ASTANA, Nov 26 (Kazinform/APP) : As part of the Caspian hub development, two major projects are currently underway — the construction of a container terminal at Aktau Seaport and the Sarzha Multifunctional Marine Terminal at Kuryk Port, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev said at a Government’s meeting, Qazinform News Agency reports. He noted that both projects are part of the Seaport Aktau special economic zone.
“A 19-hectare plot within the special economic zone has been allocated for the container terminal, and an investment agreement has been signed with Lianyungang Port Group. The total investment is 47.6 billion tenge,” the minister said. Construction of the container terminal is progressing in multiple phases.
“In July, the first phase of the container terminal was launched. The second phase is 95% complete and is expected to be finished by the end of the year,” Shakkaliyev noted.
He added that the second phase of the container terminal is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with a projected handling capacity of 240,000 TEU.
Earlier Qazinform News Agency reported, Kazakhstan is set to invest over 230 billion tenge in Khorgos hub development.
Kazakhstan allocates over 40bn tenge for Caspian hub container terminal
Gold rates rise by Rs.2,300 per tola
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):The price of 24-karat gold increased by Rs 2,300 on Wednesday, rising to Rs 438,862 per tola compared to Rs 436,562 on the previous day, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.
Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold rose by Rs 1,972, reaching Rs 376,253 from Rs 374,281, while 10 grams of 22-karat gold increased by Rs 1,808, reaching Rs 344,911 against the previous day’s Rs 343,103.
In the international market, gold was traded at $4,165 per ounce, showing an increase of $23 from the previous rate of $4,142.
The price of silver also registered an upward trend. Silver per tola rose by Rs 60, reaching Rs 5,482 compared to Rs 5,422 a day earlier, whereas the price of 10 grams of silver increased by Rs 51, reaching Rs 4,699 from Rs 4,648. International silver prices stood at $52.10 per ounce.
Man held for posting aerial firing video online
SIALKOT, Nov 26 (APP):Police on Wednesday arrested a man for posting videos on social media showing aerial firing and displaying a weapon.
According to police,the suspect,identified as Osama of Chiti Sheikhan village,uploaded his videos of aerial firing and exhibition of weapon.
Police took the suspect into custody while a case has been registered against him.
Balochistan IG reaffirms citizens’ safety as top priority, crackdown on criminals intensifies
QUETTA, Nov 26 (APP):Inspector General of Balochistan Police, Muhammad Tahir, has reaffirmed that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the force’s foremost priority.
He emphasized that police operations against criminal elements have been intensified across the province in recent days.
Officials reported that police units across all ranges of Balochistan demonstrated strong performance during multiple actions carried out over the past week.
Acting on the IG’s special directives, targeted operations were conducted in several districts, focusing on wanted and absconding suspects, repeat offenders, motorcycle thieves and street-snatchers, drug traffickers and individuals storing illegal weapons and ammunition.
Authorities confirmed that several suspects linked to criminal incidents have been arrested, with investigations now underway.
Individuals nominated in multiple cases, including murder and previously unsolved homicide cases, were apprehended.
A significant cache of weapons and prohibited items was seized during the operations.
IG Muhammad Tahir reiterated the police force’s dedication to maintaining peace and security across Balochistan:
“All available resources are being utilized to provide citizens with a crime-free environment. The crackdown on criminal elements will continue until lawlessness is eliminated.”
The Balochistan Police has committed to curb crime, dismantle networks of offenders, and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
Commissioner Hyderabad Visits New Hospital Block , Digital Examination Centre at LUMHS Jamshoro
HYDERABAD, Nov 26 (APP):Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi paid an official visit to Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, where he inspected the newly constructed hospital block and the Central Examination Centre, which now conducts online examinations for students across all disciplines.
During the visit, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ikramuddin Ujjan warmly welcomed the Commissioner and briefed him on the university’s academic advancements, infrastructure expansion, and healthcare improvements benefiting the community.
The Commissioner also interacted with patients at the new hospital block, enquiring about treatment facilities, service standards, and medical availability.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Fayaz Hussain Abbasi said,
“LUMHS stands as a key institution delivering both quality medical education and healthcare services in the region. The upgraded hospital facilities along with a modern online examination system demonstrate a commitment to transparency, merit, and improved public service.”
He appreciated the efforts of the university administration and assured continued cooperation for initiatives that strengthen healthcare systems and medical education across the division.
Australian HC promotes girls through cricket
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):The 5th Australian High Commission (AHC)-Jalaluddin Cricket Academy (JCA) Girls’ School Cricket Cup in Karachi brought together 60 girls from four schools for an inspiring day of competition and camaraderie.
The tournament followed a two-week coaching clinic. Prominent figures from Pakistan’s cricket community—including legendary cricketer Javed Miandad, former national team captain Mushtaq Mohammad, and women’s team player Kainat Imtiaz—shared their experience and leadership skills with girls from the Ismail Academy, Nasra Public School, Greenland Schools, and Happy Home Orphanage, said in a press release issued here.
During the tournament members of Australia’s visiting Over-40s Cricket Team also worked with the girls to build confidence, foster teamwork, and develop leadership skills.
“Australia’s continued support for girls’ cricket in Pakistan promotes gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and empowers girls through access to sport,” said Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane.
“We started in 2016 with an annual tournament in Islamabad and have since expanded to Lahore and Karachi.
Australia and Pakistan share a passion for cricket, and the Australian High Commission is pleased to support initiatives that break barriers and create opportunities for girls to thrive across Pakistan.”
JCA Chairman and former Pakistan test cricketer, Jalaluddin praised the initiative. “Grassroots cricket development is vital for the future of women’s cricket in Pakistan. This partnership with the Australian High Commission will go a long way in creating opportunities for young girls.”
CCP issues first-ever comprehensive report on Pakistan’s gold market
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on Wednesday released its maiden competition assessment study of the gold market in Pakistan, providing the first evidence-based analysis of the sector’s structure, regulatory landscape, and competitiveness challenges.
The study, conducted by CCP’s Center of Excellence in Competition Law (CECL), maps a market historically dominated by informality, fragmented oversight, and pricing opacity, said a news release.
According to the report, Pakistan’s annual gold consumption ranges between 60 to 90 tonnes, driven largely by cultural demand, while over 90% of gold trading occurs outside formal channels. The market relies almost entirely on imports, with US $17 million worth of gold imported in FY 2023-24.
The study highlights the transformative potential of the Reko Diq copper-gold project, expected to generate up to US $74 billion over its 37-year of useful life and significantly reshape domestic supply chains.
The report identifies deep-rooted barriers that suppress competition and distort market functioning includes:
Informal market dominance: weak documentation and cash-based transactions allow large informal networks to set prices and influence supply.
Opaque price-setting: daily gold rates are largely influenced by associations rather than transparent market mechanisms.
Fragmented regulation: overlapping and unclear mandates of Ministry of Commerce, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan Gems and Jewelry Development Company (PGJDC) , and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) create policy inconsistencies and enforcement gaps.
High taxes and compliance costs: complex procedures, and inconsistent taxation encourage smuggling and under-invoicing.
Limited refining, assaying and hallmarking capacity: Pakistan has negligible refining capability and inadequate assaying and hallmarking facilities, leading to widespread purity issues and weak consumer protection.
Data deficiencies: Absence of reliable import, traders registration, sales, and purity data prevents evidence-based policymaking.
To address these challenges, CCP has proposed a comprehensive reform package including establishing a unified regulator the Pakistan Gold and Gemstone Authority to harmonize rules, licensing, imports, and Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing Terrorism (CFT) compliance, and mandatory assaying and hallmarking nationwide to ensure purity, protect consumers, and enable exports.
CCP also proposed digital transformation of the gold value chain with blockchain-based traceability integrated with FBR’s Track and Trace system, creation of a Gold Banking System, inspired by the Türkiye Gold Banking System to mobilize household gold into the formal sector, and Strengthen data governance through centralized reporting, market documentation, and scientific price-monitoring mechanisms.
CCP emphasizes that modernizing the gold sector will boost transparency, safeguard consumers, reduce illicit trade, and unlock significant economic value, particularly as Pakistan prepares for the commercial rollout of Reko Diq.
GCWUS stands 1501 in QS World University Rankings
SIALKOT, Nov 26 (APP):For the first time ever, Government College Women University Sialkot (GCWUS) on Wednesday secured a place in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 — a moment of honor for the entire GCWUS family.
According to a release of the varsity, in global rankings, GCWUS stood at 1501+ in Pakistan: 32nd, in Punjab: 17th and rank in Women Universities of Pakistan: 1st.
This remarkable achievement reflects GCWUS’s unwavering commitment to quality education, sustainable practices, and a future-focused vision for empowering women through knowledge.
With each passing year, GCWUS continues to enhance its academic standards, research culture, environmental responsibility, and global footprint — ensuring that our students rise as leaders of tomorrow.
Terrorist killed in Nowshera encounter
PESHAWAR, Nov 26 (APP):A terrorist was killed during an exchange of fire with police in Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to police on Wednesday, personnel from Nizampur Police Station encountered terrorists, leading to an intense gun battle. Police said one terrorist was killed in the exchange of fire.
The slain terrorist was involved in the murder of a police constable, kidnapping cases in Nizampur and a firing attack on a petrol pump.
Currency rates of NBP
KARACHI, Nov 26 (APP):The following are the selling/buying rates of major currencies issued by the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), here on Wednesday.
CURRENCY SELLING BUYING
USD 282.35 279.33
GBP 372.60 368.18
EUR 327.21 323.36
JPY 1.8119 1.7906
AED 75.28 74.40
SAR 76.89 75.97