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A surge in temperature is expected in the metropolis of Karachi from today, according to the Meteorological Department. The humidity is forecasted to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius today, with a high possibility of a dry spell in the next 24 hours. Over the next three days, Karachi is expected to experience a severe heatwave, with temperatures possibly reaching 37 degrees Celsius this week. Meanwhile, the city will be hit by southeasterly winds from the sea.
In a related development, Pakistani national Saeed Mahboob, whose father appealed to the Pakistani government for help, is stranded on a ship in the Persian Gulf. Saeed hails from Karachi’s Aitch Colony.
The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the supply chain of petroleum products is functioning normally in the country. However, the government has decided to limit the use of government vehicles by 60% in all government departments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the government is taking comprehensive measures to ensure the security of major sea routes and maintain energy supplies. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that the government will take steps to mitigate economic difficulties in the region.
The Chief Minister has decided that all provincial ministers will have to use private fuel until the petroleum crisis is resolved. In a related move, the government has ordered all schools in Balochistan to be closed until March 23.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Salman Akram Raja has stated that the region has been gripped by barbarism and that Pakistan needs to take a stand. MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar has criticized the government for increasing the prices of petroleum products without consulting experts, calling it an “inflation bomb.”
MQM leader Khawaja Asif has stated that the government has imposed a burden of around Rs 6 billion on the people. The Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has criticized the government for not handling the oil crisis properly and called for the Oil Regulation Authority to take action.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Jean MacMillan has visited the headquarters of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Marketing Association leader Ali Hyder has stated that the retail price of LPG has increased from Rs 250 per kilogram to Rs 320-350 per kilogram.
Sources have revealed that Finance Minister Miftah Ismail briefed the cabinet on measures to conserve petroleum products and reduce government expenditure. In a related development, the government has decided to set up checkpoints on security grounds.
In a separate development, the Saudi government has condemned Iranian aggression against the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The US Tomahawk cruise missile targeted an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps base near a school, killing several people.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the team of the tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Pakistani cricketer Shaheen Afridi topping the list.
