Relentless rain cripples civic services

Persistent heavy rainfall throughout the day and night brought life to a standstill across the city and its adjoining areas on Tuesday, severely disrupting traffic and routine activities. In the absence of traffic wardens, the traffic system collapsed, with ambulances stranded at major intersections. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA)'s claims of drain clearance proved hollow, as water accumulated widely. Markets remained deserted, with commercial activity effectively suspended, while daily wage labourers in wholesale markets were left without work. A total of 39mm of rainfall was recorded across the city. Continuous downpours led to leaks in Metro Bus stations and along the track, leaving motorcyclists travelling beneath exposed to the rain. Attendance in educational institutions and offices remained low due to the weather conditions. Low-lying areas were inundated, with up to one foot of water collecting in underpasses, including at Committee Chowk and Rahimabad. Ongoing work on the Kutchery Chowk overhead bridge and underpass project also came to a halt, with excavated areas filled with rainwater. The street lighting system was disrupted, while unannounced load-shedding of up to six hours during the day, coupled with suspension of gas supply from 9pm until pre-dawn, further hampered daily life and business activity. Roofs of old court buildings in the district courts also began to leak. Continuous rainfall has, however, led to rising water levels in Rawal, Simly and Khanpur dams, easing concerns over a potential summer water shortage. Several localities—including Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh, Arya Mohalla, Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Fazalabad, Chah Sultan, Shalley Valley, Peoples Colony and Millat Colony—remained waterlogged. While the weather turned pleasant, with greenery in parks and gardens refreshed, there are growing concerns that ongoing rains in the Potohar region may damage the ripened wheat crop, with harvesting already underway in some areas. The heavy rain also flushed debris through Nullah Lai and around 15 seasonal streams, providing a natural cleansing effect. However, sanitation work was disrupted, and accumulated waste in streets emitted foul odours as it mixed with rainwater. Traffic flow remained intermittently choked throughout the day as dark clouds and intense thunderstorms persisted. The spell of rain is expected to continue into Wednesday.

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Shops, markets in Islamabad begin shutting at 8pm as PM reviews austerity measures

The Islamabad administration began enforcing the federal government’s directive to close shopping centres and markets at 8pm from Tuesday as part of a nationwide austerity drive aimed at conserving energy and stabilising the economy. The move followed a decision taken a day earlier during a high-level review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The policy applied across Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where implementation began today. Under the new regulations, general stores, department stores and all types of shopping malls must close by 8pm. However, bakeries, restaurants, tandoors and other food outlets are permitted to operate until 10pm. Marriage halls, marquees and commercial venues hosting events are also required to shut by 10pm. The Sindh government, meanwhile, remains in the consultation phase regarding revised market timings and operational hours. District Administration Islamabad has issued a revised notification (partial modification) under austerity measures. All shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 8:00 PM. Restaurants, hotels, food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores and karyana stores will close at 10:00 PM… pic.twitter.com/b0AjTIXarD — DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) April 7, 2026 In a meeting today, officials briefed the prime minister on enforcement measures across the provinces and territories. The review focused on fuel conservation, energy efficiency and the broader implementation of austerity policies. Addressing participants, PM Shehbaz urged citizens to play their part in reducing fuel consumption, citing ongoing economic challenges and regional tensions. He warned that hoarding petroleum products would not be tolerated and that strict legal action would be taken against those involved. Read More: Soaring costs, fuel shortage fears drive Pakistan to electric motorbikes “Part of the country’s electricity generation depends on petroleum products,” he said, noting that early market closures were intended not only to conserve valuable foreign exchange but also to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. The meeting's members were further informed that discussions with the Sindh government on adopting the 8pm closure policy were ongoing. Officials also highlighted progress on a targeted subsidy programme. Provincial governments have begun submitting data on eligible beneficiaries, and following verification, subsidies are being distributed through a transparent digital system. The information ministry, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan, has been providing continuous subsidies to freight vehicles, buses and trucks since April 4. اسلام آباد: 7 اپریل 2026 وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت پیٹرولیم مصنوعات ، توانائی کی بچت اور کفایت شعاری کے اقدامات کے نفاذ کے حوالے سے اہم جائزہ اجلاس منعقد ہوا. اجلاس کو خطے میں موجودہ کشیدہ صورتحال کے پیش نظر معاشی استحکام کے لیے کفایت شعاری سے متعلق فیصلوں پر عمل… pic.twitter.com/M8cBbOY4ic — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 7, 2026  

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Govt defends price hikes in NA

The government on Monday defended its handling of the fuel price surge, telling the National Assembly that emergency measures, including subsidies exceeding Rs100 billion, were rolled out to shield consumers after global oil markets were jolted by the Iran crisis and disruptions to key supply routes. Delivering a policy statement on the floor of the House, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the situation took a dramatic turn following the February 28 attack on Iran, which disrupted global energy flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 25 to 30 per cent of the world's oil supply. He said crude prices, which had hovered around $70 per barrel, surged to as high as $170, while diesel prices spiked to $280 in global markets. "No one had prepared for such conditions," the minister said, adding that the government had to rapidly devise a response plan after the crisis unfolded. He said authorities opted against allowing shortages or chaos in fuel supply, noting that one option had been to freeze prices at the cost of long queues and public distress. Instead, the government absorbed the shock for two to three weeks, bearing the burden internally while ensuring uninterrupted availability. He said alternative supply routes were arranged after disruptions in Hormuz, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the deputy prime minister and the army chief engaging Gulf countries to secure supplies. Malik thanked Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman for facilitating oil deliveries through special arrangements, while also acknowledging Iran for allowing Pakistani vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite tensions. The minister said Pakistan, which relies on Hormuz for around 90 per cent of its oil imports, faced cascading challenges as LNG supplies were also affected, rendering a long-term gas agreement ineffective. He said the government convened a broad national consultation, involving the president, prime minister, chief ministers of all four provinces, the prime minister of Azad Kashmir and the caretaker chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, to formulate a unified response. "All of us collectively ensured that people were not forced into queues," he said, adding that targeted relief mechanisms were designed for all segments, from motorcyclists to farmers. Detailing relief measures, Malik said subsidies were being delivered through a transparent, technology-driven system developed by the IT Ministry, with funds already reaching millions. A Rs100 per litre subsidy for motorcyclists has been introduced for three months, while intercity transport has also been subsidised. Bus owners are being provided Rs100,000 per month, and railway fares for the general public have not been increased. He added that government-run intercity transport services had been made free in some cases. Farmers are receiving support through Kisan Cards and other digital platforms, while uninterrupted gas supply has been ensured to 10 fertiliser plants to prevent a fertiliser crisis, keeping prices below Rs4,500. The minister said a committee of ministers is reviewing oil and fertiliser availability and pricing on a daily basis, while domestic gas supplies have been managed to ensure availability during peak cooking hours. He acknowledged that while consumers were facing price pressures, the government had prioritised uninterrupted supply over shortages. However, the opposition sharply criticised the government's approach. Speaking during the debate, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan questioned the rationale behind the price increases, saying the government had raised fuel prices more sharply than regional countries. He alleged that while global prices rose by around three per cent, Pakistan increased prices by up to 20 per cent, later raising them further from 42 to 54 per cent. He also criticised the imposition of higher levies and questioned why the government had not asked oil companies to reduce profits, as done in India. Gohar said the government had first increased the petroleum levy to Rs160 per litre before reducing it to Rs80, and called for the debate to continue in the next session. He also pointed to economic hardships, citing a case of a woman allegedly dying of hunger despite allocations under the Benazir Income Support Programme. He criticised the prime minister for not attending parliament, contrasting it with the previous PTI government. Responding to the criticism, Minister Malik said the opposition's concerns were not based on full information, suggesting that details had not been conveyed properly at the provincial level. He maintained that fuel prices had increased globally by as much as 80 per cent in some cases, and that Pakistan's response had focused on cushioning the public while ensuring supply continuity.

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Gas shortage halts transport, disrupts schools

Severe difficulties have gripped students, parents and daily commuters in Peshawar and across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa after the closure of CNG stations due to acute natural gas shortage. Most school van and bus operators have decided to suspend their services because CNG is unavailable, while public transporters who have switched to petrol have sharply increased fares, adding to the financial burden on citizens. CNG filling stations remained shut for the second consecutive day in the provincial capital and other parts of the province on Sunday. In several areas, unannounced load-shedding of natural gas has further compounded the problems for domestic and commercial consumers. The closure of CNG stations has forced many vehicles to either stop operating or run on costlier petrol, resulting in a fresh hike in transport fares. School transporters are among the worst affected. Owners of Suzuki vans and buses say running vehicles on petrol is beyond their financial capacity, leaving them with no option but to park their fleets. Parents have expressed deep concern over the disruption in school transportation, fearing it will affect their children's education and daily routine. Public transport operators are also facing serious challenges. Those who have started using petrol instead of CNG have already raised fares. They warned that if CNG stations are not reopened soon, they will be forced to suspend services entirely, which could bring public movement in the city to a virtual standstill. The prolonged gas crisis has once again highlighted the fragile energy situation in the province, leaving thousands of citizens struggling with both mobility and household needs. Residents have appealed to the authorities concerned to resolve the issue on an urgent basis and ensure uninterrupted supply of CNG and natural gas.

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Info ministry dismisses Afghan govt's claims of civilian killings as ‘set of lies’

The information ministry on Sunday rejected the Afghan government’s claims of over 750 civilian deaths in clashes with Pakistan, calling them a “set of lies”. Earlier today, Kabul claimed that more than 750 Afghan civilians had been killed in clashes with Pakistan. In a statement posted on X, Afghan government deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said more than 27,000 families had been displaced across the country since February. Fitrat claimed that 761 civilians were killed, another 621 were injured, and 27,407 families were displaced between February 22 and April 4. During this period, he alleged that the Pakistani military launched nearly 15,000 missiles, mortars, and artillery shells on parts of several bordering provinces, including the capital, Kabul, destroying over 1,100 homes. In response to the Afghan government’s claims, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s fact-checking account stated: “The so-called spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat has again come up with a set of lies. It is well established that Pakistan has only undertaken precise targeting of Fitna al Khwarij and Afghan Taliban terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan.” Read More: 796 Afghan Taliban killed, 286 checkposts destroyed in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq so far: Tarar It added that details of precision air strikes, including the destruction and capture of posts, equipment, and the number of Afghan Taliban regime members and Fitna al Khwarij terrorists killed or injured, were regularly updated, with footage of the strikes available for verification, rather than “made-up infographics by a habitual propagandist regime”. “Contrarily, the whole world is witness to the terrorist attacks undertaken by the Indian-sponsored Afghan Taliban regime and its proxies, such as the recent cowardly attack in Domail, Bannu, where 10 civilians, including women and children, were martyred,” the ministry stated. *Fact Check | Ministry of Information & Broadcasting* 🟠 The so called spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat has again come up with a set of lies. It is well established that Pakistan has only undertaken precise targeting of Fitna al Khwarij and Afghan Taliban terrorist infrastructure in… pic.twitter.com/ZpSWE3MrBc — Fact Checker MoIB (@FactCheckerMoIB) April 5, 2026 It further said that Fitrat and other “mouthpieces of the regime” were known to frequently circulate fake, old, and even AI-generated propaganda videos and claims, which, it alleged, were amplified by Indian-backed propaganda networks. The fighting ​between Pakistan and Afghanistan that started in October has ⁠killed scores of people on both sides, with Afghans taking the brunt. Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban of harbouring ⁠militants who launch attacks in Pakistan, ​although Kabul denies this, calling the militancy its neighbour's domestic problem. Operation Ghazab Lil Haq resumed following a temporary pause in deference to Eidul Fitr celebrations and requests from Islamic countries. The pause concluded at midnight between March 23 and 24. The operation was launched over a month ago in retaliation for the Afghan Taliban forces' firing on multiple locations. Islamabad said its February air strikes that sparked the escalation were targeting terrorists.

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Cut in market hours planned

Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday called for revising market hours to reduce electricity consumption and curb oil use, as the country grapples with higher import costs driven by the global oil crisis. Addressing at a news conference in Lahore, the planning minister emphasised the importance of cutting energy expenditure to tackle the economic strain caused by the ongoing conflict. Noting that Pakistan relies on imported fuel for power generation, Iqbal underscored the need to improve efficiency in petrol and diesel consumption. He observed that markets in Pakistan usually opened after 12pm and remained open till 2am, using "electricity generated from imported fuel". "If we use electricity at night now, this will be generated from furnace oil, which costs the public Rs60-80 per unit," he maintained, asking whether such "irresponsible conduct" suited a nation facing an enormous crisis. "Crises are moments of behavioural change," he said. Iqbal stated that provinces were asked to consult with traders and "seek a plan of action within a week so we can ensure the early closure of markets". He said the measure would spare both the government and the public the "unnecessary burden" of billions of rupees, urging traders to take a considerate view on the matter. The planning minister maintained that markets in "developed countries or successful economies" such as Japan, the US, Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkiye did not remain open after 6pm or at most 8pm. "If you go into neighbourhoods after 9pm or 10pm, there is complete calm. People have gone to sleep. Early to bed, early to rise," he said, highlighting that this was also the routine advised by Islamic teachings. The minister said the government had taken notice of unnecessary hikes introduced by transporters in fares, noting that provinces had been directed to discuss the prices with transporters to prevent profiteering. "You can play your part in the country's development and stability by preventing the unnecessary usage of a single drop of petrol or diesel," he said, suggesting that the public adopt several fuel-saving measures. "If you commute to the office alone, then try to carpool with colleagues from your residence or area to your office," Iqbal said. He advised people not to use electricity when not needed so that the "country's import bill can be reduced as much as possible".   NPMC Iqbal on Saturday chaired an online meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), directing provincial governments to take immediate measures to curb inflationary pressures following a recent increase in fuel prices. The meeting reviewed the impact of rising petroleum prices on transportation fares and essential commodities. Officials informed the committee that diesel prices had increased significantly, while transport fares across major urban centres had risen by 25–30 per cent on average, with some routes reporting increases of up to 50 per cent. Expressing concern, the minister instructed provincial authorities to ensure that transport departments issue revised fare notifications within 24 hours and strictly enforce them. He emphasised that the benefit of government subsidies must not be negated by arbitrary increases imposed by transporters. Iqbal directed chief secretaries to assign clear responsibility to provincial transport secretaries for fare regulation and compliance. He also called for enhanced field enforcement, including random inspections and verification mechanisms to check overcharging. Highlighting the likelihood of a "second-round effect" on food prices due to higher logistics costs, the minister ordered weekly monitoring of essential commodities. The NPMC would now convene on a weekly basis, particularly over the next month, to closely track price movements. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics was tasked with sharing district-wise price rankings on a weekly basis to identify abnormal trends, enabling timely corrective action by provincial administrations. The minister further directed market committees and district administrations to regulate wholesale and retail prices and monitor profit margins to prevent hoarding and profiteering. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring uninterrupted supply of perishable and staple items, including tomatoes, onions, potatoes, wheat, rice and pulses. Referring to government subsidies, the minister stressed that their intended impact must be reflected in market prices. "If subsidies are fully passed on as price increases, their purpose becomes useless," he observed. The meeting also raised concerns over the price differential of urea fertilizer between domestic and international markets, warning of potential smuggling risks. Iqbal directed interior ministry and provincial authorities to take immediate steps to prevent smuggling and ensure adequate availability for farmers. With input from APP    

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Bilawal says Pakistanis paying price of 'illegal war' on Iran, warns conflict will engulf world

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Saturday that the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran was placing an economic burden on Pakistan, saying, “The burden of the war between Iran, the United States and Israel is being borne by every Pakistani.” Speaking at a gathering marking the 47th death anniversary of former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal described the war against Iran as “illegal” and condemned the deaths of several individuals, as well as the killing of schoolgirls in an attack on an educational institution. He warned that “some forces believe in hatred and division,” adding that the conflict had begun to engulf the wider world. “There are fears that this war could spread globally, as its effects are no longer limited to Iran,” he said. آج ہم فخر سے یاد کرتے ہیں قائدِ عوام شہید ذوالفقار علی بھٹو کو کہ جنہوں نے پاکستان کے ایٹمی پروگرام کی بنیاد رکھ کر اس وطن کو ناقابلِ تسخیر بنایا۔ ان کی دور اندیشی اور جرات مندانہ فیصلوں کی بدولت آج پاکستان کا دفاع مضبوط ہے اور دشمن پاکستان کی طرف میلی آنکھ اٹھانے سے بھی ڈرتے… pic.twitter.com/gz9DRFVPjz — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) April 4, 2026 Bilawal stressed that “war is not the solution to any problem” and expressed hope for an early end to hostilities. He added that countries targeting Iran, Palestine and Lebanon “cannot cast an evil eye on Pakistan.” Calling for economic relief, he urged the government to utilise the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to support citizens during the crisis, adding, “If a mini-budget is needed, we will support it.” He said both federal and provincial governments were reallocating funds to provide relief, noting that the Sindh government planned to launch financial assistance for small farmers through a “Kisan Card” scheme. Bilawal said the country was facing “historic inflation and crisis,” adding that provincial authorities would introduce measures to ease the burden on citizens, particularly farmers and motorcycle users. He urged small farmers and motorcycle owners to register for upcoming support programmes, warning that the duration of the crisis remained uncertain. He said relief would be provided to registered motorcycle owners and urged citizens to ensure their vehicles were registered under their own names and national identity card numbers, adding that transfer fees had been waived. Amid economic difficulties, he said the government would financially support public and private transport services to prevent fare increases, while coordinating with the federal government to provide relief to transporters affected by rising diesel prices. سندھ حکومت کا کسان دوست اقدام بینظیر کسان کارڈ کے ذریعے چھوٹے کسانوں کو مالی معاونت فراہم کی جا رہی ہے تاکہ ڈیزل، پیٹرول اور بڑھتے اخراجات کے باوجود پاکستان کے زرعی شعبے کو سہارا دیا جا سکے۔ حکومت سندھ کا یہ قدم اس بات کی علامت ہے کہ مشکل وقت میں کسانوں کے ساتھ کھڑا ہونا اولین… pic.twitter.com/Yw3tpbNTTj — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) April 4, 2026 Bilawal said all provinces would contribute resources to a federal fund aimed at supporting transporters and stabilising fares, but acknowledged that such measures might be insufficient given the scale of the crisis. He urged the federal government to expand the BISP, saying his party would back any move to increase its budget. Bilawal also thanked the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for their cooperation, stressing the need for political consensus. “In such circumstances, national interest must take priority over politics,” he said. Read More: Petrol price hike sparks NA protests, JI announces nationwide action He added that leaders across provinces, including Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh, were taking steps to provide relief. “If there is unity in Pakistan, no force in the world can defeat or divide us. Our generation will overcome this test — God willing, the victory will be of the people and of peace,” he said.

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