Author: newsdesk

  • Oil industry warns OGRA of looming petrol, diesel shortage

    Oil industry warns OGRA of looming petrol, diesel shortage

    Due to limited imports and constrained domestic supplies, the oil industry has warned the government that the country may witness a shortage of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) in the upcoming days.

    The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has been written about the shortfall by the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), an organisation that represents the oil industry.

    The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were given permission to import motor spirit/petrol and HSD in accordance with their demand in the product availability review of products for the month of November 2022, the OCAC stated. This decision followed considerable consideration.

    A shortage of 210,000 MT of HSD and 147,000 MT of gasoline was calculated during the product review. Due to restricted supply on the global market and extremely expensive premiums, it was noted at the meeting that HSD imports in November would be difficult. As a result, only PSO has so far reserved supplies from Flow Petroleum of 220,000 MT and 10,000 MT.

    Alarmingly, though, fuel import that corresponds to the expected sales volume and the stock cover has also not been scheduled. According to the OCAC letter, the importers were supposed to finalise the import plan, but as of now, there is a gap in the import plan.

    The conference with representatives from the industry held on November 1 also brought up this crucial issue, but no clear guarantees have been obtained in writing from the importing OMCs, it stated.

    According to Geo, the OMCs, who were expected to bring imports for use in October, got their shipments in the final week of the month; hence, the product wasn’t ready for usage during the month it was intended for. Similar to how OMCs who were permitted to import goods the month before for usage the following month had already used the shipments, the letter observed.

  • Exclusive: Hamza Ali Abbasi opens up about refusing Varun Dhawan’s ‘Judwaa 2’ and Akshay Kumar’s ‘Baby’

    Exclusive: Hamza Ali Abbasi opens up about refusing Varun Dhawan’s ‘Judwaa 2’ and Akshay Kumar’s ‘Baby’

    Actor Hamza Ali Abbasi is currently riding high on the success of his Pakistani feature film, The Legend Of Maula Jatt, which has garnered over 100 crores globally. During the promotions of this Bilal Lashari directorial, Hamza exclusively revealed to The Current that he refused the Bollywood film Judwaa 2 starring Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu.

    The Pyarey Afzal star said that he was approached for the film by Bollywood producer Sajid Nadiadwala however he turned the movie down for multiple reasons, but the primary reason was the turbulent relationship between India and Pakistan. Around the same time, Pakistani actors were banned from working in the Hindi film Industry.

    Hamza’s co-star Gohar also guessed the same film on being asked about the Indian film which Hamza rejected a few years back.

    The Man Mayal hero also rejected Akshay Kumar’s political thriller Baby due to its anti-Pakistan content. Another Pakistani hero, Mikaal Zulfiqar, later performed the role.

    This is How Mikaal Zulfiqar Praises Akshay Kumar for His Neutral Attitude towards Pakistan - Style.Pk
  • Siyasat pe behas: Bus passenger killed after political argument

    Siyasat pe behas: Bus passenger killed after political argument

    One man was killed and another was wounded by gunshot after a political argument among bus passengers turned violent, reports Samaa.

    The incident occurred on Sunday on the Swat Motorway near the Katlang Interchange in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to local police.
    Two brothers, Waqasuddin and Rahimuddin, were traveling on a bus that was headed for Taimargirah.

    Both got involved in a political argument during the bus ride. However, things got heated since neither party was willing to consider the other’s point of view.

    Unidentified passengers had an altercation with Waqasuddin and Rahimuddin but other passengers, who had not participated in the debate, intervened.

    However, the animosity persisted.

    The police said that the suspects called their relatives who forcibly stopped the passenger bus near Katlang Interchange.
    When they had both boys out of the car, they began to beat them with batons.

    Rahimuddin died on the spot while Waqasuddin was hit by bullets after a suspect pulled out a gun and opened fire.
    The injured person was quickly transported to the hospital for urgent medical care.

  • PM Shehbaz left for Egypt to attend Climate Change Conference

    PM Shehbaz left for Egypt to attend Climate Change Conference

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has left for Egypt to attend the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP27).

    The premier is accompanied by Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, other cabinet members and senior officials.

    Before his departure, PM Shehbaz took to Twitter to say that he will raise the matter of the devasting effects of climate change in Pakistan.

    “I will urge the world to deliver on its commitment on climate finance & loss and damage fund. Without financial support, the developing countries will continue to remain exposed to the multifarious threats of climate change. We are asking for climate justice”, he tweeted.

    The premier highlighted that Pakistan’s post-disaster needs assessment has shown that its journey to recovery and rehabilitation can be held back by public debt, rising international energy and food prices and lack of access to adaption funds.

    “The world should treat Pakistan as a case study,” he concluded in a series of tweets.

    Last month, it was announced that PM Shehbaz would be the vice-chairperson for COP27.

    The conference is taking place at a time when millions of people in Pakistan, and millions more in other parts of the world, are facing severe adverse impacts of climate change.

  • ‘Thank-you qudrat’: Pakistan making it to the semi final triggers meme fest

    ‘Thank-you qudrat’: Pakistan making it to the semi final triggers meme fest

    Pakistan has defeated Bangladesh and made its way to the semi finals of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, booking a spot in the last four after all odds seemed against the team.
    Afridi took 4-22 as Bangladesh posted 8-127, setting up an easy chase with Pakistan scoring 5-128 to win Sunday’s Adelaide Oval encounter with 11 balls to spare.
    Pakistan join India, New Zealand and England as semi-finalists.

    Earlier today, Netherlands opened the door to the possibility of Pakistan making it to the semi finals by defeating South Africa by 13 runs in the final match of Group 2 league.
    Pakistan’s unexpected inclusion in the final four triggered a meme fest on twitter. Have a look at the memes:

    https://twitter.com/gayomarlic/status/1589170378735165442?s=46&t=a6LoVmyECZlFqbIR2SKbIQ

  • Virat Kohli ‘happy and thankful’ for gift from ‘Gaddani Balochistan’

    Virat Kohli ‘happy and thankful’ for gift from ‘Gaddani Balochistan’

    Pakistan pacer Shahnawaz Dahani met with Indian hard-hitter Virat Kohli and showed him his sand portrait made by Pakistani artists. The portrait made by “Gaddani boys” got recognition from Kohli.

    “This is for you Gadani boys. Virat was very happy about this and said thank you to your whole group and he really loved it,” wrote Dahani while sharing a picture with Kohli. In the picture Kohli was pointing towards his portrait on the phone.

    The portrait of the Indian cricket star went viral on social media with people praising the skills of the artists.

  • Dar stresses on providing maximum relief to the underprivileged sector of society

    Dar stresses on providing maximum relief to the underprivileged sector of society

    Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar urged the Ministry of Industries and Production on Saturday to develop a comprehensive strategy that would prioritise providing maximum relief to the least endowed sector.

    Dar, who was chairing a meeting to examine the prime minister’s relief package through Utility Stores Corporation (USC), said the current government was aware of the difficulties confronting the underprivileged section of society, which required maximal relief support.

    He went on to say that the government’s primary goal was to help the poor and that it was doing everything it could to help them.

    The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood, SAPM for Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM for Revenue Tariq Pasha, Secretary Finance, Secretary Industries and Production, MD USC, and senior authorities.

    The chair was informed about the PM’s relief package and subsidy on five vital products (pulses, wheat, sugar, rice, and ghee) granted by the USC to help the public.

    It was revealed that subsidised flour, sugar, rice, ghee, and pulses were being distributed to the populace across the country. The meeting also considered the financial ramifications of the subsidies.

    The finance minister also met with Federal Communications Minister Asad Mehmood here at the Finance Division.

    Financial SAPM The meeting was attended by Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Pasha, Secretary Finance, Secretary Communications, Chairman NHA, IG Motorway, and top officers.

    Asad Mehmood informed the finance minister of the financial status of various Communication Ministry agencies, including Motorway Police, Pakistan Post, and NHA.

    He also emphasised the organisations’ contributions to the country’s success and development.

    While acknowledging the contribution of the Ministry of Communication and its affiliated organisations to the country’s economic stability and progress, the finance minister stated that the current government was aware that a well-integrated communication network was critical for the country’s socioeconomic development and financial stability.

    According to APP, Dar also informed the communications minister that he would handle and resolve the concerns of the Communication Ministry’s organisations in order for them to perform better and contribute to Pakistan’s prosperity and development.

  • PM Shehbaz urges CJP Bandial to form full court, says will quit politics if there is proof of Khan’s allegations

    PM Shehbaz urges CJP Bandial to form full court, says will quit politics if there is proof of Khan’s allegations

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday condemned the assassination attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan which took place in Wazirabad earlier this week.

    “The attack is condemnable, however, when the nation is being pushed towards devastation by false narratives it is my responsibility that I play a positive role to protect the people,” he said, addressing a press conference in Lahore. The Premier extended his wishes to Khan and other people injured in the attack, hoping for their speedy recovery and prayed for the victim who was shot dead in the attack.

    PM Shehbaz urges CJP Bandial to form full court commission to probe Imran’s allegations

    PM Shehbaz then demanded that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Umar Ata Bandial, constitute a “full court commission” to probe allegations levelled by Khan wherein he accused the premier, the federal interior minister, and a senior military official General Faisal Naseer, of planning the assassination attempt on him.

    “I think this is the need, that there should be an immediate decision based on justice this time. I request the chief justice to form a full court commission with all honorable and respectable judges for the greater interest of this country and to end this discord and chaos,” the prime minister told the press members.

    “I will immediately request this via a letter in writing, and I hope this request will be supported. And if you do not accept this request, these questions will remain forever. This fitna and sazish will be buried only when facts come to light,” said the perturbed prime minister.

    Khan is attacking the Pakistan army in a way an enemy would do: PM Shehbaz

    “Imran Khan’s tales are full of contradictions. I cannot, for even a moment, waste my time thinking that this man — who Allah granted a new life — is lying day and night. Today, he is attacking the Pakistan army in a way an enemy would do,” said Shehbaz Sharif, slamming the former prime minister.

    He then slammed the PTI chief for his comments against state institutions, particularly Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and his family, and lamented that enemy nations were celebrating the critical situation in Pakistan.

    “What else would an enemy country like India want? They are celebrating today. India’s TV channels are excited to see Khan speak ill about the ISI and military institutions as [the PTI chief] is levelling severe allegations against them that one couldn’t even think about,” PM Shehbaz said, deeming Khan an “idol of lies — from tip to toe”.

    “Unfortunately, he is trying to derail the nation. But this country of 22 million people will be protected by Allah,” he promised.

    ‘Punjab govt should be held accountable’

    Not sparing the PTI-led Punjab government, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that it was their responsibility and that, “they should be held accountable for the incident.”

    He added that the Inspector-General of Police and Chief Secretary belongs to them and asked why they haven’t conducted a forensic of the four bullets which the Punjab government has claimed hit Khan.

    “On October 28, the federal agency wrote a letter to the Punjab government about threats of terrorist attacks on Khan’s long march,” the Premier said, adding that it was the provincial administration’s responsibility to ensure safety after the letter was shared with them.

    The Premier further added that the Punjab government should be questioned about the incident and about the delay in registering the first information report.

    Will quit politics if Khan shows evidence: PM Shehbaz

    PM Shahbaz also challenged the PTI chief to present evidence proving his, Rana Sanaullah’s, or General Faisal’s involvement.

    He maintained that if Khan successfully shows evidence to the people that he was behind the attack, then “I don’t have a right to continue to hold the Prime Minister’s Office.”

    Berating Khan for his “false conspiracies”, the Prime Minister called Khan out for criticising the institution which gave several sacrifices. “Nobody can say such poor things against this institution,” he added.

    In response to a question regarding Senator Azam Swati’s video — which has surfaced on social media — PM Shahbaz said that the matter has been brought to his knowledge and he has directed the Ministry of Interior to take notice. He vowed to bring the findings in front of the people.

  • Pakistan to receive $13 billion in financial assistance from China and Saudi Arabia

    Pakistan to receive $13 billion in financial assistance from China and Saudi Arabia

    Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister of Finance, has said that Pakistan’s two closest friends, China and Saudi Arabia, will contribute a multibillion-dollar financial package to assist Pakistan with its shaky economy.

    According to the Finance Minister, both countries will grant Pakistan a $13 billion package.

    According to The News, Dar went on to say that China intends to contribute $8.8 billion in assistance, including loan rollovers, during the current fiscal year, and that it will also roll over $4 billion in deposit returns.

    In addition, Ishaq Dar indicated that it will provide $3.3 billion in commercial loans and $1.45 billion in additional financing.

    Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is expected to contribute an extra $4.2 billion in aid, including $3 billion in new reserves and a delayed payment oil facility, according to the Finance Minister. He declared that the Kingdom would construct a petrochemical facility in Gwadar.

    Furthermore, the Minister stated that both countries have guaranteed Pakistan’s Prime Minister (PM), Shehbaz Sharif, of their support and will continue to do so till June 2023.

    Furthermore, China has promised that construction on CPEC’s key railway projects, Main Line 1 (ML-1) and Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), will begin shortly.

  • T20 World Cup: Defending champions Australia knocked out; England through

    T20 World Cup: Defending champions Australia knocked out; England through

    England has qualified for the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals in spectacular fashion on Saturday, defeating Sri Lanka and knocking arch-rivals Australia out of the tournament.
    England jotted up a four wickets victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super 12 match, chasing down the Lankan total with four wickets and two balls to spare.
    Sri Lanka’s 141-run total is the lowest total by any team batting first at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

    England’s win has sent defending champion Australia out of the tournament. Australia needed a Sri Lanka win or a washout to progress.

    The first semi final will be played on Wednesday and the second semi final will be played on Thursday. The final semi-final spots will be decided on Sunday as South Africa face the Netherlands followed by Pakistan versus Bangladesh.
    The final will be played on November 13.