Author name: NEN News

ISLAMABAD — Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev on Wednesday said Russia Day marks the continuity of Russian statehood and the country’s sovereign development, calling it an occasion to reflect on core national values including spiritual heritage, moral ideals, patriotism, and civic responsibility. Speaking at a national day reception, Ambassador Khorev highlighted bilateral ties between Russia and Pakistan while articulating a broader Eurasian vision that Moscow sees as central to regional cooperation and integration. Russia Day, observed annually on June 12, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 1990 and is marked by diplomatic missions worldwide with receptions attended by government officials, diplomats, and dignitaries.

KARACHI — The Treasury Management Division of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Wednesday issued the following official exchange rates for telegraphic transfers. The US dollar was quoted at 278.75 for selling and 278.25 for buying, while the euro stood at 321.91 and 321.33 respectively. The British pound was set at 373.13 selling and 372.46 buying, with the Swiss franc at 348.88 and 348.25. Among Asian currencies, the Japanese yen was quoted at 1.7383 selling and 1.7352 buying, while the Chinese yuan stood at 41.13 and 41.06. The UAE dirham was set at 75.90 selling and 75.76 buying, and the Saudi riyal at 74.24 and 74.11. For frozen foreign currency deposits, the conversion rate for the US dollar was fixed at 278.3462, the British pound at 372.0097, the euro at 321.1002, and the Japanese yen at 1.7373. The settlement date for these transactions is June 12, 2026.

LAHORE — City Traffic Police Lahore (CTPL) has launched a campaign to install Chief Minister Punjab QR Panic Buttons in public transport vehicles, aimed at enhancing passenger safety across the province. Chief Traffic Officer Lahore Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi formally inaugurated the initiative at Liberty Chowk, personally installing the first of the devices to mark the campaign’s launch. The QR-based panic buttons are designed to give passengers a direct emergency response mechanism while aboard public transport, forming part of the Punjab government’s broader public safety agenda.

ISLAMABAD — The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) on Wednesday called for strengthened dialogue and diplomacy to address contemporary global challenges, stressing that collective efforts grounded in peace, development and human dignity are essential to building a better future. The message was shared on the official X account of D-8 Secretary-General on the occasion, underscoring the bloc’s position that multilateral cooperation remains a cornerstone of resolving pressing international issues. The D-8, comprising Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey, was established to enhance economic cooperation and improve the living standards of member states through joint initiatives across trade, industry, and development.

RAWALPINDI — City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani visited the residence of late Peace Committee member Shaukat Jafri on Wednesday to offer condolences to the bereaved family. Hamdani offered prayers for the deceased and lauded Jafri’s contributions to peace and communal harmony in the city. Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations), the Chief Traffic Officer, and other senior police officials accompanied Hamdani during the visit.

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Post has released three commemorative postage stamps and a special souvenir sheet celebrating Blue Pottery, one of the country’s most recognised traditional handicrafts, to mark World Handicrafts Day. The stamp series pays tribute to generations of artisans who have preserved the centuries-old craft, which is closely associated with Multan and has long been regarded as a defining symbol of Pakistan’s artistic heritage. The initiative reflects a broader effort to promote indigenous crafts through official channels, using philately as a medium to document and honour cultural traditions that risk being overshadowed by mass-produced goods.

ISLAMABAD — The National Highway Authority (NHA) has concluded competitive bidding for 81 of 93 toll plazas across Pakistan, generating a revenue surplus exceeding Rs 1 billion for the financial year 2026-27. The auction process, completed Wednesday, covered the majority of toll plazas in the national highway network. NHA said the bidding was conducted transparently and competitively, according to an official press release. The surplus revenue reflects strong private-sector interest in highway toll operations and is expected to contribute to NHA’s infrastructure funding for the coming fiscal year.

HYDERABAD — Market police arrested three suspects and recovered two pistols along with ammunition during a patrol operation in Hyderabad, officials said Tuesday. Station House Officer Inspector Naik Muhammad Khoso, leading a patrol team through Leghari Street near Akbar CNG station, apprehended Muhammad Imran Qureshi, Shahid Narejo, and Aqib Ali. Two 30-bore pistols with ammunition were recovered from their possession. Cases have been registered against the three suspects under relevant laws. Police said the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics and anti-social activity across the city.