ISLAMABAD: The new government under the leadership of Shahbaz Sharif is likely to maintain the current price of petrol for the next 15 days. Currently, the government is charging Rs 60 per litre of petrol in the name of the Petroleum Development Levy. However, the price of diesel may decrease by 82 paise to Rs 286.51 to 286.51 per litre. The PMI on petrol is seen at 12.15 dollars per barrel and on high-speed diesel at 6.5 rupees per barrel. However, the price of petrol at the refinery gate may increase from Rs 196.23 to Rs 197.3 per litre.

Tell us what that means to you and sports in Saudi Arabia? Al-Husseini: The significant participation in the 2024 Riyadh Marathon is a testament to the growing importance of sports in Saudi Arabia. Also, the increased participation showcases Saudi Arabia as an emerging sporting nation on the global stage, contributing to the country’s reputation and profile in the international sports arena. Are we seeing more people from outside Saudi Arabia taking part in the Riyadh Marathon? Women’s sports have been on the rise in Saudi Arabia in recent years.

PESHAWAR - The Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has commended the transporta­tion of fruits from Pakistan to Rus­sia via an ancient trade route. Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, Khyber Pa­khtunkhwa coordinator for PA­JCCI, expressed optimism about the shipment of citrus in 16 trucks operated by the Nation­al Logistics Cell (NLC) from Pa­kistan to Russia. He advocated for the continu­ation of such initiatives and sug­gested expanding beyond fruits to include other commodities in trade with Russia, thereby facili­tating the country’s business com­munity. Sarhadi highlighted the re­cent decline in Pak-Afghan trade due to various obstacles, includ­ing visa requirements for truck drivers and assistants transport­ing goods. He viewed the recent fruit ship­ment to Russia as evidence of the potential in the market, stress­ing the importance of streamlin­ing business procedures to attract traders.

Yes, it’s gas shortage season, making a special appearance at peak times during Ramazan for double the fun. Get a gas cylinderThese are perfectly safe when installed correctly, and an excellent backup in this current gas climate. Of course, a gas cylinder is not the only solution, because you can always use an:2. Microwave porridgeIf your gas chooses to cut out at sehri time, there is no need to panic. Cook a simple meal when you have gas such as rice and chicken and have a simple dinner for iftar.

Ayaz termed the meeting between K-P chief minister and the premier a good start and a breakthrough of sorts. Express News Bureau Chief Islamabad Amir Ilyas Rana was of the opinion that Gandapur's meeting with Shehbaz was a "conspiracy" as the K-P CM has been summoned by the ECP. The bureau chief alleged that individuals affiliated with PTI initiated a campaign in the US aimed at halting GSP Plus benefits for Pakistan. Express News Bureau Chief Karachi Faisal Husain said if the meeting between Gandapur and the prime minister is not conducted through intimidation, it is a welcom change. "The government can't bring its own finance minister, interior minister, prime minister, or foreign minister and even can't make the party chief the prime minister."

North Andover, MA (01845)TodayCloudy with occasional rain late. Low around 40F. Chance of rain 90%..TonightCloudy with occasional rain late. Low around 40F. Chance of rain 90%.

UNITED NATIONS, Mar 14 (APP): Pakistan was ranked at 161st position among 191 countries on UN’s 2022/23 Human Development Index (HDI)’s annual rankings — three steps up from the 2021/22 ranking, according to a new UN Development Programme (UNDP) report. The first UNDP Human Development Report (HDR) was prepared and launched in 1990 under the leadership of the late Dr. Mahbubul Haq, a former Pakistan finance minister. Rich countries experienced unprecedented development, the Human Development Report details, yet half of the world’s poorest nations continue to languish below their pre-COVID crisis levels. “As we prepare for the Summit, I recommend the Human Development Report as an important contribution. The UNDP Human Development Report (HDR) also identified an emerging “democracy paradox”, with most of those surveyed expressed support for democracy but also endorsing leaders who may undermine democratic principles.

We should remem­ber the simple pedagogical ‘trick’ that change is best en­couraged if we use positive encouragement and praise. The state church of Nor­way was dissolved in 2012, but still, the country remains mainly Christian, at least culturally. A debate has begun and the church lead­ers must show positive and all-inclusive attitudes, the real values of all religions. All the mentioned artists remind us that music is borderless with an inter­national language, inspiring more co­operation in music and other fields. There are many things around us that we can and should praise.

ALL DELUDS regarding the secular state of India and its equitable treatment of its citizens should be dispelled, especially in light of the BJP’s “lawfare” against Indian Muslims during its ten-year rule. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, enacted in 2019, is among the most egregious instances of utilising the law to deny rights to groups. According to the statute, “persecuted” minorities from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are to be granted Indian citizenship. By law, anyone can apply for Indian citizenship, regardless of their faith—with the exception of Muslims. Monday marks the notification of the law by the BJP-led government, more than four years after the CAA was passed.

Vijayawada: Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday called upon his party leaders to work in coordination with TD and BJP, as they are all contesting the election in alliance with the common objective of winning the elections and developing the state. On the day, Pawan Kalyan had been interacting with Jana Sena party candidates, including Kandula Durgesh from Nidadavole, Pantham Nanaji from Kakinada Rural, Bathula Bala Ramakrishna from Rajanagaram, Lokam Madhavi from Nellimarla and others at the party office in Vijayawada on Wednesday. The JS chief explained to party leaders how they must prepare for contesting the polls in a strategic manner. He laid stress on party candidates to remain in touch with party cadre at all times. Pawan Kalyan wished that 2024 polls will change the fate of Andhra Pradesh.

NEW DELHI: Sporadic protests have erupted across India against the implementation of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), sparking renewed concerns about its discriminatory impact on Muslims. Narendra Modi government faces backlash as demonstrations broke out in various states, including Assam and Tamil Nadu, just days before a general election is announced. In Assam and Tamil Nadu, demonstrators voiced their opposition to the CAA, with protests involving burning copies of the law and shouting slogans against its implementation. Opposition parties in Assam have called for a statewide strike in response to the law. The CAA grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from three Muslim-majority South Asian nations, with rights activists and Muslim groups expressing concerns about its discriminatory nature, particularly when combined with a proposed national register of citizens.

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the apex committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been called under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday. According to the details, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir will also attend the Apex Committee meeting. Apart from this, former Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Caretaker Cabinet have also been invited to the meeting. In the meeting, a detailed briefing will be given to the members related to SIFC and issues related to investment in the country will be reviewed. The meeting will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at 12:00pm in Prime Minister House in Islamabad.

Pakistan is facing an economic upheaval with an alarming 223% surge in gas tariffs within a single year, and the consequences are nothing short of a seismic. This abrupt rise in fuel costs has placed our indus­tries on the brink, endangering our foothold in the global marketplace. His plea is not an abstract one but is grounded in the dark reality of small industries facing an exponential increase in utility bills, climbing from Rs10 million to Rs30 million monthly. The 223% hike in gas tariffs has already resulted in a 30% capacity closure in textiles and apparel, with others teetering on the edge of extinction. Shaikhani decries the reduction in gas supply during Ramazan as a detrimental move that worsens challenges faced by in­dustries.

Slamming the 2024 nationwide general election once again, incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has predicted Sri Lanka-like situation in the country as the nation’s hopes were shattered by "stealing the mandate". He added that the former ruling party would continue its peaceful protests against the rigging besides approaching the Supreme Court (SC). In another development today, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also arrived at Adiala Jail to meet the party founder. He detailed that the party would take a final decision regarding candidates for the upcoming polls in Senate which he also discussed with the PTI founder in which some of them have been ‘finalised’. The PTI chairman said that they believed in dialogues but his party lawmakers were not being given opportunity to speak on the floor of the parliament.

Amidst the backdrop of controversy surrounding Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), filmmaker Vinay Sharma is gearing up to release his latest venture titled JNU: Jahangir National University. The reference to JNU, known for its history of controversies, added an extra layer of intrigue to the film's premise. On social media platform X, personalities including trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the film's poster, eliciting diverse reactions from users. Another Propaganda movie, another flop.. ignore it.. — भाई साहब (@Bhai_saheb) March 12, 2024I find it amusing how such movies come only before elections. https://t.co/MVWk8KC26L — Maqsood (@Maqsood_Scribe) March 12, 2024ContextThe controversy surrounding the movie gains added significance in light of the events at the actual JNU.