See the 2026 European Solar Eclipse, in Photos and Videos
People gathered across the continent to watch the total solar eclipse on Wednesday.
Awaam Pakistan calls ECP delisting ‘unwarranted’, seeks urgent hearing
ISLAMABAD: Headed by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Awaam Pakistan has challenged the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to delist the party over its alleged failure to hold intra-party elections, calling the move “arbitrary, unwarranted and unprecedented”.
In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja dated August 12, 2026, Abbasi, who is also the party’s president, said Awaam Pakistan had been “taken by surprise” by an ECP notification issued on August 7. The notification cited an ECP order dated Aug 3, 2026, in a case titled “Non-Conduct of intra-party election by Awaam Pakistan”.
Abbasi said the party had conducted intra-party elections for both the National General Council and national office-bearers between March 26 and April 2, 2026. He said the polls were held within the extension granted by the ECP in its decision of January 2026.
“The results of the intra-party election and detailed documentation were submitted to the ECP on April 6, 2026,” the letter said.
He added that 12,846 party members participated in the exercise, which was “democratic, transparent, and in full compliance with the Elections Act, 2017.”
Terming the delisting “in contradiction of the record available with the ECP”, Abbasi said the action was taken “without an opportunity to be heard by the Election Commission”.
“We request an urgent hearing by the commission so that we can clarify our position,” he wrote.
While Article 17 of the Constitution guarantees the right to form political parties, enlistment with the ECP is a legal requirement for obtaining an election symbol to contest polls.
Under Section 202 of the Elections Act, 2017, a party must apply for enlistment within 30 days of formation. The application must include certified results of intra-party elections, a copy of the party constitution, details of funding sources, a membership list of at least 2,000 members with CNICs and thumb impressions, and proof of payment of a Rs200,000 non-refundable fee.
Section 208 empowers the ECP to issue a show-cause notice or impose a fine of up to Rs200,000 on a party that fails to hold intra-party elections within the prescribed timeframe. In case of continued non-compliance, the commission may cancel the party’s enlistment.
Under Section 202(6), a party whose enlistment is refused or cancelled may file an appeal in the Supreme Court within 30 days.
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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
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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.
