Pakistan raises power tariff by Rs0.75 per unit

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved an increase in the dealers’ margin on petrol and diesel by Rs1.34 per litre. According to sources, the dealers’ margin on both petrol and diesel has been raised from Rs8.64 to Rs9.98 per litre. Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association Nauman Butt thanked the prime minister and petroleum minister for approving the increase. The association said the government had fulfilled its long-standing demand by increasing the dealers’ margin by Rs1.34 per litre. Meanwhile, the government collected more petroleum levy revenue than both its target and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) estimate during the last fiscal year. According to Finance Ministry sources, petroleum levy collections exceeded Rs1.56 trillion during the previous fiscal year. More than Rs50 billion was also collected under the Climate Support Levy. Petroleum levy collections were around Rs100 billion higher than the government’s target and Rs21 billion above the IMF’s estimate. At present, a petroleum levy of Rs80 per litre is being charged on petrol. High-Speed Diesel carries a levy of Rs77.28 per litre. In addition, a separate Climate Support Levy of Rs5 per litre is being imposed on both petrol and diesel.

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Swat, describing the attack as “heinous and cowardly” as Pakistan renewed its warning that terrorist groups continue to operate from alleged safe havens inside Afghanistan. The attack took place outside a police station in Kabal, Swat, on August 2, killing at least 16 Pakistani nationals, mostly civilians, and leaving dozens injured, according to the UN statement cited by Pakistan’s Dawn. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement issued through the office of the UN secretary general’s spokesperson, Security Council members expressed deep sympathy to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The council also stressed that those behind the attack must be held accountable, calling for perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to be brought to justice. The UN body reiterated its longstanding position that terrorism, regardless of its motivation, location or perpetrators, remains a serious threat to international peace and security. It also urged member states to cooperate with Pakistan in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. Pakistan Raises Alarm Over Afghan Sanctuaries The condemnation came shortly after Pakistan raised concerns at a UNSC briefing over what it described as the growing threat from terrorist organisations operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, said several groups continue to maintain safe havens inside Afghanistan and pose an increasing threat to Pakistan and regional security. He specifically named the banned TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and Al Qaeda affiliates. Pakistan urged the international community to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to launch terrorist attacks against neighbouring countries, while calling for stronger international cooperation to counter cross-border terrorism. The latest developments have added fresh pressure to an already sensitive security relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They also came after the fourth US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Washington, where officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorist organisations. For Pakistan, the UNSC condemnation provides international recognition of the seriousness of the Swat attack, while Islamabad continues to push for stronger action against militant networks it says operate across its western border.

LAHORE: Schools across Punjab are set to reopen on August 24 following the summer vacation, with the provincial government directing education authorities to complete all necessary arrangements before students return to classrooms. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has instructed relevant departments and school administrations to ensure that educational institutions are clean, secure and fully prepared for the new academic session. The minister directed school administrations to pay particular attention to the cleanliness of classrooms, washrooms, playgrounds and other areas of school premises. He also stressed the need to ensure the availability of safe and clean drinking water for students and staff. In view of the ongoing monsoon season, authorities have been asked to inspect and clean water tanks and school rooftops and ensure proper disinfection. Drainage systems should also be checked to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, which can increase the risk of mosquito breeding and dengue fever. The education minister ordered school administrations to strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at preventing dengue outbreaks. Officials have been directed to identify and remove potential mosquito breeding sites from school premises and ensure that no stagnant water remains in or around the institutions. Security arrangements have also been made a priority ahead of the reopening. The minister directed both government and private schools to ensure full compliance with prescribed security SOPs and make certain that CCTV cameras and other security equipment are operational before students arrive. Schools where construction or repair work is underway have been instructed to install proper barriers and restrict students’ access to potentially hazardous areas. The authorities have also been directed to inspect electrical installations throughout school buildings. School heads must ensure that fans, lights, switches, electrical sockets and wiring are in safe working condition to prevent accidents. Rana Sikandar Hayat further instructed heads of educational institutions to conduct a final inspection of their respective schools before reopening. He warned that negligence, delays or failure to comply with the government’s instructions would not be tolerated and could result in action against those responsible. The minister emphasized that all arrangements must be completed before August 24 so that students can return to school in a clean, safe and healthy environment.