QUETTA – A police officer confirmed that a targeted bomb attack occurred on the outskirts of Balochistan’s provincial capital, resulting in the death of a senior Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) official on Sunday.
The PMDC plays a significant role in the exploration and extraction of Pakistan’s mineral resources, which are crucial for addressing the country’s economic challenges.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jawad Tariq, the targeted individual, Mirza Shabbar Ali, served as the PMDC project manager for the Sor Range mining facility. He was traveling to the mining site from his residence when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, resulting in Ali’s immediate death. His driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to Quetta for medical treatment. The provincial counterterrorism department has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack at this time, Baloch separatist organizations have previously targeted security forces and mine workers in the region, particularly due to its rich coal deposits.
The PMDC operates as a semi-autonomous entity under Pakistan’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, focusing on extracting resources like coal, salt, and silica sand from mining fields. Balochistan has experienced a longstanding insurgency by nationalist groups in the southwestern region, protesting the perceived exploitation of the province’s resources by the federal government.
In August, Pakistan hosted an international conference in Islamabad to showcase its vast mineral deposits estimated at around $6 trillion. The event aimed to attract foreign investors and diplomats to leverage these natural resources for economic development. Many of these mineral reserves are located in Balochistan, making the province a focal point for potential investments.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/10-Apr-2023/at-least-four-killed-11-injured-in-quetta-blast
Pakistani rupee remains largely stable against the US dollar, and other currencies in the open market on Saturday.
On Saturday, the US dollar was being quoted at 283.4 for buying and 285.95 for selling.
Euro comes down to 307 for buying and 310 for selling. British Pound rate remains unchanged at 358.5 for buying, and 362 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED witnessed slight drop and new rate stands at 77.2 whereas the Saudi Riyal remained stable at 76.
Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
---|---|---|---|
US Dollar | USD | 283.4 | 285.95 |
Euro | EUR | 307 | 307 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 358.5 | 362 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 77.2 | 78 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 76 | 76.8 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 187.2 | 189 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 755.82 | 763.82 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 209 | 211 |
China Yuan | CNY | 39.82 | 40.22 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 41.14 | 41.54 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 36.37 | 36.72 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 3.41 | 3.52 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 922.14 | 931.14 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 60.82 | 61.42 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 175.33 | 177.33 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.12 | 26.42 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 738.71 | 746.71 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 78.07 | 78.77 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 211 | 213 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 27.32 | 27.62 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 324.5 | 327 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 8.08 | 8.23 |
Gold prices witnessed negative trend in local markets in line with the trend in the international market.
On Saturday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs217,600, and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs186,560.
Single tola of 22 Karat Gold price costs Rs199,465, 21 karat rate per tola costs Rs190, 400 and 18k gold rate is Rs163,200.00 for each tola.
In the global market, gold prices hovers around $2,004 per ounce, after drop of $23.35 on Saturday.
City | Gold | Silver |
---|---|---|
Lahore | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Karachi | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Islamabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Peshawar | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Quetta | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Sialkot | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Attock | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Gujranwala | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Jehlum | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Multan | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Bahawalpur | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Gujrat | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Nawabshah | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Chakwal | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Hyderabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Nowshehra | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Sargodha | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Faisalabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Mirpur | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
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