RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif attended the Concluding Session of Army War Game at Rawalpindi on Thursday, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The prime minister was comprehensively briefed on the recently concluded Wargame and operational readiness of Pakistan Army across the full spectrum of threat.
The Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and Senior Military Officials were in attendance.
The prime minister expressed his complete satisfaction on the operational preparedness of Pakistan Army, acknowledging the pivotal role of our armed forces in maintaining strategic stability in the region and preserving the delicate balance of power essential for peace in nuclearized South Asia.
Shahbaz Sharif commended the innovative employment concepts and structural reforms aimed at enhancing the deterrence regime which will ensure the imposition of retributive cost on any adversary in the event of aggression.
The military leadership reaffirmed their unwavering resolve to safeguard the national sovereignty and territorial integrity at all cost.
It was reiterated that Pakistan Army remains fully cognizant of the prevailing security challenges and will continue to enhance its capabilities to thwart any aggressive designs against Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A visiting delegation of European Investment Bank (EIB) met Pakistan’s Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg Amna Baloch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Thursday.
In the meeting, the two sides discussed the ongoing engagements of EIB in Pakistan and the enhancement of bilateral cooperation.
Amb @amnabaloch4 welcomed @EIB delegation visiting and discussed:
Ongoing engagements of EIB in
Pathways for cooperation
The EIB delegation led by the Head of Division for Asia & Pacific Edvardas Bumsteinas is visiting Pakistan for talks with key officials.
Earlier on Wednesday, the visiting delegation met the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema.
During the meeting, the delegation shown interest in several key projects including those financed by other international financial institutions such as the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
They were particularly keen on exploring opportunities to provide loans for a range of significant initiatives in Pakistan.
Additionally, the delegation was interested in water filtration and industrial water recycling projects in Karachi, which are vital for addressing urban water supply challenges, and in renewable and hydropower energy projects, which align with global trends towards sustainable energy solutions.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif has said that the Court Martial proceedings have been initiated against the former Head of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Faiz Hameed, and that they have no political agenda.
While addressing a Press Briefing related to national security held in Rawalpindi on Thursday, Lt General Ahmed Sharif said that an Inquiry was conducted against Faiz Hameed in the Top City Case after concrete evidence.
“The Pakistan Army believes in the process of self-accountability,” the DG ISPR said.
The ISPR said that through the Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed FGCM Case, Pakistan army once again has proven its stringent, time tested and transparent system of accountability which works on evidences and not mere allegations.
Lt General Ahmed Sharif said that we hope that other institutions will also practice self-accountability without any discrimination.
“Anyone who uses their position for personal or political purposes should be held accountable. The public trust in state institutions is their greatest asset,” he remarked.
The director general ISPR also said that “We have no political agenda; the Pakistan Army is a national army. The army is neither against any political party nor in favor of any one.”
The DG ISPR emphasized that it’s important to know that if any person in the army promotes a specific political agenda, the Pakistan army’s self-accountability system is activated, and those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
Lt General Ahmed Sharif said that nearly 4,000 anti-terror operations were conducted in the last month, and 90 extremists were killed. He said that “The war against terrorism will continue until the last extremist is eliminated.”
The DG ISPR said that terrorist activities in Balochistan were carried out at the behest of subversive elements existing both inside and outside the Country. He said that the incidents that occurred in Balochistan on August 25 and 26 have no connection with Islam, humanity, or Baloch traditions.
While giving a comprehensive point of view on Balochistan’s issue and holistically taking account of the ground situation & real issues, the DG ISPR dismissed the false propaganda as being churned out, highlighting and acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of people of Balochistan.
Lt General Ahmed Sharif further said that as part of national counter terrorism strategy of clear, hold, build and transfer phases, Pakistan army has repeatedly been clearing and holding the areas; however, the process of build and transfer which is prime responsibility of local and provincial governments, has remained very slow and ineffective due to which army has to clear some areas time and again as when those areas are not built and transferred in a timely manner, terrorists again occupy those cleared spaces.
When asked about the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s in the appointment of Lt General Faiz Hameed as the Chief of Inter Services Intelligence, the DG ISPR said that the Head of ISI is the Prime Minister, adding that the retired officer (Faiz Hameed) is accused of exceeding constitutional boundaries at the behest of a specific political party.
The DG ISPR also brushed aside the rumours as being propagated on social media that there are talks underway between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and establishment.
In his media briefing, the DG ISPR also conveyed a strong message of friendship and brotherhood for Afghanistan once more with word of caution for the neighboring Country to not allow its soil being used against Pakistan by Fitna al-Khawarij. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that Afghanistan has to decide clearly which way it wants to go.
The World Charity Day has been celebrated globally since 2013 with the aim of raising awareness about donating money and time, engaging in charitable activities, and participating in other philanthropic endeavors.
Charity refers to financial aid provided out of benevolence or humanitarian sympathy. In Islam, Muslims are instructed to give donations, Zakat, and alms to help those facing economic difficulties, those in distress, the homeless, and the destitute.
Those who run charitable organizations say that despite numerous welfare activities, the problems remain unchanged; there should be a uniform system for both the rich and the poor in the Country.
The people serving in charitable organizations state that they are doing everything possible for the economically distressed and the needy.
The US Dollar (USD) was being bought and sold at Rs 278.75 and Rs 280.25 in the Open Market against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) respectively on Thursday.
USD to PKR Today in Open Market
Currency
Buying
Selling
US Dollar
Rs 278.75
Rs 280.25
Foreign Currency Rates in Pakistan on September 5, 2024 (Open Market)
Currency
Symbol
Buying
Selling
US Dollar
USD
Rs 278.75
Rs 280.25
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Rs 206.43
Rs 208.83
Australian Dollar
AUD
Rs 187.75
Rs 190.00
Euro
EUR
Rs 307.23
Rs 309.98
UK Pound Sterling
GBP
Rs 364.00
Rs 367.50
UAE Dirham
AED
Rs 75.60
Rs 76.25
Saudi Riyal
SAR
Rs 73.98
Rs 74.53
Omani Riyal
OMR
Rs 721.22
Rs 729.72
Qatari Riyal
QAR
Rs 76.44
Rs 77.14
Kuwaiti Dinar
KWD
Rs 903.56
Rs 913.06
Japanese Yen
JPY
Rs 1.93
Rs 1.99
Chinese Yuan
CNY
Rs 38.25
Rs 38.65
Indian Rupee
INR
Rs 3.34
Rs 3.45
Earlier on September 4, the US Dollar was equal to Rs 278.76 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) at the Closing of the Interbank Trading Session.
It’s worth noting that like elsewhere around the Pakistan, exchange rates are not fixed in Pakistan as well and they can fluctuate everyday due to a variety of factors including market forces, interest rates, inflation, political & economic stability, and speculation.
On Thursday (September 5, 2024), the gold rate for one tola of 24-karat in Karachi, Pakistan, is Rs 265,000.000.
It’s important to note that gold prices in Pakistan are subject to frequent fluctuations based on international market conditions; therefore, they are not fixed. The below rates are sourced from local gold markets and Sarafa Markets in different cities.
Gold Price in Pakistan Today – September 5, 2024 (In PKR)
Gold Rate
24K Gold
22K Gold
21K Gold
18K Gold
Per Tola Gold
265,000.000
242,916.667
231,875.000
198,750.000
Per 10 Gram Gold
227,200.000
208,266.667
198,800.000
170,400.000
Per 1 Gram of Gold
22,720.000
20,826.667
19,880.000
17,040.000
Per Ounce
643,950.000
590,287.500
563,456.250
482,962.500
Today’s gold rate per Tola in Pakistan is Rs 265,000.000 on Thursday (September 5, 2024).
Whereas one gram of 24k Gold is being sold at Rs 22,720.000 and 10 grams of 24K Gold are being traded for Rs 227,200.000.
A single ounce of 24k gold is trading at Rs 643,950.000.
Details of the rate of electricity and the rate of each chargeable charge under different heads for a consumer who consumes 200 units and separately for a consumer who uses 201 units;
Tariff Categories
GOP* Applicable Charges (July to September 2024)
GOP Applicable Charges (October 2024 Onwards)
For sanctioned load less than 5 KW
Rs / KWh
Rs / KWh
Protected*
Up to 50 Units Life Line*
Rs 3.95
Rs 3.95
01-100 Units Life Line
Rs 7.74
Rs 7.74
001-100 Units
Rs 7.74
Rs 11.69
101-200 Units
Rs 10.06
Rs 14.16
Un Protected
001-100 Units
Rs 16.48
Rs 23.59
101-200 Units
Rs 22.95
Rs 30.07
201-300 Units
Rs 34.26
Rs 34.26
* Government of Pakistan (GOP)
* “Life Line Consumer” means those residential consumers having single phase electric connection with a sanctioned load up to 1 kW.
The lifeline consumers to include residential Non-Time of Use (Non-ToU) consumers having maximum of last 12 months and current month’s consumption < =100 units.
* “Protected Consumers” mean non-ToU residential consumers consuming <=200 units per month consistently for the past 6 months.
Different Heads
Legends
Rate (Rs)
Variable Charges (Base Rate)
Determined by NEPRA
QTR
Quarter Tariff Rate Determined by NEPRA
ED
Electricity Duty
1.5%
FC Surcharge
Financial Cost (FC) Surcharge
Protected = 0.43
Non-Protected = 3.23
TV Fee
Pakistan Television Fee
Rs 35
GST
General Sales Tax
18%
FCA
Fuel Cost Adjustment
Recently, the federal government has approved waiver of the rebasing impact for Protected and Non-Protected non-ToU domestic consumers, using up to 200 units for three months i.e., July to September 2024 and reallocated Rs 50 billion from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to fund the additional tariff differential subsidy requirement to provide immediate relief to consumers.
Number of times electricity prices have increased in Pakistan during the last five years;
The federal government has notified the tariff on 12th February 2021, 1st October 2021, 25th July 2022, 26th July 2023 and 12th July 2024.
However, the Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) Quarterly Tariff Adjustments is determined/notified by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on monthly/Quarterly basis.
The average amount which the consumer has to pay for consumption of 100, 200, 300 and 400 units respectively by the end of each Financial Year (FY) for the last five years is given as under: –
Bill Month
Bill Amount without FPA (Fuel Price Adjustment) of Tariff A1(01)
100 Units Protected
100 Units
200 Units
300 Units
400 Units
June 2020
783
783
1,806
3,354
6,784
June 2021
1,005
1,005
2,250
4,018
7,652
June 2022
999
1,200
2,660
4,737
8,574
June 2023
1,070
1,756
4,788
8,310
14,294
June 2024
1,394
2,741
7,202
12,226
19,073
Steps being taken by the federal government to make the price of electricity affordable for the common man;
The government is adopting policy measures in the form of provision of electricity subsidy and tariff rationalization in order to make utility of electricity affordable by all segments of society especially under-privileged ones.
The federal government is providing subsidy for different categories of consumers to make electricity affordable for common man.
For the FY 2024-25, the federal government has allocated Rs 1,229 billion for the Power sector.
The federal government has also recently approved waiver of rebasing impact for Protected and Non-Protected* Non Time-of-Use (Non-ToU) domestic consumers, using up to 200 units for three months i.e. July to September 2024 by allocation of Rs 50 billion from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to fund the additional tariff differential subsidy requirement.
*Protected consumers mean Non-ToU residential consumers consuming <=200 units per month consistently for the past six months. Residential Non-ToU consumers not falling under the protected category would be categorized under “Un-protected consumer category”
Note: The above information was shared with the National Assembly by the Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on September 4, 2024.
ISLMAABA, Pakistan: The Islamabad Police conducted a grand search and combing operation in various areas of Sabzi Mandi Police Station at I-11 with an aim to eradicate crimes from the area.
A heavy contingent of police took part in the search operation under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) Industrial Area Zone.
The Lady Police Force also participated in the search operation.
Before the operation, the SP Industrial Area Zone briefed the personnel regarding the operation.
During the search operation, the police checked 165 suspects, 35 motorcycles/vehicles, 35 shops, inns, hotels & motels; and shifted 16 suspects to the Police Station.
The Islamabad Police said that the Inspector General of Police (IG) Islamabad has issued orders for grand search operations across the district to eradicate crimes.
They requested the public to cooperate with the police during the investigation.
“Citizens should report any suspicious activity to the police. Public safety is our top priority,” the Islamabad Police said.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with a delegation of international investors led by the CEO of J.P. Morgan Pakistan Amin Mohammad Khowaja.
The discussions centered on the interests of the institutional investors exploring fixed income investment opportunities in Pakistan’s economy.
Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb had a meeting with a delegation of international investors led by J.P. Morgan Pakistan’s CEO Mr. Amin Mohammad Khowaja. pic.twitter.com/okcoHZc9T2
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) September 4, 2024
During the meeting, the finance minister highlighted the significant strides Pakistan has made in improving its macroeconomic indicators including the 14% rise in exports, the decline in inflation to 9.6% (which is 34 months low), and an overall decline in the Current Account deficit (CAD).
The finance minister also pointed out the improvement in Pakistan’s sovereign credit ratings which reflect a stable and promising economic outlook.
“The Country’s economic growth is underpinned by robust fiscal discipline, inflation management, and a favorable balance of payments” he stated.
Senator Aurangzeb also elaborated on the government’s ambitious structural reforms agenda, aiming at broadening the tax base, rightsizing of the public sector, privatization drive, and energy sector reforms, to aid overall macroeconomic stability.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to carry forward the comprehensive reforms agenda to enhance the efficiency and governance of public institutions.
“These reforms,” he noted, “are designed to create a more conducive environment for foreign investment and to ensure the long-term stability of the economy.”
The delegation commended the government’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment and expressed optimism about the prospects of increased investment flows into Pakistan.
The discussions covered a range of potential investment areas including renewable energy, information technology, infrastructure development, and the financial sector.
The investors expressed keen interest in these sectors, recognizing Pakistan as a market with immense potential and a strategic location as a gateway to regional markets where foreign investors are eager to explore opportunities for investment in various sectors.
The finance minister assured the delegation of the government’s full support in facilitating their investment ventures and welcomed their interest in contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth and reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to attracting foreign investments through maintaining a business friendly environment.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif has said that the Court Martial proceedings have been initiated...
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The International Day of Charity is being observed on Thursday around the globe including in Pakistan.Under the auspices of the United Nations,...
