Author: Asghar Ali Mubarak

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has announced an increase in train fares for passenger and freight services, effective from March 9, following a sharp rise in diesel prices. The fare adjustment comes after diesel prices jumped by around 20%, significantly increasing the operational cost of running trains across the country. Railway officials said the hike was necessary to maintain services and offset the rising fuel expenses. Economy and AC class fares revised Economy class fares have been increased by 5%, while AC class fares have been raised by 10%, a Pakistan Railways spokesperson confirmed. The increase will cover…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The government’s sharp increase in aviation fuel prices is expected to push airline ticket fares higher and escalate operational costs across the aviation sector. The price of GP1 jet fuel, used by commercial aircraft, has been raised by Rs154 per liter, jumping from Rs188.93 to Rs342.37 per liter—an 82% increase in a short period. Aviation experts warn that this record hike could prompt airlines to raise ticket prices by up to Rs5,000 per passenger to offset the higher operating costs. The government has also increased fuel prices for small training aircraft and air ambulance services,…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the preparation of a comprehensive plan in coordination with provincial governments to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. During a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister, officials reviewed the current economic situation in light of global developments. Participants were briefed in detail on how recent international tensions could impact Pakistan’s economy, particularly in terms of energy supplies and petroleum product availability. The prime minister instructed the concerned committee to prepare a strategy emphasizing austerity, conservation, and savings, and requested actionable…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan currently has sufficient supplies of petrol and diesel and there is no shortage of petroleum products in the country, according to Imran Ghaznavi, spokesperson for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). Speaking to Geo News over the telephone, Ghaznavi said people had rushed to purchase more fuel before the price increase, which temporarily created panic in the market. He added that the rumors circulating earlier have now subsided and the situation has returned to normal. He said strict monitoring of petrol pumps is being carried out across the country, while oil marketing companies…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has assured that petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan will be reduced as soon as the situation stabilizes, with weekly reviews of fuel rates to be conducted. Speaking to journalists, the minister said the recent increase in petroleum prices was a difficult but necessary decision due to extraordinary circumstances in global oil markets. He warned that strict action would be taken against those who hoarded fuel to profit from artificial shortages. More Details: https://metro-morning.com/petrol-and-diesel-prices-rise-by-rs55-amid-middle-east-crisis/ Minister Malik added that Pakistan had increased its fuel reserves in response to the situation. Following…

By Asghar Ali Shah ISLAMABAD: Petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan were increased by Rs55 per litre following a federal government revision amid soaring global oil rates and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The new price of petrol is Rs321.17 per litre, while diesel has been fixed at Rs335.86 per litre. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik warned of strict action against fuel hoarders, saying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken notice of reports regarding illegal stockpiling. He noted that while no immediate shortage is visible, the country is facing extraordinary circumstances, as much of Pakistan’s energy supply passes through…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed strict action against petrol pumps and individuals involved in hoarding petroleum products or creating artificial shortages, warning that licenses of violating pumps will be cancelled. During a high-level meeting on petroleum stocks, consumption, and supply amid regional tensions, the prime minister called hoarding a “heinous business” and stressed that the government will not tolerate market manipulation. Officials confirmed that Pakistan currently has adequate petroleum reserves to meet national demand. To ensure uninterrupted supply, the prime minister ordered the creation of a real-time monitoring dashboard to track fuel movement nationwide,…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that 527 fighters linked to the Afghan Taliban had been killed during the ongoing military campaign named Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, describing the operation as a major step to counter militant threats along the border. Sharing details of the operation, Tarar said that more than 755 Taliban fighters had also been injured during the campaign. He said Pakistani forces destroyed 237 Taliban checkpoints and took control of 38 additional posts during the operation. According to the minister, 205 pieces of military equipment belonging to the Afghan Taliban — including tanks,…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed serious concern over a recent deal between India and Canada for the supply of uranium and advanced reactor technology, warning that it could destabilize regional security and weaken international nuclear non-proliferation standards. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the agreement, under which Canada will provide uranium and advanced reactor technology to India, represents an exception to international nuclear norms. He described the move as potentially disturbing the strategic balance in South Asia. Historical context of India’s nuclear programAndrabi recalled that India conducted its first nuclear explosion in 1974 using a reactor supplied…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved an increase of Rs1.63 per unit in electricity prices, which will apply to all consumers across Pakistan, including K-Electric users, starting with March bills. More Details: https://metro-morning.com/nepra-raises-electricity-tariff-by-35-paisa-per-unit/ The rise comes under the monthly fuel adjustment for January and is expected to add over Rs15 billion to the overall consumer burden. Nepra’s decision follows a request from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) for a Rs1.78 per unit hike. After verifying the data, Nepra finalized the increase, citing higher reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and…