Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved an increase in profits for oil marketing companies (OMCs) and dealers, a move that will add to the financial burden on consumers. Under the decision, profits and dealer commissions on petrol and diesel will rise by PKR 2.56 per liter. Once the federal cabinet gives final approval, half of the increase—PKR 1.28 per liter—will be immediately added to the prices of petrol and diesel, while the remaining half will be linked to the digitalization of the petroleum sector, with a deadline set for June 2026. Currently,…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: A lighthearted moment broke the usual formality of a National Assembly session when a sum of money accidentally fell to the floor inside the chamber, drawing smiles and laughter from lawmakers. As the bills scattered, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq held up the cash and called on members to claim it, prompting an unexpected scene as no fewer than twelve MPs raised their hands simultaneously. The brief episode brought a rare, jovial atmosphere to the proceedings, providing a momentary distraction from the often tense and serious debates that dominate parliamentary business. The laughter gradually subsided as the session…

By our correspondent QUETTA: The Chief Minister of Balochistan submitted a formal request to the Election Commission seeking the postponement of local government elections in Quetta, citing a range of challenges that, he argued, made holding the polls difficult at this time. In his petition, the CM highlighted fragile law and order conditions in the provincial capital, noting that ongoing security concerns had prompted authorities to suspend internet services across the city. He also drew attention to severe weather, which had forced some residents to leave Quetta, further complicating arrangements for a smooth and fair electoral process. The application emphasized…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Barrister Gohar, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has reaffirmed his party’s longstanding position that a strong military is vital to Pakistan’s security. Speaking to the media after a joint parliamentary party meeting, Gohar said PTI has never refused dialogue and consistently favours resolving matters through mutual understanding. “We want the situation to improve and always support negotiations,” he said. He added that he would continue to advocate for dialogue within the National Assembly. Highlighting PTI’s respect for state institutions, Gohar said: “Our position has always been clear—a strong military remains the guarantor of Pakistan’s stability.”

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will start selling surplus liquefied natural gas (LNG) in international markets from 1 January, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has announced. Speaking at a press conference, Malik said Pakistan currently imports LNG from Qatar and the Italian firm ENI. However, in recent months, reduced gas consumption for electricity generation has left the country with excess supply. This surplus has forced the government to divert imported, costly gas to domestic consumers, increasing circular debt in the gas sector and causing losses of nearly Rs1 trillion. “From 1 January, we will sell this surplus gas internationally, limiting…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has imposed a combined fine of Rs50 million on the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) and the National Grid Company for repeated delays in implementing essential “black start” facilities. Each company has been fined Rs25 million, officials said, following persistent shortcomings in meeting regulatory requirements designed to prevent prolonged power outages. Nepra explained that the black start mechanisms, which allow power plants to restart quickly after a total shutdown, were mandated in the wake of nationwide blackouts in 2021. Despite repeated instructions and prior show-cause notices, both CPPA and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has said he has already presented the government’s response to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report in the Senate, noting that the report itself was prepared by the government. He added that the IMF had praised Pakistan’s reform efforts. Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday, Aurangzeb acknowledged that the report pointed out some structural shortcomings. He urged parliamentarians to read the document, which contains 15 recommendations. “Based on these recommendations, we will submit an action plan before 31 December. Many initiatives are already underway,” he said. The finance minister also…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: A recent survey by Transparency International indicates a marked improvement in public perception of corruption in Pakistan, suggesting growing trust in transparency measures. According to the report, 66 percent of Pakistanis said they had not paid any bribes for government services in the past year, reflecting a notable shift in everyday interactions with public institutions. The survey also highlighted public views on the government’s economic performance: 60 percent of respondents acknowledged that the current administration had stabilized the economy and successfully removed Pakistan from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. When asked about personal…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh Health Minister, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, has raised concerns over a surge in measles cases in the province, revealing that more than 700 infections were reported in 2024, with numbers rising to over 3,000 in 2025. Between 2018 and 2023, measles claimed 16 lives in Sindh, highlighting ongoing public health challenges. Addressing the Sindh Assembly, Dr Pechuho pointed to persistent gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly in densely populated areas where parents often fail to bring their children for immunization. She highlighted difficulties not only with measles but also with polio and HPV vaccines in Karachi,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has transferred 166 cases related to Sindh to the province’s Anti-Corruption Department, including 107 references, sources said. According to sources, 28 investigations were also handed over, covering cases linked to Sindh’s food, local government, and culture departments. Additional cases involve the Revenue and Special Education departments. Of the transferred cases, 52 references are currently under court proceedings. The Anti-Corruption Department has yet to receive full records for 64 of the cases. Sources added that NAB also transferred 711 corruption complaints to Sindh’s Anti-Corruption Department, which will now continue investigations. The transferred…