Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan continued their upward trajectory, reflecting sustained demand for the safe-haven metal amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of gold per tola rose by Rs3,000 to reach Rs536,562. The rate for 10 grams of gold also increased, gaining Rs2,572 to settle at Rs460,015. The domestic surge followed a rise in the international market, where gold climbed by $30 per ounce to $5,138, as investors maintained a strong buying trend in response to the uncertain geopolitical situation. #GoldPrices #GoldPricePakistan #GoldRateToday #GoldTolaPrice…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Investor confidence in Pakistan appeared to gain fresh momentum as the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) continued to provide streamlined support and guidance to foreign businesses operating in the country. Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan revealed that profit remittances on foreign investments surged to $1.7 billion during the first seven months of the fiscal year 2025-26, marking an increase of more than 27 per cent compared with the same period last year. The growth in outward payments was led by the energy and financial sectors, with foreign companies in these industries repatriating profits…

By our correspondent RIYADH/ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, along with the secretariats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, have strongly condemned remarks by the United States Ambassador to Israel. The ambassador had indicated that it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank. The ministers described the comments as “dangerous and inflammatory”, saying they violate international law and the United…

By our Correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance on Sunday dismissed reports suggesting Pakistan was paying interest of up to 8% on its external loans. Officials said such claims required context to provide an accurate picture of the country’s external debt profile. The clarification followed recent press commentary on Pakistan’s debt position and interest obligations. “The overall average cost of external public debt is approximately 4%, reflecting the predominantly concessional nature of the borrowing portfolio,” the ministry said in a statement. Pakistan’s total external debt and liabilities currently stand at $138 billion, the ministry said. This figure includes public and…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Memon has criticised MQM leaders Khalid Maqbool and Mustafa Kamal, describing their recent press conference as a clear indication of their lack of knowledge and unfamiliarity with the Constitution. In a statement, Memon said it was regrettable that the two leaders had not seriously studied the law and the Constitution; had they done so, they would have refrained from making such irresponsible remarks. He questioned whether statements of this nature from federal ministers reflected the policy of the federal government, urging it to clarify why two federal ministers were allegedly engaged in…

By our correspondent LAHORE: Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, urged the international community to take urgent notice of the escalating crisis in Gaza, calling for the matter to be raised at the United Nations. Addressing journalists at the party’s headquarters in Mansoorah, Rehman condemned what he described as repeated violations of ceasefire agreements by Israel, highlighting the lack of substantial international dialogue or action. He criticized global appeals for peace as selective, pointing out that while attention is often drawn to Gaza, the plight of Palestinians in the West Bank frequently goes unacknowledged. Rehman also questioned…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Students from the BS Artificial Intelligence and B.E Tech Robotics & Artificial Intelligence programs undertook a study tour to “Geeks of Kolachi” in Karachi on 17 February 2026, gaining first-hand exposure to a professional software development environment. The visit offered a rare opportunity for emerging technologists to observe the inner workings of a leading tech hub and to interact directly with industry experts on the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence (AI). During the tour, the students were introduced to the practical applications of AI and robotics in real-world scenarios, from automated systems to intelligent data analysis.…

By Our Correspondent KARACHI: Renowned poet, writer, and professor Sahar Ansari has described Zeb Azkar Hussain’s experimental novel “Bandobast” as a meaningful addition to Urdu fiction. Speaking at the book launch organised by the Dr Jamal Jalibi Research Library, Ansari said the novel represents a significant development in Urdu literature, offering a mature expression that uniquely combines prose and poetry—a technique not seen before in Urdu fiction. Guest of honour Najma Usman praised the characters in the novel, describing them as symbolic and metaphorical, and noted that such an extensive experimental approach had not previously been undertaken in Urdu literature.…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: The United States and Pakistan have formally agreed to cooperate on the restoration and future management of the century-old Roosevelt Hotel, a property owned by the Pakistani government in New York. In a statement on Thursday, Pakistan’s finance ministry said the two countries had launched a series of “strategic economic initiatives” that include collaboration on the hotel’s operations, maintenance, and renovation. As part of the arrangement, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Pakistan and the US General Services Administration, the federal agency responsible for managing government property and procurement. The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Kachhi Kumhar Khidmat-e-Khalq Welfare Association conducted a large-scale ration distribution drive during the holy month of Ramazan, delivering essential food supplies to hundreds of underprivileged families. The initiative sought to assist low-income, deserving, and white-collar households struggling to make ends meet, ensuring they could observe the month with dignity and peace of mind. Officials from the association said that the ration packages, which included flour, rice, pulses, cooking oil, sugar, and other daily necessities, were distributed directly to recipients’ homes. Care was taken to maintain beneficiaries’ self-respect and convenience, reflecting the organization’s focus on humanized…