Pakistan has announced a hike in fuel prices, with the new rates set to take effect from midnight tonight. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended an increase of 8 rupees 17 paisa per liter in petrol for the next 15 days, taking the price to 266 rupees 17 paisa per liter. High-speed diesel prices will also see a hike of 5 rupees 16 paisa per liter, taking the price to 280 rupees 86 paisa per liter.
The development comes as tensions continue to escalate in the region. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has spoken with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, with both leaders discussing the rapidly changing situation in the region. They reiterated their commitment to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence, and dignity at all costs.
In a separate development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense has released details of Iranian attacks and damages. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed solidarity with the Iranian people, saying that Pakistan stands with them in their time of need.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced concessions for postgraduate students and degree holders who joined medical and dental programs before January 16, 2023.
As Iran mourns the death of its Supreme Commander, Ali Khamenei, Pakistan also pays tribute to his memory. However, there have been no reports of any Pakistani nationals being affected by the Iranian crisis.
In a related development, the Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life in Iran. He said that the world community should condemn the US and Israeli aggression against Iran.
The Rangers have warned that any attempt to disrupt law and order, indulge in vandalism, or engage in violent protests will not be tolerated. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has expressed his deepest condolences over the death of Ayatollah Khamenei.
In other news, the Pakistan Army has gained control of the Afghan Taliban’s central post. The military has cleared Taliban compounds and removed their flags. The Chairman of the PTI, Barrister Gohar Khan, has expressed his deep sadness over the news of Ayatollah Khamenei’s death.
The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, has also expressed his condolences over the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader. Protesters have attempted to storm the US consulate in Islamabad and pelted stones at it.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that it has targeted a US aircraft carrier, the Abraham Lincoln, with four ballistic missiles in the Gulf. The UAE Ministry of Defense has released details of Iranian attacks and damages.
In a related development, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov over the phone. Israel has also claimed to have targeted Iran’s central command headquarters in a new wave of airstrikes on Tehran.
The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
