oil prices rise
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Oil prices rise more than $2 amid falling US inven…

ByJustpaste.in

Global crude oil prices climbed by more than $2 per barrel in the latest trading session, as a decline in US crude inventories boosted market sentiment and supported prices.

According to Reuters, the rise came after traders responded to signs of tighter oil supplies in the United States. A drop in crude stockpiles often signals stronger demand or reduced availability, which can encourage investors to push prices higher.

Oil prices had fallen in the previous session after tensions between Washington and Tehran showed signs of easing temporarily. However, the market regained momentum in the latest session as supply concerns returned to focus.

Brent crude futures gained $2.71, or 3.2%, to reach $86.80 per barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose $2.26, or 3.4%, to trade at $81.95 per barrel.

Market participants continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East, particularly any changes in US-Iran relations, as well as global supply conditions. Any renewed tensions in the region could further affect oil markets because of the Middle East’s importance to global energy supplies.

Analysts also expect traders to keep an eye on upcoming inventory data and broader demand trends. A combination of falling stockpiles, geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over supply could continue to create volatility in international oil prices in the coming sessions.

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    CM Maryam Nawaz extends Milad-un-Nabi greetings

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    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has extended her greetings to Muslims on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). In her message, she said the blessed occasion is a source of happiness and spiritual fulfilment for every Muslim. She said the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought immense blessings and guidance to humanity. Maryam Nawaz said the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) transformed the course of human history. His message provided people with a clear path based on faith, justice and compassion. She said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave dignity and respect to the weak and vulnerable members of society. He established principles of equality and justice and taught people to treat others with kindness and fairness. The chief minister said the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) brought an end to ignorance and false beliefs. It spread the message of monotheism and strengthened the belief in the oneness of Allah Almighty. She said the teachings and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) remain a source of guidance for Muslims and humanity as a whole. Maryam Nawaz urged people to reflect on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and follow his example in their daily lives. She said the true spirit of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) lies in promoting peace, compassion, brotherhood, justice and respect for humanity. She prayed that Allah Almighty bless the country and its people and enable everyone to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

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    Govt strengthens monsoon response, fresh rainfall …

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    ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday unveiled an enhanced  preparedness strategy, with senior ministers stressing that effective water regulation, stronger disaster management and coordinated planning are essential to reducing the impact of climate-related emergencies. The announcement came as authorities warned of another intense spell of monsoon rains expected to begin on July 29. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 107 people have lost their lives and 297 others have been injured since the current monsoon season started on June 26. Addressing a joint media briefing at the NDMA headquarters, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik said Pakistan must move beyond the traditional approach of simply storing water and instead adopt a comprehensive system that regulates water supplies throughout the year. He noted that the government is implementing region-specific disaster management plans, recognising that the challenges faced by urban centres, agricultural areas and northern regions require different responses. Malik emphasised that efficient water management is vital for ensuring food security and sustaining agricultural production. He said dams should be used not only for storage but also for regulating water availability during critical farming seasons. He also called for improvements in water monitoring systems, infrastructure and building regulations, adding that close coordination with provincial governments would help minimise losses during natural disasters. National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the country’s growing need for additional water storage to address both floods and future shortages. He said major infrastructure projects, including the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu project and Karachi’s K-IV water supply scheme, would significantly strengthen Pakistan’s water resources once completed. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described climate change and rapid population growth as two of the country’s most pressing long-term challenges. He said Pakistan is now in a stronger financial position to respond to emergencies than it was during the devastating floods of 2022 and credited the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) for improving forecasting and disaster preparedness through advanced monitoring systems. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said preparations for the monsoon season had begun months in advance under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He praised the NEOC’s early warning capabilities for helping reduce casualties and property damage by providing timely alerts through the media and the NDMA mobile application. Tarar also urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow official advisories as heavy rainfall continues across the country. Meanwhile, the flood situation remains concerning in several regions. Although water levels in the Chenab River have shown signs of improvement, low-level flooding continues along parts of the Indus River. Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have recorded the highest number of casualties, with many deaths resulting from collapsing houses, electrocution and lightning strikes. Gilgit-Baltistan remains one of the hardest-hit areas, where flash floods, landslides and mudflows have caused widespread destruction. Disaster management authorities reported damage to 184 houses, the destruction of nine bridges and nearly eight kilometres of roads, while dozens of disaster incidents have been recorded across the region. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the approaching weather system could trigger widespread heavy rainfall, urban flooding, flash floods and rising river levels in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Authorities say emergency response teams have been placed on alert as efforts continue to protect lives, infrastructure and communities during the ongoing monsoon season.

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    PM Shehbaz orders audit of Discos’ billing s…

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    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a comprehensive technical audit of the billing systems of electricity distribution companies (Discos), reaffirming that reforming Pakistan’s power sector remains one of the government’s top priorities. Chairing a high-level meeting on the performance of the Power Division, the prime minister acknowledged that distribution companies had shown noticeable improvement but stressed that further reforms were essential to enhance efficiency and service delivery. He described the nationwide installation of smart electricity meters as a key step toward modernising the sector and improving transparency. Shehbaz Sharif also called for strict action against electricity theft, instructing authorities to strengthen enforcement mechanisms at every level. He ordered the Power Division to establish clear performance benchmarks for distribution companies, supported by measurable targets and specific implementation timelines. To encourage better performance, the prime minister announced that the country’s best-performing distribution company would receive formal recognition and awards, promoting healthy competition among power utilities. Addressing the issue of prolonged electricity shortages in rural areas, he directed officials to prepare village-level solarisation projects, saying decentralised solar energy systems could reduce pressure on the national electricity grid while improving access to reliable power. During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that technical and commercial losses across distribution companies had continued to decline. Islamabad, Lahore and Gujranwala electricity companies recorded the lowest transmission and distribution losses during the last fiscal year, while power utilities in Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan achieved full recovery of billed electricity dues in the 2025–26 fiscal year. The meeting was also told that specialised Disco Support Units have been established in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, Multan and Hazara to combat electricity theft, improve bill recovery and resolve technical challenges more effectively. Officials further briefed the prime minister that the first phase of the Asset Performance Management System (APMS) at the transformer level is expected to be completed by the end of September. The system is designed to improve monitoring of transformers, helping reduce both power theft and load-shedding. In addition, the government is considering the installation of 16.2 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) single-phase smart meters across the Multan, Lahore, Peshawar, Hazara and Quetta regions as part of its broader strategy to modernise Pakistan’s electricity distribution network.

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    Police constable martyred, another wounded in Lakk…

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    A police constable was martyred and another sustained injuries after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police patrol in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district on Sunday. The attack took place near the old police lines within the jurisdiction of Lakki City police station, where the officers were performing patrol duties as part of the City Rider Squad. Police officials said Constable Sajidullah received critical injuries during the firing. He later succumbed to his wounds. Constable Muhammad Waqas was also injured and was taken to a hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment. Following the incident, police teams immediately sealed off the area and launched a search operation to locate those responsible for the attack. Security personnel are also examining the crime scene and collecting evidence that could help investigators identify the attackers. Lakki Marwat District Police Officer Shehbaz Elahi visited the site and reviewed the situation with senior officers. He was briefed about the circumstances surrounding the attack and the steps taken by police following the incident. The DPO directed investigators to use modern forensic and investigative methods and mobilise all available resources to track down the suspects. He also ordered authorities to strengthen security arrangements to protect both law-enforcement personnel and civilians. Officials said attacks against police officers would not be tolerated and that every effort would be made to bring those behind the assault to justice. The latest incident comes amid a series of attacks against security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The province has witnessed a rise in militant violence in recent weeks, prompting security forces and police to intensify operations against armed groups. Earlier this month, several police personnel were killed in a suicide attack outside a police station in Swat. In separate incidents in Hangu and Dera Ismail Khan, police officers were also targeted in attacks. The continuing violence has increased concerns over the security situation across parts of the province, particularly areas close to the former tribal districts and the Afghan border. Security officials have maintained that intensified intelligence-based operations are being conducted to prevent militant attacks and dismantle networks involved in violence against law-enforcement agencies.

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    Israel erupts over reported US-Saudi nuclear deal …

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    Israel’s opposition leaders have sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for remaining silent over reports of a proposed civil nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The reported deal has sparked concerns among Israeli politicians, who argue it could have significant security implications for the Middle East. According to Israeli media, former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman described the proposed agreement as a strategic threat to Israel. He argued that civil nuclear programs can eventually pave the way for military nuclear capabilities, pointing to Iran as an example. Lieberman warned that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium on its own territory would cross a major security red line and could encourage a regional nuclear arms race. Lieberman also expressed concern that nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia could become potential targets in any future conflict involving Iran. He urged the Israeli government to actively oppose the agreement and lobby members of the US Congress to reject it, even if doing so creates disagreements with US President Donald Trump. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak also questioned the reported agreement, noting that it reportedly does not require Saudi Arabia to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. According to Barak, the absence of such a condition could indicate reduced trust between Netanyahu and the US administration. Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader Yair Golan blamed Netanyahu’s policies for creating conditions that made such an agreement possible. He argued that if Saudi Arabia secures a favorable nuclear cooperation deal, other countries in the Middle East may seek similar agreements with Washington, potentially reshaping the region’s strategic balance. Reports in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz suggest that Israeli officials are particularly concerned about the possibility of Saudi Arabia being allowed to enrich uranium domestically. One Israeli source reportedly said such a provision would not be viewed positively in Israel, even if it were accompanied by future normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The debate follows reports published by The Wall Street Journal, which claimed that President Donald Trump has approved a framework for a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. According to the report, the proposed agreement could run for 30 years and involve investments worth several billion dollars. It would reportedly provide Saudi Arabia with access to civilian nuclear technology for energy production, while discussions continue over whether uranium enrichment would be permitted under the deal. Although negotiations over US-Saudi nuclear cooperation have continued for years, the reported agreement remains closely watched because of its potential impact on regional security, energy cooperation, and future diplomatic relations in the Middle East.

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    Court pauses construction of $400 Million White Ho…

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    A U.S. federal appeals court issued a ruling to halt construction on the ambitious $400 million White House ballroom project. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upholds a preliminary injunction that brings above-ground work on the massive 90,000-square-foot facility to a standstill. The legal challenge was originally brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The timing was right after the administration demolished the historic East Wing to clear space for the new addition. This project was devised without receiving formal authorization from the United States Congress or regulatory historic preservation bodies. The Core Legal and Historic Dispute The dispute began after the historic East Wing was razed to make way for a grand event space capable of hosting hundreds of guests. Preservationists quickly filed suit. Their argument was that the administration overstepped its legal boundaries by destroying part of the historic executive mansion without proper congressional oversight. In earlier lower court proceedings, the federal judge sided with the preservation group. The judge concluded that the executive branch could not bypass legislative authorization to construct such a massive structure. The administration argued that the ballroom itself would be funded primarily through private contributions rather than taxpayer dollars. Critics maintained that private funding does not grant an administration the right to alter iconic federal heritage sites at will. Security Exceptions vs. Architectural Expansion A major focal point of the ongoing litigation involves the distinction between above-ground construction and essential subterranean infrastructure. Lower court decisions made allowances for below-ground work to proceed. The allowed spots were specifically underground bunkers, military installations and updated security infrastructure meant to replace outdated Cold War-era facilities. Justice Department attorneys representing the administration argued that halting any portion of the project could jeopardize executive branch safety. The new complex integrates crucial defensive elements against modern airborne and ballistic threats. However, judges questioned whether national security arguments could be applied to justify an entire 90,000-square-foot ballroom built above those installations. The appellate court’s latest order reinforces the restriction on above-ground structural work. However, the order allows government a temporary 14-day emergency intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court. Broader Presidential Power Implications The ruling marks on significant constitutional questions regarding the limits of executive power over federal property. Government lawyers previously asserted to the court that judges lacked the authority to intervene in executive branch building decisions once work was underway. The judiciary’s willingness to block the project highlights a sharp pushback against the idea that rapid demolition creates a fait accompli immune to judicial review.   As the 14-day stay ticks down, all eyes are on the Supreme Court whether the nation’s highest tribunal will step in to allow construction or leave the high-stakes project frozen.

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