Lahore, June 4: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday rejected the appeals filed by the two men convicted in the 2020 Sialkot-Lahore Motorway gang rape case, upholding the punishments awarded by the trial court.

A division bench comprising Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mehmood Bajwa announced the verdict after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence.

The two convicts, Abid Ali alias Malhi and Shafqat Ali alias Bagga, had challenged their convictions and sentences handed down by an anti-terrorism court on March 20, 2021. The trial court had sentenced them to death, life imprisonment, and additional prison terms for their roles in the crime.

In their appeals, the convicts argued that weaknesses and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case created reasonable doubt and that the trial court’s judgment was excessive and contrary to established legal principles.

During the proceedings, the state prosecutor maintained that the prosecution had presented substantial and credible evidence linking the accused to the offence. He urged the court to uphold the convictions, asserting that there were no legal flaws in the trial court’s decision.

After reviewing the arguments, the high court dismissed the appeals and affirmed the sentences.

The Motorway gang rape case sparked nationwide outrage in September 2020 when a French woman of Pakistani origin was gang-raped in front of her three children after her vehicle ran out of fuel and stopped on the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway late at night. The attackers allegedly dragged the woman from her car before committing the assault.

The incident drew widespread condemnation and intensified public debate on women’s safety and law enforcement after controversial remarks by the then Lahore police chief appeared to place partial responsibility on the survivor.

Following the attack, Gujjarpura police registered a case on September 9, 2020, under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The case became one of Pakistan’s most high-profile criminal prosecutions in recent years.

KARACHI: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, police on Tuesday arrested an alleged woman drug dealer, Shireen alias Sherina, during a targeted operation in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, just days after the arrest of high-profile cocaine suspect Anmol alias Pinky.

According to police officials, Shireen was taken into custody along with her two sons near Kamran Chowrangi following a tip-off. Investigators revealed that Shireen is allegedly involved in the sale of heroin, hashish and other narcotics, and has been named in dozens of criminal cases related to drug trafficking across the city.

Officials claimed that Shireen previously ran what was considered one of the largest drug distribution networks in the Sohrab Goth area before relocating to Gulistan-e-Jauhar following repeated police raids. Police stated that around 35 cases have been registered against the suspect, and in one previous case, a hand grenade was also allegedly recovered from her possession.

According to investigators, after moving to a flat in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, the suspect adopted a new method of selling drugs. She allegedly supplied heroin to drug addicts through the window of her apartment, while buyers consumed the narcotics in the street outside.

Police further said that Shireen’s husband and sons have also been named in multiple criminal cases and have been arrested on several occasions in the past. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East said Shireen had previously been imprisoned in a drug-related case and was released from jail about two years ago. However, she resumed drug trafficking activities after her release.

The arrest comes amid heightened vigilance by Karachi police following the capture of Anmol alias Pinky, who was allegedly supplying cocaine in chips packets. The drug trade in Karachi has long been a challenge for law enforcement, with authorities stepping up operations in recent weeks. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Pakistan remains a key transit and consumption point for narcotics in South Asia.

A case has been registered against the suspects, and further investigations are underway. Police said efforts are continuing to identify other individuals allegedly linked to the network. The crackdown on drug networks reflects the government’s commitment to curbing the flow of illegal substances.

Source: ARY News

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released its latest mark-to-market revaluation rates on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, showing the US Dollar at 278.4634 PKR for spot transactions, remaining within the familiar 278-280 band that has characterized interbank trading throughout 2026. The marginal softening from mid-May levels suggests measured central bank guidance aimed at preventing excessive volatility while preserving foreign exchange reserves. The one-year forward rate of 292.1822 PKR indicates markets are pricing in gradual rupee depreciation over the next twelve months.

The Saudi Riyal is quoted at 74.1995 PKR, a critical rate for Pakistan’s largest overseas workforce in Saudi Arabia. The peg to the US dollar ensures the riyal moves in step with greenback fluctuations, offering stability for millions of families relying on remittances from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Similarly, the UAE Dirham stands at 75.8208 PKR, reflecting its rigid dollar peg, crucial for workers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the northern emirates.

The Qatari Riyal trades at 76.3907 PKR, impacting the Pakistani community in Qatar’s infrastructure sector and businesses involved in LNG trade. The Kuwaiti Dinar retains its status as the highest-valued currency at 907.6382 PKR, backed by hydrocarbon wealth. Among other major currencies, the Euro is at 324.4098 PKR, the British Pound at 375.1876 PKR, and the Indian Rupee at 2.9244 PKR.

The Australian Dollar stands at 200.0342 PKR, sensitive to commodity prices and relevant for Pakistani students in Australia. The Canadian Dollar at 201.1946 PKR influences remittances from Canada. The Chinese Yuan quotes at 41.1782 PKR, reflecting growing trade ties. The SBP’s circular also includes rates for the Malaysian Ringgit, Singapore Dollar, and other GCC currencies, providing a comprehensive reference for businesses and expatriates.

These rates serve as benchmarks for market participants, with the central bank’s measured approach aiming to stabilize the rupee amid global economic uncertainties.

Source: ARY News

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast hot and humid weather for Karachi on June 1, 2026, with temperatures expected to range between 35°C and 37°C. The minimum temperature recorded in the city this morning was 29.8°C, while humidity levels stand at 75 percent, making conditions feel particularly uncomfortable.

Southwesterly winds are blowing at a speed of 16 kilometers per hour, offering little respite from the heat. The PMD advises residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak afternoon hours. For more on heatwave preparedness, see WHO guidelines on heat and health.

Across the country, most regions will experience hot and dry weather, with southern districts of Balochistan facing very high temperatures. However, isolated rain and wind-thunderstorms are expected in northeastern Punjab, the Pothohar region, northeastern Balochistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas during the afternoon. This pattern is consistent with the seasonal monsoon dynamics typical for this time of year, as detailed by the Encyclopaedia Britannica on monsoons.

Morning temperatures in major cities were recorded as follows: Islamabad 24°C, Lahore 26°C, Karachi 30°C, Peshawar 28°C, Muzaffarabad 21°C, Quetta 20°C, Gilgit 15°C, and Murree 14°C. In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, partly cloudy and dry weather is expected in Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Leh, Pulwama, and Baramula, while Jammu will remain hot and dry. Morning temperatures there were: Srinagar, Pulwama, and Baramula 14°C; Jammu 26°C; Leh 5°C; and Anantnag and Shopian 13°C.

For real-time updates on weather conditions across Pakistan, refer to the Pakistan Meteorological Department official website. Stay tuned to Pakistan Frontier for the latest on weather and other national developments.

Source: ARY News

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has approved the deployment of 6,000 police personnel to Gilgit Baltistan to assist with security arrangements for the June 7 elections, according to official documents. The move comes amid renewed allegations from the PTI regarding pre-election irregularities in the region.

Initially, Punjab authorities sanctioned the deployment of 5,000 police officers, with a subsequent approval granted for an additional 1,000 personnel. Official notifications issued by the Punjab Assistant Inspector General (Operations) confirmed that the officers have been placed at the disposal of the Gilgit-Baltistan Police for election security duties.

Under the deployment plan, all personnel will be equipped with anti-riot gear. Police contingents travelling to Gilgit Baltistan will be transported in buses escorted by four armed officers each. The Punjab Police Motor Transport Department has been tasked with arranging suitable vehicles, while drivers familiar with the mountainous terrain will be assigned for the journey.

Meanwhile, PTI has alleged that a campaign of “systematic pre-poll rigging” is underway ahead of the elections. In a statement, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram accused the federal government of using state resources to influence the electoral process and suppress opposition voices.

The party also criticised the Gilgit Baltistan Election Commission, claiming it had issued a notice to the mother of former chief minister Khalid Khursheed over the use of her son’s photograph on campaign material. PTI further alleged that election officials had pressured candidates to abandon the party and contest elections under government-backed platforms.

PTI accused the ruling PML-N of violating the election code of conduct by maintaining a strong presence in the region through federal ministers, including Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Minister Amir Muqam and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The party claimed that while government representatives were actively campaigning, PTI lawmakers were being prevented from entering Gilgit-Baltistan.

Describing the region as a “virtual police state,” PTI argued that the deployment of Punjab Police and restrictions on its leaders reflected the government’s inability to compete in a free and fair election. The party warned that such measures could undermine public trust and create long-term resentment among the people of Gilgit Baltistan.

The allegations come amid a series of recent incidents involving PTI leaders. On Friday, several party figures, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PTI President and MNA Junaid Akbar, were expelled from Gilgit Baltistan while campaigning. PTI claimed the leaders were briefly detained, although the Gilgit-Baltistan government stated they were only removed for violating the election code of conduct.

A day later, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said he was unable to reach Islamabad Airport for a scheduled flight to Skardu after access routes were blocked, causing him to miss a campaign visit. He shared videos showing traffic congestion and interactions with police personnel near the airport.

Amid the ongoing controversy, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has written to the Chief Judge of the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court, expressing concern over reports of restrictions and alleged harassment faced by PTI workers and leaders during the election campaign.

Karachi, May 26, 2026 – As Eid al-Adha 2026 falls on Wednesday, May 27 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH), Karachi residents are preparing for the grand congregational Eid prayers. The Festival of Sacrifice will feature prayers held across hundreds of mosques and Eidgahs starting shortly after sunrise. According to the latest updates, Eid Namaz in the city will be offered between 5:55 AM and 10:00 AM, with multiple slots at many venues to accommodate large crowds.

Here is a detailed breakdown of prayer timings by area from reliable local sources:

Earliest Prayers at 5:55 AM
Jamia Masjid Memon Complex, Block M, North Nazimabad; Saleh Masjid, Near Jahangir Park, Saddar; Jamia Masjid Usmania, Usmania Society, Nazimabad No. 1; Masjid Jamia Ashrafia, Block F, North Nazimabad; Jamia Masjid Khulafa-e-Rashideen, Manzoor Colony; Jamia Masjid Ibrahim, Abdullah Gabol Goth.

6:00 AM Prayers
Suleman Yousuf Molai Park (Former Gol Masjid / Jamia Masjid Karachi Memon), Karachi Memon Cooperative Housing Society; Jamia Masjid Abu Zar Ghafari, Ittehad Town; Zainab Masjid, Jamshed Road; Aab-e-Kausar Masjid, Nagan Chowrangi; Jamia Masjid Mustafa, Sector 16-A, Buffer Zone; and many others across Lyari, North Karachi, Qasba Colony, and more.

6:15 AM – 6:30 AM Slots
Popular timings include Jamia Masjid Memon (Jodia Bazaar) at 6:15 AM, Jamia Masjid Khulafa-e-Rashideen (Gulshan-e-Iqbal) at 6:15 AM, and Jamia Masjid Zubair (DHA Phase 7 Extension) at 6:30 AM. Several Eidgah grounds in Mahmoodabad, Ghani Goth, and Baldia Town also hold prayers during this period.

Popular Central Venues
Masjid-e-Tooba (Gol Masjid, DHA Phase II) typically holds prayers around 7:00–7:45 AM with multiple Jamaats expected (confirm locally). DHA mosques generally offer prayers from 6:50 AM onwards with several slots. Eidgah Maidan, Nazimabad 3 will offer prayers at 7:30 AM, while Qadri Masjid, Soldier Bazar will offer prayers at 10 AM. Worshippers should reach early as crowds build quickly. Eid prayer consists of 2 rakahs followed by a khutbah; no Adhan or Iqamah is called in most traditions.

Important Guidelines
Perform ghusl, wear your best clothes, and recite Takbir-e-Tashriq on the way to the mosque. Public holidays in Sindh are May 26–28, 2026. Follow traffic advisories, especially around Saddar, North Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, DHA, and Malir. The NDMA has forecasted possible rain and winds post-Eid – plan accordingly.

Eid Al-Adha 2026 Prayer Timings Announced for Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Islamabad, May 26, 2026 — Eid Al-Adha will be observed across Pakistan on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, corresponding to 10 Zilhaj 1447 AH. Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have finalized arrangements for large Eid congregations at major mosques and Eidgahs across the twin cities.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), Auqaf authorities, and mosque administrations have issued official prayer schedules and operational plans to facilitate worshippers during Eid prayers.

Official Eid Prayer Timings

Faisal Mosque

• 6:30 AM — Eid prayer to be led by Dr Muhammad Ilyas, Director General of Dawah Academy.

Early Morning Congregations (6:00 AM – 6:45 AM)

• Jamia Islamabad — 6:00 AM
  Prayer leader: Mufti Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Jalali
• Jamia Masjid Madni — 6:15 AM
  Prayer leader: Maulana Muhammad Safeer Ziai
• Jamia Masjid D-Block — 6:15 AM
• Central Eidgah Sharif — 6:30 AM
  Prayer leader: Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi
• Jamia Masjid Ghousia Tehkhana Wali — 6:30 AM
  Prayer leader: Allama Muhammad Haider Alvi

Prayer Timings from 7:00 AM Onwards

• Jamia Masjid C-Block — 7:00 AM
  Prayer leader: Mufti Muhammad Jahangir
• Idara Taleemat-e-Islamia — 7:00 AM
  Prayer leader: Allama Syed Ubaid Rehan Shah
• Jamia Masjid Anwar-e-Madina — 6:45 AM
  Prayer leader: Mufti Dr Muhammad Zahoor Jalali
• Astana Aliya Naqshbandia Aliya — 6:45 AM
  Prayer leader: Pir Ubaid Ahmad Ubaid
• Markazi Jamia Masjid Muhammad Jan — 7:30 AM
  Prayer leader: Maulana Raza ul Mustafa Noorani
• Idara Taleemat-e-Islamia — 8:00 AM
  Prayer leader: Allama Pir Syed Riaz Hussain Shah

Authorities also stated that mosques in DHA Islamabad-Rawalpindi would hold multiple Eid congregations beginning from approximately 7:30 AM onward, with first jamaats in several phases expected around 8:00 AM.

Guidelines for Worshippers

Citizens have been advised to:

• Perform ghusl before Eid prayers.
• Wear clean and best available clothes.
• Recite Takbir-e-Tashriq while travelling to prayer venues.
• Arrive early to avoid overcrowding and traffic congestion.

Officials reminded worshippers that Eid prayer consists of two rak’ahs with additional takbeerat, followed by the khutbah, and that no adhan or iqamah is called for Eid prayers.

Special arrangements for women have also been made at selected mosques and Eidgahs.

Authorities further urged citizens to follow traffic advisories around major prayer venues including Faisal Mosque, I-8, G-11, Blue Area, and several parts of Rawalpindi.

Public holidays for Eid Al-Adha will continue from May 26 to May 28, 2026.

Lahore Announces Eid Al-Adha 2026 Prayer Timings Across Major Mosques

Lahore, May 26, 2026 — Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated across Pakistan on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, corresponding to 10 Zilhaj 1447 AH, with thousands of worshippers expected to gather at major mosques and Eidgahs across Lahore for Eid prayers.

The Punjab Auqaf Department has released an official schedule for Eid congregations to facilitate large gatherings throughout the city.

Official Eid Prayer Timings in Lahore

Earliest Congregations — 5:30 AM

• Maki Mosque
• Jamia Masjid Chohar Shah Bandagi

6:00 AM Congregations

• Jamia Masjid Noorani
• Jamia Masjid Hanifia
• Jamia Masjid Al-Farooq

6:30 AM Congregations

• Jamia Masjid Darbar Mian Mir
• Markazi Jamia Masjid Shadman
• Jamia Masjid Madni

7:00 AM Congregations

• Data Darbar — Prayer to be led by Maulana Hafiz Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem
• Masjid Wazir Khan
• Darbar Madhow Lal Hussain
• Darbar Shah Jamal

Later Morning Prayer Timings

• Lal Masjid — 7:15 AM
• Jamia Masjid Taje Shah — 7:15 AM
• Masjid Bohar Wali — 7:15 AM
• Jamia Masjid Darbar Pir Maki — 7:30 AM
• Lal Masjid — 7:30 AM
• Jamia Masjid Barkat Bibi — 7:30 AM
• Badshahi Mosque — 8:30 AM, led by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad

Authorities said special arrangements for women worshippers have been made at Badshahi Mosque, Data Darbar, and Darbar Shah Jamal.

In DHA Lahore, sector mosques are expected to hold Eid congregations around 6:30 AM, while prayers in phase mosques are scheduled from 7:00 AM onward.

Guidelines for Worshippers

Residents have been advised to:

• Perform ghusl before Eid prayers.
• Wear clean and best available attire.
• Recite Takbir while heading to mosques and Eidgahs.
• Arrive early due to expected large crowds.

Officials reminded citizens that Eid prayer consists of two rak’ahs with additional takbeerat followed by the khutbah, and that no adhan or iqamah is called before the Eid prayer.

The Punjab government has announced public holidays from May 26 to May 28, 2026, for Eid Al-Adha celebrations.

Authorities also urged the public to strictly follow traffic and security advisories, particularly around heavily crowded areas including the Walled City, Anarkali, Data Darbar, and Shahdara.

Significance of Eid al-Adha
Eid Al-Adha commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and teaches sacrifice, compassion, and sharing. In Karachi, large-scale Qurbani will be performed, with meat distributed among the needy, family, and friends.

Eid Mubarak! May this blessed occasion bring peace, unity, and prosperity to Karachi and the entire Ummah. For the most accurate and updated timings, check official announcements from DHA Karachi, Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, or your local mosque on the evening of May 26. Timings are based on announced schedules and are subject to minor changes.

Source: ARY News

The Omani Riyal (OMR) remained stable against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in the open market on Tuesday, with no significant change recorded compared to the previous trading session. According to market data, the Omani Riyal was trading at Rs.718.48 for buying and Rs.729.25 for selling on May 26, 2026, unchanged from May 25, when it was also traded at Rs.718.48 for buying and Rs.729.25 for selling.

The Omani Riyal continues to rank among the world’s highest-valued currencies, supported by Oman’s energy-driven economy and its long-standing peg to the US Dollar at 2.6008 since 1986. Currency analysts said the fixed exchange-rate regime has helped maintain stability in the Riyal, shielding it from major fluctuations in international currency markets. Developments in the US economy and Federal Reserve policy continue to indirectly influence the OMR due to the currency’s Dollar peg. For more on currency pegs, see Wikipedia on fixed exchange rates.

The Pakistani Rupee, regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), remains influenced by inflation trends, foreign exchange reserves, import payments, and overseas remittance inflows. Market experts noted that steady remittances from Gulf countries, including Oman, continue to provide support to the Rupee despite external economic pressures and ongoing financing challenges. According to Reuters currency markets, the OMR/PKR exchange rate witnessed only limited fluctuations during the week and remained largely stable near current levels.

Economic ties between Pakistan and Oman remain significant, with annual bilateral trade estimated between $1 billion and $1.2 billion. Pakistan exports textiles, rice, and other agricultural products to Oman, while importing petroleum-related and energy products from the Gulf state. The stable Riyal exchange rate continues to benefit thousands of Pakistani workers employed in Oman. At current market rates, a monthly salary of 500 OMR converts into approximately Rs362,000, supporting household expenses and remittance-dependent families in Pakistan. Meanwhile, currency exchange calculations show that Rs1,000 currently converts into nearly 1.38 OMR for travelers and individuals requiring foreign currency for overseas expenses.

Financial experts advised citizens to compare exchange rates at multiple SBP-licensed exchange companies before conducting transactions, as rates may vary between providers and cities. They also recommended using only authorized and regulated channels to ensure transparent pricing and secure transactions. For more on safe currency exchange practices, see BBC guide to currency exchange.

Analysts expect the OMR/PKR pair to remain relatively stable in the near term due to the Riyal’s Dollar peg and steady remittance inflows from Gulf countries. However, they noted that the Rupee’s broader direction will continue to depend on Pakistan’s external financing position, inflation outlook, import demand, and overall foreign exchange market conditions.

Disclaimer: Exchange rates may fluctuate during the day and can vary across banks, exchange companies, and financial institutions.

Source: ARY News