REUTERSThe Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has raised gas prices up to 45 percent in order to meet the revenue shortfall of gas utilities. The oil and gas regulator has allowed Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) to increase prices by up to 45 percent. The gas utility had demanded a 198 percent increase in gas prices. It also allowed Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to increase gas prices by 44 percent in order to meet revenue shortfall for the year 2022-23. SSGC will recover also Rs285 billion from gas consumers through revised gas prices.

Both the myths were palpably shattered on May 25 and 26. But the fiasco of the much-touted Haqiqi Azadi March has certainly exhorted Imran Khan to re-evaluate the capabilities and commitment of his core team. With the exception of Dr. Yasmin Rashid, very few leaders of the core team of Imran Khan were seen physically leading the crowds. These PTI supporters have suddenly realized the bitter difference between the social media politics on the mobile phones and the tough realities of street politics. Realpolitik has its own perils and pitfalls, and every political party passes through evolutionary phases while facing intense adversities to become a mature political force.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan addressing a jalsa in Buner, on June 3, 2022. — Screengrab via YouTube/HumNewsLiveBUNER: PTI Chairman Imran Khan Friday took the government to task for the back-to-back increase in the price of electricity and petroleum products, saying it has "dropped an atom bomb of inflation on the nation". The PTI chairman said his government increased electricity per unit by Rs6 and the present government has hiked it by Rs10 in just two months. They take dictation from abroad and take all the decisions in line with foreign directives," the PTI chairman added. All of their properties are in foreign countries," the PTI chairman said, claiming that Zardari had sought the United States' help against the Pakistan Army.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that his predecessor Imran Khan had “set a trap” for his government by decreasing the prices of petroleum products after assessing that the no-confidence vote against him was going to succeed. "Last night, the government increased the prices of petroleum products with a heavy heart," Shehbaz said while addressing a ceremony regarding the inauguration of Gwadar East Bay Expressway. "They never provided subsidies on wheat and sugar, prices of which affect poor people the most," he added. Shehbaz also regretted that the people of Gwadar could not be provided sufficient drinkable water yet. PM Shehbaz also announced including 0.5 million families from Balochistan in Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and added that all poor families from Gwadar will be covered under it.

ISLAMABAD – Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday said the government welcomed the ceasefire extended by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) under the ongoing negotiation, which was opened in October, 2021. “The negotiation is being held at the government level. She said the talks with the TTP, which were being held within the constitutional domain, would be concluded with the government’s approval. “Whatever the decision will be taken by the negotiating committee in this regard, it will be taken in line with the Constitution and approval of the Parliament and the government,” she added. Marriyum said the talks would proceed with the consensus of both parties.

Abu Dhabi police shared several videos and published them on social media. One video is of people who are driving recklessly and being immoral, such as eating and putting on makeup while behind the wheel. A video of a motorist who threw an item on the ground and drove off quickly was shown. The Abu Dhabi police and the Monitoring and Control Center made these videos available. Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate are calling on drivers to follow traffic rules, warn their passengers and uphold the law.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Friday the government welcomed the ceasefire extended by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) under the ongoing negotiation, which was opened in October, 2021. She said the talks with the TTP, which were being held within the constitutional domain, would be concluded with the government’s approval. Marriyum Aurangzeb said the decision of price hike of petroleum products was taken beyond of politics, adding that the government will also announce an austerity drive very soon. She said common people are under burden of price hike due to imprudent decisions of previous government. Responding to a question, she said government is taking steps to bring Charter of Democracy to draw some red lines for upcoming governments.

On Thursday, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced a ceasefire for an indefinite period after the Pakistani tribal jirga visited Kabul and held talks with its leadership. She said that civil and military representatives are part of the Pakistani side holding talks with the TTP. She said the government welcomed the ceasefire announced by the TTP. In return for the ceasefire, Pakistan reportedly released certain TTP prisoners and even pardoned some who were convicted in terror cases. There were questions asked about whether the Pakistani team holding talks with the TTP had the mandate to discuss matters that involve constitutional amendments.

Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) Chairman Amer Hashmi has said that work has started on establishing five technology zones in different cities including Islamabad, Lahore and Haripur to facilitate information technology companies. STZA has proposed additional tax exemptions in the upcoming budget for the companies to be established in these tech zones. Under the STZA Act, the companies operating in the tech zones are offered 10-year tax exemption, 10-year tax rebate, a relaxed foreign exchange policy and other benefits. The technology companies will be provided one-window facility in these zones, and the STZA is striving for provincial tax exemptions as well for the tech zones in the respective provincial jurisdictions. STZA officials, while highlighting their achievements, mentioned that Samsung had launched mobile phones in Pakistan, enabling the country to save millions of dollars.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik addressing a press conference in Islamabad. But, it violated sovereign commitment with the international financial institutions,” he said. He said the required measures had been taken to advance negotiations with international financial institutions including the IMF. “It [increase in fuel prices] was an extremely difficult decision taken after thorough review. If this step was not taken, the national economy would have collapsed,” he added.

Shanley ensured the result from last year, a win in their favor, stayed the same with a 1-0 win over the Demons that wasn't decided until penalty kicks got involved. Before the penalty kicks, both teams played a hard-fought regulation 80 minutes, plus two 10-minute overtime halves. Entering the game, Bismarck coach Michelle Brown knew scoring on the Deacons would be a challenge. [...] My defense and goalie stepped up huge this game, but (Bismarck) has athletes and they definitely belonged here." "In the second half, we were more aware of their goal kicks and played safer while making sure we could still counter."

On June 5, at a nationwide referendum, our citizens will vote on the proposed amendments to the Constitution. That is why, in my Address to the Nation in March, I presented a large-scale programme of political modernisation. For the first time in the history of our country, amendments to the Constitution will be made through a nationwide referendum. In the past month there was an active discussion and explanation of the draft of the constitutional amendments in the country. I am confident that the nationwide expression of will on the constitutional amendments will lay a solid foundation for a New and Fair Kazakhstan.

In an exclusive interview with TRT’s Head of Urdu service Dr. Furqan Hameed in Ankara, the prime minister said Pakistan and Turkey were one nation, living in two countries. He expressed confidence that the trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Turkey would strengthen through joint collaboration and commitment. He recalled how the relations between Pakistan and Turkey grew while he was the Chief Minister of Punjab. The prime minister said his government would remove hurdles in collaboration with Turkey in diverse fields for the mutual development of both countries. The entire Pakistani nation loves President Erdogan,” he said.

FAO delegation calls on Chief SecretaryQUETTA – A delegation of United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)led by Country Representative Ms. Rolle Florence called on Chief Secretary Balochistan Abdul Aziz Uqaili here on Thursday. FAO Green Fund Unit’s Ms Nadine Valat, Dan Gustafson, International Project Coordinator Waleed Mehdi, Secretary Forest and Local Government Dostain Khan Jamaldeni were present on the occasion. The delegation briefed the Chief Secretary Balochistan about the FAO’s promotion of water, agriculture and livestock and other projects saying that that the FAO has been working in different parts of Balochistan for many years. Talking to the delegation, the Chief Secretary appreciated the cooperation of FAO on agriculture, irrigation, drinking water and other projects in Balochistan and thanked them for providing assistance in agriculture, irrigation and other sectors of the province. He said that Balochistan was facing water scarcity and the provincial government was taking steps in this regard within the limits of its resources.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Corey Kluber excelled again at Globe Life Field, pitching six solid innings as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Texas Rangers 3-1 on Thursday. In his previous appearance at the ballpark, Kluber threw a no-hitter at Texas on May 19, 2021, while with the New York Yankees. "Those first ones at the big league level you wonder how it's going to go," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. The lone run off Kluber (2-2) was a two-out, first-pitch home run by Marcus Semien that was pulled down the left-field line in the sixth. Rangers: RHP Dane Dunning (1-3, 4.31) is 0-2 in his last five starts and will face Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (5-2, 2.29) as Texas continues a seven-game homestand on Friday night.