web analytics

ARY NEWS

Web Desk

  • Punjab, AJK warned of heavy downpours in coming 12 hours

    Punjab, AJK warned of heavy downpours in coming 12 hours

    Lahore/Muzaffarabad: People of several districts of Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been warned of by the National Disaster Management Authority heavy downpours in upcoming 12 hours.

    The advisory follows a broader alert for potential urban flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

    The rainfall is expected in the districts of Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, and Kasur.

    In addition, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, and Pakpattan are also likely to experience heavy rains within the next 12 to 24 hours.

    The rains may cause flooding in urban and low-lying areas, while water levels in local streams and nullahs may rise significantly.

    Intermittent downpour is also expected across AJK in the coming 12 to 24 hours.

    This increases the risk of flash floods in streams and landslides in hilly areas of Neelum Valley, Bagh, Kotli, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Haveli. The NDMA has warned that strong water flow in mountain streams could also disrupt traffic on connecting roads.

    The NDMA had already issued an alert regarding rising water levels and potential flooding in the River Sutlej.

    Authorities have launched large-scale evacuation operations in areas near the Sutlej. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Rescue 1122, and Pakistan Army engineers are actively engaged in relief operations to manage the situation, the authority said in a handout.

    Read More: India releases more water into Sutlej River, flood alert issued

    Authorities have cautioned against possible overflow of streams and flooding in vulnerable zones, particularly in hilly regions where landslides and flash floods remain a risk.

    Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay clear of rivers and streams, and follow official instructions issued via television, radio, mobile alerts, and the NDMA Disaster Alert app.

     

  • Saudi Riyal to Pakistani Rupee Rate Today- August 26, 2025

    Saudi Riyal to Pakistani Rupee Rate Today- August 26, 2025

    KARACHI, August 26, 2025: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) dipped to Rs75.12 against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in today’s open market, down slightly from Rs75.13 on August 25 and significantly lower than Rs76.03 on July 28, currency traders reported. The selling rate adjusted to Rs75.69. This marginal decline, driven by market adjustments and sustained remittance inflows, underscores the Saudi Riyal’s vital role in Pakistan’s financial landscape.

    SAR to PKR- Daily Updates

    Economic Effects of the Riyal’s Decline

    The Saudi Riyal’s decrease to Rs75.12 has both immediate and broader impacts. For Pakistani families, the Riyal’s still-dependable value supports remittance purchasing power, with 1,000 Saudi Riyals converting to Rs75,120, down from Rs75,130 yesterday, slightly reducing funds for essentials like education, healthcare, and daily necessities amid rising costs. Companies importing goods, such as oil and petrochemicals from Saudi Arabia, benefit from the Riyal’s dollar-linked stability, and this decline eases import costs, offering relief to Pakistan’s trade balance. On a broader scale, the Riyal’s performance continues to strengthen Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which exceeded $11 billion in October 2024, helping manage inflation and external debt. A weaker Rupee boosts export potential, and this adjustment supports Pakistan’s economic resilience.

    Significance of the Saudi Riyal for Pakistan

    The Saudi Riyal is a critical economic pillar for Pakistan, fueled by deep ties with Saudi Arabia, where millions of Pakistani workers contribute to industries like construction, medical services, and hospitality. In May 2025, Saudi Arabia accounted for $913.3 million of Pakistan’s remittance inflows, the largest share, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. From July 2024 to May 2025, total remittances reached $34.9 billion, a 28.8% increase from the previous fiscal year. The Riyal’s reliable value continues to drive economic activity and support households across Pakistan.

    Overview of the Saudi Riyal and Pakistani Rupee

    The Saudi Riyal, divided into 100 halala, is Saudi Arabia’s currency, overseen by the Saudi Central Bank and pegged to the US dollar for consistency. This reliability makes it a trusted medium for remittances and trade, particularly for Pakistanis in the Kingdom. The Pakistani Rupee, denoted by ₨, has been Pakistan’s currency since 1948, managed by the State Bank of Pakistan under a flexible exchange rate system. Its value is shaped by inflation, trade flows, and remittance inflows, with the Riyal-PKR rate reflecting market forces.

    Future Prospects for the Riyal-PKR Exchange Rate

    The Saudi Riyal’s slight decline to Rs75.12 reflects ongoing market adjustments, supported by remittances and trade with Saudi Arabia. Currency traders and economic planners should stay attentive, as even small fluctuations can impact remittances, import costs, and fiscal strategies. For countless Pakistanis, the Riyal’s steady value remains a cornerstone of financial security and economic resilience.

    Sources: State Bank of Pakistan, Forex Association of Pakistan

  • Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza booked after detention under 3MPO

    Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza booked after detention under 3MPO

    JHELUM: Police registered a case against religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza on Tuesday after his detention under the 3MPO, ARY News reported.

    A Jhelum Police spokesperson stated that a first information report (FIR) was registered against Mirza at City Police Station on the complaint of a citizen.

    According to the spokesperson, the FIR was registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and also invoked Section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    Police also sealed the religious scholar’s academy in Jhelum to avert any unpleasant situation.

    Further, local authorities deployed a police contingent around Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza’s residence and his academy in the city.

    Read more: Religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza arrested in Jhelum

    The registration of the FIR comes soon after Mirza was detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order, commonly known as 3MPO.

    He was taken into custody after several religious groups filed complaints against him, demanding action against Mirza.

    Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, widely known for delivering online lectures on social and religious topics, has 3.1 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.

    In March 2021, the religious scholar survived an assassination attempt when an unknown assailant attempted to stab him at his academy.

    The attacker was later arrested, while Mirza sustained minor injuries.

  • Dollar and other Currency Rates in Pakistan Today – August 26, 2025

    Dollar and other Currency Rates in Pakistan Today – August 26, 2025

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced its latest Mark-to-Market (M2M) currency rates for August 26, 2025, offering essential insights for businesses, investors, and individuals maneuvering through Pakistan’s financial landscape.

    These rates, gathered from brokerage houses and Reuters Eikon Terminal, represent the weighted average of interbank closing rates, with emphasis on the US Dollar (USD) and important currencies such as the Saudi Riyal (SAR), UAE Dirham (AED), Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), and Qatari Riyal (QAR). This article details today’s rates, compares them with those from August 25, 2025 where available, and incorporates perspectives from online platforms to illustrate current trends and economic effects.

    Key Currency Rates in Pakistan Today

    Below are the exchange rates for major currencies against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) as of August 26, 2025, from SBP’s M2M rates, with comparisons to August 25 rates where available:

    • Saudi Riyal (SAR):
      • Ready: PKR 75.1188
      • 1-Month: PKR 75.3896
      • 3-Month: PKR 75.9594
      • 6-Month: PKR 76.4874
      • 1-Year: PKR 78.0477
        The SAR’s rates suggest stability with minor adjustments, potentially maintaining costs for remittances and Hajj/Umrah travel.
    • UAE Dirham (AED):
      • Ready: PKR 76.7385 (August 25: 76.7450, down by PKR 0.0065)
      • 1-Month: PKR 77.0795
      • 3-Month: PKR 77.7601
      • 6-Month: PKR 78.3712
      • 1-Year: PKR 80.2163
        The AED’s slight decline in ready rates could marginally reduce expenses for trade and expatriate transactions.
    • Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD):
      • Ready: PKR 922.0472
      • 1-Month: PKR 926.6203
      • 3-Month: PKR 935.2729
      • 6-Month: PKR 942.7874
      • 1-Year: PKR 965.3763
        The KWD’s steady rates may keep costs stable for high-value transactions.
    • Canadian Dollar (CAD):
      • Ready: PKR 203.3700 (August 25: 203.7684, down by PKR 0.3984)
      • 1-Month: PKR 204.5776 (August 25: 205.0202, down by PKR 0.4426)
      • 3-Month: PKR 206.9075 (August 25: 207.2995, down by PKR 0.3920)
      • 6-Month: PKR 209.4175 (August 25: 209.4175, unchanged)
      • 1-Year: PKR 215.2619 (August 25: 215.7517, down by PKR 0.4898)
        The CAD’s decrease could lower costs for Pakistan’s trade and diaspora in Canada.
    • Qatari Riyal (QAR):
      • Ready: PKR 77.3228
      • 1-Month: PKR 77.6923
      • 3-Month: PKR 78.3708
      • 6-Month: PKR 78.9752
      • 1-Year: PKR 80.7985
        The QAR’s stable rates may keep expenses steady for Pakistanis working in Qatar.
    • US Dollar (USD):
      • Ready: PKR 281.8606 (August 25: 281.8728, down by PKR 0.0122)
      • 1-Month: PKR 283.0918 (August 25: 283.1859, down by PKR 0.0941)
      • 3-Month: PKR 285.5388 (August 25: 285.5416, down by PKR 0.0028)
      • 6-Month: PKR 287.6960 (August 25: 287.6909, up by PKR 0.0051)
      • 1-Year: PKR 294.3336 (August 25: 294.3845, down by PKR 0.0509)
        The USD’s minor decline may offer slight relief for import costs, with open market rates around PKR 284.

    Other Notable Currencies

    Other major currencies also show changes compared to August 25 where available:

    • Euro (EUR): Ready at PKR 327.5220 (August 25: 329.8194, down by PKR 2.2974), with 6-month at PKR 339.3460.
    • British Pound (GBP): Ready at PKR 379.3139 (August 25: 380.6833, down by PKR 1.3694), with 6-month at PKR 388.9400.
    • Swiss Franc (CHF): Ready at PKR 349.7247 (August 25: 351.2653, down by PKR 1.5406), with 6-month at PKR 366.2234.
    • Australian Dollar (AUD): Ready at PKR 182.4906 (August 25: 182.9777, down by PKR 0.4871), with 6-month at PKR 187.6049.
    • Singapore Dollar (SGD): Ready at PKR 218.6409 (August 25: 219.3577, down by PKR 0.7168), with 6-month at PKR 227.3387.

    Analysis and Implications

    The general decline in ready rates for SAR, AED, CAD, USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, and SGD from August 25 to August 26 indicates short-term PKR strengthening, potentially reducing costs for imports, remittances, and travel. The stability in KWD and QAR rates suggests consistent market conditions for those currencies. Online sources note open market USD buying at PKR 284, higher than SBP’s rate, highlighting ongoing disparities and concerns over currency availability. While short-term gains for the PKR are apparent, elevated forward rates (6-month to 1-year) for most currencies indicate market expectations of possible PKR weakening in the medium to long term. These M2M rates are essential for authorized dealers to revalue their books daily, impacting financial reporting, trade pricing, and investment strategies. For individuals, these fluctuations affect remittances, travel budgets, and overseas education costs.

    These rates are sourced from the State Bank of Pakistan’s official M2M release

  • BingX AI Hits 2 Million Users and 20 Million Queries in Just 100 Days

    BingX AI Hits 2 Million Users and 20 Million Queries in Just 100 Days

    PANAMA CITY, August 26, 2025 – BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 AI company, today announced a significant milestone for its AI-powered trading assistant, BingX AI, which has surpassed 2 million users and processed 20 million queries since its launch in May.

    BingX AI is built as a suite of integrated intelligence, powered by multi-model AI engines and vast datasets. It is distinguished by five unique AI avatars, designed to guide users through different stages of their trading journey — from market analysis and strategy development to execution and real-time monitoring.

     

    • The Analyst: Decodes the market by turning complex charts and data into clear, actionable trading insights, through AI-powered Candlestick, Market, Trading, and Token analysis.
    • The Strategist:Builds tailored strategies and forecasts to help you trade smarter with AI Trade Review and Trend Forecasting.
    • The Recommender: Suggests tokens, traders, and news that best fit your trading profile through Pro Trader Recommender, AI News Briefing, and Trading Analysis functionality.
    • The Protector:Identifies risks and simulates outcomes to safeguard your portfolio with Smart Position Analysis.
    • The Monitor: Tracks market movements and funding rates to keep you informed in real time with Market and New Token analysis.

     

    Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at BingX, commented: “AI is redefining what’s possible in digital asset trading, not by replacing human decision-making, but by enhancing it with real-time intelligence. With BingX AI, we’re bridging the gap between AI’s promise and real-world utility—offering users context, clarity, and confidence in one unified platform. Surpassing two million users is just the beginning; our goal is to make intelligent, accessible trading the standard for everyone, everywhere. Traders can expect more new AI capabilities in the coming weeks as BingX continues to expand the platform’s role at the intersection of innovation and usability.”

    BingX AI forms a key part of BingX’s AI Evolution Strategy, a $300M initiative to embed AI across the platform. By consolidating fragmented trading tools into a single, intelligent ecosystem, BingX empowers traders of all levels with professional-grade insights, decision-making support and trading with greater confidence.

    About BingX

    Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3 AI company, serving a global community of over 20 million users. With a comprehensive suite of AI-powered products and services, including derivatives, spot trading, and copy trading, BingX caters to the evolving needs of users across all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. Committed to building a trustworthy and intelligent trading platform, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance and confidence. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports sponsorship.

    For more information, please visit: https://bingx.com/

  • ‘The Waterfront’ creator reacts to show’s cancellation

    ‘The Waterfront’ creator reacts to show’s cancellation

    ‘The Waterfront’ creator Kevin Williamson has broken his silence on Netflix’s decision to cancel the show after just one season.

    A day earlier, US media outlets reported that the streamer decided not to renew the family crime show for a second season.

    The show starred Holt McCallany, Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist and Maria Bello, among others.

    As per Netflix, “The Waterfront dives into the flawed Buckley family as their attempts to retain control of their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire drive them to increasingly dangerous means to keep themselves afloat.”

    McCallany starred as patriarch Harlan Buckley and Bello as his wife, while Weary played their son in the show.

    However, Netflix axed the show after just one season, without providing the reasons behind the decision.

    Following the confirmation of the show’s cancellation, ‘The Waterfront’ creator Kevin Williamson took to Instagram to reflect on the first season.

    Read more: ‘Night Always Comes’ Review: This Vanessa Kirby Thriller Demands Your Attention

    “While I’m say the Buckleys won’t be back for Season 2, I’m celebrating the joy that was Season 1,” he wrote in an Instagram message over a photo from the show.

    The filmmaker thanked fans for their response to the show, while he also hailed the “dream cast and crew” who worked on the show.

    “And thank you to Netflix for taking a chance on a very personal story,” Williamson added. He has spoken about The Waterfront having been inspired by his childhood and family, especially his dad’s involvement in drug smuggling and other illegal activities,” Kevin Williamson said.

    He added, “It was one of best experiences of my life,” Williamson said about his time on The Waterfront at the end of his note to fans.”

  • Helldivers 2 to get game-changing update

    Helldivers 2 to get game-changing update

    Arrowhead Game Studios has confirmed plans for a major update for Helldivers 2 to bring significant features to the game.

    The Into the Unjust update, coming on September 2, will allow players to discover what lies behind the Gloom shroud.

    In a PlayStation blogpost, the developer confirmed that the upcoming update will allow players to “discover what lies behind the Gloom shroud enveloping these planets we call Hive Worlds.”

    Additionally, players will also take a journey through the deep underground cave tunnels with twists and turns.

    “Because of the nature of the caves, your Super Destroyer won’t be able to give you full support. It’ll be your team alone against the horror,” Arrowhead Game stated.

    The developers announced that gamers will also face brand new challenges in the September 2 update.

    Read more: Helldivers 2 developer teases complex new foes

    The upcoming challenges include escorting a mobile oil rig, defending the rig from attacks while it traverses the Hive World terrain to the next drill site.

    The Into the Unjust update will also add new Helldivers 2 Terminid enemy types, including Bile Spewers and Chargers.

    The September 2 update will be closely followed by a new Premium Warbond on September 4.

    The Dust Devils will bring in a new weapon named the AR-2 Coyote (complete with incendiary ammo), a new cluster frag grenade called the G7-Pineapple, and three new Stratagems.

    The announcement about the Into the Unjust update comes as Helldivers 2 arrived on Xbox, more than a year after its release on PlayStation 5 console.

  • Becky Lynch faces backlash for Ozzy Osbourne death joke at WWE

    Becky Lynch faces backlash for Ozzy Osbourne death joke at WWE

    WWE star Becky Lynch has been receiving backlash for making a joke about the death of Ozzy Osbourne during an event in Birmingham.

    The incident happened on August 25 during the WWE RAW event in Birmingham, weeks after the Black Sabbath frontman died at the age of 76.

    During a live WWE RAW show, Nikki Bella challenged Becky Lynch to fight inside the ring.

    Responding to her challenge, Lynch said, “I’m not wrestling in Birmingham. The only good thing that came out of here died a month ago. But in fairness to Ozzy Osbourne, he had the good sense to move to LA, a proper city. Because if I lived in Birmingham, I’d die too.”

    Her comment irked the fans, who booed the WWE star for making a joke about the death of the Black Sabbath frontman.

    Several took to social media to express their anger over what they believed was a disrespectful comment by Becky Lynch towards Osbourne.

    The WWE star was called “classless” and “distasteful” over her comments, while several called for her to be fired from the show.

    Read more: Ozzy Osbourne documentary pulled hours before scheduled release

    Meanwhile, Becky Lynch has yet to release any official statement of apology or clarification over her comments about Ozzy Osbourne.

    It is to be noted here that Ozzy breathed his last on July 22 after battling multiple diseases for years.

    UK authorities later revealed that the cause of his death was heart attack.

    The Black Sabbath frontman’s death came just weeks after he reunited with his bandmates for his farewell tour to his career at Villa Park.

  • NADRA to provide another facility to citizens

    NADRA to provide another facility to citizens

    Sialkot: The prime institution for Pakistani citizens national identity, National Data Base Registration Authority (NADRA), has kicked off modern one-window operation in union councils (UCs)of tehsil Pasroor, District Sialkot, Mandi Faizabad and District Nankana.

    Through its social media announcement, the NADRA informed that the citizens of the respective UCs and countryside now can take benefit of issuance of identification documents and all the services of renewal in their nearby UCs.

    The people can get their computerised Identity cards, ‘B’ form, family registration certificates, change in marital status and can avail other prime services of the NADRA.

    The NADRA centers are opened five days a week from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

    The citizens can approach the NADRA through their mobile phones on 1777,while the NADRA can be contacted on its landline number +92-51-111-786100 as well.

    Earlier, The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced a key update to its Pak-ID mobile application, introducing different user-friendly features to simplify identity registration processes.

    The new features are aimed at providing ease to the people, especially for parents of young children.

    According to NADRA, the recent update in the Pak-ID app now allows parents to upload photographs directly from their mobile gallery while applying for the Child Registration Certificate (CRC) or identity card for children under the age of three.

    This addition in the Pak-ID mobile application eliminates the requirement of visiting NADRA offices in person and waiting in long queues.

    The user-centric feature has several upgrades, including the photo uploading flexibility, by which users can print their submitted photographs on official identity documents, family record updates, which help citizens update records of unregistered family members directly through the app, free Biometric access, which supports application submission without fingerprint or facial verification, improving accessibility for users with limited biometric access, and improved Urdu interface, that enhances Urdu language support and ensures clearer instructions and better navigation for native speakers.

    NADRA is bringing enhancements as part of its plan to advance services under the Pak Identity program.

    Read More: NADRA to hold open courts in Karachi on August 29

    This includes features like tracking IDs in real time, booking appointments at NADRA centres, and paying fees online using services like Easypaisa, JazzCash, and e-Sahulat.

    NADRA is encouraging everyone to download or update the Pak-ID app, which can be used on both Android and iOS devices, to enjoy these new features completely.

     

  • Bruce Willis’s wife shares health update on actor

    Bruce Willis’s wife shares health update on actor

    Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Bruce Willis, has shared an update on the actor’s ongoing battle with dementia.

    The ‘Die Hard’ star’s family went public with his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia in 2023.

    According to reports, the type of dementia impacts one’s personality and causes behavioural changes.

    Amid his ongoing battle with the disease, Bruce Willis’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, said that the veteran actor’s brain was ‘failing him’ despite being mobile.

    “Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, you know. It’s just his brain that is failing him,” she said during an interview with a US media outlet.

    According to Emma, the 70-year-old actor’s primary symptom is the loss of language.

    “The language is going, and, you know, we’ve learned to adapt. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a … different way,” she said.

    As she stands side-by-side with Bruce Willis in his battle with dementia, Emma Heming Willis wrote book about her family’s experience.

    Read more: Bruce Willis: A Deep Dive into His Iconic Career, Family Life, and Health Journey

    Titled “The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path,” the book to deep dive into the caregiving experience.

    It is worth noting here that the ‘Die Hard’ actor was first diagnosed with aphasia back in 2022 and announced his retirement from acting due to hampered cognitive abilities.

    The following year, his family revealed his diagnosis of untreatable frontotemporal dementia (also known as FTD) – a neurodegenerative disorder.

    Last month, reports emerged that the 70-year-old actor’s condition worsened significantly and he no longer remembered that he was once among the most sought-after action stars of Hollywood.