawar said the operation was launched in the early hours of the morning. Authorities used drone surveillance and other advanced technology to monitor the movement and hideouts of the terrorists.A heavy exchange of fire took place between security forces and armed militants during the operation, resulting in the killing of eight terrorists on the spot, while several others managed to flee despite sustaining injuries.One police official was martyred while fighting on the frontline during the gun battle, while another officer sustained injuries and was shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed praised the courage of Bannu Police and said operations against “Fitna al-Khawarij” and other anti-peace elements would continue with greater intensity.“The KP Police are fully committed to protecting the lives and property of the public, and every attack by the enemy will be responded to strongly,” he said.Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the police and CTD for the successful operation, saying timely action had foiled the terrorists’ “nefarious intentions.”Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the CTD for carrying out the successful intelligence-based operation against Khwarij terrorists in Bannu district.In a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat Media Wing, the president praised the professionalism and bravery of the police and CTD personnel for eliminating eight terrorists during the operation. 

PESHAWAR: The FIA conducted a raid on a hostel in Taj area here and arrested 14 Afghan nationals, officials said on Saturday."They were allegedly planning to go to the Saudi Arabia," FIA officials said.The accused had paid Rs. 25 to 28 Lac to agents for the fake national identity cards, FIA said.Officials claimed that an organized international network has been involved in the matter. FIA said that the NADRA and the passport offices' role has also been under the scrutiny."Fake Pakistani passports have also been recovered from the arrested accused in the raid," FIA added.In 2024 the FIA arrested 34 Afghan nationals attempting to travel abroad using fake Pakistani passports. The suspects had allegedly entered Pakistan illegally through the Chaman border and were caught in Peshawar.The suspects used to obtain fake Pakistani identity cards and passports through agents to travel abroad.The FIA earlier said that persons operating as ‘agents’ and preparing fake documentation for the issuance of passports in connivance with officials of the National Database Regulatory Authority (NADRA).

ISLAMABAD: Most of the areas of the country experiencing hot and dry weather as the plains of Sindh and Balochistan bearing the brunt of an unforgiving hot weather.Temperatures in Dadu and Sibi could soar to 45 Celsius, Nawabshah and Mithi 44 C and Turbat and Jacobabad 43 Celsius on Saturday (today).The NDMA has issued rain alert from May 26 to 31. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltista and Azad Kashmir likely to receive rain with thunderstorm during the forecast period.The rainfall in Sindh and Balochistan including Karachi and Quetta is expected on May 30 and 31.The rain is also expected in Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin on May 30 and 31.The rainfall is expected in capital city of Islamabad and various districts of Punjab with thunder and hailstorms.The Pakistan Meteorological Department earlier warned that moderate to severe heatwave conditions are expected in most parts of the country during the Eid ul Adha holidays from May 25 to May 31 due to the formation of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.According to the Met Office, the weather system is likely to develop on May 25 and intensify further from May 26, leading to a marked rise in temperatures in several regions.

SHIKARPUR: Sindh police have launched a large-scale operation in the Katcha riverine area of Shikarpur to recover an 11-year-old girl abducted from Peshawar.In a statement on Facebook, Sindh police stated that the minor girl is being held in the Katcha area within the jurisdiction of Kot Shahu police station in Shikarpur district. Police have launched an operation to secure her recovery.During the ongoing operation, one dacoit was killed in an exchange of fire, while another kidnapped Christian girl was recovered safely.Police identified the killed suspect as Yaseen Banglani, who was reportedly wanted in 29 serious criminal cases, including murder, robbery, theft, and police encounter cases.[video mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AQOfxTCZ4gEFz42HHeBtSnbkROw2CNt5gUhWPQThhPqQ2P2hms_HHh1zr-Jz3tXHwqgzNnlgSxYDC730nvuP8zSjDsQUr8bf-wyeECJJxg.mp4"][/video]The rescued girl was identified as Jennifer Aamir Masih. According to police, she had been abducted from Lahore on April 19 after being lured with a fake job offer.Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shikarpur Muhammad Kaleem Malik said the operation would continue until the recovery of the abducted girl, identified as Hooram. He added that all available resources were being utilised to ensure her safe rescue.According to reports, the girl’s mother, a resident of Peshawar, said her daughter was abducted from the city, after which the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded Rs1.5 million for her release.A day earlier, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry informed the National Assembly that the girl was currently being held within the jurisdiction of Kot Shahu police station in Shikarpur, where a security operation was underway. Read More: Three girls kidnapped in revenge over freewill marriage recovered in Mirpurkhas He added that law enforcement agencies were actively pursuing the case.The minister further informed the House that the girl was allegedly in the custody of a suspect identified as Ali Gohar Jatoi, while members of the group claimed that she had been “bought for marriage.”Talal Chaudhry also said several women allegedly linked to the case had been arrested.He said the operation was being conducted under the supervision of the SSP Shikarpur in coordination with the Inspector General of Sindh Police, adding that the abducted child was “the daughter of the nation” and would be recovered safely soon.

RAWALPINDI: A woman in Rawalpindi has become the first female driver to obtain a Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) driving licence from the Rawalpindi Traffic Police. Humaira Naseer earned the licence after successfully passing the HTV commercial driving test, including a dumper driving assessment conducted at the Old Varan Depot on Peshawar Road in Saddar, Rawalpindi. According to City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi, Humaira Naseer completed the entire licensing process on merit, becoming the first woman to receive an HTV licence from the department. Speaking on the occasion, she praised the transparent licensing system and the guidance provided by the City Traffic Police, saying their cooperation made the process easier for her. She encouraged women drivers to come forward with confidence, learn traffic laws, and obtain proper driving licences. “Safe driving is not only a responsibility but also a source of self-reliance,” she said. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi termed Humaira Naseer a role model for other women and said women are proving their capabilities in every field. Traffic officer Muhammad Kaleem said Humaira obtained the licence after completing all legal and technical requirements, proving that women can stand shoulder to shoulder with men in every field with courage and determination. [video mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/WhatsApp-Video-2026-05-23-at-11.02.27-AM.mp4"][/video]

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou city on Saturday in the first phase of his four-day official visit to China aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting investment under CPEC Phase-II.According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi are accompanying him.During his stay in Hangzhou, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet the Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province and participate in a business forum focused on enhancing cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese companies under CPEC Phase-II.He will also attend a ceremony for the exchange of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).PM Shehbaz is scheduled to meet the chief executives of leading Chinese companies and visit the headquarters of Alibaba, where he will participate in another MoU signing ceremony.Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Beijing for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.He will also attend an event marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.During the visit, the prime minister is expected to meet heads of major Chinese companies and visit the China Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS).Officials said the visit is expected to open new avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly in trade, investment, technology, and industrial collaboration under CPEC Phase-II. لاہور: 23 مئی 2026. وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اپنے چار روزہ دورہء چین کے پہلے مرحلے میں ہانگژو روانہ.نائب وزیرِ اعظم و وزیرِ خارجہ سینیٹر محمد اسحاق ڈار، وزیرِ منصوبہ بندی احسن اقبال، وزیرِ اطلاعات و نشریات عطاء اللہ تارڑ، وزیر آئی ٹی شزہ فاطمہ خواجہ اور معاون خصوصی طارق… pic.twitter.com/owAuHidew0— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 23, 2026