Thailand’s 450-Baht Tourist Fee Set for April 2027

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.

Eighteen suspected terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Surab district after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated prematurely, followed by a security operation against fleeing militants, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred on the morning of August 12 while the militants were preparing a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). The premature explosion killed eight militants at the site, while several others were reportedly injured. ISPR said additional explosives stored by the militants also detonated. The blast reportedly caused the deaths of three civilians living or working near the area. Following the explosion, security forces and Balochistan Police launched a joint clearance operation. The objective was to identify those involved in the incident and locate other militants and their facilitators. During the operation, security personnel detected several militants attempting to flee the area. Ten more militants were subsequently killed in an exchange of fire, according to ISPR. The military said the combined death toll among the militants involved in the incident had reached 18. Two security personnel were also injured during the operation. Security forces have continued sanitisation activities in the area to search for any remaining militants and clear possible threats. The military said counter-terrorism operations would continue under the government’s broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework. It said security and law-enforcement agencies remained committed to preventing terrorist groups from establishing a foothold in the country. The latest operation comes a day after security forces reported killing five militants during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district. Balochistan has remained one of Pakistan’s key security challenges, with militant groups repeatedly targeting security personnel, civilians and government installations. The province has witnessed several major attacks in recent months, prompting increased coordination between the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police. Security officials say operations are being conducted to disrupt militant networks, identify facilitators and prevent further attacks. The authorities have also repeatedly warned that militant groups operating in Balochistan pose a threat to both civilian life and national security.

Voting was suspended at a polling station in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhimber district after a clash broke out between workers of two political parties during the first phase of the AJK elections. The incident took place at the Darbar Baba Shadi Shaheed polling station in constituency LA-6 Bhimber. Following the confrontation, polling was halted temporarily. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Abdul Razzaq Chaudhry alleged that workers of an opposing political party started the fight at the polling station. District Returning Officer (DRO) confirmed that a clash had taken place at one of the polling stations at Darbar Baba Shadi Shaheed. According to the official, miscreants snatched a ballot box and set it on fire. The DRO said the ballot box contained 232 votes when it was set ablaze. Returning officials and security personnel are currently present at the polling station. The DRO said legal action would be taken against those involved in disrupting the polling process. Officials have yet to decide whether polling will be held again at the affected polling station. The DRO said a decision on re-polling would be taken later in accordance with the relevant election rules. Apart from the affected polling station, polling is continuing normally at all other polling stations across the constituency. Meanwhile, the DRO also said that former AJK prime minister Anwar-ul-Haq had raised a complaint regarding polling arrangements in constituency LA-7. Officials visited the polling stations where complaints had been received and found that the relevant polling agents were present there.