Govt slashes petrol price by Rs4 per litre

The government on Friday once again reduced the price of petrol, cutting it by Rs4 per litre while leaving the rate of high-speed diesel unchanged for the next fortnight. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Energy's Petroleum Division, the price of motor spirit (petrol) has been reduced by Rs4 per litre, while the price of high-speed diesel has been retained at Rs380.78 per litre. Following the reduction, petrol will now be available at Rs377.78 per litre. Read: Govt slashes petrol, HSD by Rs22 in 'Eid gift' for people This marks the fourth consecutive reduction in fuel prices in as many weeks. Last week, the government reduced the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs22 per litre, describing the move as an “Eid gift” for the public. The latest reductions come months after a sharp surge in petroleum prices triggered by regional tensions. The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in February, after which Tehran retaliated with strikes and closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil supplies and pushing up international oil prices. As global oil prices surged, the government raised domestic fuel prices by more than 50pc. Petroleum product rates were increased twice during the first week of March, with the government stating that the hikes exceeded the increase in international market prices. The sharpest increase, however, was witnessed in April. In April, the government raised the petrol price by Rs137 per litre, taking it to a record Rs458.4 per litre. Days later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced an Rs80 per litre reduction in the petroleum levy on petrol, bringing its price down to Rs378 per litre. Last month, the government again increased the prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs26.77 per litre despite no corresponding increase in international rates, after imposing an additional levy of nearly Rs27 per litre on fuel. A week later, petroleum product prices were increased once again, pushing rates close to Rs400 per litre. Subsequently, the Petroleum Division issued another notification earlier this month, raising prices by nearly Rs15 per litre. Since then, however, the government has reduced petrol prices in successive revisions, saying the cuts were aimed at providing relief to the public and easing their financial burden.

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4.9 magnitude quake rattles Punjab, no damage reported

Strong earthquake tremors were felt in Lahore and several districts of Punjab on Friday after a 4.9 magnitude quake struck the region. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake measured 4.9 on the Richter scale with its epicentre located in India, 37 kilometres from Kyelang. The tremors were felt in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and several other cities across Punjab, triggering concern as residents rushed out of homes and gathered in open areas. A spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said no loss of life or property was reported in Punjab, adding that tremors were felt in Lahore and other districts. The spokesperson added that the epicentre was located in the Kashmir region, while the depth of the quake was recorded at 18 kilometres. Reports from across the border said strong tremors were also felt in India’s Chandigarh, Indian-occupied Kashmir, and several other cities in the region. Tremors were reported in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Noida, Ludhiana, Poonch, Srinagar, Udhampur and Dehradun, among other areas. Residents of high-rise buildings in Chandigarh’s sectors and adjoining areas of Mohali reported shaking lasting several seconds, with light fixtures swaying and household items rattling. People reportedly rushed out of buildings in panic. No casualties or structural damage were reported from Chandigarh, Mohali or Panchkula, while emergency services were placed on alert and authorities kept a close watch on the situation.

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Two sons of tribal elder gunned down in K-P's South Wazirsitan

Two sons of a well-known tribal elder were killed, and a passerby was injured when unidentified armed men opened fire on a motorcycle in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Lower South Waziristan on Friday. The deceased were identified as Naveed Wazir and Moinuddin Wazir, sons of Malik Jamil Wazir. According to police, the brothers were on their way from their home to the market when they were ambushed by the attackers, who fired indiscriminately before fleeing the scene. Wana Deputy Superintendent of Police Asghar Ali Shah confirmed that both victims died on the spot. The injured passerby, along with the bodies, was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana for treatment. Read: Constable killed by gunmen near his home in Lakki Marwat A case was registered at the City Police Station Wana and an investigation was launched. Police initiated a search operation to apprehend the attackers. Police sources noted that Malik and his family had been the targets of multiple attacks in the past. On September 9 last year, a remote-controlled bomb explosion near Kari Kot Bazaar killed one of his sons and injured Malik along with three others. Local tribal elders and community leaders strongly condemned the incident and urged the government and security forces to take immediate and effective measures to curb the rising wave of violence in the region and restore lasting peace. The region has witnessed a surge in targeted killings, bomb blasts, kidnappings for ransom, and attacks on security forces over the past 18 months, raising serious concerns among residents.

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Urbanisation driving rising temperatures'

Rapid urbanisation, shrinking green spaces and expanding concrete infrastructure have increased temperatures in Lahore over the past 25 years, according to an analysis by WWF-Pakistan based on satellite data, raising concerns about public health, energy demand and climate resilience. The study, which examined nighttime land surface temperature data from a NASA satellite between 2001 and 2025, found that built-up areas in the city have warmed considerably faster than vegetated zones. According to the findings, vegetated areas, including parks, agricultural land and green corridors, recorded a temperature increase of 2.16 degrees Celsius over the study period. In contrast, non-vegetated and built-up areas experienced a rise of 3.07 degrees, nearly 42 per cent faster than green spaces during the period. The report noted that the temperature gap between green and built-up surfaces widened from 0.25°C in 2001 to 1.16°C last year, highlighting the growing impact of the urban heat island effect across the city. The WWF-Pakistan said the phenomenon is particularly evident at night, when concrete and asphalt surfaces continue releasing heat accumulated during the day, preventing temperatures from dropping and reducing relief for residents. The analysis identified May as Lahore's most hazardous month due to extreme pre-monsoon heat. In the city's most urbanised areas, temperatures have been increasing by approximately 0.2°C annually during May, amounting to nearly 5°C of additional nighttime heat over 25 years. The study revealed that Lahore's climate has undergone a marked shift since the early 2000s. While summer temperatures previously peaked around 42–43°C, recent years have seen more frequent and intense heatwaves. The warming trend accelerated from an average increase of about 0.2°C per year during the first 15 years of the study period to nearly 0.3°C annually over the last decade. The urban heat island effect has also intensified, with densely built-up parts of Lahore now recording temperatures eight to 10 degrees Celsius higher than surrounding rural areas during summer afternoons. June has emerged as a particularly critical month. According to the report, maximum temperatures that generally ranged between 44°C and 45°C in the early 2000s have consistently exceeded 48°C in recent years. The city recorded an unprecedented temperature of 50.1°C in June 2022. Nighttime temperatures have also risen sharply, with minimum temperatures increasing from 28–29°C to 34–35°C over the period. The number of days each June with temperatures reaching or exceeding 45°C has climbed from three to four annually in the early 2000s to more than 12 in recent years. The report warned that prolonged periods of extreme heat, combined with warmer nights, pose serious health risks, particularly for outdoor workers, elderly people, children and low-income households without access to cooling systems. It added that rising temperatures are increasing electricity demand for cooling, placing additional pressure on power infrastructure while contributing to heat generation in urban areas. The WWF-Pakistan stressed that urban greening measures, including tree plantation, green roofs, public parks, roadside vegetation and the protection of peri-urban agricultural land, remain among the most cost-effective climate adaptation strategies available.

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Four policemen abducted in Gwadar near Pak-Iran border

Armed assailants abducted four police officers in the coastal town of Gwadar, located near the Pakistan-Iran maritime border, police confirmed on Thursday. The kidnapped personnel have been identified as Niaz Ahmed, Shoaib, Ehsan and Sajid Ali. According to initial reports, the officers had intercepted a vehicle carrying Afghan nationals who were attempting to enter Pakistan illegally the previous day. The suspects were travelling in a Zambad (a type of vehicle commonly used for smuggling). Police officials said the officers on duty immediately informed the in-charge of the Kantani post, ASI Musaddaq Ali, about the situation. The ASI instructed them to transport the detained individuals to the police station. However, soon afterwards, all communication with the four policemen was lost. Authorities believe the officers were taken hostage by armed men. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to recover the missing personnel. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction so far. Further investigation is under way.  

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Elderly man kills wife for refusing ‘marital relation’ in Karachi's Orangi Town

In a bizarre but shocking uxoricide incident, an elderly man walked into a police station on Thursday and surrendered after allegedly murdering his wife over her refusal to have marital relations with him. According to Sub-Inspector Chandio of the Pakistan Bazaar police station, 64-year-old Ali Akbar arrived at the station in the morning and told officers that he had committed a murder. Initially, police suspected that the man might be mentally unstable, but later verified his claim. The suspect informed police that he had killed his 58-year-old wife, Asma, by striking her with an iron rod. Acting on the information, police reached his residence in Sector 11½ of Orangi Town, where they recovered the blood-soaked body of the woman. Also Read: Karachi police arrest alleged suspect of newly married couple's honour killing Police said the accused also handed over the iron rod allegedly used in the murder. During initial interrogation, Akbar allegedly told police that he had sought to have marital relations with his wife on Wednesday night, but she refused. The disagreement escalated into a heated argument and physical altercation, during which he struck her on the head with the rod, resulting in her death at the scene. Police revealed that the suspect is a retired serviceman who claimed that he had previously served in East Pakistan. The couple had two sons and two daughters. The daughters are married and reside separately, while the sons were at work at the time of the incident. The deceased and the accused were alone in the house when the incident occurred. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. Police are also recording statements from the victim’s family members and neighbours.

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'True and special relationship': PM Shehbaz lauds 8 decades of Pak-US ties on America's 250th anniversary

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday lauded longstanding Pakistan-United States ties spanning over eight decades, describing them as a “true and special relationship”, at an occasion marking the latter's 250th anniversary of independence. The event was held at the US Embassy in Islamabad. Addressing the ceremony, which was also attended by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, the prime minister congratulated the US people and leadership on the 250th anniversary and lauded the Pakistan-US partnership spanning over eight decades. Read: Trump says US to remove Iran's high-level enriched uranium in ‘near future’ He said that as Pakistan marked two and a half centuries of the US, it was also time to celebrate the longstanding partnership between them. “Ours is a true and special relationship spanning nearly eight decades,” he said, adding that it encompassed not only security and counterterrorism cooperation, but also trade, investment, agriculture, science, education, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses at a ceremony celebrating 250th Independence anniversary of the United States of America (4 June, 2026). pic.twitter.com/BjcGU3oT9V — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 4, 2026 “The US was among the first nations to recognise Pakistan upon independence when Harry Truman wrote a congratulatory letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, welcoming Pakistan into the community of nations,” he said, while also praising US support for Pakistan’s Green Revolution and in the fields of development and education. The prime minister said the story of the US was one of hope and optimism, rooted in enduring beliefs that could shape a better tomorrow through hard work and perseverance today. “Today, under the bold and visionary leadership of President Trump, the US continues to inspire confidence and optimism while advancing peace, progress, and prosperity,” he said. “We are all here to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America and on behalf of the people of Pakistan and my government, I extend our warmest felicitations to President Donald Trump, the US administration and the American people on this… pic.twitter.com/9M9F7mL4Mz — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2026 The prime minister commended the US corporate sector for continued investment in Pakistan, noting that around 80 major US companies were operating in the country. He said Pakistan was poised to expand its IT exports, supported by one of the largest freelance workforces in the world, adding that the US remained a key destination in this regard. Referring to the long-standing partnership between the two countries, he said Pakistan and the United States had worked closely during some of the most consequential moments in history, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s and the post-9/11 period from 2001 to 2021. He once again praised President Trump for his role in securing a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following what he described as India’s unprovoked actions last year after the Pahalgam incident. “We fondly remember American support in advancing our Green Revolution through UC Davis, in the construction of the Tarbela Dam, in building centers of excellence like LUMS at Lahore and in financing critical infrastructure around the country that continue to serve the Pakistani… pic.twitter.com/YMQLDz96KJ — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2026 “It is President Trump's timely and most decisive interventions that resulted in a ceasefire between Pakistan and India on May 10,” he said, adding that Pakistan would remain forever grateful for his role in restoring peace in South Asia and saving millions of lives. “In this context, he will always be remembered as the man of peace,” he added. Referring to Pakistan’s mediation efforts regarding Iran and the US, he said Pakistan was “proudly but humbly playing a sincere role” as a facilitator between the two countries. “We are grateful for the trust reposed in Pakistan by both these countries,” he added. “Natalie Baker, you have been an excellent representative of the United States in Pakistan. Through your energetic, passionate and sincere engagement, you have helped bring our two countries even closer together. I also wish to commend the dedicated team at the U.S. Embassy and… pic.twitter.com/4NePoMVqHq — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2026 He also praised Field Marshal Asim Munir for advancing Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability, saying these efforts continued with the support of Iran and the US, and prayed for lasting peace. Concluding his remarks, the prime minister lauded Baker, calling her an excellent representative of the US in Pakistan, saying her “energetic engagement and active diplomacy” had helped bring the two countries closer. Pakistan-US ties entering new chapter: Baker Earlier, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for attending the ceremony, describing the Pakistan-United States partnership as stronger than ever and rooted in friendship and shared interests. Addressing guests at the event marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, Baker said the occasion came at a significant moment in the history of bilateral relations. “Tonight, standing here in Islamabad, I feel the weight and the wonder of that moment. And I feel something more: profound gratitude – for the United States, for Pakistan, for our people, and for a partnership that gives those ideals new meaning, and new life, in the twenty-first century,” she said. She said that over the past two years, under the leadership of President Trump and PM Shehbaz, the United States and Pakistan had embraced one another as strategic partners based on mutual respect, aligned interests and a shared vision for security and prosperity. Baker said President Trump’s engagement with Pakistan had been “direct, personal, and consequential”, adding that his administration viewed ties with Islamabad through the lens of results and cooperation. https://t.co/v5esTJWbUx — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) June 4, 2026 Referring to the May 2025 ceasefire between Pakistan and India, she said the US President had credited PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir for helping secure the truce. “President Trump credited Prime Minister Sharif's and Field Marshal Munir's leadership with securing the May 2025 ceasefire, calling it a major contribution to preventing war between nuclear-armed neighbours. The statesmanship of Pakistan's leaders – your willingness to de-escalate and stabilise a dangerous confrontation – is not forgotten in Washington. It is admired. And it opened a new chapter,” she said. The US envoy said bilateral relations deepened further when President Trump hosted the prime minister and Field Marshal Munir at the White House, describing it as evidence of the trust and personal ties between the two governments. U.S. Marks 250th Independence Day in Islamabad; Envoy Hails "Strongest Ever" Pakistan-U.S. Partnership Islamabad, June 4, 2026 The United States Embassy in Islamabad hosted its largest-ever Independence Day reception Wednesday evening, marking America's 250th anniversary with… pic.twitter.com/meQUUhi40A — Voice of Germany (@NewsVOG) June 4, 2026 “I have been honoured to witness and to support this transformation,” she added, describing Pakistan as an extraordinary host. Baker said both President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio highly valued the partnership with Pakistan, adding that Washington viewed a strong Pakistan as being in America's interest. She also highlighted the role of the US diplomatic mission in Pakistan, saying embassy and consular staff had worked extensively over the past year on visas, trade and investment, security cooperation, support for US citizens and high-level diplomatic engagements. Turning to regional diplomacy, Baker said Islamabad had hosted high-level talks between the United States and Iran in April, describing them as the most senior contacts between the two countries since 1979. “Pakistan – by having good ties with both Tehran and Washington, and by playing no part in the conflict – was uniquely positioned to bring two adversaries together. Even many Pakistanis said it felt surreal. It was Pakistan's moment, and Pakistan rose to it,” she said. She praised Pakistan's role during the negotiations and commended Pakistani authorities for their professionalism and cooperation. “The professionalism and quiet determination of our Pakistani partners during those days was nothing short of extraordinary. I am proud to have served alongside you,” she said. “Pakistan-US relations are stronger than ever and represent the very best of partnership,” says Natalie Baker, US Chargé d’Affaires, at a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of US independence at the US Embassy. She said the two countries, under President Trump and Prime… pic.twitter.com/JhqEJHsVf0 — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 4, 2026 Discussing sports diplomacy, she highlighted the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and noted Pakistan's contribution to the event through the manufacture of footballs. “Pakistan is at the heart of it: this country manufactures world-class footballs that will be used on pitches from New York to Los Angeles, from Toronto to Mexico City,” she said. She added that President Trump regarded both PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir among Washington's most trusted partners regionally and globally. Concluding her remarks, Baker thanked the people of Pakistan for their hospitality and described the relationship between the two countries as one built on trust, results and shared interests. US-Pakistan ties Relations between the United States and Pakistan have seen a sudden shift after nearly a decade of ties since President Trump assumed office for a second term. Relations between the two countries hit rock bottom in 2011 after the US raid in Abbottabad that killed Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. They improved somewhat in 2020, when the US acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Doha Agreement with the Afghan Taliban. However, with President Joe Biden's arrival in 2021, ties entered a diplomatic freeze once again. They were relegated to the sidelines for much of his term as the Biden administration leaned on India to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Relations between the two countries have reached a new high under President Trump’s second term. In March 2025 — weeks after Trump’s second inauguration — Pakistan arrested and extradited to the US an Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) operative, Mohammad Sharifullah, who was accused of helping plan the 2021 suicide bombing outside Kabul airport that killed 13 American soldiers. That prompted Trump to praise Pakistan at the start of his second term. “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” Trump said in his first address to Congress during his second term. Diplomatic engagement between the United States and Pakistan reached new heights after Trump helped broker a ceasefire between Pakistan and India during their brief war. Since then, leaders from both countries have exchanged cordial gestures and praised each other’s leadership on international platforms. PM Shehbaz even nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his mediation efforts. Trump, in turn, has frequently praised PM Shehbaz and Pakistan’s military leadership, notably describing CDF Munir as his “favourite field marshal”. Building on this positive momentum, Islamabad now seeks to translate the goodwill into tangible economic benefits by pursuing a more favourable trade agreement with Washington, including tariff concessions and expanded market access for Pakistani exports. Most recently, after a war broke out between the US and Iran in February this year, Pakistan emerged on the international stage as a peace broker. Islamabad brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by critical talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from both countries on April 11 and 12. However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to bring the conflict to an end. Since then, the two sides have exchanged proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to find common ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict.

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