Month: July 2026

Islamabad: The prices of gold witnessed a decline in the local market on Saturday, with 24 karat gold per tola decreasing by Rs1,100 to settle at Rs439,836, 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 Rs943 to Rs377,088, whereas 10 grams of 22 karat gold declined by Rs865 to Rs345,676.

In the international market, the price of gold decreased by $11 to $4,174 per ounce.

Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola decreased by Rs48 to Rs6,716, while the price of 10 grams of silver fell by Rs42 to Rs5,757.

The price of silver in the international market also decreased by $0.48 to $62.37 per ounce, the association reported.

Islamabad: Sufi and folk singer Allan Faqir was paid rich tribute on his 26th death anniversary as fans admirers media reflected on his extraordinary vocal artistry spiritual influence that enriched Pakistan’s musical heritage while his unforgettable performances continue to inspire lovers of Sufi music across the world

Allan Faqir was born in 1932 in the Jamshoro district of Sindh, where his early life laid the foundation for a remarkable journey in Sufi and folk music. From humble beginnings, he rose to become one of Pakistan’s most distinctive and beloved musical voices.

According to media reports , he was widely admired for his unique vocal style, expressive delivery and signature Sufi dance performances that set him apart from other artists of his time. His artistry blended devotion with rhythm, creating a spiritual experience for audiences across generations.

Among his many memorable contributions, his iconic song ‘Humma Humma’ gained immense popularity and remains one of his most recognized works, reflecting his deep connection with Sufi tradition and folk expression.

In recognition of his outstanding services to music, he was honored with the Pride of Performance Award in 1980, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, celebrating his lasting impact on the cultural and musical landscape.

Allan Faqir passed away in Karachi in 2000 after suffering from paralysis, leaving behind a rich legacy of spiritual music that continues to inspire admirers and keep his memory alive in the hearts of fans.

Islamabad: The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Wednesday issued a power suspension programme for Thursday in various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.

According to an IESCO spokesperson, in Islamabad Circle, electricity supply will remain suspended from 6 am to 10 am, Scheme-II, Rehara, Mohra Noor, Shazad Town, Islamabad Club-I, Faisal Masjid, Ayub Market, HC-I, HC-II, G-9/4, Suparco, TandT, PTCL, G-8/1, G-8, G-8 Markaz, Marvi, feeders.

In Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, power supply will remain suspended from 6 am to 10 am, LTC, New Mandra, Old Mandra, Hamid Jhangi, Old Rawat, New Rawat, AOWHS, Suparcpo, CWO, feeders. Similarly, in Attock Circle, electricity supply will remain suspended from 6 am to 10 am, Attock Rural, Teen Mela, Bagh Nelab, Fawara Chowk, feeders. In Jehlum Circle, power supply will remain suspended from 6 am to 10 am, Karyala, Metro City, Grand City, Bolani, feeders. In Chakwal Circle, from 6 am to 03 pm, Jamal Wal, Mengan, feeders.

In GSO Circle, power supply will remain suspended from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm, 132KV GSS RAWAT-II power Transformer T-1, from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, 132kv AWC HMC Taxila and 132KV Sangjani-Burhan, from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm, 132KV Kahuta City- Palandri, 132KV New Wah-Bahtermore along with related earth switch, and surrounding areas.

IESCO apologized to consumers for the temporary inconvenience and said electricity supply would be restored before the scheduled time if the maintenance work was completed earlier than expected.

Islamabad: Several passengers, including women and children, sustained critical injured when a speeding coaster bus rammed into a tree near Gajju Matta in Lahore’ s Nishtar Tehsil early Saturday morning after the driver attempted to avoid a motorcycle.

A passenger coaster crashed into a tree near Gajju Matta in Lahore after the driver reportedly lost control while trying to avoid a motorcycle.

The accident left multiple passengers, including women and children injured, local media channel reported.

Rescue 1122 officials said the coaster was carrying passengers when the driver swerved to avoid a motorcyclist. The sudden maneuver caused the vehicle to veer off course and slam into a roadside tree.

Emergency responders reached the scene shortly after the crash, administered first aid to the injured and shifted them to nearby hospitals.

Several of the victims were reported to be in critical condition.

Police also arrived at the scene and began collecting evidence to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Further details about the victims and the circumstances surrounding the crash are expected as the investigation continues.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Saturday, extended his warm felicitations to the Government and people of the United States on the occasion of the country’s 250th Independence Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a stronger and more prosperous partnership with Washington.

In a media message released by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, the ambassador conveyed greetings on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, describing the United States’ journey as one defined by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and democracy.

He said Pakistan and the United States share these fundamental values, noting that Pakistan was also founded on the principles of freedom and democratic aspirations.

Reflecting on bilateral relations, Ambassador Sheikh said Pakistan and the US built a partnership that had successfully endured numerous challenges over the past eight decades, adding the relationship consistently produced positive outcomes not only for the two countries but also for the regional and global peace and prosperity.

The ambassador expressed confidence that the future of Pakistan-US relations is bright, citing the vast potential for enhanced cooperation.

He noted that both countries were among the world’s five most populous nations and said recent high-level engagements and growing convergence on key issues have created new momentum for a lasting strategic partnership.

He called for expanding investment-and trade-driven cooperation in priority sectors, including minerals, energy, information technology, and agriculture, saying these areas offer significant opportunities for mutual economic growth and long-term collaboration.

Ambassador Sheikh also underscored the important role of the Pakistani-American community in strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

He praised the community for its valuable contributions to the development and prosperity of the US while serving as a bridge of friendship and understanding between the two nations.

As part of the commemorative celebrations, the ambassador presented a special cultural tribute from the Pakistani-American community to the American people which featured a rendition of the US national anthem arranged by renowned musician Siraj Narsi and his team using traditional Pakistani musical instruments.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, extended his warm felicitations to President Donald J. Trump and the people of the United States on the historic occasion of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.

‘Pakistan joins the United States in celebrating this remarkable milestone and the enduring values of freedom, resilience, and democracy. Our two nations enjoy a partnership spanning more than seven decades, strengthened by the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani-American community,’ the prime minister said in a post on X handle.

As the two countries looked towards a bright and promising future, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remains fully committed to further strengthening its partnership with the United States, based on mutual respect, shared interests, and constructive, mutually beneficial engagement.

He further observed that history had proven time and again that the US and Pakistan stood together at the most consequential moments, whenever peace and security of the world had been at stake.

‘We acknowledge and appreciate President Trump’s vital contribution to peace in South Asia, which helped save hundreds of millions of lives in a potentially devastating war, as well as his steadfast efforts that helped end several major conflicts around the globe,’ he further posted.