Month: June 2022

After the hike in petroleum products prices, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has approved the hike in gas prices for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

The gas price hiked up to 44 per cent for SSGC consumers and 45 per cent for SNGPL consumers, ARY News reported.
After the hike, the new gas price for SSGC consumers was fixed at Rs1007 with an increase of Rs 308.53 and the new price for SNGPL consumers was fixed at Rs 854.52.

The new gas prices will come into effect from July 1 following a notification to be issued by the federal government.

People across Pakistan were already irritated with the hike in petrol price and adding to their agitation, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Friday has also approved a Rs 7.91 increase per unit of electricity, according to ARY News.

According to a notification issued by NEPRA, the government has increased the basic tariff per unit of electricity by Rs 7.91. The per-unit price has been increased from Rs 16.91 to Rs 24.82, which is a 47 per cent hike in prices.

NEPRA said that the price hike has been made due to an increase in fuel prices and increases in the cost of production. The new rates would be applied from July 2022, it added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz-led government ceded to the demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and removed fuel subsidies, and increased the price of petrol by Rs 30. The development was announced by Finance Minister Miftah Ismail while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

After the hike, the new price of petrol is set at Rs 209.86, diesel at Rs 204.15, and kerosene oil at Rs181.56.PM Shehbaz Sharif launched a new relief package of Rs 28 billion per month. This comes in the context of the February 28, 2022, announcement by the Imran Khan government of relief measures to reduce prices of petrol and electricity are on account of Opposition pressure and public anger. The measures include a reduction in the prices of petroleum products and electricity tariffs by Rs 10 and Rs 5 respectively along with a number of new schemes including one on tax amnesty.

Imran Khan’s subsidies are perceived to have destroyed Pakistan’s economy for the Shehbaz administration. Now, in this latest relief package announced by the Shehbaz government, the PM said that 14 million poor families, comprising 85 million people, would be given Rs 2000 per family.

He said this was in addition to the monetary assistance being given to them under the Benazir Income Support Programme. “This relief package will be added in the next budget,” Shehbaz said.

Moreover, in a veiled attack, Shehbaz also slammed Imran Khan for his allegations against the US for conspiracy to oust him from power.

“A most trusted friendly country — the one that supported us in all difficult circumstances — was made upset. But we have started the rebuilding process,” the premier said in an apparent reference to the United States. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Janhvi Kapoor on Friday shared a stunning string of pictures from her France trip on social media.

The ‘Roohi’ actor, who is enjoying her vacation in France, keeps her fans updated by sharing trip pictures. The 25-year-old actor made her debut in Bollywood in 2018 with Shashank Khaitan’s film Dhadak. Since her debut, Dhadak actor has always remained in the limelight.

Posting her pictures on Instagram, she wrote: “vive la france FR” (Long Live France!).

The actor in her pictures looks stunning as gracefully poses in a baby-pink kurta with a beige tone coat. She kept her hair open. To complement her ethnic look, she paired silver-oxidized jhumkas with her outfit.

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra and, director Sharan Sharma among others reacted to her pictures.

Manish Malhotra reacted with a heart to Janhvi’s post.

On the work front, Janhvi has a few projects on her list. She is filming for ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’ with Rajkummar Rao. She is also shooting for ‘Bawaal’ film being directed by Nitesh Tiwari alongside Varun Dhawan. (ANI)

World Bicycle Day 2022 was celebrated by the Embassy of India in Antananarivo, Madagascar on June 3 in partnership with over a dozen bicycle clubs in Madagascar.

A bicycle ride was organized on this occasion in which over 60 bicyclists from various bicycle clubs in Madagascar participated along with the representatives of the government of Madagascar to highlight the importance of cycling for a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
On this occasion, the bicyclists also participated in a Yoga session in preparation for the celebration of 8th International Yoga Day in Madagascar on June 21.

Ambassador Abhay Kumar led the bicycle ride from lake Marais Masay to his residence in Antananarivo and highlighted the importance of World Bicycle Day and advised everyone to take up bicycling to save the environment and promote their physical well being.

Ambassador Abhay Kumar also announced that the Indian government will be donating 15000 bicycles to the Government of Madagascar soon. This will lead to more cycle users in Madagascar.

Ambassador also encouraged the enthusiastic bicyclists to join the Embassy in the celebrations of International Day of Yoga which will be celebrated soon in Madagascar and Comoros on June 21.

Earlier today, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur launched a nationwide ‘Fit India Freedom Rider Cycle Rally’ from Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Delhi.

Anurag Thakur, along with 750 young cyclists, covered a distance of 7.5 km during the cycle rally that started from Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.

“Today on World Bicycle Day we want to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to everyone. Fit India Movement, Khelo India movement, Clean India movement and Healthy India movement all can be accomplished by riding a bicycle. It’ll also cut down the pollution level,” Thakur said. (ANI)

In a blow to China, the Nepal Army (NA) on Thursday suspended Chinese contractors for failing to expedite construction work on the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track Expressway.

It should be noted that the government in its policy and programs last week had mentioned completing the Terai-Kathmandu fast track on time, i.e. by 2081 BS, reported Khabarhub.
The Nepal Army had signed two separate contracts with China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd and Poly Changda Engineering Co Ltd last year for the construction of three tunnels, a few bridges, and a partial road under the Fast Track project.

Both the Chinese companies have been informed about the suspension by sending a letter on May 23. However, the period of suspension has not been mentioned.

The under-construction Kathmandu-Terai Madhes Expressway, under the management of the Army, is a project of national pride and strategic importance. The work is scheduled to be completed in the fiscal year 2080/81.

The fast track, an Asian Highway Standard Primary Class A standard road, will have three tunnels and bridges.

The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 175 billion. The length of the four-lane expressway will be 72.5 km.

This road will pass through Khokna of Lalitpur, Kathmandu, and Makwanpur and reach Nijgadh of Bara district.

The project has been mired in controversy since the tenure of retired Chief of Army Staff Purnachandra Thapa, who had selected only two out of 43 companies as qualified contractors for both the phases, reported Khabarhub.

The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had on April 1, 2021, directed the NA to stop the contract process, claiming that it did not abide by the financial regulations of the country.

It had instructed to stop the contract process as it lacked transparency as only two companies had entered the pre-qualification process in the first package and only one competed in the second package.

The committee had also instructed the Public Procurement Monitoring Office to remove the obstruction by preparing the necessary documents, guidelines and procedures as soon as possible while proceeding with the contract for the participation of international companies.

However, two days after the directive, the military opened the financial proposals of the two packages selected in the pre-qualification and evaluated them, reported Khabarhub.

The contract agreement process started after the company submitted the financial proposal.

The contract agreement was signed on May 14, 2021, with both the companies so that the construction could be completed within 3 years. (ANI)

Amid skyrocketing prices of petrol and diesel, Pakistanis appear to be looking for alternate modes of transport and a resident of Islamabad has sought to convey a strong message to the Shehbaz Sharif government by wanting to come to work on a donkey cart.

Raja Asif Iqbal, who resides in Islamabad and works at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), has sought permission from higher authorities to bring a donkey cart to work expressing his inability to come on motorised personal transport due to petroleum prices reaching record levels.
Iqbal has written a letter to the head of the agency seeking permission for his bizarre request, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Stating that inflation had not just “broken the back of the poor, but also the middle class.” Iqbal said he has requested permission to be allowed to bring a donkey cart – an ancient means of transport in the subcontinent – into the office parking lot.

“In this inflation, the organisation has halted the transport facility,” he said. “Due to the rising petrol prices, it has become impossible to use personal transport. Please allow me to bring my donkey cart to the airport,” Iqbal said.

According to CAA spokesperson Saifullah Khan, every member of the staff is paid a fuel allowance.

“They are provided a pick-and-drop service,” Khan said as he contradicted the employee on the pick-and-drop service. According to Khan, the application was “nothing more than a media stunt”.

Facing economic challenges, the Shehbaz Sharif government has announced a steep hike in the prices of petroleum products which has come into effect.

Petrol prices have climbed to PKR 209.86 per litre diesel to PKR 204.15 per litre. (ANI)

Amid protests, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday visited the family of singer Sidhu Moose Wala at his residence in Mansa, days after the Punjabi singer was shot dead.

The singer-turned-politician was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Jawaharke village in Mansa district of Punjab on Sunday, a day after the Punjab government curtailed his security cover.
Heavy police security was deployed outside the residence of the Punjabi singer as Mann reached the Moosa village to express his condolences to the family.

Locals have been protesting against Mann’s visit to the residence of Sidhu Moose Wala.

Although, District Commissioner Mansa, Jaspreet Singh said that the family is cooperating with the force and are ready to meet the CM.

AAP MLA from Sardulgarh constituency of Mansa District Gurpreet Singh Banawali also faced protests from locals during his visit to the Punjabi singer’s residence.

Notably, Moose Wala’s body had 19 bullet injury injuries and he died within 15 minutes of being shot, according to the post-mortem report, which also stated that the cause of his death was “haemorrhage shock” due to ante-mortem firearm injuries.

On Thursday, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it will restore the security cover to all 424 people from June 7 which was withdrawn temporarily for the Amritsar Ghalughara event.

Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar reportedly claimed responsibility for the murder of Punjabi singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moose Wala in a Facebook post on Sunday evening.

Goldy Brar is a close aide of gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi, who is also said to be involved in the singer’s murder. Brar aka Satinder Singh is involved in multiple criminal cases.

A Faridpur court had earlier this month issued an open-ended non-bailable arrest warrant against Brar in connection with the killing of the district Youth Congress president, Gurlal Singh Pehalwan. (ANI)

Turkey and Pakistan have traditionally enjoyed a good relationship based on religious fraternity. There was a distinct upswing in this relationship under the leadership of erstwhile Pakistan PM Imran Khan, who was desirous of being seen as a puritan Islamist and a strong leader.

If Imran Khan is famous in Pakistan for his U-turns, Pakistan is equally notorious for its double face. And Turkey is realising this at the cost of its citizens.
Tens of thousands of illegal Pakistani migrants arrive in Turkey through land route via Iran, in search of a more prosperous future and also in their quest to cross into Europe.

According to Turkish authorities, there has been a significant increase in illegal immigrants from Pakistan entering Turkey over the last four years. The exact number of Pakistani illegal immigrants spread all over Turkey is not known and keeps changing.

At any time, there are 3,000-5,000 Pakistani detainees at various detention centres. This has created large scale unrest in Turkey which is already under the strain of refugee influx from Syria and Afghanistan. What distinguishes the Pakistani immigrants from the other immigrants is their total disregard for Turkish culture, values and women.

In April of this year, a Pakistani immigrant was caught sharing photographs and videos of Turkish women recorded on social media. Similar videos by other Pakistani immigrants also surfaced on social media creating a furore in the Turkish population. Turkish citizens justifiably responded with scathing retorts and the social media was ripe with the “Pakistan Get Out” campaign trending in Turkey.

Illegal Pakistan immigrants are also found indulging in gang wars and other illegal crimes including human and narco-trafficking and ransom kidnapping of tourists visiting Turkey.

This is a major problem for Turkey since it is considered one of the favourite tourist destinations and an important revenue-generating source for the Turkish economy.

There have been a spate of crimes and kidnapping wherein Pakistani immigrants/refugees involvement has been confirmed. The most recent incident was the kidnapping of a Nepali origin tourist in the heart of Turkey. Fortunately, the Turkish police acted on time and were able to apprehend the Pakistani perpetrators.

Instead of educating its citizens, Pakistan appears to have taken an affront to Turkish sentiments. The Pakistani Consulate in Istanbul issued a Whatsapp advisory stating “due to recent events there is a wave of anti-Pakistan sentiments in Turkey and Pakistan citizens are advised to be careful”.

To add fuel to the fire, the Pakistan origin Urdu head of Turkish Radio- Television Corporation (TRT), Furcian Hameed stated that the “frustration of Turkish youth due to unemployment and other problems sometimes biased their behaviour towards foreigners”.

These statements reflect Pakistan’s complete disregard for Turkey and its citizens. A case in point which reflects Pakistan’s attitude towards Turkey is the news article in Pakistan newspaper Dawn given below.

However, Pakistan has failed to institute measures to assuage the Turkish sentiments. Over the years, the Turkish ministries and government have repeatedly appealed to Pakistan to put in place measures to curb the illegal inflow of Pakistan’s illegal migrant population.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also the FIA have been in touch with Pakistan counterparts to work out a legal and efficient system but it has been of no avail.

What is concerning to Turkey is the fact that a large number of Pakistan immigrants are working illegally in Turkey and instead of gratitude, they detest Turkish customs and traditions.

Although both the countries’ cooperation has increased in other areas including defence, however, in view of the latest developments Turkey has expressed its displeasure toward Pakistan.

A sign of this displeasure was the absence of President Erdogan from the launching ceremony of Pakistan Navy Frigate PNS Badr on May 20, 2022. President Erdogan had previously graced the ceremony of PNS Babur in Istanbul on August 15, 2022. Pakistan wants to brush aside the angst of its neighbours but Turkey is not a country to put up with such perfidy. (ANI)

India on Friday responded to what it termed as “ill-informed comments” by senior US officials” on religious freedom in India and said it is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations.

India made these remarks in response to media queries regarding the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed on Thursday that there are rising attacks on people at places of worship in India.

“We have noted the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, and ill-informed comments by senior US officials,” External Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

“It is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations. We would urge that assessments based on motivated inputs and biased views be avoided,” he added.

Underlining that India values religious freedom and human rights, Bagchi said India has regularly highlighted issues of concern in the US, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks.

“In our discussions with the US, we have regularly highlighted issues of concern there, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes and gun violence,” he said.

Earlier on Thursday, Blinken released the 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom.

“… In India, the world’s largest democracy and home to a great diversity of faiths, we are seeing rising attacks on people in places of worship,” he said while delivering his address.

The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – the International Religious Freedom Report – describes the status of religious freedom in every country.

The report covers government policies violating religious beliefs and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world.

The US Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. (ANI)

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressing concern for the targeted killings of Hindus and migrants in Kashmir.

In her letter, she noted all the recent barbaric killings in the past few days and stated “these incidents have created a sense of fear, vulnerability and insecurity among the Hindu community, especially Kashmiri Pandits and migrants living in the valley.”
“I believe that such killings have amplified the feeling of fear and uncertainty among the Hindus residing in Kasmir,” she added in her letter.

Alleging the Centre for not taking any effective measures for the safety of the citizens in Kashmir, she further added, “Such targeted attacks on Kashmiri Pandits and migrants raises questions on the implementation of various schemes launched by the Government of India for the development and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants.”

She also noted that various government employees who have been posted in the valley were seeking transfer to Jammu, owing to the fear of losing lives and lack of safety and security in the valley.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of recent targeted killings in the Union Territory, while the BSP chief Mayawati urged the Centre to take strict actions against those responsible for such attacks.

In a recent terror attack, a bank manager, identified as Vijay Kumar, was shot dead right outside his office by terrorists in J-K’s Kulgam on Thursday. The incident occurred at the Ellaqie Dehati Bank at Areh Mohanpora in Kulgam. The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack.

A couple of days ago, a 36-year-old Hindu woman teacher Rajni Bala, hailing from Jammu’s Samba district, was shot dead by terrorists at a government school in Gopalpora, Kulgam.

Last month, two civilians – including Kashmiri Pandit employee Rahul Bhat — and three off-duty policemen were killed in Kashmir by the terrorists. (ANI)

Reliance Industries Limited Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani has regained the position of India as well as Asia’s richest man, replacing Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.

According to Bloomberg Billionaire Index, Mukesh Ambani’s net worth has risen to $99.7 billion, while Gautam Adani’s net worth stood at $98.7 billion.
Mukesh Ambani is ranked the eighth richest person in the world as per the Bloomberg Billionaire index. In India as well as in Asia RIL’s chairman is the richest.

Ambani is followed by Gautam Adani on the global billionaire list. Adani is ranked ninth in the Bloomberg Billionaire index.

A surge in Reliance Industries Limited shares has led to the increase in Mukesh Ambani’s fortune. RIL shares have surged by over 16 per cent so far this year. The scrip has gained 6.79 per cent in a week.

Gautam Adani had been enjoying the position of India’s as well as Asia’s richest person for the past few months due to the spike in share prices of Adani group companies. However, in recent weeks, the share price of Mukesh Ambani-led companies has risen sharply while there have been corrections in Adani Group companies’ stocks.

As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Mukesh Ambani’s net worth has increased by $9.69 billion in 2022.

As per the Forbes real-time billionaires list, Mukesh Ambani has a net of $104.7 billion, which is $4.8 billion more than $99.9 billion net worth of Gautam Adani and his family.

Only seven persons in the world are richer than Mukesh Ambani. Tesla CEO Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with a net fortune of $227 billion. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos is the second richest man with a $149 billion net worth, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

LVMH’s Bernard Arnault with $138 billion net worth is the third richest person in the world followed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates with $124 billion net fortune in the fourth position and legendary investor Warren Buffett in the fifth position with a net worth of $114 billion. (ANI)