News Editor at Pakistan Today
Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged urgent de-escalation with Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan as US-Israel-Iran tensions escalate. The leaders agreed to stay in close contact amid regional attacks.
Balochistan orders markets to close by 8pm and restaurants/wedding halls by 10pm, while KP sets 9pm/8pm market closures and 10pm for eateries. Exemptions cover essential services; traders in Quetta oppose the move.
PM Shehbaz Sharif urges provinces to release committed fuel subsidy funds for motorcyclists and transport operators. Balochistan has paid its share, with transparent digital-wallet disbursement and Rs200b pooled for three-month relief.
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz’s free public transport initiative draws praise as Minister Bilal Akbar Khan inspects metro bus services and orders fixes. The move aims to relieve citizens from rising fuel prices.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa launches the Ehsaas Fuel Support Program, offering Rs2,000 to eligible motorcycle and scooter owners. Registration opens via the Dastak App to ease fuel costs for low-income commuters.
PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari extend Easter greetings, praising Pakistan’s Christian community’s contributions and highlighting hope, renewal and unity as churches hold midnight prayers.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate calls with Bahrain, Egypt and Iran to urge de-escalation and dialogue in the Gulf and Middle East, highlighting multilateral efforts and Pakistan’s mediation role.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says subsidies for public transport buses, wagons and freight trucks have started via digital wallets, aiming for fast, transparent relief amid the fuel crisis.
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz announced Rs150/litre diesel subsidy for wheat growers up to 25 acres, plus bike registration fee abolition and Rs2,000 monthly support with petrol subsidy. Applications open via helpline 1000 and official portals.
Punjab Police has issued a province-wide high alert for Easter, deploying 20,000 officers, including 3,000 in Lahore, with Safe Cities camera monitoring and intensified patrols. In Rahim Yar Khan, dacoit Gora Umrani surrendered in a joint Punjab-Sindh operation.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office dismissed “baseless” reports citing fake official sources about its mediation role amid Middle East escalation. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi urged media due diligence as Iran and Pakistan clarified talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced an immediate Rs80 per litre reduction in petrol levy, bringing end-consumer prices to Rs378, a day after a 43% petrol and 55% diesel hike amid global oil shocks.
