Mechanic nabbed in child apprentice abuse case

The Government of Pakistan has announced another reduction in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel, marking the second consecutive day of relief for consumers. The revised fuel prices will come into effect from August 5, 2026, according to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division. The notification stated that the latest revision has been made under the petroleum pricing mechanism recommended by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The adjustment reflects the government’s ongoing review of petroleum product prices in line with market conditions and regulatory recommendations. Under the new rates, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been reduced by Rs4.07 per litre, bringing the new price down from Rs389.93 to Rs385.86 per litre. Diesel is widely used in Pakistan’s transportation, agriculture, and industrial sectors, making the reduction significant for businesses and consumers alike. Petrol prices have also been lowered by Rs3.39 per litre. Following the latest cut, petrol will now cost Rs328.56 per litre, compared to the previous price of Rs331.95 per litre. The reduction is expected to provide some financial relief to motorists and households dealing with high transportation costs. This announcement comes just a day after the government had already reduced fuel prices. On the previous day, petrol prices were cut by Rs4.08 per litre, while diesel prices were lowered by Rs2.45 per litre. The back-to-back reductions indicate a continued effort to pass on the benefit of changing petroleum market trends to consumers. Fuel prices play a vital role in Pakistan’s economy because they directly influence transportation expenses, production costs, and inflation. Lower fuel prices can help reduce operating costs for businesses, improve supply chain efficiency, and ease the financial burden on consumers. However, the overall economic impact will depend on global oil prices, exchange rate movements, and future government pricing decisions. The Ministry of Energy emphasized that the revised prices are based on the pricing mechanism established by OGRA and approved by the federal government. The new rates will officially take effect on August 5, 2026, and will remain applicable until the next scheduled review. The latest reduction in petrol and diesel prices is expected to be welcomed by consumers, transport operators, and businesses, offering short-term relief amid ongoing economic challenges and fluctuating international oil markets.

  The Islamabad High Court on Thursday heard petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. During the proceedings, Advocate General (AG) Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik informed the court that the two prisoners were not kept in solitary confinement, adding that they were being provided facilities even better than B-class prison standards. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro presided over the hearing. The petitioners were represented by Barrister Salman Safdar, while the jail superintendent was also present in the courtroom and submitted a detailed report regarding the facilities provided to the high-profile inmates. Advocate General Malik clarified that the detainees were not isolated due to punitive measures but as a security protocol. He noted that the inability of petitioners’ families to meet them did not constitute solitary confinement. Meanwhile, Jail Superintendent Sajid Beg explained that solitary confinement legally means locking an inmate in a single cell for 24 hours—which, he emphasized, was not the case for Imran Khan. The PTI founder, he said, was housed in a compound consisting of seven interconnected cells, allowing free movement. Additionally, a convicted inmate was permanently assigned to accompany him, further disproving the solitary confinement claim. The superintendent also disclosed the amenities provided to Khan. He was given access to a television set, newspapers, and books. Both Urdu and English dailies are being delivered daily, and more than 500 books have been provided to him so far—with nine more recently added to his cell. However, Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the petitioners, painted a contrasting picture. He informed the court that on the Supreme Court’s directive, he had visited Imran Khan as a friend of the court and noticed his deteriorating eyesight. According to Safdar, Khan expressed satisfaction with his food, security, and bathroom facilities but pleaded: “Just save my eyesight.” Safdar further alleged that for seven months, he was not allowed to meet his client, and it was only after the intervention of the Chief Justice that a meeting was arranged in April, lasting barely 65 minutes. Out of that brief meeting, the PTI founder spent 60 minutes complaining about mental torture and restrictions on meetings. He claimed he was under 22-hour isolation while Bushra Bibi faced 24-hour confinement. Safdar also pointed out that the TV provided in the cell had no functioning channels. In a disturbing revelation, Safdar informed the court that Imran Khan’s 68-year-old sister, Aleema Khanum, visited Adiala Jail 38 times without being granted a single meeting. The PTI founder has also been deprived of telephonic conversations with his sons for the last eight months. Safdar argued that this psychological torture is far more severe than physical violence and urged the court to intervene. He requested that a panel of three lawyers be formed to visit the jail and independently assess the conditions. He also demanded that Imran Khan be allowed a weekly phone call with his sons and that the jail authorities submit an affidavit committing to this arrangement. Justice Soomro noted that he had previously visited jails in Sindh when he was a senior judge there, but Aleema Khanum interjected, urging the judge to personally visit Adiala Jail to ascertain the reality. After hearing all parties, the court directed them to submit written reports and relevant legal references, after which an appropriate order would be issued.