Top News
Foreign exchange rates
KARACHI, Jan 19 (APP):The Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Exchange rates bulletin, here on Monday. CONVERSION RATES FOR JANUARY 19, 2026 FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR FORWARD COVER FOR DEPOSITS (EXCLUDING FE-25 DEPOSITS) SBP SETTLEMENT VALUE DATE JANUARY 21, 2026 USD 279.9030 GBP […]
Leghari rejects NEPRA findings, says reforms cut circular debt, saved $17bn
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP):Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Sunday strongly rebutted observations of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) State of Industry Report 2025, term several conclusions “factually incorrect” and asserting that deep-rooted power sector reforms have already delivered tangible relief to consumers while putting the sector on a […]
CCPL pushes for stronger cyber defenses at ITCN Asia Lahore
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): The Common Criteria Pakistan Lab (CCPL) is participating in ITCN Asia Lahore from January 17 to 19, 2026, spotlighting the urgent need to strengthen Pakistan’s IT and cybersecurity ecosystem through internationally recognized security evaluations. During the event, CCPL, being the first & only NTISB & PNAC accredited lab in Pakistan, is […]
Population growth & weak financing threaten Pakistan’s development agenda: experts
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP):While reviewing the draft National Health and Population Policy, experts have warned that rapid population growth, chronic underfunding of health services and inequitable financing could severely undermine Pakistan’s development agenda. The warning was floated at a high-level policy dialogue, titled: “The National Health and Population Policy (2026-35) – Plugging the Gaps”, organized […]
HSA certifies 67 ‘One Health’ professionals to boost pandemic readiness in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP):The Health Services Academy (HSA), in partnership with Pak One Health Alliance, has trained and certified 67 ‘One Health’ professionals in the federal capital to strengthen pandemic preparedness. The second cohort of the government-backed programme concluded with 32 specialists—including medical officers, hospital representatives, and frontline responders—equipped with advanced skills in infection control, […]
Gul Plaza fire; rescue operation going on in Karachi, officials express grief as more victims feared
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP):A deadly fire at Gul Plaza on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road has claimed at least five lives and left several others injured, with authorities fearing the death toll may rise as rescue teams struggle to reach those still trapped, while Sindh Chief Minister, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other […]
Experts for sector coupling, grid reforms to address overcapacity, underutilized power issues
ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP):Energy experts, policymakers and industry stakeholders have said that sector coupling and grid reforms could emerge as a potential solution to address Pakistan’s over capacity and under-utilized power issues that are draining the country’s economy. These economic opportunities for Pakistan were discussed during a webinar, titled “Wind Curtailment in Pakistan: The Way […]
IESCO notifies power suspension programme
ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP):The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Saturday issued a power suspension programme for Sunday, in various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work. According to an IESCO spokesperson, the power supply of several feeders and grid stations will remain suspended from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm […]
Fintech growth in Pakistan depends on robust, reliable core banking systems
By Zahid Majeed Sherazi ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP):Pakistan’s digital finance sector is expanding faster than expected, with mobile banking accounts crossing the 120 million mark and app-based transactions emerging as the leading mode of digital payments. The milestone marks a clear shift from early adoption to mainstream use, underscoring growing public confidence in digital financial […]
Balochistan CM expresses condolences, orders strict inquiry after deadly Gwadar accident
ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP):Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti Saturday expressed his heartfelt condolences following a deadly accident in Gwadar, directed authorities to offer prompt medical assistance and ensuring the transportation of the victims’ bodies to their hometowns. In a special message shared with local media, CM Bugti expressed […]