Tag: Karachi

  • Gold price reaches Rs234,000 per tola, nearing new record high

    Gold price reaches Rs234,000 per tola, nearing new record high

    Gold prices in Pakistan continued to rise on Tuesday, influenced by the Pakistani rupee’s decline against the US dollar and an uptick in global prices. 

    According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, the cost of 24-carat gold settled at Rs234,500 per tola, marking a substantial increase of Rs4,600. Similarly, the price of 10 grammes of gold rose by Rs3,944 to reach Rs201,046.

    It is expected that the price of gold might reach unprecedented levels due to the relentless and rapid decline of local currency against the greenback.

    The movement of gold prices in Pakistan closely follows the path of the US dollar due to the country’s reliance on gold imports. 

    The Pakistani rupee saw a notable decrease, falling to a new all-time low against the US dollar. It ended at Rs299.01 rupees per dollar, reflecting a decline of Rs1.88, as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan.

    Currency experts attribute the surge in gold prices to the recent depreciation of the rupee. 

    With growing concerns about the country’s economic situation, investors are turning to gold as a safe-haven asset. This shift has resulted in a significant increase of Rs12,700 per tola in just one week.

    Read more: PKR to USD rate

    Notably, the hike in gold prices coincided with political turmoil and a decrease in the local currency’s value, leading to an all-time high valuation of Rs240,000 per tola on May 10, 2023. On the international front, the price of gold saw a $10 increase, reaching $1,901 per ounce on Tuesday.

  • Child dies after falling into uncovered manhole in Karachi

    While the Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, works on improving the infrastructure of his city, a toddler has died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Malir’s Memon Goth.

    As reported by _, the incident took place in the area of Jamot Mohalla on Monday where the sewer was left open.

    “Where do we go, which door to knock? There is no one to hear about the loss,” says the grieving father, Abdur Rehman, who has now lost his only son. He pointed out that the manhole had been without a lid for more than 15 days while complaints had been lodged by locals to the union council but staffers said that they did not have a lid to cover the sewer.

    In June, Mayor Wahab promised to make the city ‘Clean and Green’. So far, he has banned plastic bags, improved basic infrastructure and provision of street lights, but sewers remain uncovered, making the roads a danger zone for pedestrians and bikers.

    On meeting Rehman, Karachi’s Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad offered his condolences. He promised to take action against the officials responsible for maintenance.

  • Major maintenance work to cause severe gas supply disruption in Karachi from tomorrow

    Major maintenance work to cause severe gas supply disruption in Karachi from tomorrow

    In a concerning development, the residents of Karachi are set to endure an extensive period of gas load shedding from August 12 to 27, as a critical gas supply of 107 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) faces disruption due to essential annual maintenance work at the Kunnar-Pasakhi Deep (KPD) gas field.

    The Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) has released a notification detailing the maintenance schedule for the KPD gas field, which is slated to be carried out in three phases over the course of 16 days. This maintenance work will necessitate a complete shutdown for eight days, coupled with a partial shutdown lasting four days.

    According to ARY News, the upcoming complete shutdown of gas operations is expected to result in a significant reduction of 107 mmcfd, while the partial shutdown will further trim the gas supply by 50 mmcfd. This unfortunate reduction in gas availability will inevitably impact various sectors, including domestic households, commercial establishments, industrial operations, and even the crucial Kapco power plants that rely on natural gas to generate electricity.

    This unfortunate situation follows closely on the heels of a recent setback faced by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) when a supply line was damaged during excavation work for the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project within Karachi. The 8-inch-diameter gas supply line suffered damage in the vicinity of Safoora Chowrangi, leading to an abrupt suspension of gas supply to neighbouring areas.

    The affected localities encompass a wide range, including vital institutions like the Memon Foundation Hospital and the sprawling Karachi University, as well as residential communities such as Sadi Town, Rimjhim, Rizvia Society, and Down University. Moreover, industrial sites and research facilities like Suparco, Sachal Goth, and surrounding villages have also been grappling with the repercussions of this supply disruption.

    While the inconvenience caused by this unexpected gas supply interruption is deeply felt, the SSGC remains committed to ensuring the completion of essential maintenance work at the KPD gas field. Despite the challenges posed by these circumstances, the SSGC aims to minimise the impact on citizens’ lives and livelihoods to the greatest extent possible.

    As Karachi prepares itself for this period of gas load shedding, residents are urged to exercise prudence in their gas consumption, explore energy-efficient alternatives where feasible, and cooperate with the SSGC’s efforts to manage the situation effectively.

  • Nepra approves Rs2.31 per unit tariff increase for K-Electric consumers

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved a tariff increase of Rs2.31 per unit for K-Electric (KE) consumers due to June 2023’s monthly fuel charges adjustment. This is slightly below KE’s requested Rs2.34 per unit hike. The new tariff takes effect in August and excludes lifeline consumers and electric vehicle charging stations.

    A public hearing on July 26, 2023, discussed KE’s proposal to address higher fuel costs for electricity generation in June. KE generated electricity at Rs24.90 per unit internally, while government-supplied electricity cost Rs11.56 per unit during that period. Nepra’s analysis resulted in an upward revision of Rs2.31 per unit for June, compared to KE’s requested increase.

    Conversely, Nepra raised the power tariff by Rs1.81 per unit for ex-Wapda distribution companies (DISCOs) in June’s fuel charges adjustment, slightly less than the hike for KE consumers. The Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee (CPPA-G) requested a tariff increase of Rs1.88 per unit on behalf of DISCOs.

    This tariff adjustment, effective in August, applies to all DISCOs customers except lifeline consumers and electric vehicle charging stations. It follows a public hearing held by Nepra on July 26. Earlier, DISCOs customers paid Rs1.90 per unit under May 2023’s fuel charges adjustment, making the new rate Rs0.09 per unit lower.

    While the tariff increase has raised concerns among consumers, it has also spotlighted the delay in approving renewable energy projects. During KE’s petition hearing, an industrial consumer, Rehan Javed, highlighted pending Requests for Proposals (RFPs) with Nepra, which could expedite affordable electricity production through renewables, benefiting Karachi’s businesses.

    Nepra member Rafique Ahmed Shaikh expressed disappointment in KE’s slow progress in embracing renewable energy. Delayed approval of RFPs has hindered renewable energy initiatives.

    The Ministry of Energy’s bid to raise the base tariff for the new fiscal year, potentially leading to record-high prices, underscores the urgency of integrating renewable energy into the national energy mix.

  • Another burka-clad woman sexually assaulted in daylight in Karachi

    Another burka-clad woman sexually assaulted in daylight in Karachi

    Another case of sexual harassment in Karachi has emerged after a video showing a burqa-clad woman being caught and molested by a man before she quickly escaped. The incident occurred at a street in a neighborhood near Madina Masjid.

    We feel it is necessary to mention that the woman was burqa-clad; she was not wearing any type of clothing that is categorised by men as ‘tempting’. Prominent figures in our country, including our leaders, have said that women provoke men to harass them when they wear revealing clothes.

    According to GEO, the incident was recorded at around 10:55 am in the morning.

    The news publication reported the police were unsuccessful in catching the culprit. They had also not been contacted by anyone to pursue this case, and the survivor has not been identified.

    This is the second incidence in Karachi of public assault of a woman who is covered in a burqa. Previously in July, a man was caught on camera stripping down on a street and trying to sexually assault a woman who was passing him by.

    READ MORE: Sindh CM orders immediate arrest of Karachi harasser caught stripping on video

  • Pakistan’s petroleum dealers temporarily postpone nationwide petrol pump shutdown

    Pakistan’s petroleum dealers temporarily postpone nationwide petrol pump shutdown

    Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has postponed its planned nationwide strike to shut down fuel pumps for two days following successful negotiations with State Minister for Petroleum, Musadik Malik, who arrived in Karachi today (Friday) to address their concerns.

    In their statement, PPDA conveyed the possibility of holding further discussions with the government after the two-day period. Initially, the association had announced the shutdown of all petrol pumps across Pakistan on July 22 at 6 pm, demanding an increase in profit margins amid the ongoing inflation crisis.

    The PPDA’s concerns primarily revolve around the impact of high interest rates and inflation on their businesses, leading them to call for an increase in the dealership margin. They also raised the issue of declining sales due to the smuggling of Iranian fuel into the country.

    Abdul Sami Khan, chairman of the association, informed Reuters that approximately 8,000-9,000 operators, represented by the PPDA, were prepared to shut down operations on July 22.

    The supply of petrol will remain suspended until the demands put forth by the PPDA are met by the government. This decision comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with a weakening currency and soaring inflation, with the national rate reaching 29.4% in June, down from the record high of 38% in May.

    In May of the previous year, Pakistan’s oil industry had requested a Rs12/litre margin on high-speed diesel (HSD) and Mogas (petrol) for oil marketing companies (OMCs) due to the high cost of conducting business, leading to financial hardships.

    The PPDA highlighted various challenges faced by the oil industry, including increased fuel prices in the international market, exchange rate fluctuations, higher interest rates resulting in inventory holding costs, credit letter confirmation charges leading to higher demurrages, and a high turnover tax of 0.5 per cent.

    Although the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had revised the margin for HSD and Mogas to Rs6/litre during the current year based on a decision taken on October 31, 2022, the PPDA insists that this revision is insufficient and requires urgent review.

  • Baby monkey gives hard time to wildlife team after it escapes KHI court

    Baby monkey gives hard time to wildlife team after it escapes KHI court

    A dramatic incident unfolded at the city court in Karachi when a baby monkey managed to escape while being brought alongside 13 other monkeys by the Sindh Wildlife Department, reported Geo News.

    Two individuals responsible for transporting the monkeys were arrested by the authorities for violating provincial wildlife laws. The suspects were brought before the district and sessions court on Thursday, which fined them Rs100,000 and ordered to hand over the baby monkeys to the zoo.

    The monkeys were being kept in wooden mango crates, and one clever little monkey managed to escape the confines of its container. The baby monkey sought refuge on a tree, proving to be quite elusive due to its small size and agility, making it challenging for the rescue team to catch. The Sindh Wildlife Department stated that they would continue their rescue operation the next day (Friday), which is today, in an effort to capture the baby monkey still at large in the city court area.

    The department had recovered them during a search of a passenger bus arriving in Karachi from Charsadda. The monkeys were suspected to have been illegally captured from the forests in Charsadda.

    Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and welfare of these rescued monkeys, aiming to return them to their natural habitats or appropriate care facilities.

  • Govt commits to reconstructing 150-year-old Marie Mata Temple in Karachi

    Govt commits to reconstructing 150-year-old Marie Mata Temple in Karachi

    The Sindh government has committed to undertake the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the historic Marie Mata Temple in Soldier Bazaar of Karachi, Dawn has reported.

    During Question Hour in a session of the Sindh Assembly, the Minority Affairs Minister raised his concern, emphasizing that the demolition of any place of worship is strictly prohibited. Consequently, all construction activities on the temple site have been halted.

    The temple, which has a rich history of over 150 years, had undergone partial renovation around eight years ago, during which the temple deities were temporarily relocated to a nearby room located above a storm water drain. Unfortunately, last week, the structure on the temple’s premises was demolished by a builder who intended to construct a plaza in its place.

    A woman living on the property said that her ancestors gave the land for the temple, but now she’s building her house there.

    According to the minister, the minority affairs department will conduct a comprehensive survey to prepare a detailed report, and subsequently oversee the reconstruction of the temple on its original site.

  • Gulistan-e-BTS: Karachi K-pop fan plasters neighborhood with Jung Kook pictures

    Gulistan-e-BTS: Karachi K-pop fan plasters neighborhood with Jung Kook pictures

    BTS army ftw!

    It warms our hearts to see kay aaj kal kay tidday kitnay jazbay say apnay shauq dikhatay hain. Particularly how popular Korean bands are among them.

    A BTS fan Alina, took her love for the Korean musicians to the streets when she promoted Jung Kook’s single ‘Seven’ across the streets of Karachi by posting images everywhere, and we must say this is the kind of planning and task execution even senior officials cannot show!

    Alina, whose Twitter account goes by kimtnam, shared pictures of the posters she had plastered in different areas of Karachi like Dar ul Sehat, Rufi Lake Drive Gate and Pedestal Bridge opposite Karachi University.

    Honestly we love how Twitter users are supporting Alina in expressing her love for Jung Kook rather than shutting her down.

    There was also a rickshaw in Lahore which was promoting Jung Kook’s single, we love how creative this fandom is!

    We love watching this kind of dedication, just as much as we’re loving ‘Seven’!

  • Orangi Town trolls Mayor of Karachi for claiming Jahangir Road storm water drainage has been completed

    Orangi Town trolls Mayor of Karachi for claiming Jahangir Road storm water drainage has been completed

    On Saturday, the Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, published a tweet claiming that work on the storm water drain of Jahangir Road had been completed, and now contractors are beginning the construction phase of the road itself. 

    However, the tweet read that road work would not be finalised and that the storm water train would be ‘tested’ during the oncoming expected rain before a final binder takes place.

    It didn’t take long for the Orangi Town Twitter to clap back with its response: “It’s time to do the test, why is Murtaza bhai making a fool of the public? Now when this road sinks, you’ll say we were only testing it.” 

    Many Twitter users chimed in with similar opinions.

    One account tweeted, “Testing the drainage or [testing] public patience? This road has been in poor condition for ages. But now you have the plausible deniability, have to give it to you.”

    Another one added, “I hope the root of issue was solved or else it will be the same after a month just like at NIPA, where you posted pictures too.”

    Jahangir Road has for years been subject to terrible conditions, with poor drainage systems leading water to inundate the 1.5 kilometre long road, triggering terrible congestion as well as accidents. 

    Many residents complain that Jahangir Road is practically inundated the entire year, according to Geo News.