Darwish Rasooli to lead Afghanistan’s Young Asian Games squad

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has said that elections in Rawalakot could be held on August 20 or 21 if the ongoing protest is resolved within the next three to four days. Speaking to the media in Muzaffarabad, Mughal said polling in Bagh and Haveli was scheduled to take place first due to security concerns. He said security personnel had already arrived in the two districts, while polling material was being transported under the supervision of the military. He added that eight security personnel would be deployed at each highly sensitive polling station to ensure the safety of voters and election staff. The chief election commissioner said efforts were also under way to restore internet services in Bagh and Haveli on August 9 and 10. Mughal said the Election Commission expected to be in a position to announce the polling date for Rawalakot within the next seven days. However, the final schedule would depend on the resolution of the ongoing protest. “If the protest is resolved within three or four days, elections in Rawalakot can be held on August 20 or 21,” he said. Responding to allegations made by political leaders, Mughal said the Election Commission could not engage in a war of words with politicians. He said the commission would provide the facts once the electoral process had been completed and would determine whether any irregularities had occurred and who was responsible.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the implementation of a modern digital monitoring system in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector, aiming to eliminate profiteering, hoarding and improve transparency across the energy supply chain. The directive came during a meeting in Islamabad where the prime minister met a delegation led by the World Bank’s country director. The delegation presented a set of policy recommendations focused on strengthening governance, improving regulatory oversight and enhancing efficiency in the country’s energy sector. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed the relevant authorities to establish a committee to review the World Bank’s recommendations and submit practical proposals for implementation. The committee is expected to evaluate the report and identify reforms that could modernize the sector while protecting consumers. The prime minister also issued specific instructions to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to introduce an advanced digital system capable of monitoring the movement, storage and distribution of petroleum products. The initiative is intended to increase transparency, curb illegal practices and prevent artificial shortages caused by hoarding. Officials said the digital platform is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight by enabling authorities to monitor supply chains in real time, making it more difficult for unscrupulous elements to manipulate fuel availability or earn unlawful profits through price distortions. The government believes greater digital integration will improve accountability, ensure a more reliable supply of petroleum products and build public confidence in the country’s energy market. Officials also hope the move will support broader economic reforms by promoting fair competition and reducing opportunities for market abuse. The meeting reflects the government’s continued focus on improving governance in key economic sectors through technology-driven reforms. Energy experts say stronger digital oversight could help streamline operations, enhance regulatory compliance and provide consumers with greater protection against unfair pricing and supply disruptions. The government is expected to announce further details regarding the implementation timeline after the review committee completes its assessment of the World Bank’s recommendations.

Transport associations across Pakistan have announced support for the Petroleum Dealers Association’s demands and warned of a possible suspension of transport services following a planned shutdown of petrol pumps. The All Pakistan Public Transport Owners Association said public transport operations could also come to a halt if fuel stations close at midnight. Association President Nadeem Hussain said the transport sector would support the petrol dealers’ stance against the government’s policy of fixing petrol and diesel prices on a daily basis. He demanded that the government withdraw the daily fuel pricing mechanism, saying it has created uncertainty and increased financial pressure on transport operators. Hussain said frequent changes in fuel prices directly affect transport businesses because fuel is one of the biggest operating costs for public transport owners. He warned that a continued increase in petroleum prices could further burden both transporters and passengers. The Pakistan Mini Mazda Goods Transport Association also announced its support for the strike call by petrol station owners. Association President Sher Ali Chaudhry said mini Mazda vehicles would stop operating from midnight as part of the protest against daily increases in petroleum prices. He criticized the government’s decision to revise fuel prices regularly, saying it has made it difficult for transporters to manage expenses and maintain their services. Chaudhry said rising fuel costs have severely affected the transport sector, increasing operational expenses and reducing the income of vehicle owners and drivers. Both transport associations urged the government to reconsider the current fuel pricing policy and take steps to provide relief to transporters.