Day: July 9, 2026

Islamabad: The prices of gold witnessed a significant decline in the local market on Wednesday, with the price of 24-karat gold per tola decreasing by Rs4,700 to settle at Rs430,236, according to rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold fell by Rs4,029 to Rs368,858, while the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold declined by Rs3,693 to Rs338,132.

In the international market, the price of gold dropped by $47 to settle at $4,078 per ounce.

Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola decreased by Rs138 to Rs6,421, while the price of 10 grams of silver went down by Rs119 to Rs5,504.

The price of silver in the international market also declined by $1.38 to $59.42 per ounce, the association reported.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was told on Wednesday that under the 100 MW Solar Energy Project for Gilgit-Baltistan, 18 MW of rooftop solar systems, including battery storage, will be installed on 499 government buildings by December 2026.

In addition, the PC-I for the 82 MW utility-scale solar project has been submitted to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.

Officials informed that the 82 MW utility-scale solar project is expected to benefit approximately 1.3 million people. Upon completion, the project will significantly improve the quality of electricity services in Gilgit-Baltistan and help eliminate load shedding across the region.

These updates were shared during a review meeting on the 100 MW Solar Energy Project for Gilgit-Baltistan, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the meeting, the prime minister said that the promotion of solar energy was a key component of the national energy strategy aimed at providing clean, affordable, and sustainable power. He described the 100 MW solar project as a gift from the Federal Government to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The prime minister directed the Power Division to fulfill all its responsibilities to ensure the timely installation and completion of the project. He also instructed that complete transparency be maintained throughout the procurement process.

Emphasizing accountability, the prime minister further directed that all payments under the project be made only after third-party validation.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, on Tuesday showed optimism regarding the upcoming Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Pharmaceutical Conference that would mark an important step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

The minister expressed these views during a meeting with the Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy to review preparations for the Pakistan-China B2B Pharmaceutical Conference scheduled to be held in Karachi from July 16 to 19.

During the meeting, both sides discussed arrangements for the conference and measures to ensure its successful organization.

The minister said representatives of leading pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and traditional Chinese medicine enterprises from both Pakistan and China would participate in the conference, creating new opportunities for investment, technology transfer and industrial partnership.

“Conference would provide a platform to promote investment, facilitate technology transfer and expand partnerships in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector,” he underlined.

Mustafa Kamal emphasized the need for active cooperation and effective coordination among all relevant institutions to make the event productive and outcome-oriented.

He added that representatives from government institutions, regulatory authorities, industry bodies and the private sector would also attend the event.

Mustafa Kamal said the government was committed to promoting Pakistan’s local pharmaceutical industry and acquiring advanced medical technologies to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

He said Pakistan would continue to expand its strategic cooperation with China to improve public access to quality healthcare services and promote sustainable development in the health sector.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, paying tribute to renowned humanitarian and social figure Abdul Sattar Edhi on his 10th death anniversary, said that personalities like him served as a role model for the younger generation to drive social reform.

The prime minister, in his message on the anniversary, said that the late Edhi proved that every individual in the society could play a constructive role in social reform on their own.

Lauding his valuable national and welfare services, the prime minister said that a humanitarian and advocate for public service like Abdul Sattar Edhi was undoubtedly a matter of pride and a national asset for the country.

The prime minister said that Edhi’s sincere commitment to public welfare helped highlight the social dimensions of problem-solving, calling his invaluable services a remarkable part of Pakistan’s social fabric.

He said that Edhi’s public services held a prominent position in promoting positive values in society, such as empathy, tolerance, and mutual harmony.

Praying for peace for the departed soul of Edhi, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that his social services would always be remembered.

Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan attended a ceremony in Islamabad as the chief guest where honorary doctorate degrees were conferred.

Addressing the gathering, he said the government is expanding cooperation with leading international institutions for youth development.

He said the PMYP aims to equip Pakistani youth with world class skills in technical education, information technology and innovation.

He added that the initiative is intended to create greater employment opportunities.

The PMYP Chairman said the government is also working to build a future ready and globally competitive workforce.

Rana Mashhood said youth empowerment remains one of the government’s top priorities.

He said investment in young people is essential for Pakistan’s economic growth and long term competitiveness.

He added that the PMYP is creating educational, technical and employment opportunities across the country.

Recalling his tenure in Punjab, he said the province introduced Pakistan’s first youth policy to empower young people.

He said the policy focused on education and skills development.

Khan said the Punjab Endowment Fund and Daanish Schools were established to expand access to quality education for deserving students.

The PMYP Chairman said the programme is strengthening cooperation with leading international institutions to provide advanced training in technical education, information technology and innovation.

He said several new skill development programmes have been launched to prepare young Pakistanis for emerging industries.

Highlighting rapid technological change, he said Pakistan is among the few countries developing an artificial intelligence curriculum.

He said the initiative will help young Pakistanis compete in the global digital economy.

Turning to agriculture, Rana Mashhood said Pakistan has significantly increased olive cultivation and production.

He said Pakistani olives are recognised among the world’s finest.

Stressing the need for greater value addition to agricultural products, he said it would boost exports and improve farmers’ incomes.

He also highlighted the importance of startups and innovation.

He said the government has made both sectors a key priority.

He added that Pakistan is establishing partnerships with Chinese technical and agricultural universities to strengthen knowledge transfer and skills development.

He concluded by saying that a highly skilled workforce is essential to maximise the benefits of these partnerships.

Islamabad: The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday adjourned hearing in the case concerning the eligibility of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Member of the National Assembly Sohail Sultan after allowing the petitioner’s counsel time to examine the federal government’s reply.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the case, during which the federal government submitted its written reply before the court.

PTI counsel Barrister Gohar requested the court to grant time to review the government’s response. The court accepted the request and allowed him time for the purpose.

During the hearing, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi observed that the provincial government had enacted legislation concerning the eligibility of a political leader.

He remarked that the legislation had removed law officers from the provincial government’s services and appeared to be person-specific legislation enacted with a particular individual’s eligibility in view.

Barrister Gohar argued that the core issue before the court related to the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, adding that the provincial government’s legislation had not been challenged in the present proceedings.

The court granted the petitioner’s counsel time to examine the federal government’s reply and adjourned further hearing of the case until a later date.