Category: National

National news coverage from Pakistan including politics, economy, society, and major developments shaping events across the country.

  • Leghari launches crackdown on DISCO officers over unresolved consumer complaints

    Leghari launches crackdown on DISCO officers over unresolved consumer complaints

    Power minister orders disciplinary action as CCMS data reveals widespread delays in complaint resolution across distribution companies

    Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has ordered immediate disciplinary action against underperforming officers of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) following a review that revealed widespread delays in resolving consumer complaints across Pakistan.

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  • PIDE proposes Rs45,000 minimum wage for FY2026-27 under new framework

    PIDE proposes Rs45,000 minimum wage for FY2026-27 under new framework

    PIDE proposes hybrid wage-setting model linked to productivity, affordability and worker welfare

    The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) on Tuesday proposed raising the national minimum wage to Rs45,000 per month for fiscal year 2026-27 under a new evidence-based framework designed to reform wage determination and strengthen labour market governance.

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  • Petroleum levy and high prices drive 23% drop in Pakistan fuel sales

    Petroleum levy and high prices drive 23% drop in Pakistan fuel sales

    Higher fuel prices and petroleum levy push transport and industrial demand lower, though full-year sales remain slightly positive

    Petroleum product sales in Pakistan declined 23% year-on-year in May 2026, reflecting the impact of higher fuel prices and reduced consumption across key economic sectors, industry data showed.

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  • Pakistan approves Track and Trace System for medicines to curb counterfeit drugs

    Pakistan approves Track and Trace System for medicines to curb counterfeit drugs

    Cabinet clears nationwide medicine tracking system to enhance patient safety and eliminate counterfeit drugs from the supply chain

    In a major reform for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, the federal cabinet has approved the nationwide rollout of a Track and Trace System for pharmaceutical products, introducing a digital mechanism designed to monitor medicines throughout the supply chain and curb the sale of counterfeit drugs.

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  • Inflation climbs to 11.7% in May 2026, PBS reports

    Inflation climbs to 11.7% in May 2026, PBS reports

    CPI rises from 10.9% in April as food, energy and transport costs keep pressure on households

    Pakistan’s headline inflation rose to 11.7% in May 2026, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday, reflecting persistent price pressures across food, energy and transport segments.

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  • Government hikes petroleum levy on diesel, trims consumer relief

    Government hikes petroleum levy on diesel, trims consumer relief

    Higher diesel levy absorbs part of global oil price decline as government prioritizes revenue collection ahead of budget

    The government has retained a substantial share of the benefit from lower international oil prices by raising the petroleum levy on high-speed diesel (HSD), limiting the relief passed on to consumers despite a sharp decline in global fuel costs.

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  • Leghari Dismisses Subsidy Withdrawal Claims for Power Consumers in Pakistan

    Leghari Dismisses Subsidy Withdrawal Claims for Power Consumers in Pakistan

    Federal Minister for Energy Owais Leghari has firmly rejected reports claiming that the government plans to end electricity subsidies for protected consumers, describing such claims as misleading and contrary to facts.

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  • Pakistan Slashes Petrol, Diesel Prices by Rs22 Per Litre as Global Oil Market Cools

    Pakistan Slashes Petrol, Diesel Prices by Rs22 Per Litre as Global Oil Market Cools

    In a significant relief for the public, the federal government on Friday announced a sharp reduction in petroleum prices, cutting both petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) rates by Rs22 per litre across the country.

    With the latest revision, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs381.78 per litre, while high-speed diesel will now be available at Rs380.78 per litre.

    The price cut is expected to provide immediate relief to consumers and ease pressure on transport and logistics costs nationwide.

    According to officials, the decision has been taken in light of the continued decline in global crude oil prices, allowing the government to pass on the benefit to local consumers.

    The move comes as international energy markets show a downward trend, creating space for adjustments in domestic fuel rates.

    This is the second reduction in fuel prices within a short span of time. Earlier, petrol prices were reduced by Rs6 per litre, while diesel saw a cut of Rs6.80 per litre.

    The latest and much larger reduction is expected to have a broader impact on inflation, particularly in transport-dependent sectors.

    High-speed diesel plays a key role in Pakistan’s economy, as it is widely used in freight transport, agriculture machinery, buses, and trucks.

    Experts believe the price cut could help reduce supply chain costs, which may eventually reflect in the prices of essential commodities if savings are passed on to consumers.

    The government has reiterated that providing relief to the public remains a key priority despite challenging economic conditions.

    It has also maintained that support measures for transport operators, motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers, and small businesses will continue as part of its broader economic relief strategy.

    On the global front, crude oil prices continued to slide on Friday. Brent crude fell nearly 2% to around $91 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped to about $87 per barrel.

    Market analysts note that easing geopolitical concerns and expectations of stable supply have contributed to the recent decline in oil prices.

    If this trend continues, further adjustments in domestic fuel prices may be seen in upcoming reviews, offering additional relief to consumers and businesses.

  • PM Shehbaz urges nation to support underprivileged on Eid ul Adha

    PM Shehbaz urges nation to support underprivileged on Eid ul Adha

    Prime minister calls for compassion, sacrifice and solidarity with vulnerable communities during Eid celebrations

    Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged the nation to remember the underprivileged, needy and vulnerable segments of society during Eid al-Adha, saying the religious occasion calls for compassion, sacrifice and collective responsibility.

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  • Sindh CM Murad launches province-wide campaign to eliminate rabies deaths

    Sindh CM Murad launches province-wide campaign to eliminate rabies deaths

    Sindh government expands vaccination, treatment and stray dog control measures after surge in dog-bite cases

    Syed Murad Ali Shah has launched a province-wide rabies prevention campaign, announcing a comprehensive strategy to eliminate preventable rabies deaths through mass awareness, expanded treatment facilities, vaccination coverage and stray dog population management.

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