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  • KP to give Rs2,200 subsidy to motorcyclists after petrol price hike

    KP to give Rs2,200 subsidy to motorcyclists after petrol price hike

    Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mohammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday announced a subsidy for registered motorcycle riders across the province following the federal government’s increase in petroleum prices.

    Speaking at a press conference at the Chief Minister’s House, Afridi said that the provincial government will provide Rs2,200 to registered motorcyclists, with Rs1,100 to be released immediately and the remaining Rs1,100 at a later stage. He said that the subsidy was aimed at reducing the financial burden on low and middle-income households affected by the rise in fuel prices.


    According to a statement, Afridi stated that the provincial government could not support policies that placed additional pressure on people and rejected the recent increase in petroleum prices. He said that the decision could affect around 100 million people living below the poverty line.

    Afridi said that the provincial government would bear the additional operational cost of the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit and confirmed that fares would not be increased.

    He added that the Rs55 per litre increase in petrol prices placed a burden on the public and added that the provincial government rejected the decision.

    Afridi also criticised what he described as inconsistent positions by ruling parties, saying some political actors had previously described a Rs12 increase in petrol prices as a “petrol bomb” but had now approved a larger increase.


    The chief minister stated that the governments should reduce unnecessary expenditure instead of shifting the burden onto the public.

    Referring to the energy situation, Afridi added that global oil prices influenced domestic pricing but raised concerns about the scale of the increase and the policy approach adopted by the federal government.

    He mentioned that the petroleum levy had been increased from Rs85 to Rs105 per litre and that the federal government had collected Rs822 billion in petroleum levies during the first seven months of the current fiscal year. He said that the projections suggested the total could reach around Rs1.7 trillion by the end of the fiscal year.

    Afridi stated that reducing the levy could have provided relief to consumers and described consultations between federal ministers and provincial governments as a positive step.

    However, he warned that worsening global conditions could lead to shortages of petrol and diesel and said the KP government would submit written proposals to the federal government to address supply concerns.

    “Our commitment is not to any government but to Pakistan itself, because Pakistan belongs to all of us,” he said.

    Afridi said that the provincial government had introduced austerity measures, including a ban on foreign visits and the purchase of new official vehicles. He added that salaries of members of the KP Assembly had not been increased.

    He also added that the government had not yet purchased a replacement helicopter after a crash during flood relief operations, stating that public welfare had been prioritised over administrative spending.


    The chief minister said that a monitoring dashboard had been established to track petrol pumps across the province. Through the system, authorities could monitor fuel availability and detect hoarding or supply disruptions in real time.

    Afridi remarked that the province was leading the country in developing fuel monitoring systems.

  • Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, becomes supreme leader of Iran

    Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, becomes supreme leader of Iran

    Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, replacing his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in the opening salvos of a United Stated (US)-Israeli attack nine days ago. The appointment was confirmed by state media and the Isna news agency, marking a significant transition as the conflict expands across the Middle East.

    The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the country’s armed forces have pledged “complete obedience” and “self-sacrifice” to the new leader. High-profile officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, called the decision precise, stating that following Mojtaba Khamenei is a “definitive religious and national obligation.”

    On the ground, the war has intensified. Iran launched its first wave of missiles under the new leadership, targeting Tel Aviv, the Negev desert, and US air bases. The IRGC described this as the “29th wave of Operation Honest Promise 4.” 

    Simultaneously, the US military confirmed its seventh service member was killed in action during Operation Epic Fury, following injuries sustained in Saudi Arabia on March 1.

    The economic fallout has been immediate. Asian equities plunged as oil prices soared 30 percent, with West Texas Intermediate hitting $118.88 per barrel. 

    US President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, dismissed the spike as a “very small price to pay,” adding that “only fools would think differently.” Trump has maintained that only the “unconditional surrender” of Iran will end the war.

    Regional spillover continues to affect neighboring states. In Bahrain, an Iranian drone attack on the island of Sitra wounded 32 civilians, including children. 

    The UAE’s Ministry of Defence reported engaging incoming drones and missiles, while Qatar intercepted a missile attack over Doha. Saudi Arabia also destroyed two drones heading toward the Shaybah oil field.

    The human cost has reached 1,332 civilian deaths, according to Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani. The Iranian army further reported that 104 people were killed in a US attack on an Iranian warship last week. 

    In Isfahan, security officials stated that eight people, including a woman, died during Israeli strikes involving over 80 fighter jets.

    Amid the violence, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a formal apology to neighboring countries for retaliatory strikes but remained defiant against the US and Israel. “Our Iran, our country, will not bow easily in the face of bullying,” he stated, accusing the adversaries of trying to divide Islamic nations.

    Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected President Trump’s demand to have a say in picking the next Supreme Leader, telling an international media outlet that the US must apologize for starting the war. “We allow nobody to interfere in our domestic affairs,” Araghchi said.

    The conflict, which began on February 28 with “pre-emptive” joint strikes by the US and Israel, shows no sign of de-escalation. Iran’s military has warned that if energy infrastructure continues to be hit, it will target oil sites across the region. “If you can tolerate oil at more than $200 per barrel, continue this game,” warned military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari.

    As the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, analysts report that at least 10 vessels have been attacked in the strategic waterway. France is scheduled to host a G7 finance meeting today to review the situation from an economic perspective, while Russia and the UAE have called for an end to civilian casualties on both sides.

  • ‘India is like a rich kid calling poor kids to play’: Shoaib Akhtar on T20 World Cup final

    ‘India is like a rich kid calling poor kids to play’: Shoaib Akhtar on T20 World Cup final

    Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar sparked debate after sharing his strong reaction to India’s victory in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday.

    India produced a dominant performance to defeat the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and lift the trophy.

    Akhtar however offered a critical view during a show. “It’s like when there’s one rich kid in a neighbourhood who calls all the poor kids and says, ‘Come, let’s play cricket, but I’ll be the winner.’ That’s exactly what India is doing with us. Out of eight teams, they keep four, and out of those four they call three again and move forward, and then they say, ‘See, I’ve won.’ They have ruined cricket entirely,” Akhtar said.

    His remarks quickly drew mixed reactions from cricket fans on social media. Some viewers agreed with his concerns about the balance of power in international cricket, while others defended India’s performance in the tournament.

    It is worth noting that during the co-hosted tournament, India played only one match in Sri Lanka while the remaining games took place in India. The tournament also featured both semi-finals and the final in India.

    Interestingly, Akhtar had earlier taken a more balanced stance before the final. He had recognised India as favourites but also expressed hope that New Zealand could claim the title.

    “I feel New Zealand might be bogged down in front of India, but India also have the pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match in the World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad. I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket’s sake, it’s high time New Zealand won this World Cup,” he said before the match.

    Despite his criticism, Akhtar also acknowledged the role of India’s team management. He praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for supporting players during difficult periods and giving them confidence.

    Akhtar was not the only former Pakistan cricketer to share his views after the final. Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir also discussed the match during the talk show Harna Mana Hai.

    Amir suggested that New Zealand’s bowlers failed to apply consistent pressure on India’s batters, which allowed the hosts to take control of the game.

    India set the tone after choosing to bat first and posted a huge total of 255 for five. The aggressive approach from the top order placed New Zealand under immediate pressure.

    During the chase, wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert played an attacking knock of 52 off 26 balls. However, India’s bowlers quickly regained control of the contest.

    Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell and claimed four wickets for 15 runs, while all-rounder Axar Patel picked up three wickets for 27 runs.

    India eventually secured a comprehensive victory and celebrated another major triumph on home soil.

  • ‘Trusting Kabul a major risk’: Kh Asif bashes pro-terror Afghan regime

    ‘Trusting Kabul a major risk’: Kh Asif bashes pro-terror Afghan regime

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Afghanistan has always supported terrorism, adding that placing further trust in the Afghan government would be a risk.

    In a conversation with a private media channel, Asif said that Pakistan had made efforts to resolve issues with Afghanistan through dialogue but the pattern of the Kabul government made it difficult to rely on it. He said trusting the authorities in Kabul would be a major risk and that their conduct had not been acceptable in the past.

    Meanwhile, China has stepped in diplomatically to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan as cross-border hostilities continue. 

    According to a statement from Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, China’s special envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong visited Kabul on Sunday and met acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

    During the meeting, the Chinese envoy urged both sides to resolve disputes through dialogue and stressed the importance of preventing escalation for regional stability. The statement said Beijing remained in contact with both Kabul and Islamabad and supported resolving issues through diplomatic channels.

    In North Waziristan, a child was killed and four people were injured after a mortar shell allegedly fired from the Afghan side landed in a residential area during an exchange of fire near the border on Sunday. Police said the incident took place around 7:30pm in the Ghulam Khan area when firing erupted between both sides.

    Reports quoted police sources as saying that the mortar shell landed in the village of Golakhel and exploded in a residential locality. A minor died at the scene while four people sustained injuries. Residents shifted the injured to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Miranshah where they were receiving treatment.

    Separately, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said that 583 Afghan Taliban operatives had been killed and more than 795 injured during the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq launched in response to what Islamabad described as actions from across the Afghan border.

    Providing an update at 4pm on Sunday, Tarar confirmed that security forces had destroyed 242 checkposts and captured and destroyed 38 others during the operation. He said 213 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery guns had also been destroyed.

    The minister added that 64 locations across Afghanistan had been targeted in air strikes as part of the campaign.

    Separately, the Pakistan Army foiled an infiltration attempt near the Chaman sector along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, according to security sources cited by Radio Pakistan. Officials said a group of three to four militants attempted to breach the border fence but troops responded and targeted the group as they tried to cut the barrier.

    During the exchange of fire, one militant was killed while the others fled in injured condition. Security officials said forces recovered four to five improvised explosive devices and fence-cutting equipment from the site.

    Islamabad has long maintained that TTP leaders operate from Afghan territory, an allegation that Kabul has repeatedly denied. Tensions also surged after a series of explosions in Kabul on October 9 last year. 

    Taliban forces subsequently targeted areas along Pakistan’s border, prompting Islamabad to respond with cross-border shelling. The exchanges caused casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides and led to the suspension of trade after border crossings were closed on October 12, 2025.

  • Saheefa Jabbar in tears after ‘fake’ negative reviews against new cafe

    Saheefa Jabbar in tears after ‘fake’ negative reviews against new cafe

    Model Saheefa Jabbar Khattak became emotional on social media after claiming that her newly launched cafe received a sudden wave of suspicious negative reviews online.

    In a video shared on her social media accounts, the actress appeared in tears as she spoke about the situation. She said dozens of one-star ratings appeared on Google in the middle of the night, raising questions about how so many reviews could appear within such a short period.

    According to Saheefa, the reviews started appearing at around 3am and quickly increased in number.

    “I woke up and saw that there were so many one-star reviews on Google. Almost 50 reviews came in within a very short time,” she said.

    The actress explained that she had personally been present at the cafe earlier, serving pizzas and interacting with customers.

    “I was standing there myself, serving pizzas and meeting customers. People were happy and giving positive feedback, so I don’t understand how all these negative reviews suddenly appeared,” she said.

    Saheefa also questioned how so many ratings could be posted overnight when most of her customers do not usually leave online reviews.

    “Most of my customers are families and older people. They usually don’t go online to leave reviews, so seeing dozens of reviews suddenly appear like this is very strange,” she said.

    During the video, the actress also spoke about the difficulties she believes women face while running businesses. She said women entrepreneurs often encounter harassment, pressure and organized attempts to damage their reputation.

    Saheefa claimed that women who start businesses sometimes deal with blackmail attempts, bribery demands and smear campaigns aimed at discouraging them.

    It is worth noting that earlier, she faced criticism over remarks about hiring staff for the cafe. Saheefa had said she preferred hiring Pathan workers because she believed they were trustworthy.

    “I want Pathan boys as workers because I believe they are true to their word. I do not trust Punjabi and Urdu-speaking people anymore,” she said.

    Her comments sparked backlash on social media, with many users criticizing the statement.

    Saheefa Jabbar Khattak first gained recognition as a fashion model before moving into television acting. 

    She later appeared in several Pakistani dramas, including Beti, Bhool, Log Kya Kahengay, Rafta Rafta and Bhool Ja Ay Dil.

  • Etihad Town Phase – I Launches Overseas Block with 5 & 10 Marla residential and Commercial plots on Main Raiwind Road

    Etihad Town Phase – I Launches Overseas Block with 5 & 10 Marla residential and Commercial plots on Main Raiwind Road

    Recognized as Pakistan’s most trustworthy real estate brand, Etihad Town hosted a grand launch event announcing limited inventory of 5 & 10 Marla residential, commercial, and apartment plot opportunities in Phase – I Overseas Block on Main Raiwind Road, Lahore.

    The well-attended event took place at The Palace, Etihad Town Phase – I, and was hosted by GM Marketing Etihad Town, Mehroz Tariq. Sales partners, investors, end customers, and stakeholders participated in large numbers, reflecting strong market confidence in the project.

    Etihad Town Phase – I stands as a fully developed and delivered community, home to over 25+ national and international brands including McDonald’s, Al-Fatah, Gloria Jean’s, and all the leading banks, providing residents with convenient access to quality retail and dining experiences within the society.

    Strategically located, the project is approximately one-minute drive from the Motorway and is connected with Ring Road, Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, and other major arteries of Lahore, ensuring seamless accessibility across the city. 

    This central connectivity places Phase – I at the heart of the city’s expanding urban landscape.

    The newly launched block offers 5 and 10 Marla residential plots on a two-year easy instalment plan, and the price includes both development and possession charges with no hidden extra charges, making it a highly viable and affordable opportunity for buyers.

    Highlighting the achievement, the management credited the strategic vision of Chairman Chaudhary Munir and Executive Directors Ch Raheel Munir, Ch Faisal Munir, and Ch Sohail Munir for consistently driving quality development and timely delivery.

    Speaking on the occasion, CEO Sheikh Shujaullah Khan said, “Phase – I reflects our commitment to quality, transparency, and delivery before time. The Overseas Block provides a valuable opportunity to invest in a fully developed society located on a prime main road.”

    The launch ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, reinforcing Etihad Town’s standing as one of Pakistan’s most trusted real estate brands.

  • Pakistan’s diplomatic push? Iran apologises to neighbours, signals restraint

    Pakistan’s diplomatic push? Iran apologises to neighbours, signals restraint

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a formal apology to neighbouring countries for attacks launched since strikes by the United States (US) and Israel.

    Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian apologised to nations hit by Iranian strikes but maintained a defiant stance against primary adversaries, stating that Iran would never surrender.

    He added that enemies must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves.

    This diplomatic shift follows engagement with Pakistan when deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, held a second telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. 

    Reports said that Pakistan urged Iran to avoid attacks against Gulf countries to prevent broader regional destabilisation.

    Dar specifically reminded his counterpart of Pakistan’s mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, noting that shuttle diplomacy had been used to prevent strikes on Saudi territory.

    Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed a new wave of air strikes on Tehran and Isfahan, claiming that over 80 fighter jets targeted military infrastructure and missile launchers. In Isfahan, security official Akbar Salehi reported that at least eight people, including a woman, were killed in these attacks. 

    Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said that the civilian death toll had reached 1,332, with thousands more injured, accusing the US and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure. 

    Regional spillover also continued as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted an oil tanker named Prima in the Gulf with an exploding drone, alleging the vessel ignored warnings regarding the Strait of Hormuz. 

    The IRGC also confirmed strikes on three locations of separatist groups in Iraq’s Kurdish region, warning they would crush any move against Iran’s territorial integrity. 

    In neighbouring countries, Qatar’s Defence Ministry announced it intercepted a missile attack, while the Saudi defense ministry destroyed a drone heading toward the Shaybah oil field. 

    Iran rejected allegations of attacks against Azerbaijan and Türkiye, labeling the same “false-flag operations”.

  • 47 convicted as anti-terror court delivers verdict on May 9 GHQ attack

    47 convicted as anti-terror court delivers verdict on May 9 GHQ attack

    An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has sentenced 47 proclaimed offenders in the May 9 GHQ attack case to 10 years in prison each.

    ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah delivered the verdict, which also included a fine of PKR 500,000 for each convict and an order for the confiscation of their properties.

    Those sentenced include Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Umar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, Murad Saeed, Shibli Faraz, Hammad Azhar, Kanwal Shauzab and Rashid Shafiq. Other accused named in the verdict are Shahbaz Gill, Zulfi Bukhari, Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, Rai Hassan Nawaz and Rai Muhammad Murtaza.

    Shaukat Ali Bhatti, Usman Saeed Basra and Ijaz Khan Jazi were also among those served fines.

    The court said that the accused were involved in attacks on the GHQ gate, Hamza Camp and the Army Museum.

    According to the verdict, a joint investigation team (JIT) had identified the individuals as central figures in planning violent protests.

    The charges included arson, vandalism, assault on police personnel and damage to government property on May 9. Initially, charges were framed against a total of 118 accused, including PTI founder Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in December 2024.

    The ATC noted that statements of 44 witnesses had been recorded. During the trial, 18 accused remained continuously absent, while 29 others did not appear in court after case registration.

    The court clarified that under the Anti-Terrorism Act, a separate trial was conducted for 47 proclaimed offenders. The prosecution had filed a plea for action against these absconding accused on January 6 this year. On January 8, notices were issued for the 47 individuals.

    The court stated that the accused were given seven days to surrender. Despite the notices and court orders, none of them appeared before the court.

  • Russia to supply crude oil to Pakistan as Strait of Hormuz crisis escalates

    Russia to supply crude oil to Pakistan as Strait of Hormuz crisis escalates

    Amid the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, foreign media has reported that Russia will supply crude oil to Pakistan.

    According to Russian media reports citing global energy expert Dr Mamooda Salameh, approximately 733,000 barrels of Russian crude are expected to arrive at Port Qasim in the coming days.

    The report highlighted that Pakistan has traditionally relied on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for oil imports, though it has also previously purchased Russian crude. Experts note that the supply is part of measures to mitigate disruptions caused by the current crisis affecting international energy flows.

    The Pakistan Business Council warned that surging global oil prices could have significant economic consequences for the country. The council stated that a 10 percent increase in international oil prices could raise Pakistan’s current account deficit by $1.5 to $2 billion.

    The report further added that if prices reach $100 per barrel, the annual deficit could rise to $5–7 billion.

    In response to global market pressures, the federal government announced an increase in domestic fuel prices.

    Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, speaking at a press conference alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, on Friday night said the petrol and diesel rates would rise by Rs55 per litre.

    Under the new rates, petrol will cost Rs321.17 per litre, up from Rs266.17, while diesel will be priced at Rs335.86 per litre, compared to Rs280.86 previously.

    Malik noted that this adjustment comes amid heightened Middle East tensions following the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has affected energy costs worldwide.

    “We will review these prices on a weekly basis,” he said and assured that the government would reduce prices promptly once the international situation stabilises.

  • ‘I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy’: Mitchell Santner eyes repeating 2023 WC upset

    ‘I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy’: Mitchell Santner eyes repeating 2023 WC upset

    New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has said he hopes to lift the trophy and “break a few hearts” when his side faces India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final on Sunday.

    “I wouldn’t mind winning a trophy. We try not to get overawed by the situation or opponents. We go out there and do our thing. Everyone knows we’re probably not the favourites, but we don’t mind,” Santner told reporters ahead of the final.

    He said New Zealand can put themselves in a strong position if they perform well as a team.

    “We know if we do our little things well and put in a strong team performance, it puts us in a pretty good position to hopefully lift the trophy. I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once,” he added.

    Santner also said playing at home brings pressure for India.

    “There is obviously a lot of pressure on India to win this World Cup at home. If we can go out there and put that added pressure on them, we’ll see what happens,” he said.

    The New Zealand skipper added that the players were excited for the final.

    “It’s a World Cup final and the guys are excited and ready to go,” Santner said.

    Both teams are in great form with New Zealand making it to the final after defeating South Africa and India winning against England in a high-score semi-final.