ISLAMABAD: February 27 –
Chefs prepare samosas by filling them with a mixture of chicken mince and potatoes at a local kitchen in Iqbal Colony, twin cities.
RAWALPINDI: February 27 –
Faithful offer the second Jumma prayers during the holy month of Ramazan at Jamia Mosque Faiz-ul-Quran in Iqbal Colony.
RAWALPINDI: February 27 –
RAWALPINDI: February 27 – Worshippers perform prostration during the second Friday of Ramazan at Jamia Masjid Faizul Quran in Iqbal Colony in twin cities. APP/IFD/MAF/FHA/SSH
RAWALPINDI: February 27 – An elderly man offers dua after prayers during the second Jumma of Ramazan at Jamia Mosque Faiz-ul-Quran in Iqbal Colony, twin cities. APP/IFD/MAF/FHA/SSH
Gold prices remain unchanged, silver gains Rs270 per tola
ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (APP): The price of 24 karat per tola gold remained unchanged at Rs 540,562 on Friday as compared to the previous trading day, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.
The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also witnessed no change and was traded at Rs 463,444, while 10 grams of 22 karat gold remained stable at Rs 424,839.
The price of gold in the international market stood at $5,178 per ounce, showing no change.
Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola increased by Rs 270 to Rs 9,474, whereas that of 10 grams of silver rose by Rs 232 to Rs 8,122.
The international price of silver increased by $2.70 to $89.90 per ounce, the Association reported.
Over 32,000 illegal Afghans deported from Punjab
LAHORE, Feb 27 (APP): Punjab Police have intensified operations against illegally residing foreign residents across the province in view of the current border security situation.
According to Punjab Police official sources, so far 32,588 illegally residing foreign residents, including Afghans, have been deported from across Punjab, including Lahore.
The sources said that 90 illegal residents were currently at various holding points, and they will also be deported after their legal proceedings are completed. Those deported include 12,273 men, 6,661 women and 13,654 children.
Those sent back include 10,419 residence proof holders, 11,098 Afghan citizen card holders and 11,071 illegally residing foreigners.
Team Leader of MuP calls on Chairman Senate
ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (APP): Team Leader of Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP), Mary Cummins on Friday called on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, at the Parliament House on a farewell visit marking the culmination of her tenure.
During the meeting, Ms Cummins presented a comprehensive overview of the five-year strategic framework for the Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP) programme, highlighting its key achievements, meaningful initiatives, and long-term objectives to strengthen parliamentary institutions in Pakistan.
She underscored MuP’s continued efforts to enhance legislative processes, build the institutional capacity of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, and improve oversight and governance mechanisms through constructive collaboration and support of the European Union.
The Chairman of the Senate commended the contributions of MuP toward institutional development and democratic consolidation in Pakistan. He observed that a strong, transparent, and responsive Parliament remains the cornerstone of sustainable democracy.
Reaffirming his vision, he emphasised the importance of reinforcing democratic norms, strengthening accountability frameworks, and ensuring meaningful public engagement in legislative affairs.
Highlighting ongoing institutional reforms, the Chairman shared that the Senate of Pakistan is pioneering forward-looking initiatives in the region, including the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based system to facilitate legislators’ access to real-time information.
He added that the integration of modern technology into parliamentary functions would significantly enhance legislative efficiency, informed decision-making, and oversight of public initiatives.
Describing Parliament as the “mother institution” of the state, the Chairman reiterated that sustainable national development must be anchored in accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance.
He expressed appreciation for the constructive partnership between the Senate of Pakistan and international development partners committed to strengthening parliamentary democracy.
Advisor to the Chairman Senate on Special Initiatives/PDU, Ms Rida Qazi, was also present during the meeting.
IESCO notifies power suspension programme
ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (APP): The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Friday issued a power suspension programme for Saturday, in various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.
According to an IESCO spokesperson, in Rawalpindi Cantt. Circle, electricity will remain suspended from 06:00 am to 11:00 am in Dk. Farman Ali and Tipu Road feeders.
In Attock Circle, power will remain suspended from 07:00 am to 12:00 pm in
Fawara Chowk, Tanaza Dam, Gul Muhammad, Gagan, Laniwala, City-II, Sajjad Shaheed and Nescom feeders.
Power supply from Khan Abad, Small Industrial Estate, Pour Miana, Lala Rukh, Gudwal-I, Gudwal-II, Garhi Afghan, Shahia and Munir Abad feeders will remain suspended from 06:00 am to 02:00 pm.
Similarly, in GSO Circle, power supply from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm, 132-KV Chakwal- Bhagwal- Talagang, 132KV Kahuta City- Palandri and from 09:00 am to 02:00 pm in 132KV T/L new Wah Bahter More, and surrounding areas will remain closed.
The IESCO management apologized to consumers for the inconvenience and said that power supply may be restored earlier than scheduled if the maintenance work is completed ahead of time.
DPM Dar calls for immediate action against Israeli annexation plans at OIC meeting
JEDDAH, Feb 27 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Ishaq Dar on Friday urged the international community and Muslim countries to take decisive collective action to halt Israeli settlement expansion and annexation attempts in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, warning that continued violations were undermining prospects for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Addressing the extraordinary open-ended ministerial session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee here, the DPM said the Palestinian cause remained the central concern of the Muslim Ummah and stressed that Israel’s actions in the Occupied West Bank posed serious challenges to international law, the UN Charter, and the multilateral system.
DPM/FM Dar expressed appreciation to the Republic of the Gambia, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the State of Palestine for convening the timely session to address, what he termed, illegal Israeli measures aimed at accelerating settlement expansion and imposing sovereignty over occupied Palestinian land.
The deputy prime minister noted that despite intensified diplomatic efforts to consolidate a ceasefire and implement the UN Security Council’s comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, Israeli ceasefire violations and continued settlement activities were jeopardizing peace efforts.
Recalling consultations held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2025 between leaders and foreign ministers of eight Arab-Islamic countries, including Pakistan, and the President of the United States, Dar said assurances had been given that annexation of the Occupied West Bank would not occur. However, developments on the ground reflected continued expansion of settlements and attempts at de facto annexation in violation of international law.
Pakistan strongly condemned recent Israeli measures declaring parts of the Occupied West Bank as “state property,” he said, adding that such actions demonstrated an expansionist approach devoid of regard for humanitarian norms.
Highlighting Pakistan’s role as an elected member of the UN Security Council, Dar reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to advancing the Palestinian cause at the UN, OIC, and other multilateral platforms.
He outlined key priorities including reversal of annexation measures, protection of the legal and historic status of holy sites including Al-Aqsa Mosque, an end to displacement and demographic manipulation, full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, reconstruction of Gaza under Palestinian ownership, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and a credible political process leading to an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Dar also condemned recent remarks by the United States Ambassador to Israel suggesting acceptance of Israeli control over Arab territories, terming them irresponsible and inconsistent with international law.
Drawing parallels between the Palestinian issue and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he urged the OIC to intensify efforts toward a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination, the deputy prime minister said Pakistan would continue contributing to diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace through a two-state solution, stressing that the current moment demanded unity and concrete action from the Muslim world.
Pakistan explores Central Asian markets to boost potato exports: Tanveer
ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (APP): Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Friday chaired the second meeting of the Committee on Potato Export to review the current situation of potato production, surplus stocks and export facilitation measures.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the ministry, representatives from provincial agriculture departments, exporters, logistics companies, and other relevant stakeholders, a news release said.
A detailed assessment of the estimated surplus potato crop was presented, along with an overview of traditional and emerging export markets.
During the discussion, key challenges affecting exports were highlighted, including increased freight costs, logistical constraints, route-related issues, and visa facilitation for transporters.
The committee also reviewed proposals regarding concessional freight rates, improved coordination with railways and logistics providers, and measures to streamline cross-border trade.
Rana Tanveer emphasized the urgency of utilizing the current export window, particularly for Central Asian markets, to ease domestic supply pressure and protect farmers from distress sales.
He directed all concerned departments to expedite pending matters, remove operational bottlenecks, and ensure smooth movement of surplus stocks.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, stabilizing market prices, and enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural exports through coordinated and time-bound interventions.
He stressed that practical solutions must be implemented swiftly to safeguard the interests of growers while strengthening Pakistan’s position in regional markets.
The meeting decided to maintain close monitoring of export trends and convene follow-up sessions to review progress on the agreed measures.