Category: National

  • SBP declares bank holiday on February 5, 2026 for Kashmir Solidarity Day

    SBP declares bank holiday on February 5, 2026 for Kashmir Solidarity Day

    Karachi, February 3, 2026 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday announced that February 5, 2026 (Thursday) will be observed as a bank holiday across the country on account of Kashmir Solidarity Day, in line with the federal government’s declaration.

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  • Sindh Governor Sets Aside K-Electric CEO Harassment Case Order

    Sindh Governor Sets Aside K-Electric CEO Harassment Case Order

    Karachi, February 3, 2026 – The Governor of Sindh has officially set aside the order issued by the Provincial Ombudsman against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of K-Electric Limited (KE) in a high-profile women harassment case. The disclosure was made by K-Electric in a communication to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday.

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  • Pakistan raises diesel price by Rs11.30 per liter, petrol price unchanged

    Pakistan raises diesel price by Rs11.30 per liter, petrol price unchanged

    Islamabad, January 31, 2026 — The federal government on Saturday announced an increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) while keeping petrol prices unchanged for the first fortnight of February 2026. The revised prices will come into effect from February 1, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division.

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  • Ogra increases LPG prices across Pakistan from February 1, 2026

    Ogra increases LPG prices across Pakistan from February 1, 2026

    Islamabad, January 31, 2026 — The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has announced an increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, adding further pressure on household budgets amid rising inflation.

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  • Pakistan clerics and religious authorities agree on unified Azan, prayer timings

    Pakistan clerics and religious authorities agree on unified Azan, prayer timings

    Islamabad, January 30, 2026 – In a significant move to promote religious unity, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, alongside prominent clerics, scholars from all schools of thought, and representatives from the business community, agreed on issuing a unified calendar for Azan and prayer timings.

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  • Petroleum Prices in Pakistan: What to Expect from February 1, 2026

    Petroleum Prices in Pakistan: What to Expect from February 1, 2026

    Islamabad, January 29, 2026 – Pakistan is preparing to revise petroleum prices on January 31, 2026, affecting the first fortnight of February. Amid rising international oil prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, the government is expected to make changes that could impact millions of consumers.

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  • ECC approves distribution of confiscated solar panels to Gilgit-Baltistan

    ECC approves distribution of confiscated solar panels to Gilgit-Baltistan

    Islamabad — The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Wednesday approved the distribution of confiscated solar panels to the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to help address electricity shortages and promote renewable energy solutions in the region.

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  • Sindh Extends Winter School Timings Till February 4

    Sindh Extends Winter School Timings Till February 4

    Private schools in Karachi and other parts of Sindh will continue to start classes at 9:00 am as the provincial government extends its special winter timings policy amid an ongoing cold wave.

    The decision comes as colder-than-usual weather continues to disrupt daily routines, particularly in Karachi and remote districts of Sindh.

    According to an official notification issued by the School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Sindh, the revised timings for all public and private educational institutions under its administrative control will remain in effect until February 4, 2026. The notification, issued in continuation of an earlier directive dated January 10, 2026, confirms that no changes will be made to school schedules until the mentioned date.

    Earlier, private schools in Karachi had independently recommended keeping school opening times at 9:00 am until January 31 due to the cold spell. The All Sindh Private Schools and Colleges Association (ASPSCA) had highlighted that harsh weather conditions were affecting attendance and normal life, especially in rural and colder regions of the province.

    The association’s chairman emphasized that students, particularly young children, were struggling to attend early morning classes in low temperatures. He also called for an urgent meeting of the Private Schools Steering Committee to discuss adjustments to the academic calendar if cold conditions persist. Additionally, the chairman urged the Sindh education minister to formally approve the continuation of 9:00 am school timings to ensure student safety and well-being.

    With the latest government notification, the recommendation has effectively been backed by official policy, bringing clarity for parents, students, and school administrations. Education officials stated that the move aims to minimize health risks for children while maintaining academic continuity during the winter season.

    Parents across Karachi have largely welcomed the decision, saying it allows children more rest and reduces exposure to cold early in the morning. School administrations have also expressed relief, noting that uniform timings across public and private institutions help avoid confusion.

    The Sindh government has advised schools to remain alert to weather updates and follow any further instructions issued by the education department. If weather conditions worsen, authorities may review the policy again in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

    For now, all schools in Sindh will continue following the adjusted winter timings until February 4, 2026, as officially notified by the provincial government.

  • Weekly inflation surges 4.18% YoY in Pakistan – Prices skyrocket across essentials

    Weekly inflation surges 4.18% YoY in Pakistan – Prices skyrocket across essentials

    Islamabad, January 23, 2026 – Pakistan’s weekly inflation has jumped 4.18% year-on-year, sending shockwaves across households, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

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  • Sindh government introduces new grading system for matric and intermediate exams

    Sindh government introduces new grading system for matric and intermediate exams

    Karachi, January 21, 2026 – The Sindh government has announced a major reform in the education sector by introducing a new grading system for matriculation and intermediate examinations across all provincial education boards.

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