NATIONALSpeakers at an Islamabad energy seminar said Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions have exposed Pakistan’s vulnerability to external shocks. They called for targeted subsidies, transparent policymaking and faster investment in local and renewable energy.
BusinessThe Petroleum Division has proposed cutting the petroleum levy target to Rs1 trillion and reducing the levy on petrol and diesel to Rs50 per litre in the next budget. It has also sought tax relief, gas subsidies and budgetary support for unresolved oil and gas sector issues.
BusinessPakistan’s power generation fell 9.6% year-on-year in April 2026 to 9,499 GWh, according to an Arif Habib Limited report based on Nepra data. RLNG and hydel output declined sharply, while greater use of furnace oil and imported coal pushed up generation costs.
CITYRoadside cattle trading in Hyderabad has intensified ahead of Eidul Azha as delays in setting up official markets push sellers onto major roads. The situation has led to traffic congestion and worsening sanitation in several areas.
CITYThe Sindh government has approved a heavy vehicle terminal on Karachi’s Northern Bypass and a dedicated cargo corridor from the port. The SMTA board also cleared EV taxis, 50 double-decker buses, 500 EV buses and more pink scooters.
CITYVideos circulating online have triggered complaints that a police motorcycle squad in Karachi was taking money from citizens during roadside checking. DSP Garden Mohsin Raza said no formal complaint had yet been received.
BusinessSmuggled Iranian petroleum products are again entering Pakistan in larger volumes, according to a report, prompting concern among local refineries. The inflow comes as higher global oil prices and the Strait of Hormuz disruption increase pressure on Pakistan’s energy sector.
BusinessGold prices in Pakistan fell sharply on Wednesday, with the per tola rate dropping Rs6,800 to Rs470,362. The decline came despite a rebound in international bullion prices, as the local market tracked earlier global weakness.
NATIONALAIIB Vice President Konstantin Limitovskiy met Pakistani ministers to discuss motorway schemes and energy-sector cooperation, according to an official statement. The bank also showed interest in a potential $100-150 million investment pipeline in the power sector.
PoliticsPML-N AJK president Shah Ghulam Qadir has accused the ruling PPP of trying to delay elections through the Joint Awami Action Committee. He urged the AJK Election Commission to announce the poll schedule before May 25.
NATIONALThe Islamabad High Court declined immediate relief to around 30 appellants claiming to be sub-lessees in the One Constitution Avenue project. The bench directed the CDA to submit a written response by May 25.
CITYA polio team was allegedly threatened during a vaccination campaign in Rawalpindi’s Naseerabad area, prompting police to register a case. In a separate incident, police said an injured suspect was arrested after an alleged encounter in New Town.
