Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has approved a proposal to introduce weekly changes in fuel prices. Additionally, the government has directed the finance minister to submit recommendations on online and work-from-home arrangements by the end of the week. The proposal was presented during a meeting of the petroleum products stock and consumption committee, where the finance minister briefed the prime minister. According to sources, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has given its approval, and the final approval for the petroleum products’ summary will be given by the federal cabinet. This move is expected to lead to the effective use of fuel stock and a reduction in demand.
In a separate development, the prime minister has directed the finance minister to submit recommendations on work-from-home arrangements after consulting with provinces. The finance minister, Miftah Ismail, is expected to approve the duration of fuel price determination during the Economic Coordination Committee’s meeting on Monday. Amid the volatile situation in the Middle East, there is a possibility of a 30-50 rupee increase in the price of petrol and diesel per liter.
Pakistan’s Petroleum Dealers Association has expressed concerns over the potential price hike, which may lead to a shortage of fuel. The association’s president stated that the government has not taken adequate measures to address the issue.
In other news, a high-level committee led by Additional IG CTD, Dr. Muhammad Tahir Rana, has been formed to investigate the incidents of violence and vandalism during the protests outside the US Consulate in Karachi. The committee has begun its inquiry and is collecting evidence.
The Pakistan Army has launched a military operation against Afghan Taliban in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. In another development, the government has decided to establish anti-drone units in all districts of Punjab. The KP government has also decided to start a train service in the Peshawar valley with the assistance of the federal government.
The Punjab Police has been put on high alert for the third Friday of Ramadan. Over 83,000 police officials and personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. In a separate incident, the police have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a taxi driver and his son.
In international news, Russia has provided Iran with intelligence on the locations of US warships and aircraft, according to Iranian Parliament Speaker Dr. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The Iranian President has stated that some countries are making efforts to mediate in the conflict. The global market has seen a significant increase in crude oil prices, with a 9% rise in the last 24 hours.
The UK has offered to pay heavy compensation to 150 families who have agreed to leave the country voluntarily. However, the move has been criticized, with allegations of unfair treatment of taxpayers.
