Punjab approves Sports Action Plan for schools, Rs. 500,000 prize announced

The Government of Pakistan has announced a fresh increase in petroleum prices, raising the price of petrol by Rs. 1.63 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs. 1.55 per litre. The revised prices will come into effect from July 29, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division. Following the latest revision, petrol will now cost Rs. 335.81 per litre, while high-speed diesel will be available at Rs. 388.38 per litre. Officials said the increase reflects fluctuations in international crude oil prices caused by renewed tensions in the Persian Gulf, which have affected global energy markets. The government continues to collect substantial taxes and duties on petroleum products. Consumers currently pay around Rs110 per litre in taxes and levies on petrol, while diesel carries approximately Rs96 per litre in taxes and duties. Fuel prices have remained volatile throughout the year. Diesel had previously reached a record Rs520.35 per litre in early April after rising sharply from Rs281 per litre during the escalation of the US-Iran conflict. Similarly, petrol climbed to a peak of Rs458.41 per litre after increasing from Rs266 per litre in early March. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik recently announced that fuel prices would now be reviewed daily instead of weekly. The decision aims to ensure domestic fuel prices better reflect international market trends, especially during periods of global uncertainty. Under the new policy, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) will determine daily fuel prices based on changes in international oil markets. However, the move has faced criticism from the All Pakistan Dealers Association, which has warned that it may launch protests against the daily pricing mechanism. Petrol is primarily used by private vehicle owners, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small transport operators. As a result, any increase directly impacts middle- and lower-income households. High-speed diesel is widely used in heavy transport, agriculture, power generation, and industrial sectors, meaning price hikes can also increase transportation and production costs, contributing to inflation. With monthly sales of 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, petrol and diesel remain Pakistan’s largest petroleum products by consumption and are significant contributors to government revenue. As global oil prices continue to fluctuate, consumers should expect further adjustments in domestic fuel prices in the coming weeks.

  Monsoon rains continue to affect different parts of Pakistan, bringing relief from the intense summer heat but also causing deadly accidents, flooding, and damage to infrastructure. At least six people, including children, have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the country, while rescue teams remain on high alert as heavy downpours continue. In Gujranwala, a tragic incident occurred when a child drowned in rainwater that had accumulated in an underpass. The flooding turned the underpass into a dangerous pool, highlighting the risks posed by poor drainage systems during the monsoon season. In another heartbreaking incident in Bahawalnagar, a child drowned while bathing in a canal. Rescue officials have launched a search operation to recover the child’s body, which was still ongoing at the time of reporting. The monsoon showers have significantly reduced temperatures across Punjab, providing welcome relief from the scorching heat. However, the heavy rainfall has also created serious urban flooding in several cities. Torrential rain in Gujranwala and Gujrat submerged low-lying areas, leaving roads inundated and disrupting traffic flow. Water entered several homes, causing inconvenience and property damage to residents. Authorities are working to drain the accumulated rainwater and restore normal conditions. In Sialkot, Toba Tek Singh, and Jhang, rainfall brought cooler weather and pleasant conditions after days of extreme heat. Meanwhile, in Mandi Bahauddin, heavy rain caused roofs and walls of several buildings to collapse, leaving multiple people injured. Emergency services responded promptly, providing medical assistance to the injured and assessing the damage. In Shakargarh, rising water levels in the Ravi River left 42 farmers stranded. Rescue teams successfully carried out an operation to evacuate all of them safely, preventing what could have become a major tragedy. Rescue authorities continue to monitor river levels closely as rainfall persists in nearby regions. Heavy rainfall also wreaked havoc near Dadocha Dam on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. A seasonal stream overflowed and entered nearby residential areas, flooding the villages of Barwala and Khanpur. Residents faced significant challenges as floodwaters inundated homes, streets, and agricultural land, forcing many families to move to safer locations. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flash floods in the Siran Valley of Mansehra swept away a bridge, cutting off road access to 12 villages. Local authorities are assessing the situation and exploring temporary arrangements to restore connectivity. Elsewhere in the province, including Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi, Mingora, and Bajaur, intermittent light and heavy rainfall continued, bringing cooler temperatures but raising concerns about possible flooding and landslides. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rainfall triggered surging water levels in streams and rivers in Samahni, Bagh, and the Neelum Valley. A landslide at the Dwariyan area blocked the main highway, disrupting transportation and delaying travel between affected regions. Officials have begun efforts to clear the road and restore traffic. Meanwhile, rainfall also reached Khuzdar in Balochistan and Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan, where cool winds and lower temperatures created pleasant weather conditions. However, authorities have urged citizens across the country to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas, and follow official weather advisories as the monsoon spell continues.

CHILAS: Torrential rains triggered flooding in Chilas, disrupting daily life, damaging farmland, and claiming lives as severe weather continued to affect several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Floodwaters inundated streams and water channels, causing widespread destruction to agricultural land and crops. Authorities also closed the Babusar Road to all traffic after floodwaters made the route unsafe for travel. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), six people have lost their lives and another six have been injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since July 29. The agency said at least 65 houses have also been damaged. Rain-related emergencies were reported in Abbottabad, Peshawar, Swat, Buner, Khyber, Chitral and several other districts, where rescue and relief efforts remain underway. Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore reported that low-level flooding continues at the Kalabagh, Chashma and Guddu barrages along the Indus River, with authorities closely monitoring the evolving situation.