On this day…

Good morning and welcome to The Blue Express! As we step into another day, let's take a moment to reflect on some of the significant historical events that occurred on July 15th:

• 1799 - Discovery of the Rosetta Stone: French soldiers found the Rosetta Stone in Egypt, crucial for deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.

• 1834 - End of the Spanish Inquisition: The Spanish Inquisition was officially disbanded by Queen Isabella II of Spain.

• 1975 - Apollo-Soyuz Test Project: The first international manned spaceflight between the US and Soviet Union was launched, marking a milestone in space cooperation.

• 1997 - Gianni Versace Murdered: Fashion designer Gianni Versace was murdered in Miami Beach, Florida, shocking the fashion world.

Open Market Forex Rates

Data is provided by Link Exchange

Todays Gold and Silver prices

Gold Price (per Tola) 24 Karat: PKR 248,800

Silver Prices (per Tola): PKR 3,214

*These prices are consistent across major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi with minor variations

Data is provided by Waseem Jewellers

WORLD

Shooting Incident at Trump Campaign Rally

• Trump Shot in the Ear Former President Donald Trump was wounded in the ear while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During his speech, multiple gunshots rang out, causing Trump to grab his ear and drop to the ground. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded him, and Trump later confirmed on social media that he had been shot.

• Fatalities and Injuries The shooting resulted in the death of the shooter and one rally attendee, while two other spectators were critically injured. The FBI identified the victims as male. The chaotic scene unfolded as Secret Service agents secured the area, with Trump eventually lifted to his feet, bloodied but able to raise his fist and encourage the crowd.

• Assassination Attempt Investigation The incident is being investigated as a potential assassination attempt. The shooter, who fired from a rooftop near the rally site, was killed by Secret Service agents. President Joe Biden condemned the violence and spoke to Trump by phone. The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI close to identifying the shooter.

• Chaos and Security Response Witnesses described the chaos as shots were fired and people screamed for medics. The Secret Service responded swiftly, but concerns were raised about ignored warnings of a potential sniper. The shooter fired from an elevated position outside the secured perimeter, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the security measures in place.

• Political Leaders Condemn Violence Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the attack. President Biden emphasized the need for unity against violence, while Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also expressed their horror. The incident has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into the security lapses.

• Election Impact and Security Discussions The shooting occurred just before Trump is set to accept the 2024 presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention. The attack has intensified discussions about political violence and security measures at campaign events. Concerns about rising political violence in the US have been underscored by recent polls showing widespread fear of post-election unrest.

PAKISTAN

PM Shehbaz Sharif's Commitment to Economic Reform

• Strengthening Tax Systems: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) to broaden the tax base without overburdening honest taxpayers, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to enhance revenue.

• Commitment to Progress: During his visit to FBR Headquarters, Sharif reiterated the government's commitment to economic progress, stressing the importance of collective and individual efforts to prioritize national interests.

• IMF Agreement as Positive Step: The Prime Minister termed the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a positive development for Pakistan’s economy and expressed hope for IMF board approval.

• Utilizing Modern Technology: Sharif emphasized the need for the FBR to adopt modern technology, including artificial intelligence and digitization, to improve tax collection and broaden revenue sources.

• No Tolerance for Lapses: He made it clear that lapses within the FBR would not be tolerated and urged the department to address hidden issues promptly, asserting his resolve to prioritize sincerity and determination in governance.

• Ready to Resign if Necessary: The Prime Minister stated his willingness to resign if needed but affirmed that he would not bow to pressure, underscoring his dedication to economic reforms and national progress.

Navigation Malfunction Diverts PIA Flight

• Navigation System Failure: A Sukkur-bound PIA flight PK536 from Karachi experienced a navigation malfunction shortly after takeoff, causing it to deviate from its route.

• Air Traffic Controller's Intervention: An air traffic controller detected the error and promptly contacted the captain, warning him of the incorrect heading.

• Direct Guidance Provided: The captain informed the controller about the navigation system failure, and the controller provided direct guidance to safely return the aircraft to Karachi Airport.

• Importance of Navigation Systems: Navigation systems are crucial for flight safety, guiding planes along their intended paths. Malfunctions require immediate action to prevent potential disasters.