British soprano wins Pakistani hearts with national anthem

Global oil prices edged higher on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East renewed fears of supply disruptions and pushed investors to closely monitor developments in the region. Brent crude futures rose to $91.51 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased to $84.64 per barrel in early trading. The gains came after oil prices reached a five-week high in the previous session. The latest rise followed another round of US military strikes inside Iran. American forces carried out attacks on Iranian military targets for the 11th consecutive night, highlighting the continued escalation of the conflict. At the same time, Kuwaiti authorities reported that air defense systems intercepted Iranian drones, adding to growing concerns that the conflict could spread further across the Gulf region. The continued exchange of attacks between Iran and the United States has heightened fears over the security of global energy supplies. Investors worry that any disruption in oil-producing regions or major shipping routes could tighten supplies and drive prices even higher. Additional pressure on energy markets came after Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and warned that ships transporting Saudi oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could face attacks. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes and serves as a key passage for oil shipments from the Middle East to international markets. The route has become increasingly important as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has declined amid the worsening regional conflict. Energy analysts say that any disruption in either of these strategic waterways could significantly affect global oil supplies, increase shipping costs and create further volatility in international energy markets. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military campaign against Iran has so far cost the United States $37.5 billion, reflecting the growing financial burden of the prolonged conflict. Market participants are also monitoring supply data from the United States. Industry figures showed that US crude oil and distillate inventories increased during the previous week, while gasoline stockpiles declined, indicating mixed signals about fuel demand and supply conditions. Investors are now awaiting official inventory data from the US Energy Information Administration, which could provide further insight into supply trends and influence the direction of oil prices.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has accelerated plans to construct a new six-lane carriageway along Service Road East, approving a project worth Rs5.072 billion aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion on the Islamabad Expressway and improving connectivity between Faizabad and Koral Chowk. The 9.25-kilometre road will run parallel to the Islamabad Expressway, extending from Faizabad to Koral Chowk near Gulberg Housing Society. Once completed, the new corridor is expected to provide motorists with an alternative route, reducing travel time on one of the capital’s busiest transport arteries while facilitating smoother traffic movement for commuters travelling to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Officials said the project forms part of the CDA’s broader strategy to upgrade the capital’s road infrastructure in response to increasing traffic volumes and rapid urban expansion in surrounding residential and commercial areas. According to official sources, the new carriageway is expected to improve access to several housing societies and neighbourhoods located along the eastern side of the Islamabad Expressway. Authorities believe the project will not only ease traffic bottlenecks but also stimulate commercial development by increasing the value of properties and attracting new businesses along the corridor. To facilitate construction, the CDA has earmarked approximately Rs500 million for the relocation of critical utility infrastructure. This includes fibre-optic networks operated by the Islamabad Police Safe City Project, the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), and the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). Sources said extensive utility shifting will be required before the main construction work can proceed at full pace. The project involves relocating 11kV electricity distribution lines, shifting 242 electricity poles, and relocating 248 graves that fall within the road alignment. Earthwork activities have already begun at selected locations. The road project also incorporates environmental protection measures. Officials said engineers have planned the preservation of 22 underground water channels, natural streams, and stormwater drains located along the proposed route to minimise environmental disruption and maintain the area’s natural drainage system. A breakdown of utility relocation costs shows that around Rs406 million has been allocated for IESCO infrastructure, Rs87.3 million for shifting Safe City fibre-optic networks, and approximately Rs6 million for relocating SPD facilities. Work on these utility relocation components is expected to commence after the completion of technical and administrative formalities. A senior CDA official said the authority has revised the project’s completion timeline, reducing the original target of 12 months to between six and eight months. However, the official acknowledged that the timely relocation of utilities remains the biggest hurdle and will largely determine whether the revised deadline can be achieved.