According to details, a violent incident took place at a petrol pump in Karachi’s Surjani Town, where enraged individuals vandalised property and assaulted staff.

Following the incident, the petrol pump administration contacted the police and requested legal action. Police officials stated that strict action would be taken against those involved, with the help of CCTV footage.

Authorities further said that despite the official price reduction, the pump was allegedly charging higher rates, which triggered the public reaction.

It is worth noting that the Prime Minister had announced a reduction of Rs80 per litre, lowering the price from Rs458 to Rs378, effective from midnight. However, some pump owners reportedly failed to comply with the directive.

During his address, the Prime Minister also announced a Rs100 per litre subsidy for motorcycle users, with the mechanism already outlined.

The scheme aims to provide financial relief to the public, under which registered motorcycle and scooter owners will receive a monthly fuel subsidy of Rs2,000.

Eligibility:

Applicants must own a motorcycle or scooter registered in their name, with complete transfer documentation to get petrol subsidy.

Unregistered vehicles or those registered under another person’s name will not qualify.

Registration process (via Dastak App):

Users are required to download the app from the Play Store or App Store, create an account, and enter vehicle registration and chassis details.

Applicants must also provide personal information including name, father’s name, CNIC number, registered mobile number and address before submitting the application for the petrol subsidy scheme.

Required documents:

CNIC (front and back), vehicle registration book or smart card, a clear image of the vehicle, and verification from both buyer and seller in case of ownership transfer.

Verification process:

Applications will be verified through e-Sahulat and further scrutinised by the Excise and Taxation Office before approval or rejection is communicated.

Key instructions:

Applications containing incorrect information or incomplete ownership transfer will be rejected. In case of transfer, verification from both parties is mandatory.

Registration will commence from 6 April.

The initiative is part of the provincial government’s efforts to ease the impact of rising inflation on low-income groups.

According to details, the federal government has accelerated consultations with all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan, to develop an energy-saving program in response to regional tensions and rising costs.

Sources within the Ministry of Energy revealed that under the new conservation plan, a revised schedule for shops and markets across the country has been proposed.

The ministry suggests that bazaars and commercial zones operate from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Meanwhile, it has been suggested that restaurants and hotels close by 10:00 PM.

To implement the program effectively, all provincial governments, chambers of commerce, and various trade organizations have been asked to submit their feedback.

Additionally, energy consumption data has been collected from all power distribution companies (DISCOs) to ascertain exactly how much electricity can be saved through these timing adjustments.

Read More: Pakistan strengthens Climate-Commerce link to secure food supply

The new program is expected to be implemented initially for a two-month period rather than as a permanent fixture. The Energy Ministry is currently reviewing stakeholder suggestions and electricity-saving estimates. A final decision on a uniform national policy is expected next week.

These mobile units are scheduled to visit remote regions from April 6 to April 11.

The initiative aims to provide essential registration services to residents who live far from NADRA centers. To find the specific schedule and locations for your area, please visit the official NADRA website.

https://www.nadra.gov.pk/mobile-registration-vans-schedule/

Earlier, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved a key government bill granting the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) enhanced powers to regulate identity documents and strengthen national security mechanisms.

According to reports, the bill was presented in the Senate by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on the direction of the Interior Ministry. Following its approval by the committee, the proposed legislation will now be tabled in the upcoming Senate session for final consideration.

Under the proposed amendment, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will be authorized to block any Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) for a period of up to 60 days.

Officials from the Interior Ministry stated that identity cards are highly sensitive documents linked directly to national security and economic stability. Any misuse, they warned, could pose serious threats, making it essential to grant NADRA stronger regulatory powers.

The ministry further highlighted that in the absence of clear legal provisions, NADRA has faced operational challenges in taking timely action. Criminal elements often exploit legal loopholes to delay or avoid proceedings, rather than cooperating with authorities.

With the proposed changes, NADRA will be able to act more decisively in cases involving suspicious or fraudulent identity records. Authorities believe the move will enhance enforcement capacity and help prevent misuse of national identification systems.

NADRA— Latest News
Earlier, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) expanded access to its selected services by extending them to an additional 1,000 e-Sahulat franchises across Pakistan.

According to a spokesperson, citizens can now avail these services at around 3,000 e-Sahulat centres nationwide. The facilities include issuance of B-Forms for children up to the age of 10, renewal of national identity cards, obtaining duplicate cards in case of loss, and cancellation of identity cards of deceased family members.

The expanded services are now available in multiple districts, including Islamabad, as well as major urban centres such as Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Peshawar and Quetta, along with a wide range of districts across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving public access to essential registration services and reducing the burden on NADRA offices by bringing facilities closer to citizens.

Farmers, including Abdur Rehman, Suhail, Muhammad Akram, said tomato plants cannot withstand standing water, as prolonged moisture causes fungal infections and root damage, leading to widespread crop destruction.

They warned if rains continue in the coming days, tomato prices are likely to surge in local markets.

Read Also: Pakistan strengthens Climate-Commerce link to secure food supply

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is seeking to align its trade and climate strategies to safeguard the country’s food supply chain, amid growing concerns over affordability and efficiency.

Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with Romina Khurshid Alam, who recently assumed charge as Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, along with a delegation representing Pakistan’s food chain sector.

The meeting focused on aligning Pakistan’s trade and climate policies to ensure a resilient, efficient, and sustainable food supply chain amid evolving global and domestic challenges.

Participants emphasized that while food availability and accessibility remain relatively stable, affordability and supply chain efficiency require immediate attention.

The QAR-PKR pair has shown limited movement in recent weeks. Recent rates include 76.58 PKR (Mar 28), 76.36 PKR (Mar 21), 76.64 PKR (Mar 14), 76.74 PKR (Mar 7), 76.73 PKR (Feb 28), 76.76 PKR (Feb 21), 76.79 PKR (Feb 14), and 76.73 PKR (Jan 31). Earlier in the period, the rate reached higher levels such as 77.93 PKR (Sep 5), 77.88 PKR (Aug 12), and the 2025 peak of 78.26 PKR on July 19. June 2025 closed at 77.86 PKR after opening near 77.39 PKR. Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and external support have helped the PKR maintain relative strength against the QAR throughout this timeframe.

The QAR-PKR exchange rate is shaped by supply and demand in the foreign exchange market, influenced by trade flows, remittance volumes, and economic policies. The Qatari Riyal, pegged at 3.64 QAR per USD, continues to draw stability from Qatar’s dominant position as a major exporter of liquefied natural gas. The Pakistani Rupee, floating freely, responds more directly to domestic inflation, political developments, and foreign reserve changes — factors that have generally supported the PKR in recent months.

The ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to affect regional energy markets. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and related infrastructure have kept oil prices elevated, adding inflationary pressure on energy-importing countries like Pakistan. While Qatar benefits somewhat from higher energy values as an LNG exporter, the broader uncertainty in the Gulf adds volatility to shipping routes and regional currencies, indirectly influencing the QAR-PKR movement.

For the over 125,000 Pakistani expatriates in Qatar, the current lower rate continues to reduce the value of remittances sent home. A 1,000 QAR transfer today is worth 76,580 PKR — unchanged from late March but 810 PKR below the June 2025 starting level of 77,390 PKR. This persistent gap adds pressure on families in Pakistan for education, healthcare, housing, and daily living expenses. On the other hand, individuals earning in PKR may still find imported goods in Qatar somewhat more affordable.

The Qatari Riyal (QAR), introduced in 1966 as QR or ر.ق, is dollar-pegged and managed by the Qatar Central Bank, forming a stable pillar of the Gulf economy. The Pakistani Rupee (PKR), denoted ₨ since 1948, is overseen by the State Bank of Pakistan and adjusts to shifting economic and geopolitical conditions.

]]> https://arynews.tv/qatari-riyal-to-pakistani-rupee-rate-today-april-4-2026/feed/ 0 https://arynews.tv/climate-strategies-for-food-supply-security-in-pakistan/ https://arynews.tv/climate-strategies-for-food-supply-security-in-pakistan/#respond Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:51:34 +0500 https://arynews.tv/?p=805366 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is seeking to align its trade and climate strategies to safeguard the country’s food supply chain, amid growing concerns over affordability and efficiency.

Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with Romina Khurshid Alam, who recently assumed charge as Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, along with a delegation representing Pakistan’s food chain sector.

The meeting focused on aligning Pakistan’s trade and climate policies to ensure a resilient, efficient, and sustainable food supply chain amid evolving global and domestic challenges.

Participants emphasized that while food availability and accessibility remain relatively stable, affordability and supply chain efficiency require immediate attention.

The delegation highlighted the need to minimize disruptions to essential industries, particularly the dairy and food sectors, which are highly sensitive to energy fluctuations and logistical inefficiencies.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan said the government was committed to maintaining uninterrupted economic activity in key sectors, adding that better energy use and improved logistics would be central to strengthening supply chains.

He noted that sustainable growth in trade depends on strengthening domestic supply chains and enhancing coordination between federal and provincial stakeholders.

On this occasion, Romina Khurshid Alam stressed the importance of integrating climate resilience into food systems, pointing out that climate-smart agriculture, efficient resource utilization, and reduced wastage are key to long-term food security.

She highlighted the government’s focus on encouraging behavioral change, energy conservation, and environmentally responsible practices across industries.

The delegation also shared insights on fuel consumption patterns, transport inefficiencies, and the need for optimized freight systems, including better utilization of trucking capacity and greater reliance on rail networks.

Both sides agreed that policy measures should focus on efficiency improvements rather than restrictive approaches, ensuring that economic momentum is maintained.

Special attention was given to promoting alternative mobility solutions, digital supply chain management, and public-private collaboration to enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on developing a coordinated framework between commerce and climate institutions, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s food systems, supporting industry continuity, and advancing sustainable economic growth.

The CM of Punjab, in a message on X (formerly Twitter) apprised about the relief package.

I am pleased to announce a massive relief package for the people of Punjab!

Fuel Subsidy: Motorbike owners can now get 20 liters of petrol/month at a discounted rate of Rs. 100/liter.

How to apply (Starting April 4):
Call 1000
Use the ‘Maryam Ko Batayen’ App
Visit… pic.twitter.com/B7ckyB9oiB

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) April 3, 2026

According to the relief package, motorbike registration fees across Punjab have been abolished, while transfer fees have also been waived. In addition, every registered motorbike owner will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs. 2000.

Under this initiative, registered motorbikes will be eligible for a fuel subsidy of 100 rupees per litre on up to 20 litres of petrol per month.

The relief package has been launched with immediate effect, and a clear mechanism has been introduced for citizens to access the subsidy. Motorbike owners can apply by calling helpline 1000, through the mobile application Maryam ko Batayn available on the Play Store, or via the official web portal:

Maryam Nawaz Sharif reiterated that the government remains committed to easing the economic burden on the common man and is working tirelessly to ensure that meaningful relief reaches every household.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday announced free rides that all public transport in Islamabad would be free of cost for the next 30 days, following directives from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

The minister shared the development on the social media platform X, stating that the initiative would come into effect from tomorrow and would apply to the general public across Islamabad.

The move is aimed at providing immediate and broad-based relief amid rising transport expenses for daily commuters.

According to the Interior Ministry, the government will bear Rs 350 million in expenses to implement the month-long free-transport scheme.

Officials said the measure reflects the administration’s commitment to easing the financial burden on citizens while improving accessibility to public mobility services.

The government expects the initiative to benefit thousands of commuters each day, particularly students, workers, and low-income households who rely heavily on public transport.

Further details on operational adjustments and routes covered under the scheme are expected to be shared in the coming days.

For those in Pakistan monitoring the OMR to PKR exchange rate, the pair has continued to trade in a narrow, relatively stable band even as the Iran conflict keeps global energy markets on edge.

The Omani Riyal (﷼) maintains its long-standing stability, pegged to the US Dollar at 2.6008 since 1986 and supported by Oman’s oil and gas revenues. The Pakistani Rupee (₨), guided by the State Bank of Pakistan, draws ongoing strength from healthy remittance inflows while contending with the fallout from elevated global fuel costs.

This week the OMR/PKR pair saw only a minor softening, staying within a tight range. Brent crude has remained highly volatile due to the Iran war, recently trading between roughly $100 and $115 per barrel after peaking higher in March amid severe disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts and ceasefire signals have triggered sharp swings, but the overall elevated price level continues to offer some underlying support to the oil-linked Riyal through potential revenue gains for Oman. On the PKR front, February 2026 remittances stood at a solid $3.29 billion, up 5.2% year-on-year, with significant contributions from Gulf countries including Oman. This flow helps provide a buffer for the Rupee despite higher energy import bills. The rate remains below the longer-term average near 732 PKR, but the oil dynamics are limiting sharper declines for now.

The ongoing Iran conflict — now in its fifth week with continued US-Israeli actions, Iranian responses, and persistent heavy restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — continues to dominate energy markets. The strait, a vital route for a large portion of global oil and LNG, has seen drastically reduced traffic due to security risks, vessel attacks, and Iranian control measures. While this has driven record monthly gains in oil prices earlier in March and created potential windfalls for nearby exporters like Oman, it significantly raises Pakistan’s oil import costs as a net importer. This could push up local inflation and place gradual pressure on the PKR if the disruptions persist. Recent talks of ceasefires and diplomatic channels (including Pakistan’s role) have introduced some volatility, but strong Gulf remittances are helping mitigate the immediate impact.

For Pakistani families depending on earnings from Oman, today’s rate means a worker sending 500 OMR home receives roughly 362,960 Pakistani Rupee — a steady sum that still helps cover groceries, school fees, and household needs, even as fuel and transport costs in Pakistan feel the strain from high global oil prices. Trade between Oman and Pakistan (around $1–1.2 billion yearly, with Pakistan exporting textiles and rice while importing energy products) is navigating these mixed conditions: the oil-linked Riyal offers some balance, but prolonged high energy prices could increase costs for Pakistani importers. For travel, 1,000 PKR still converts to about 1.378 OMR for a Muscat trip, with very little weekly change.

The coming weeks will hinge on whether diplomatic progress eases the Hormuz situation or if oil prices remain elevated amid ongoing tensions. February’s healthy remittance data provides some reassurance, but the regional uncertainty keeps the potential for sudden movements alive. For live rates, reliable sources like Xe, Investing.com, or official State Bank of Pakistan channels are the best bet

The Punjab School Education Department has categorically rejected a notification circulating on social media that claimed all schools would be closed during those dates.

Noor-ul-Huda, the spokesperson for Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hyat, issued a statement clarifying that the provincial government has not made any such decision.

He dismissed the notification as “fake and fabricated” and appealed to the public to rely only on official government statements.

The spokesperson also urged citizens to avoid sharing unconfirmed news on their personal social media accounts, noting that such rumors cause unnecessary confusion and anxiety among parents and students.

The provincial education department reiterated that any changes to the academic calendar or school timings will be communicated through official government channels.

For now, educational institutions will continue to operate as usual, he said.

Earlier, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hyat clarified the Friday holiday policy for schools, stating that “work from home” will be implemented on Fridays instead of a full holiday, ARY News reported.

The provincial minister confirmed that all government and private schools, colleges, and universities are permitted to hold online classes on Fridays.

He further noted that the standard two-day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) will remain unchanged.

Minister Hyat expressed gratitude for the public’s patience and cooperation, explaining that digital methods are being adopted to ensure educational activities continue without wasting students’ time.

Meanwhile, the provincial education department outlined a three-shift schedule for educational institutions:

Single Shift Schools: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.

Double Shift Schools: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Afternoon Shift Schools: 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

On the other hand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad have adopted a four-day working week, declaring three holidays in a week from Friday to Sunday.

The KP and Islamabad administrations have announced measures to save fuel expenditure owing to its shortage on the global level due to the Iran War.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has announced a four-day working week.

The official notification issued by the KP Education Department confirmed that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will now be weekly holidays.
The new system aims to make the education sector more organized while conserving resources. According to the notification, the four-day schedule takes effect immediately, as of April 1.

Read More: Schools get new update on FRIDAY schedule

Government schools in KP will now conduct classes from Monday to Thursday. Sources indicate that daily teaching hours may be slightly extended to ensure the syllabus is completed and to prevent any loss of learning for students.

The department has urged all district officers to strictly enforce the new schedule.