Day: August 2, 2026

Islamabad: The prices of gold witnessed a sharp decline in the local market on Saturday, with the price of 24-karat gold per tola falling by Rs3, 700 to settle at Rs426, 736, according to rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold decreased by Rs3, 202 to Rs365, 857, whereas 10 grams of 22-karat gold dropped by Rs2, 907 to Rs335, 381. In the international market, the price of gold declined by $37 to $4, 043 per ounce, the association reported.

Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola decreased by Rs57 to Rs6, 237, while the price of 10 grams of silver fell by Rs49 to Rs5, 347. The price of silver in the international market also declined by $0. 57 to $57. 58 per ounce, the association added.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday paid tribute to the security forces for the successful operation against seven Indian sponsored terrorists active in Noshki district of Balochistan.

In a statement, the President appreciated the professional capabilities of the security forces for successfully destroying the terrorists’ hideout and killing seven terrorists including a suicide bomber.

“The nefarious intentions of the terrorist elements active under Indian patronage will never succeed, ” he said adding, “The entire nation stands with its security forces to defend the homeland and maintain peace. ”

Islamabad: Pakistan produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat South Korea 3-1 in the second Test of the Pakistan-South Korea hockey series at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.

After a closely contested first half, South Korea took the lead in the 30th minute when Son Dain scored a field goal to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Pakistan responded strongly after the break. Abdul Rehman restored parity in the 33rd minute with a well-taken field goal before captain Abu Bakar Mahmood converted a penalty corner in the 52nd minute to put the hosts ahead 2-1.

The Pakistan skipper struck again in the final minute, converting another penalty corner to seal a convincing 3-1 victory for the national side.

Abu Bakar Mahmood, who scored twice, was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi attended the match as the chief guest and witnessed the thrilling contest.

Speaking on the occasion, he welcomed the revival of international hockey activities in Pakistan and termed the successful hosting of the series a positive development for the country’s hockey.

At the post-match ceremony, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani presented a commemorative shield to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

Islamabad: Pakistan Romania Business Council (PRBC), Advisor and Chief Operating Officer Atif Farooqi, and Chairman Sohail Shamim Firpo called on DIG Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh at the Sindh Police Central Police Office to discuss matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on Pakistan’s investment climate, institutional stability, and the importance of coordinated engagement between the business and law enforcement communities.

During the meeting, the PRBC representatives underscored that sustained dialogue with senior law enforcement officials remains essential for promoting bilateral trade and building confidence among international investors, said a press release issued here.

They noted that in an increasingly complex and often confusing environment for foreign direct investment in Pakistan, constructive interaction with public institutions helps reinforce transparency, predictability, and trust.

DIG Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh, a senior outstanding officer of Police Service of Pakistan with over 25 years of experience in policing, revenue administration, magistracy, and banking, was recognized for his distinguished career in counter-terrorism operations, inter-provincial crime control, and institutional reform. His reputation for integrity, inter-agency coordination, and results-oriented leadership was acknowledged as reflective of Pakistan’s broader commitment to rule of law and a secure business environment.

According to Atif Farooqi, Advisor and Chief Operating Officer of the Pakistan Romania Business Council, the Council continues to engage senior law enforcement and administrative officials as part of its broader efforts to promote bilateral trade, strengthen investor confidence, and contribute to a clearer, more stable environment for foreign direct investment in Pakistan.

PRBC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining regular engagement with senior officials across relevant state institutions to advance bilateral trade objectives, support investor confidence, and contribute positively to Pakistan’s economic outreach efforts. The Council emphasized that a stable, secure, and well-coordinated institutional framework is vital for attracting and retaining foreign direct investment.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah Friday said the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and the provision of quality public services remained among the government’s top priorities, stressing that Pakistani missions abroad must provide efficient, accessible, timely and people-centric consular services.

He made these remarks while addressing a gathering during his visit to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago, where he inaugurated a photo exhibition highlighting the rights and struggle of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The minister was received by Consul General Zaman Mehdi along with officers and staff of the Consulate. Members of the Pakistani-American community also attended the event.

Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said overseas Pakistanis should be treated with dignity, respect, compassion and sincerity.

He stressed the need to further simplify consular procedures, eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure timely assistance to applicants, adding that public service delivery should be guided by the principles of humanity, justice and Islamic values.

According to a news release, the minister appreciated the invaluable contribution of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan’s economy, national development and the country’s positive image around the world.

He said consular services could be further improved by addressing the concerns and suggestions of overseas Pakistanis, strengthening institutional engagement, enhancing public communication and making greater use of modern technology.

During the visit, Consul General Zaman Mehdi briefed the federal minister on the Consulate’s initiatives to facilitate the Pakistani community across the American Midwest.

He highlighted efforts including organizing consular camps in different cities, maintaining regular engagement with the community, ensuring timely dissemination of information and improving access to consular services for Pakistanis residing in areas distant from Chicago.

The Consul General reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to providing transparent, timely and community-oriented services while maintaining close engagement with Pakistanis living within its jurisdiction.

Later, the federal minister interacted with members of the Pakistani-American community, who welcomed him and shared their views and suggestions regarding the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and further improvement of consular services.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Saturday placed the Ministry of Railways on high alert to ensure the safety of passengers, protection of railway tracks and uninterrupted train operations amid the prevailing flood situation across parts of the country.

The minister also cancelled the weekly holidays of railway officers and staff and directed all officials to remain on duty until further notice to effectively respond to any emergency, said a news release.

Hanif Abbasi instructed senior railway officers to remain present in the field, while emergency measures were enforced at all field offices to closely monitor the situation and ensure an immediate response to any damage caused by heavy rains or flooding.

He warned that he would personally supervise the performance of officers and directed strict action against officials found negligent in addressing public complaints or carrying out their responsibilities.

The minister directed all Divisional Superintendents (DSs) to personally oversee repair, restoration and maintenance work in flood-affected areas to ensure the earliest possible resumption of rail services.

He further ordered Pakistan Railways’ control rooms to remain operational round the clock for continuous monitoring of the situation, adding that he would conduct surprise inspections to review the implementation of emergency directives.

Hanif Abbasi urged railway officials to demonstrate exceptional dedication in serving the public during the emergency, saying efficient officers would be appreciated while those showing negligence would face disciplinary action.

He said the safety and convenience of passengers, along with the full restoration of train operations, would remain the ministry’s top priority.

The minister also directed the railway administration to utilise all available resources and technical capabilities for the rehabilitation of flood-affected railway infrastructure and the restoration of train services at the earliest.