فیچرڈ

  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of Pakistan’s National Integrated Digital Policy Framework, with discussions focusing on strengthening digital governance, expanding the digital economy, and improving public services through modern technology. During the meeting, the prime minister directed the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to make the facilities of the National Data Center, “Sky 47,” available to all federal government institutions. He emphasized that the initiative would serve as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s digital transformation strategy and significantly improve the efficiency of government operations. Shehbaz Sharif said the National Data Center would function as a centralized platform for storing and managing data from all government institutions. He explained that maintaining a unified data infrastructure would eliminate the need for individual departments to establish separate data centers, resulting in substantial savings of public resources while ensuring greater coordination and improved data security. The prime minister highlighted the role of the Pakistan Digital Authority in leading the country’s digital transformation. He said the authority was providing an effective direction for the delivery of government services and citizen-centric facilities. According to him, the implementation of the National Digital Vision would play a key role in building a modern, integrated, and technologically advanced society capable of meeting future challenges. Appreciating the progress made so far in promoting digital governance, the digital economy, and digital public services, Shehbaz Sharif instructed officials to strengthen international partnerships under the National Integrated Digital Policy. He stressed the importance of increasing collaboration with global technology partners and ensuring Pakistan’s effective representation at international digital forums to benefit from global expertise and innovation. The prime minister further directed that the National Digital Vision should be implemented across multiple sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, public utilities, housing, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He noted that the adoption of digital technologies in these sectors would improve service delivery, enhance efficiency, and provide citizens with faster, more reliable, and transparent access to government services. He also instructed authorities to accelerate efforts to provide better digital facilities to the public without delay. According to the prime minister, the introduction of a Digital ID system would allow citizens to access multiple government services through a single, integrated platform. This initiative is expected to simplify administrative procedures, reduce paperwork, improve transparency, and make public services more accessible for people across the country. The meeting also decided that a session of the National Digital Commission would be convened in the near future. The commission will engage provincial governments and other key stakeholders to ensure coordinated implementation of the National Digital Policy across Pakistan. Officials said the collaborative approach would help align federal and provincial initiatives while accelerating the country’s digital transformation agenda. Several senior cabinet members and government officials attended the meeting, including Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Atta Tarar, National Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, and State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, along with other senior officials. The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a digitally connected Pakistan by modernizing public administration, strengthening the digital economy, and ensuring that technology-driven services improve the daily lives of citizens while supporting sustainable economic growth.

In the international bullion market, the price of gold fell by $10 per ounce, bringing it down to $4,040 per ounce. The decline in global prices was mirrored in Pakistan’s local bullion market, where the price of 24-karat gold dropped by Rs. 1,000 per tola, settling at Rs. 426,436. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold in the domestic market decreased by Rs. 857, reaching Rs. 365,600. The latest adjustment follows fluctuations in global bullion markets, where investor sentiment and international economic developments continue to influence precious metal prices. While gold registered a decline, silver prices moved in the opposite direction. In the international market, silver gained 68 cents per ounce, pushing its price to $58.12 per ounce. The increase in global silver prices was also reflected in Pakistan’s local market. The price of silver per tola rose by Rs. 68, reaching Rs. 6,291, while the price of 10 grams of silver increased by Rs. 58 to Rs. 5,393. Market analysts say fluctuations in precious metal prices are primarily driven by movements in international bullion markets, changes in investor demand, currency trends, and expectations regarding global economic conditions. Gold often experiences price volatility as investors respond to inflation data, interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments, while silver prices are influenced by both investment demand and industrial consumption. Jewellers and bullion traders in Pakistan closely monitor international price movements, as domestic gold and silver rates are largely determined by global market trends along with the exchange rate of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. The latest decline in gold prices may provide some relief for buyers planning jewellery purchases or investment in physical gold. However, traders caution that bullion prices remain highly volatile, and future movements will depend on developments in the global economy and financial markets. With gold easing and silver continuing to strengthen, investors are expected to keep a close watch on international market trends before making further investment decisions in precious metals.

A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Rakhni and nearby areas in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan on Wednesday, causing tremors that were felt across the region. According to seismic monitoring authorities, the earthquake originated at a depth of 37 kilometres below the surface. The moderate tremor was felt in Rakhni and surrounding localities, prompting residents to leave their homes and workplaces as a precaution. There were no immediate reports of casualties, injuries, or significant property damage following the earthquake. Local authorities are monitoring the situation and assessing whether the tremor caused any structural damage in affected areas. Earthquakes of moderate intensity are relatively common in Balochistan due to the province’s location along active tectonic fault lines. The region lies near the boundary where the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate interact, making it one of Pakistan’s most seismically active areas. Although a magnitude 4.0 earthquake is generally considered moderate, its impact can vary depending on factors such as the depth of the quake, the distance from the epicentre, and local geological conditions. Shallow earthquakes are often felt more strongly than deeper ones, even if their magnitude is relatively low. Emergency management officials have advised residents to remain alert for any possible aftershocks, although no additional seismic activity had been reported immediately after the initial tremor. Citizens are also encouraged to follow official safety guidelines and avoid spreading unverified information on social media. Pakistan frequently experiences seismic activity because of its geographical location on the collision zone of major tectonic plates. While many earthquakes are minor and cause little or no damage, stronger tremors have historically resulted in significant destruction, particularly in mountainous regions. Disaster management authorities continue to monitor seismic developments and will provide updates if further activity is recorded or if any damage assessments reveal new information. Residents in the affected areas have been urged to report any structural damage to local authorities and to remain cautious until the situation is fully assessed. The latest earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in vulnerable regions, including adherence to building safety standards and public awareness of emergency response procedures.

A deadly explosion in Quetta claimed the life of one citizen and injured four others, including a child, after an attack occurred on Patel Road, according to initial reports from police officials.  The incident created panic in the area as emergency teams and law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene following the blast. Rescue officials shifted the injured victims to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while security personnel cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence. Police officials confirmed that one person lost his life in the attack, while four people sustained injuries. Among the injured was a child who was reportedly present with family members near the site of the explosion. One injured victim, identified as Abrar Ahmed, said he had come to a hospital on Patel Road for medical treatment. He stated that he was leaving the hospital with his family when the explosion occurred, leaving him seriously injured. Another injured person, Wazir Khan, shared his account of the incident, saying he was returning home with friends after completing work at a workshop when he was caught in the blast. He said he lost consciousness after the explosion and regained awareness later at the hospital. Security agencies launched an investigation into the incident to determine the nature of the attack and identify those responsible. Officials are examining evidence collected from the site and reviewing available information as part of the investigation process. Authorities have expressed their commitment to maintaining security and preventing such attacks against civilians. Security officials have also urged citizens to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement agencies during investigations. Quetta has witnessed several security incidents in the past, and law enforcement agencies have continued operations to counter militant activities and improve public safety across the province. The attack has renewed concerns over the targeting of civilian areas and the need for enhanced security measures. Further details regarding the investigation and the identities of those responsible are expected as authorities continue their probe. The government and security institutions have reiterated that efforts will continue to ensure peace and stability in Balochistan while taking action against elements involved in violence.

  Two bodies have been discovered inside an oil tanker in the Gujarat locality of Kot Addu, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. According to Rescue officials, the oil tanker had been parked at a local hotel after unloading its cargo two days earlier. The vehicle had remained stationary since completing its delivery, and the bodies were found during a subsequent inspection. The deceased have been identified, and both were residents of Rahim Yar Khan, a city in southern Punjab. Their identities have been confirmed by rescue authorities, although their names have not yet been released publicly. Officials stated that the exact cause of death remains unknown. Rescue teams and law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the incident to determine how the two men ended up inside the tanker and what led to their deaths. Authorities have not ruled out any possibility at this stage. The bodies have been shifted for further examination, and medical experts are expected to conduct post-mortem examinations to help establish the cause of death. Investigators are also gathering evidence from the scene and questioning individuals who may have information about the incident. Initial reports indicate that the tanker had completed its oil delivery and was parked at a hotel for approximately two days before the bodies were discovered. Authorities are examining whether the victims entered the tanker accidentally, intentionally, or under other circumstances. They are also reviewing the vehicle’s recent movements and speaking with the driver and other relevant individuals. Rescue officials emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and urged the public to avoid speculation until the official findings are released. They noted that determining the cause of death will require a thorough forensic examination and detailed inquiry. The incident has raised concerns among local residents due to the unusual nature of the discovery. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to uncover the facts and ensure that, if any criminal activity is involved, those responsible will be brought to justice. Police and rescue teams continue to coordinate their efforts as they work to establish a clear timeline of events. Investigators are expected to review available evidence, including witness statements and forensic reports, before reaching any conclusions. For now, officials have confirmed only that two men from Rahim Yar Khan were found dead inside an oil tanker parked in the Gujarat area of Kot Addu after it had unloaded its cargo. The investigation into the cause and circumstances of their deaths is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses.