In a late-night move, the federal cabinet approved a massive hike in electricity base tariff through circulation summary as Pakistan is moving ahead to meet the IMF conditions. The federal government has increased the basic power tariff by Rs3 to Rs7.5 per unit for several consumers on the recommendation of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).
Former prime minister Imran Khan sees the resurgence of the cipher controversy as an apparent bid to disqualify him from contesting elections by the ruling parties who, according to him, have “shot themselves in the foot”. The PTI chairman, who had promised a ‘proper expose’ on the controversy, spoke for almost half an hour but did not provide any fresh evidence to back oft-repeated allegations.
Petroleum dealers in Pakistan have issued a warning to close down filling stations across the country indefinitely, starting from Saturday morning. The decision comes after the outgoing government failed to honour its commitment of increasing their profit margins, leaving them dissatisfied with the current situation. Minister of State (Petroleum Division) Musadik Malik had reached out to the association’s chairman.
With an aim to promote and expand Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Karachi schools, 24 Pakistani students, both male and female, are currently taking part in the US Space and Rocket Center’s prestigious Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Students from three schools in Karachi made it to the camp with the help of a US government-funded grant.
Gaining three more points since the last assessment, Pakistan ranked above India, Iran, and North Korea in terms of its handling of hazardous material, reported an international organisation evaluating the status of global nuclear security. According to The Nuclear Security Index (NSI), the country now ranks 19 on the list of 22 states.
Azam Khan, ex-principal secretary to the PTI chairman and former prime minister, who had been ‘missing’ for a month, claimed that the former PM used US cipher for his ‘political gains’ and to avert a no-confidence motion against him. Khan made startling revelations about US cipher, while recording his statement under the CrPC 164 before a magistrate. READ ALSO: PM
The federal government has decided to overburden power consumers with additional charges to steer Radio Pakistan out of crisis. Finance ministry officials said the state TV fees will be increased from Rs35 to Rs50 on electricity bills and Rs15 would be given to Pakistan’s national broadcaster from it. The decision to charge Rs15 from consumers on their electricity bills was taken on recommendations of senate standing committee.
A father-of-two Muhammad Masood in Rawalpindi committed suicide after being blackmailed by an online loan company. A 42-year-old man namely Muhammad Masood had acquired Rs22,000 – a resident of Rawalpindi’s Chakra area – from an online loan company. The people running the online loan company started blackmailing Masood. After being fed up, Muhammad Masood committed suicide and recorded an audio clip before claiming his own life.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia, in yet another boost for the ailing economy following the $3 billion Stand-by Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for ensuring financial support to Pakistan.
The United Kingdom’s Imperial College London has announced to name its Central Library after Professor Abdus Salam, the Pakistani Nobel laureate and physicist to honour his legacy and inspire future generations. University’s President Hugh Brady expressed his admiration for Professor Salam’s significant contributions to the educational institution and the field of physics.