Author: Ahsan Mughal

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended its flights to the United Arab Emirates for the next 48 hours, according to an official statement, though limited operations will continue on select routes during this period. The national carrier announced the suspension of flights to multiple UAE destinations, including Fujairah, which has been specifically halted for two days. Despite the suspension, PIA confirmed that its flights to Al Ain, UAE, will continue during this period, meaning passengers traveling to Al Ain will still be able to use the airline’s services while other destinations remain temporarily unavailable. The airline…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: The central bank has announced bank holidays for Eidul Fitr and Pakistan Day, with the public and private financial sectors to remain closed for four days. According to the official notification, the State Bank, stock exchange, SECP, banks and financial institutions will observe holidays on the occasion of Eid and Pakistan Day. Eidul Fitr holidays will be observed on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, followed by the weekly holiday on Sunday, while Pakistan Day will be observed on Monday, March 23. The notification stated that the State Bank, banks and financial institutions will resume…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Despite the ongoing conflict against Iran and escalating tensions across the Middle East, global gold markets have not witnessed a significant surge in prices—an anomaly that experts describe as highly unusual given historical patterns. Since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, regional instability has steadily mounted, yet the precious metal has remained surprisingly stable. Following the announcement by senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards adviser Ibrahim Jabbari on March 2 regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices skyrocketed past $100 per barrel and global stock markets experienced declines. Gold,…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Gold prices have once again recorded an increase in bullion markets across Pakistan, extending the precious metal’s historic rally amid sustained global demand. According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of gold per tola rose by Rs1,000, settling at Rs523,762, while the rate for 10 grams increased by Rs857 to reach Rs449,041. The domestic surge mirrors international market trends, with global gold prices climbing $10 per ounce to hit $5,010, maintaining the metal’s position at unprecedented levels. Market analysts attribute the continued upward trajectory to a combination of factors including geopolitical…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: The Meteorology Department has forecasted varied weather across Pakistan during Eid-ul-Fitr, with cloudy skies expected in the upper regions. A new western weather system is likely to enter the country from the evening of March 17, bringing thunderstorms and rain across most areas from March 18 to 20. In Balochistan, rainfall and hailstorms are expected in several districts between March 17 and 20. Upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may see rain, while mountain areas could experience snowfall. Punjab and Islamabad are likely to have intermittent rain from the night of March 17 to March 20, with…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Residents of Landhi, Khurramabad, Malir, and Korangi in Karachi reported feeling earthquake tremors. According to the Seismological Centre, the quake measured magnitude 4 with a depth of 10 km, and its epicenter was located 100 km south of Karachi. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received. #Karachi #Earthquake #Tremor #Seismic #Pakistan

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Former Sindh governor Kamran Tessori has departed for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. He is expected to stay in the kingdom for a few days and will also offer prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Speaking before his departure, Tessori thanked the airport protocol staff who came to bid him farewell. Earlier, while talking to media at Governor House Karachi, he remarked that no one remains in a position for life. Tessori also said he was neither a “dummy” nor a silent governor and could reveal who was behind his removal but chose not to do so. Meanwhile,…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced a public holiday for Friday, 13 March 2026, issuing an official notification. All government offices and educational institutions across the province will remain closed. The notification was issued by the Provincial Department of Services and General Administration. #Sindh #Holiday #Karachi #Government #Pakistan

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Senior Nihal Hashmi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been appointed as the new Governor of Sindh. The decision was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office, with PM Shehbaz Sharif forwarding the summary to President Asif Ali Zardari for approval. PM Sharif met Nihal Hashmi to congratulate him on the appointment. The meeting was also attended by Rana Sanaullah, Ishaq Dar, and other party leaders. Hashmi hails from Karachi and succeeds Governor Kamran Tessori of MQM-Pakistan. A brief political background: Nihal Hashmi served as Adviser for Law and Justice to PM Nawaz Sharif from 1997…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced the immediate implementation of a four-day workweek for government offices, which will now operate from Monday to Thursday. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will be holidays. Under the new measures, fuel consumption for official vehicles has been reduced by 50%, and 60% of government vehicles will be kept off the roads for the next two months. Purchases of new government vehicles are also banned until June. The notification further prohibits official events, dinners, and iftar parties, and all government meetings are to be held online. Provincial ministers will forego their salaries and…