Here’s the latest.
Normally empty Spanish towns have filled up, and
More Than 40 Dead After a Ferry Capsizes on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba
The vessel was crowded far beyond capacity and was hit by strong waves, the police said. While dozens have been rescued, the search continues for an unknown number of missing people.
Eclipse chasers stake out their viewing spots in Iceland.
Eclipse chasers stake out their viewing spots in Iceland.
Saudi Riyal to Pakistani Rupee Today
Karachi, August 12, 2026 — The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is still trading in Pakistan’s open market compared with the interbank rate of Rs73.9531. Latest open-market indications put buying near Rs74.10 and selling around Rs75.20.
The interbank level reflects official and interbank dealings, while the open market responds more directly to physical cash demand from the public. The spread is typical for SAR in Pakistan and remains relatively contained.Demand for Saudi Riyals remains strong among Pakistanis for several practical reasons.
Thousands travel to Saudi Arabia each year for Hajj and Umrah and often buy riyals in advance to cover costs and lock in rates before seasonal spikes. Families also build SAR holdings or use SAR-linked savings options, including schemes such as Naya Pakistan Certificates available in riyals, to prepare for future pilgrimage or to hold a relatively stable currency.
Because the Saudi Riyal is pegged to the US dollar, many view it as a useful store of value against PKR fluctuations. Overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia send substantial remittances, and local buyers sometimes accumulate SAR for diversification, Gulf-related business needs, or as a hedge, reinforcing everyday demand for the currency.
The Iran war, which escalated from late February, disrupted energy markets through pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and drove sharp rises in oil prices at various stages, creating risk-off flows into the US dollar. Import-dependent Asian economies saw currencies such as the Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah, and Philippine peso come under pressure amid higher energy costs, inflation risks, and capital outflows. Pakistan’s rupee showed relative resilience for much of the period, supported in part by Saudi financial inflows and deposits that helped stabilize reserves and limit depreciation pressure despite the external shock.
Oil-price spikes fed imported inflation risks across energy importers, while safe-haven dollar strength amplified pressure on floating regional currencies. As diplomatic efforts and shipping conditions evolved, some of the extreme volatility eased, but the episode underscored how Middle East geopolitics quickly transmit to regional FX and energy costs.For those watching SAR rates, the interbank figure offers the cleaner official reference while open-market cash rates better reflect real demand for travel, savings, and remittances. Rates can shift with global oil moves, remittance flows, and local liquidity, so checking licensed exchange companies for the latest quotes remains advisable.
Live Updates: In Europe, the Total Solar Eclipse Is Only Hours Away
From Iceland to Spain, people have flocked to places where, briefly, the moon will completely block the sun.
Europeans, Braced for 5th Heat Wave of 2026, Have Had Enough
With temperatures set to soar as high as 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) this week, Europeans and tourists say that summer in Europe has lost its appeal.
South Africa’s Zeitz MOCAA Names Director to Replace Koyo Kouoh
Elvira Dyangani Ose, who most recently directed Barcelona’s contemporary art museum, will succeed Kouoh, who died suddenly last year from cancer.
South Africa’s Zietz MOCAA Names Director to Replace Koyo Kouoh
Elvira Dyangani Ose, who most recently directed Barcelona’s contemporary art museum, will succeed Kouoh, who died suddenly last year from cancer.
Students to protest Cambridge exam paper leaks outside IBCC today
Islamabad – A student-led organisation, Accountability4Cambridge, will hold a peaceful protest outside the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) office in Sector G-10/4, Islamabad, on Wednesday, August 12, against the alleged Cambridge International examination paper leaks and their handling.
According to a media advisory, the protest will be held from 1pm to 5pm. The organisation said the demonstration follows NCCIA’s forensic confirmation that the leaked examination materials were “100% authentic.”
A meeting between IBCC, Cambridge International and Accountability4Cambridge is also scheduled at the IBCC office at 2pm, where NCCIA’s forensic evidence will be formally raised.
The students are awaiting a decision on possible result reversals and other related matters.
Thailand Halts New Gun Permits After Mass Shooting at a School
It remains to be seen how far the government will go to tighten gun control in the country, which has experienced a string of high-profile shootings in recent years.
