The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken precautionary measures to conserve petroleum products in light of the potential global crisis in oil supply. In view of the possible oil crisis, the Department of Finance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a notification, directing government departments to adopt cost-cutting measures and limit the use of fuel in government offices.
In accordance with the notification, government vehicles will be used only for official and essential purposes. Multiple government vehicles will be avoided for a single task. The notification also directs government departments to monitor fuel consumption and to prefer online meetings and conferences instead of interdepartmental and internal meetings. The provincial government has also instructed to limit fuel consumption to only emergency and essential matters.
The Finance Department has directed all subordinate offices to implement the notification immediately. In a separate development, billions of rupees corruption case has been registered against Karachi Port Trust (KPT), with former Chairman Ahmad Hyat and former General Manager Syed Jamshed Zaidi named in the case. According to DSP Asghar Ali Shah, five officials and eight civilians were also injured in the blast.
The Fire Brigade authorities have dispatched a fire engine to the scene. Sources say that schools and academies are being advised to adopt a hybrid system, while public transportation usage is being encouraged, and the operating hours of orange line, metro bus service are being increased. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the committee to submit practical recommendations within the next 48 hours, ensuring that the burden on the public is minimized and public relief is given priority.
A statement issued by the University of Karachi announced that the university will go on a semester break from March 16. In a statement, Vice Chancellor Tahir Ashrafi condemned the US and Israeli attack on Iran. The University of Karachi has decided to conduct morning classes online. The meeting also discussed the security situation arising from the Iranian drone and missile attacks. Sources say that Iran’s gas supply system is also being affected by the war’s impact on the Swabi Northern System. The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited CEO said that the company is providing relief to the public. Over 70% of ration card holders have been using their cards in markets.
The Punjab government has assured that there is a sufficient stock of petroleum products in the province, urging the public not to panic. PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf has stated that the party rejects the proposal to increase the price of petrol to Rs55 per liter. In a different case, Judge Amjad Ali Shah has sentenced 47 advertising offenders to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of Rs5 million, and a 10-year imprisonment. The deceased terrorist was involved in several terrorist activities and was wanted by security forces.
In other news, the small traffic road connecting the M.A. Jinnah Road to the PIDC has been opened for small traffic. The Iranian military has said that it will not attack countries that have refused to allow US forces to use their airspace to attack Iran. Israeli Defense Minister has said that the Lebanese government should act in accordance with our instructions before we take any further action. The UAE Ministry of Defense has announced that its defense system has intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones today. The ongoing war in the Middle East has led to a surge in gold sales in the UAE, with traders forced to sell gold at concessionary rates.
