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Prices of several essential commodities have increased significantly across Pakistan over the past year, putting additional pressure on household budgets. According to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), major increases were recorded in the prices of several food items and fuel products. Onion prices recorded the highest increase among the commodities listed by the statistics agency. The price of onions rose by 132.52% in one year. Tomato prices also increased sharply by 93.21%, while flour became 62.25% more expensive during the same period. Fuel prices also witnessed substantial increases. According to the PBS, LPG became 51.69% more expensive over the year. Diesel prices increased by 33.08%, while petrol became 27.65% more expensive. The rise in fuel prices can also affect transportation and the cost of goods and services. Several meat and fruit prices also increased during the year. The price of bananas rose by 17.66%, while mutton became 15.98% more expensive. Beef prices increased by 13.54%, adding to the cost of commonly consumed food items. However, some essential commodities became cheaper during the same period. Potato prices declined by 30%, while sugar became 19.10% cheaper. Chicken prices also decreased by 17.68%, providing some relief to consumers. The statistics also showed a decline in the prices of eggs and pulses. Egg prices fell by 17.41% over the year, while chana dal became more than 13% cheaper. Masoor dal prices declined by 12.29%, while jaggery became 6% cheaper. The latest figures show mixed price trends in the country. While consumers received some relief from lower prices of potatoes, sugar, chicken, eggs and pulses, sharp increases in onions, tomatoes, flour and fuel continued to add pressure to household expenses. The data highlights the significant changes in the prices of everyday necessities over the past year.

Controlling the rise in federal government administrative expenses has become a major challenge. Despite repeated claims of reducing expenditure and implementing austerity measures, the cost of running federal government affairs has increased by 15.91 per cent. The rise has raised concerns over the government’s efforts to control its administrative spending. The increase comes despite measures announced by the government to reduce unnecessary expenditure and promote financial discipline. According to the available details, spending on running government affairs has exceeded both the official target and the revised estimates. This means that actual administrative expenditure has remained higher than the levels projected by the government. The increase in spending also highlights the difficulties faced by the federal government in keeping its administrative costs under control. The government has been under pressure to reduce non-development expenditure and improve the efficiency of public spending. Authorities have introduced various austerity measures in an attempt to limit government expenditure. These measures were aimed at reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring better management of public resources. However, the latest increase indicates that controlling administrative spending remains a significant challenge. The higher-than-target expenditure could also put additional pressure on the government’s overall fiscal position. The development comes at a time when the federal government is seeking to maintain fiscal discipline and reduce unnecessary spending. Higher administrative costs could make it more difficult to achieve these objectives. The government is expected to face continued pressure to review its spending patterns and identify areas where expenditure can be reduced

A major development has emerged in the investigation into the death of Karachi businessman Mir Raza Ali. Investigators have obtained further details about the guest house linked to the case. The premises is located near the place where Mir Raza’s body was recovered. According to investigation findings, the guest house was registered in the name of a man identified as Liaquat Ali. The property itself is reportedly owned by a woman. Police verification of the property was carried out on June 1, 2026. Investigators also found that the guest house was not registered on the Hotel Eye application. Police had made registration on the system mandatory for hotels and guest houses. After the discovery of Mir Raza’s body, police sealed the guest house. Six people working at the premises were taken into custody for questioning. Their statements are being recorded as investigators try to determine whether the guest house has any connection with the case. So far, police have detained 21 people in connection with the investigation. The detainees include Mir Raza’s friends and business partners. Investigators are examining their statements and movements. A five-member investigation committee also held a meeting under the leadership of DIG Crime Branch Amir Farooqi. The committee is reviewing the case in light of new medical and forensic evidence. Police have also expanded the charges in the case. Sections 365 and 302 were already included in the FIR. Section 201 has now been added. The provision relates to concealing, removing or destroying evidence connected to an offence. The development follows a second post-mortem conducted after Mir Raza’s grave was exhumed on August 8. The preliminary medical findings reportedly showed several injuries on his body. The report indicated a gunshot injury to the back. The entry wound was smaller, while the wound on the front side was larger. Medical findings suggest that the bullet entered from the rear and passed through the body. The examination also found fractured ribs. Several injuries were observed on Mir Raza’s head and face. A wound and fracture measuring about 12 centimetres were found on his right thigh. Blood marks were also detected in tissues in the lower part of his body. Further examination revealed a deep injury and fracture in his jaw. Injuries were also found on his nose and other parts of his face. Investigators collected 17 samples during the exhumation. Samples from Mir Raza’s parents were also obtained for DNA comparison. The samples are expected to be examined at the forensic laboratory of the University of Karachi. After the samples were collected, Mir Raza’s body was reburied on the same day. Mir Raza Ali Khan had gone missing from the PECHS area on July 28. Police said he left his home at around 4:09am in an online taxi. His body was found two days later in Gulistan-e-Johar. Police officials said the body was in a badly damaged condition. A gunshot wound was also found on his chest. Investigators also found that Mir Raza’s social media accounts had been deactivated a day before his body was recovered. His family has consistently maintained that he was murdered. His father said Mir Raza was preparing for his marriage and was excited about starting a new phase of his life. His nikah had been scheduled for August 30 at Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The latest investigation has brought renewed attention to the guest house and the people associated with it. Police are now examining medical evidence, forensic samples, CCTV footage, statements and other available material.