Police martyrs are nation’s true heroes: Mohsin …

A Quetta IED blast killed two labourers and injured three others in the Wali Tangi area of Quetta district on Sunday, according to police officials. Police said unidentified attackers planted an improvised explosive device (IED) along the roadside and detonated it remotely when a pickup carrying a contractor and four labourers passed through the area. The incident occurred around 30 kilometres from Quetta. The victims were reportedly travelling to Wali Tangi for construction work related to tube wells. The powerful explosion badly damaged their vehicle. All five people were initially injured and transported to Civil Hospital Quetta, where two later succumbed to their injuries. Police and Frontier Corps personnel quickly reached the blast site, cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to identify and arrest those responsible. In a separate incident in Killi Raisani on the outskirts of Quetta, unidentified armed men shot dead former Afghan army commander Haji Hazrat Ullah, also known as Rorad Achakzai. Police said motorcycle-riding attackers targeted him while he was travelling through the area. The latest violence comes amid growing security concerns in Balochistan, where recent figures indicate a sharp rise in fatalities.

The federal government has announced a reduction in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices for August 7, providing limited relief to consumers amid continued fluctuations in international oil markets. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, petrol prices have been reduced by Rs3.19 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs329.82 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of high-speed diesel has been lowered by Rs1.50 per litre and will now be available at Rs382.36 per litre. The latest adjustment comes just one day after the government increased petrol prices by Rs4.45 per litre while reducing HSD prices by Rs2 per litre for August 6. The frequent revisions reflect the country’s newly introduced fuel pricing mechanism, which allows daily adjustments based on international market movements. The government introduced the daily fuel price review system on July 17 in response to volatility in global oil prices following renewed tensions in the Middle East. Under the new mechanism, domestic fuel prices are calculated using a seven-day average of international petroleum rates in line with global pricing practices. Pakistan remains highly dependent on imported petroleum products, making domestic fuel prices vulnerable to changes in international crude oil markets. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, petroleum products represent one of the country’s largest import categories. Any rise in global oil prices increases Pakistan’s import bill, puts pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and contributes to inflation. In previous years, fuel prices were managed through government subsidies and administrative controls. While such measures provided short-term relief for consumers, they also increased financial pressure on the national budget, oil marketing companies, and refineries. Higher subsidies contributed to fiscal challenges and increased public borrowing. Global factors continue to influence oil prices, including decisions by oil-producing nations, conflicts in energy-producing regions, sanctions, and disruptions in major shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. International crude prices recently moved higher after reports that an Iranian parliamentary committee was considering measures affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures increased by more than $3 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also recorded gains. Market analysts said traders remain focused on geopolitical developments and negotiations involving major oil-producing countries. Since a significant portion of global energy supplies previously moved through the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption in the route could immediately affect crude prices and fuel costs worldwide. The latest reduction in Pakistan’s fuel prices is expected to offer temporary relief to motorists and businesses, although future adjustments will continue to depend on international oil market trends.

Two police personnel were martyred after armed assailants opened fire on them in Lahore’s Badami Bagh area on Thursday evening, according to police officials. The victims were identified as Sub-Inspector Adeel and Head Constable Asad, both of whom were deployed at Lorry Adda police station. Police said the two officers were attacked within the jurisdiction of Badami Bagh police station. According to initial reports, armed assailants opened fire on the officers before fleeing the scene. Both personnel suffered critical bullet injuries and later succumbed to their wounds. Police have identified Rehan Butt as the alleged main suspect in the attack, while efforts are continuing to determine the identities and whereabouts of his suspected accomplices. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran reached the scene with a heavy police contingent and supervised the initial investigation. The area was cordoned off as investigators collected evidence and examined the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The DIG directed the SP City to ensure the immediate arrest of those involved. Police teams have been deployed across different locations and are conducting raids to apprehend Rehan Butt and the other suspects. Preliminary police information described Butt as a suspected dangerous shooter who was already wanted by authorities. Investigators are also examining whether the attack could be connected to an earlier police encounter involving his brother, Faizan Butt. Police said the case was being investigated from all angles and that further information would be released as the investigation progresses. DIG Kamran described the deaths of the two officers as a tragic loss, saying they had sacrificed their lives while carrying out their duties. He vowed that police would continue their efforts until all suspects were arrested. Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim also took notice of the incident and sought a report from the Lahore DIG Operations. He directed police to use all available resources to arrest those responsible. The IG paid tribute to the martyred officers and ordered that their bereaved families receive complete care and welfare support. The Lahore Badami Bagh firing has prompted an intensified police operation, with investigators continuing raids and gathering evidence to establish the full circumstances behind the deadly attack.