Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: The exchange rate for 1 Saudi Riyal (SAR) to Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is approximately ₨74.75. On the fifth working day of the current business week, the selling rate of the Saudi Riyal (SAR) has declined slightly, now trading at Rs75.25, according to the latest update from the Forex Association of Pakistan. The Saudi Riyal, denoted by SAR or SR, serves as the official currency of Saudi Arabia. Each Riyal is divided into 100 smaller units known as halalas. Exchange rate movements are influenced by a variety of factors, including political stability, economic performance, and foreign exchange…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: In a strong step toward promoting healthier lifestyles among students, the Sindh Food Authority (SFA) has directed all educational institutions across the province—including schools and colleges—to eliminate the sale of junk and unhealthy food from their campuses. Official letters have been sent to the School Education, College Education, and Local Government Departments, urging them to take action against the sale of harmful edibles in academic settings. The SFA is aiming to remove items like fried papads, artificially colored chips, sugary sodas, and energy drinks from school and college canteens. This initiative reinforces a 2018 health notification…
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: A pivotal meeting took place at the Parliament House in Islamabad between the Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group and Finnish Ambassador to Pakistan, Hannu Ripatti. The gathering aimed to deepen diplomatic ties, bolster economic collaboration, and identify new areas for joint ventures across various sectors. The session was presided over by Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, Convener of the Friendship Group, and attended by several prominent members of the National Assembly, including Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi, Shaista Pervaiz, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Dr. Nafisa Shah, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, and Noor Alam Khan. During her…
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: Oppo has introduced its latest flagship, the Find X8 Ultra, in the Chinese market, showcasing a blend of top-tier performance and cutting-edge technology. This powerhouse smartphone runs on the newly advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with a generous 16GB RAM configuration, delivering lightning-fast performance. The front features a vivid 6.82-inch AMOLED panel with 2K clarity, elevating the viewing experience to a cinematic level. Designed for photography lovers, it carries an exceptional five-lens rear camera array, ensuring pro-level results in every shot. Fueling the device is a robust 6,100mAh battery, supporting both fast wired and wireless…
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: Gold prices in Pakistan soared on Thursday, recording the largest single-day rise in recent times, driven by international market trends and economic uncertainty. The local bullion market witnessed an unprecedented hike of around Rs16,000 per tola, reflecting the sharp uptrend in global gold values. As per the All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the rate of gold initially climbed by Rs7,800 per tola, touching Rs328,800. However, as trading intensified, another spike of Rs8,000 pushed the rate further to Rs336,800 per tola, confirmed Muhammad Qasim Shikarpuri, the association’s president. Globally, gold remained strong, reaching $3,118 per ounce,…
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: A fresh report from the Center for Automotive Research highlights the heavy financial blow American car manufacturers could face due to the 25% auto tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump in early April. The report projects that these levies will burden U.S. automakers with an estimated $108 billion in added expenses by the year 2025. Released by the Ann Arbor-based think tank, the study pinpoints Detroit’s big three—Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis—as bearing the brunt of these added costs. Combined, these companies are expected to absorb approximately $42 billion of the total impact.…
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: Pakistan call center industry has shown consistent progress, achieving remarkable export revenues and business growth, generating more than $200 million during the financial year 2024-25. The State Bank of Pakistan’s statistics reveal that the sector earned $207 million from July to February, reflecting a 20% year-on-year growth compared to $166 million in the previous year. This surge is attributed to Pakistan’s affordable service model, which offers operational costs up to 70% lower than those in the U.S. and Europe, making the country an attractive destination for outsourcing. Current estimates suggest that over 1,000 call centers operate…
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: Global stock markets faced a sharp decline, and the U.S. dollar experienced further weakening on Friday, as a frantic bond market selloff gripped investor. This marked a turbulent conclusion to a week filled with escalating global trade tensions and reciprocal tariff hikes that fueled concerns about an imminent economic slowdown and shook investor faith in U.S. assets. As anxiety spread, investors flocked to safer assets, driving the Swiss franc to a 10-year high against the dollar, and gold surged to a new record after a brief rally spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily…
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has officially appealed to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to enhance the profit margin for oil marketing companies (OMCs) from the existing Rs. 7.87 to Rs. 10 per litre, marking a 27% hike. In a formal communication addressed to the OGRA chairman, the OCAC emphasized the urgent need for a revision in OMC margins and highlighted the accumulated burden of unpaid sales tax on the sector. OCAC states that they haven’t updated the current margin since September 2023. The body revealed that a staggering Rs. 73.48 billion in…
Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: The UAE has rolled out tougher traffic regulations, authorizing immediate arrests and imposing fines of up to Dh100,000 on drivers who engage in hazardous behavior. These reforms, recently introduced by the Ministry of Interior, aim to significantly enhance road safety and minimize traffic-related casualties. Expanded Authority and Harsher Measures Effective from late March, the revised traffic code grants law enforcement more power to take immediate action against serious violations. Officers can now arrest drivers on the spot for severe offenses. The government’s intensified approach reflects a zero-tolerance stance toward careless and aggressive driving. Alarming Surge in…
