ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on FBR reforms
ISLAMABAD
Rupee gains 05 paisa against US Dollar
ISLAMABAD, Jun 2 (APP):The Rupee on Monday appreciated by 05 paisa against the US Dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs 281.97 against the previous day’s closing of Rs 282.02.
However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs 282.5 and Rs 284.3, respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by Rs 2.21 to close at Rs 322.06 against the last day’s closing of Rs 319.85, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese yen went up by 02 pasia and closed at Rs1.97, whereas an increase of Rs 1.97 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which was traded at Rs 382.02 as compared to the last day’s closing of Rs 380.23.
The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal decreased by 01 and 03 paisa to close at Rs 76.77 and Rs 75.14, respectively.
Very hot, dry weather forecast for Sindh
KARACHI, Jun 02 (APP): Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday predicted very hot and dry weather in most districts of the Sindh province during the next 24 hours.
However, dust raising or gusty winds are forecast during the period.
Mainly, very hot and dry weather is likely to prevail in the province.
Gold prices up Rs.5,900 to Rs.353,100 per tola
ISLAMABAD, Jun 2 (APP):The price of 24 karat per tola gold witnessed an increase of Rs.5,900 on Monday and was sold at Rs.353,100 against its sale at Rs. 347,200 on the previous trading day, All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewelers Association reported.
The prices of 10 grams of 24 karat also increased by Rs.5,058 to Rs.302,726 from Rs. 297,668 whereas the price of 10 grams of 22 Karat went up by Rs.4,636 to Rs.277,508 from Rs. 272,872.
The rates of per tola and ten gram silver remained unchanged at Rs.3,456 and Rs.2,962 respectively.
The price of gold in the international market increased by $59 to $3,347 from $3,288 whereas that of silver remained constant at $32.98, the Association reported.
UOS hosts workshop
Sargodha, Jun 02 (APP): The University of Sargodha (UOS)’s Wazir Agha Library on Monday organized a one-day training workshop on “Qualitative Research and Data Analysis: Mastering NVivo for Researchers.”
The workshop aimed to equip participants with theoretical and practical skills in qualitative research, focusing on NVivo software for literature reviews, data analysis, and report writing.
Renowned expert Dr. Murtaza Ashiq from the University of Punjab led the sessions, providing in-depth training on key techniques such as coding, thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and content analysis.
Dr. Asif Naveed, Chief Librarian, emphasized the library’s commitment to supporting research excellence through its research support program.
The workshop complemented this initiative, enhancing participants’ capacity-building opportunities in qualitative research methodologies and leveraging NVivo software to boost research productivity.
Over 35 faculty members and graduate students attended the workshop.
PSX witnesses bearish trend, loses 813 points
ISLAMABAD, Jun 2 (APP): The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed bearish trend on Monday, losing 813.29 points, a negative change of 0.68 percent, closing at 118,877.81 points as compared to 119,691.09 points on the last trading day.
A total of 497,940,020 shares were traded during the day as compared to 580,318,842 shares the previous trading day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 23.450 billion against Rs 22.743 billion on the last trading day.
As many as 464 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 193 of them recorded gains and 231 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 40 companies remained unchanged.
The three top trading companies were Dewan Cement with 40,375,547 shares at Rs 12.67 per share, Invest Bank with 31,862,508 shares at Rs 2.31 per share and K-Electric Limited with 30,881,459 shares at Rs 5.09 per share.
PIA Holding Company LimitedB witnessed a maximum increase of Rs 2,937.45 per share closing at Rs32,311.99 whereas runner-up was Khyber Textile Mills Limited with Rs 279.07 rise in its share price to close at Rs 3,069.78.
Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 41.89 per share price, closing at Rs 9,919.02, whereas the runner-up SS Oil Mills Limited with Rs 41.31 decline in its per share price to Rs 788.43.
15 injured in road accident
FAISALABAD, Jun 02 (APP): Fifteen passengers, including four women, sustained multiple injuries in a road accident in Chak Jhumra police limits.
A Rescue 1122 spokesman said here on Monday that a speeding truck hit a parked passenger van near Toll Plaza Chak No.188 Nallaywala. As a result, 15 passengers received injuries. They included Iftikhar (75), Mian Muhammad (70), Munir Hussain (45), Muhammad Rasheed (43), Muhammad Irshad (70), Malkani Khatoon (65), M. Sadiq (53), Imtiaz Hussain (40), M. Naseer (50), Sat Bharai (65), M. Ameer (70), Sakina Bibi (70), M. Farooq (65) and Alam Khatoon (40).
Receiving information, Rescue 1122 rushed to the spot and provided first aid in addition to shifting the first five victims to Allied Hospital-I due to their serious condition, he added.
IT sector achieves record growth in FY 2023–24: IT body told
ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP): The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was informed on Monday that Pakistan’s IT sector generated a record $3.22 billion in export remittances during the fiscal year 2023–24, marking a 24.15 percent increase over the previous year.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, also reviewed the scope and legal status of the recently launched Pakistan Crypto Council.
Members raised concerns over the council’s legitimacy, stating that Parliament was not taken into confidence prior to its establishment.
Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand questioned whether the council could be constituted through executive orders alone. The Committee also sought clarification on the Ministry of IT’s role in the council.
Secretary IT Zarrar Hasham Khan explained that the Ministry’s involvement was limited to providing input on the terms of reference (TORs).
However, members expressed the view that the Crypto Council should fall under the Ministry of IT, rather than the Finance Ministry. The matter was deferred, with the Committee deciding to summon the Finance Ministry for a detailed briefing in the next session.
Regarding the renewal of LDI/FLL licenses, Secretary IT informed that stakeholder consultations have been concluded in accordance with the Sindh High Court’s directives, and a final decision is expected within two to three weeks.
The Committee was also briefed on the Pakistan Digital Authority, tasked with implementing nationwide digital transformation initiatives aimed at fostering a citizen-centric digital society. The Secretary clarified that the IT Ministry remains responsible for policy, legislation, and governance within the IT and telecom sectors.
Concerns were raised about the structure of the Digital Nation Commission, particularly its leadership by the Prime Minister and inclusion of provincial Chief Ministers.
Senator Kamran Murtaza warned that the commission could undermine provincial autonomy due to the absence of a consensus mechanism. The matter was deferred, with the Committee agreeing to seek the Federal Minister’s input.
Responding to queries about the launch of GPT-based AI tool Zahanat, officials clarified that the initiative is a private sector endeavor.
The Federal IT Minister only attended the launch to show support, and her remarks were misinterpreted. The CEO of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) did not issue a denial, they added.
The Committee also received a briefing on the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum held on April 29–30 at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad. Officials hailed the event as a major success, with participation from 40 countries and investment commitments totaling approximately $700 million.
The officials shared data on IT sector growth, reporting over 20,000 companies registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) — a 19 percent increase from the previous year. The growing base of registered firms reflects strong momentum in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Punjab Home Dept warns against donating hides to banned outfits
LAHORE, Jun 02 (APP): The Punjab Home Department has released a detailed list of proscribed organisations and their affiliate entities, cautioning citizens against donating sacrificial animal hides to such groups.
A spokesperson for the Home Department said on Monday that citizens have been advised to ensure that hides are donated only to welfare organisations registered with the Punjab Charity Commission (PCC). Donations to banned outfits or their front organisations constitute a criminal offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
The spokesperson said that financial or material support to any outlawed group, including through hide donations, will invite strict legal action. “These groups are involved in anti-state and terrorist activities. Supporting them in any form is punishable under the law,” the statement said.
All registered organisations collecting hides are required to possess certification featuring a verifiable QR code issued by the PCC. Citizens have been urged to demand proof of such certification from any individual or group collecting hides in their area, added spokesperson.
The statement added that only madaris registered with the Charity Commission or authorized by the respective deputy commissioners (DCs) will be permitted to collect hides. The provincial administration has instructed all DCs to issue hide collection permits by June 4, following proper verification.
The Home Department has listed dozens of banned organizations including, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Al-Qaeda, Islamic State (Daesh), Balochistan Liberation Army, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, Al-Rasheed Trust, and several others operating under various names across the country.
The complete list of proscribed outfits is available on the official websites of the Punjab Home Department and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
Citizens have been asked to report any attempts by banned organisations to collect sacrificial hides by contacting, emergency helpline: 15, Toll-Free Number: 0800-11111 and landline numbers: 042-99214871 / 042-99214872
Police arrest 960 criminals in May
SARGODHA, Jun 02 (APP):Police arrested 960 criminals including 52 of A-category and 256 proclaimed offenders from across the district in May.
According to police, they also arrested 300 criminals of heinous crimes including murder, attempt of murder, and court absconders and several others including 167 drug peddlers and 246 illegal weapon holders besides recovering of 43 kg hashish, 2.3 kg ice, 1.5 kg heroin, 3810 liter liquor, 18 Kalashnikovs, 23 rifles, 35 guns, 184 pistols and 1600 rounds from their possession. Police also netted 60 criminals of 25 gangs and recovered
valuables worth Rs 30 million from them.
The DPO Sargodha handed over valuables to owners in a ceremony here. Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf said that Sargodha police was striving to curb crime and taking practical steps in this regard.