Author: Ahsan Mughal

By Ahsan Mughal ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Rising tensions in the Middle East are shaking global energy markets, pushing petrol and diesel prices upward and raising fears of a sharp increase in Pakistan in the coming days. Sources indicate that petrol prices in Pakistan may rise by up to Rs32 per liter by March 15, with high-speed diesel (HSD) expected to see an increase of more than Rs50 per liter. More details: https://metro-morning.com/pakistan-considers-weekly-fuel-price-reviews-amid-middle-east-tensions/ The conflict in the region has triggered a surge in international oil prices, affecting petroleum markets worldwide. According to analysts, continued instability in the Middle East could further disrupt oil…

Ahsan Mughal KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: The United States has ordered non-emergency government personnel and their family members to depart from its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, citing regional tensions and security risks, while confirming that the US Embassy in Islamabad remains fully operational. In a statement, the US Embassy in Islamabad said the State Department had directed non-essential staff and families at the consulates in Karachi and Lahore to leave Pakistan. No such directive has been issued for the embassy in Islamabad, which continues normal operations. The updated travel advisory reflects concerns over escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran since…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Authorities have decided to close specific air routes in the Karachi and Lahore regions at designated hours, issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) in this regard. According to the issued NOTAM, the specified air routes will remain closed from 3 March to 31 March between 9am and 3pm daily. During these hours, the designated corridors will not be available for commercial flights. Aviation officials said airlines have been informed to plan alternative routing arrangements during the restricted timings. #Karachi #Lahore #AirspaceClosure #NOTAM #AviationNews

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: At least nine protesters were killed and several others injured on Sunday during violent clashes outside the United States consulate in Karachi. The unrest followed reports of a joint US-Israel strike that allegedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as demonstrators breached the consulate’s outer perimeter, overturning barricades and attempting to damage property. Some protesters tried to set fire to sections of the building before law enforcement intervened. Despite a heavy security presence, protesters briefly raised the Iranian flag near the consulate before being dispersed. The demonstration escalated after news of…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, called on the government to adopt a clear and firm stance in support of Iran, saying the Pakistani nation stood with Tehran. He addressed the “Jeenay Do Karachi” public gathering and iftar dinner organised by Jamaat-e-Islami District Gulberg Central at Student Ground in Liaquatabad. Naeemur Rehman described the reported attack on Iran by Donald Trump and Israel as “open terrorism” and urged Islamabad to act immediately to prevent further escalation, suggesting diplomatic engagement with China and Russia. Referring to Afghanistan, he said Pakistan welcomed the Afghan government when it…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan fell slightly today, with one tola dropping by 700 rupees to 540,562 PKR and 10 grams priced at 463,444 PKR. The modest decline mirrors a global dip in gold rates. In the international market, gold decreased by 7 US dollars, reaching 5,178 USD per ounce. Analysts say the minor correction reflects global market fluctuations while local demand remains steady. Focus keyword: Gold price in Pakistan #GoldPriceInPakistan #GoldRates #PreciousMetals #PakistanMarket #InternationalGoldPrices #InvestmentNews #GoldUpdate #PakistanEconomy #FinancialNews #GlobalMarkets

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui lambasted provincial overreach, accusing the PPP of legislating under fear and a province of placing itself above Pakistan’s Constitution By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Sunday called a resolution passed by the Sindh Assembly against the creation of a Karachi province “unconstitutional”. The party said Article 239 of the 1973 Constitution allows for the creation of new provinces. The remarks came a day after the provincial assembly adopted the resolution rejecting any move to carve out Karachi as a separate province, declaring the metropolis an “integral part” of Sindh. Addressing a joint…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: The Governor of Sindh, Kamran Tessori, said the people of the province were beginning to take his administration seriously, as he spoke at an Iftar dinner at the Governor House in Karachi on Saturday evening. The event, attended by senior political figures including Dr Farooq Sattar and the Turkish consul-general, offered a rare glimpse into Tessori’s reflections on the political climate of the province and his vision for governance. He was sharply critical of political factions he described as “factories” that converted every issue into a political problem. Tessori also referenced a previous conference on Sindh’s…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Under the chairmanship of Sindh’s provincial minister for livestock and fisheries, Muhammad Ali Malkani, the Karachi Fisheries Harbor Authority (KFHA) board held a meeting to review and implement key measures under the department’s master plan and European Union policy guidelines. The board examined progress on employee promotions, salaries, and new appointments with legal oversight, while also discussing practical steps to ease mounting pressure on Karachi Fisheries Harbor. Officials said these initiatives aim to strengthen transparency, sustainability, and overall efficiency in the fisheries sector. “The Sindh government’s focused measures to protect employees’ rights, meet legal requirements, and…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Thirty workers of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) arrested during a peaceful protest outside the Sindh Assembly on February 14 were released from Central Jail on Friday following orders from an Anti-Terrorism Court. The demonstration had been organized to demand citizens’ rights, resolution of civic issues, and the establishment of an empowered local government, but police used baton charges and tear gas, arresting scores of participants and filing terrorism charges against them. Upon their release, the workers were welcomed at Idara Noor-e-Haq with garlands, rose petals, and a spirited rally from Jail Chowrangi amid slogans and high enthusiasm. Deputy…