Zafaryab Khan who is Power Division’s spokesperson has declared statement about changes in electricity price hike rumors . He announced that the federal government will move forward with the recently announced relief in electricity bills. In an interview with APP, he said the reports about price changes are false and misleading. He also mentioned that some people are spreading wrong information on purpose, twisting the facts about electricity rates and technical details.
“These reports are not true and are only meant to confuse the public,” Zafaryab Khan said. He confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement about lowering electricity prices is correct, and the government will go ahead with the plan.
No Electricity Price Hike Planned, Confirms Power Division
Zafaryab Khan stated that as we know summer is approaching. The Prime Minister asked for quick procedures to reduce the burden of electricity price hike on users. After the announcement, NEPRAheld a public hearing on 4th April to start the relief packagefro electricity tariffs hike without doing any delay.
He also said that the federal cabinet has already approved the relief package for the electricity price hike consumers. Furthermore it will be given to all power distribution companies throughout the country. The spokesperson explained that this relief was possible because of months of hard work and talks. Especially with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), to help bring down the electricity prices. He added that there’s no need to talk about different tariff categories right now, because the relief is already being delivered to the public. “The government should be appreciated for taking this timely step,” he said.
Pakistan need to send delegation to US after tariffs imposition. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Saturday that Pakistan will send a senior delegation to Washington. To talk with the Trump administration after the U.S. put new tariffs on Pakistani goods.
At a press conference, Aurangzeb said the plan for the delegation for the tariffs will be finalized. Once Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif gives his approval. He added that a steering committee and a joint working group will prepare suggestions to deal with the issue. Pakistan wants to work with the US to find a solution that benefits both sides.
“We want to clearly explain our point of view and show that, in the medium to long term. Therefore this can be a win-win situation for both Pakistan and the US,” said Finance Minister Aurangzeb.
Aurangzeb, an experienced banker, said that Pakistan sees this issue not just as a problem. Also as an opportunity to strengthen economic ties with the US, which is Pakistan’s biggest export market.
He said the US is a key trade and strategic partner. The government is working on a complete plan to deal with the situation.
The minister also said that Pakistan’s financial arrangements with China—like loan rollovers. EXIM Bank refinancing, and improved trade facilities—are going ahead as planned. But he did not give specific details.
When reporters asked for more information after the press conference, Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s foreign financing needs are being met through the current IMF program, which has recently reached a staff-level agreement.
Pakistan seeks tariff solutions in US talks
Finance Minister Aurangzeb said the government will not give subsidies to any sector to deal with the US tariffs. He explained that the US has introduced a 10% general tariffs on all countries. An extra 29% tariff on Pakistani goods will start on April 9, 2025.
Talking about Pakistan’s economy, the minister avoided using words like “boom and bust,” but admitted that the country has a history of becoming stable and then making poor decisions that drained foreign reserves and caused financial problems. He said the government is now focused on keeping the economy stable through export growth and support for the private sector. The goal is to make real, long-term changes to the economy.
Aurangzeb also said Pakistan is making good progress with the IMF. The country has met all the required targets, which will lead to receiving a $1 billion payment under the Extended Fund Facility. In addition, a new agreement under the Resilience Sustainability Facility (RSF) will provide more funds over the next 28 months. “We have agreed to 13 reforms under the RSF,” he added.
In a major development, the finance minister said that all provinces have agreed to start collecting Agriculture Income Tax, and the process is now moving forward.
Talks to tackle US tariffs and trade challenges
He also mentioned that an IMF team is currently in Pakistan to check how the government is doing in terms of governance and fighting corruption. However, he made it clear that this visit is not about the upcoming budget.
The minister said another IMF team may visit Pakistan next month to discuss the 2025-26 budget. He called this a regular part of Pakistan’s work with the IMF. He also said Pakistan has asked the IMF for help in some technical areas.
Talking about the country’s economic progress, the minister shared several positive updates. He said foreign exchange reserves have grown, thanks to a 32% increase in remittances, which are expected to reach $36 billion by June 2025. The State Bank’s reserves are likely to rise to $13 billion, helped by a 7% increase in exports.
Inflation has dropped a lot — down to just 0.7% in one month — which has allowed the government to cut the policy interest rate from over 22% to 12%. There may be more rate cuts in the future.
The finance minister said that the benefits of a stable economy will be shared with the people. The government will continue to focus on growing exports and supporting the private sector. It also plans to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio, cut spending by reducing the size of ministries and 400 related departments, and make changes to the pension system.
Aurangzeb shared new data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, showing that people spent Rs870 billion during Eid this year, up from Rs720 billion last year. He also mentioned that higher cement sales and more car sales are signs that Pakistan’s economy could grow by around 3% this year.
He said the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) is working to control inflation. The ECC is watching inflation closely and has started new steps to keep track of it. A new system is also being set up to monitor the prices of important everyday items.
The finance minister said that reports from PWC and the Overseas Chamber show that the Business Confidence Index has gone up, meaning investor trust has returned. Local investors are also investing more, and there’s been an increase in stock market investments.
Looking ahead, he shared the government’s main priorities. These include tax reforms, fixing the energy sector, improving state-owned companies, and privatizing PIA, some banks, and three electricity distribution companies (Discos).
Pakistan’s tough tour of New Zealand continues, with Mitch Hay leading the home team to a series. Winning victory at Seddon Park. Mitchell Hay’s strong 99 not out, along with some aggressive seam bowling, helped. New Zealand win by 84 runs against Pakistan. Giving them an unbeatable lead in the ODI series.
New Zealand scored 292-8 and then bowled Pakistan out for 208 in the 42nd over at Seddon Park, Hamilton. During the second of three ODIs on Wednesday. Hay’s powerful hitting broke a mid-innings slump for New Zealand as he scored a career-best 99 not out. Including 22 runs off the last over bowled by Mohammad Wasim.
The wicketkeeper-batsman hit seven fours and seven sixes in his 78-ball innings. Coming in when New Zealand was struggling at 132-5 in the 27th over. In reply, Pakistan’s top order faced early problems. Will O’Rourke got Abdullah Shafique (1) caught at first slip in the third over, and in the next over, Babar Azam (1) was caught at second slip off Jacob Duffy.
Duffy struck in his next over with the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq. Pakistan were 9-3 in the sixth over, whereas New Zealand at the same time were 50-0. Ben Sears came into the attack and took two wickets in his first over, getting Salman Agha out for 9 runs and Mohammad Rizwan out for 5.
A mix of poor shot choices and some strong seam bowling left Pakistan at 32-5 after 12 overs. Tayyab Tahir (13) and Faheem Ashraf added 33 runs for the sixth wicket. When Haris Rauf retired hurt on 3 runs, his concussion replacement, Naseem Shah, partnered with Ashraf to score 60 runs. Both players got their first fifties, with Ashraf scoring 73 off 80 balls and Naseem making 51 from 44 balls.
Pakistan was ineffective with the ball. Earlier, Rizwan won the toss and chose to bowl, with overcast skies and a green wicket that helped the bowlers. New Zealand’s openers Nick Kelly and Rhys Mariu took control firstly. They added 54 runs before Kelly, in his second international match, was caught behind for a strong 31, which included four fours and two sixes. Debutant Mariu followed soon after, scoring 18 off 25 balls, when a leading edge went up for Babar Azam to catch at mid-off in Wasim’s first over.
Wasim and Rauf slowed down the scoring, and it took Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell until the 16th over to get New Zealand to 100 runs. When spin bowling was introduced, Mitchell’s innings ended for 18. He was stumped by Rizwan after being beaten in the air by Sufyan Moqim.
Nicholls was out for 22 in the next over. Michael Bracewelland Muhammad Abbas addition of only 30 runs in the next 10 overs, before Bracewell was caught behind off Wasim for 17. Pakistan-born Abbas and Hay then worked together to rebuild New Zealand’s innings, putting on a patient 77-run partnership until Abbas was out for 41.
Moqim was the best bowler for Pakistan, taking 2 wickets for 33 runs, while Wasim took 2 wickets for 78 runs. The final ODI match will be played at Mount Maunganui on Friday. Pakistan has lost the T20 series to New Zealand.
Israeli forces killed 15 humanitarian workers, including the aid worker from Gaza, in an attack on March 23. According to the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society(PRCS).
The Palestine Red Crescent said that a video found on the phone of an aid worker killed in Gaza shows the final moments before the attack. The video shows ambulances with clear markings and flashing emergency lights as heavy gunfire erupts.
The aid worker was one of 15 humanitarian workers who were killed on March 23 in an attack by Israeli forces. According to the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
The Israeli military said that its soldiers did not randomly shoot at ambulances. They claimed they were targeting “terrorists” who were coming toward them in “suspicious vehicles.”.
Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said that soldiers opened fire on vehicles that didn’t have permission from Israeli authorities and were driving without lights.
More about the incident
However, a video shared by the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Saturday seems to show something different. The video shows ambulances with headlights on and emergency lights flashing.
The video is 6 minutes and 42 seconds long. Moreover someone likely recorded the video from inside a moving vehicle. In the video, a red firetruck and ambulances drive through the night while heavy gunfire echoes in the background.
The vehicles stop next to another one on the side of the road, and two men in uniform get out. Moments later, intense shooting starts.
You can hear two medics speaking in the video. One says, “the vehicle, the vehicle,” and the other replies, “It seems to be an accident.”
A few seconds later, a burst of gunfire is heard, and the screen goes black.
PRCS said they recovered the video from the phone of Rifat Radwan, one of the aid workers Israeli forces killed. Moreover this video clearly proves that the Israeli forces did randomly target ambulances, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said in a statement.
Furthermore “It also shows that the vehicles did have lights and emergency markings, unlike what the Israeli military claimed.”
The people killed included eight PRCS workers, six members of Gaza’s civil defence team, and one employee from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known asUNRWA.
Power MinisterAwais Leghari said on Thursday that the current government does not have enough resources to help the people. Speaking on Samaa TV’s show Nadeem Malik Live, Leghari said, “We have started making reforms under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. It is important to move forward responsibly.”
Awais Leghari also mentioned that the government has started reviewing agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). “Because of this review, electricity prices have come down,” he added.
The minister said that talks were still going on with Chinese power plants, including 68 plants. Furthermore Leghari said that talks about debt repayment with Chinese partners were still going on.
He also announced that the government was discussing agreements with wind, solar, and government-owned power plants. The goal is to give any benefits from these changes to the public.
Leghari stressed that the government was being responsible. Moreover he said, “We need to move forward carefully. It is our duty to manage things well and solve our own problems. We don’t have enough money to provide financial relief.”
He also said that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, reforms had been made in the past year. The minister said that reviewing agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) had already helped lower electricity prices, reducing costs by Rs7.41 per unit.
He explained that while changing contracts was not too difficult, the main challenge was building trust. “The real question is whether electricity prices will continue to go down. Therefore our reforms have gained the trust of international partners, and we convinced the IMF by making changes in the power sector,” Leghari said.
Leghari also shared that the government was close to reaching a deal with banks, which had saved hundreds of billions of rupees by reducing late payment charges to IPPs.
He added that the government had eased the burden of high electricity costs on the public. In the past, the government bought expensive electricity from IPPs, and this extra cost was passed on to consumers. Leghari said that the government was close to making a deal with banks, which had helped save hundreds of billions of rupees by reducing late payment charges to power companies (IPPs).
Doctors moved Zardari to a private hospital in Karachi from Nawabshah a day earlier to treat his fever and infection. Moreover the President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for coronavirus after tests reports. His doctors have advised him to stay in isolation for several days at a private hospital in Karachi.
Dr. Asim Hussain, the president’s personal doctor, said that various tests confirmed Zardari’s COVID-19 infection. The Presidency shared this update in a brief statement on Wednesday.
Doctors moved him to a private hospital in Karachi from Nawabshah a day earlier to treat his fever and infection. He had traveled to his hometown, Nawabshah, to celebrate Eidul Fitr.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the president to ask about his health and wished him a speedy recovery. Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori also spoke with Dr. Asim Hussain to check on Zardari’s health and sent his best wishes for a quick recovery.
Dr. Asim Hussain told Geo News that infectious disease experts were treating the president. Moreover he is isolating and is not allowed to meet other people. However, Dr. Hussain said Zardari’s health had improved.
Earlier, Sindh’s Senior Minister for Information, Sharjeel Inam Memon, tweeted that the president was recovering quickly and would fully recover soon. He also denied the news that authorities would move Zardari to Dubai for further treatment.
After his diagnosis, the president is unlikely to attend the April 4 Jalsa at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, which marks the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party founderZulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that countries do not grow or develop through( International Monetary Fund ) IMF loan programs. He also said that Pakistan has already achieved the stability it needs. Speaking at the launch of the Prime Minister Digital Youth Hub, he said again that the $1 billion loan from the IMF. It is not Pakistan’s own money but borrowed funds.
He hoped that this would be Pakistan’s last IMF loan program. The Prime Minister said that We should replace our life. A life which full of respect and success through skills and hard work.
PM Shehbaz also promised to cut government expenses while making big investments in training young people. He said, “We will spend billions, even trillions, for their future.”
He mentioned that when he was the Chief Minister of Punjab, he gave 400,000 laptops to top students in schools and colleges. Furthermore he declared I worked hard for this purpose. You can check more info: Chief Minister Punjab Laptop Scheme 2025.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s youth is both a challenge and a great opportunity. “If we train them in IT and artificial intelligence (AI)-led modern technology, they can help Pakistan grow and prosper,” he added. Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme, Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, said that the government is creating new opportunities to empower young people in the country. He said that through the PM Digital Hub, young people will benefit in different areas like sports, tourism, IT, the green economy, and more.
UNICEF Officer In-charge Sharmeela Rasool called it a platform of opportunity and hope. She said the program aims to make the youth stronger and more productive for the country.
UN Resident Coordinator Muhammad Yahya said that the Digital Youth Hub will help young people discover their talents. Furthermore he said, “This wil be the beginning of anew journey towards development and prosperity of Pakistan.”
Energy Minister Awais Leghari has assured the public that electricity prices will be reduced soon. He denied reports claiming that prices would not go down, according toExpress News. Furthermore he declared that Prime Minister will announce the good news for the people who are consumers of electricity.
We will lower the prices of electricity at the right time, whether it is two days earlier or later.” , Speaking to the media on Tuesday
The Energy Minister announces upcoming electricity tariffs cuts will bring relief to consumers.
Leghari made it clear that the reports saying electricity prices would not be reduced were false.
When asked if the government would share the benefit of not lowering fuel prices with the public, Awais Leghari said, “We stand by our promises. Our word is not like the previous government’s.”
On March 15, the government decided to maintain fuel prices, despite the expected drop due to changes in the international market. Instead of reducing prices, the government increased taxes on fuel by Rs10 per litre.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that while fuel prices remained unchanged, the government had made an important decision to pass on the benefits of lower electricity prices to the public.
The Prime Minister said that the government is working on a plan to lower electricity prices. This plan will be announced in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik spoke to journalists in Lahore. He said that the government is committed to helping the public in every way possible.
Awais Leghari also mentioned that the Prime Minister will soon introduce a relief package for electricity consumers. He made it clear that the price reduction will not be a short-term solution but part of a long-term plan.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan US relation is an important part of its foreign policy. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani mentioned that Pakistan and the U.S. have a strong and long-standing partnership. He shared these thoughts during a meeting with Natalie Bakar, the Charged Affaires in Islamabad, on Monday. He also announced that lies between the two countries are improving, and it is important to keep this positive progress.
Mr. Gilani said that the Pakistan US relation should be based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests between the both countries. He expressed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen and expand this partnership.
The Chairman of the Senate emphasized on the importance of direct connections between people from both countries. Chairman of the Senate encouraged more interaction at different levels to improve understanding. He also said that Pakistan US relation is important. He also wants to increase cooperation by exchanging delegations in politics, parliament, business, education, and cultural exchanges.
Mr. Gilani mentioned that Pakistan is inviting U.S. companies to invest in new areas. He highlighted that the U.S. is Pakistan’s largest export market, and Pakistan wants to expand its trade with the U.S. He also said that Pakistan aims to build positive and productive relationships with all neighboring countries, despite the challenges in the region.
Mr. Gilani talked about his efforts to strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations when he was Prime Minister. He recalled visiting the U.S. in July 2008, where he had friendly and productive meetings with American leaders, including then-President George W. Bush. He also remembered his important meeting with President Barack Obama in 2012 during a nuclear summit in Seoul.
Gilani thanked the U.S. for its support as an important economic and development partner. He stressed the need to work together in many areas, such as climate change, clean energy, water management, modern farming, protecting nature, and waste management.
Mr. Gilani also talked about Pakistan’s long-standing defense partnership with the U.S. He highlighted Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in the global war on terror. He said both countries should continue to explore new trade and investment opportunities to promote growth and innovation.
He welcomed the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump and hoped for further improvement in relations. He also thanked the U.S. for its help during floods and other natural disasters.
Mr. Gilani appreciated the important role of the Pakistani community in the U.S. and highlighted the value of educational exchange programs between the two countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working positively with the U.S. and expressed hope for continued diplomatic cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Ms. Natalie Bakar, the Charged Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, thanked the Chairman Senate for his warm welcome. She said that Pakistan is an important country, and President Trump has also recognized Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism. She praised Mr. Gilani for his work in promoting peace and called him a “champion of peace.”
Ms. Bakar also emphasized the need to expand trade and economic relations between the two countries. She expressed her best wishes for Mr. Gilani.
The United Nations warned on Monday that reducing international aid could stop years of progress in reducing child deaths and might even make things worse. A new report fromUNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank does not mention the United States directly. Furthermore funding cuts could mean less help for people in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and many more countries.
However, it comes at a time when President Donald Trump’s government has cut most programs run by USAID. It is America’s main foreign aid agency, which once had a yearly budget of $42.8 billion.
Fouzia Shafique said the global health community is extremely worried about the situation we are seeing. She is a UNICEF’s Associate Director of Health. The United States reports warns that cutting aid money will have the worst effects in places where child deaths are already high. Such as sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia.
If funding for life-saving services dwindles, many nations may witness a surge in newborn and child fatalities, the report warned.
In 2023, child deaths under the age of five continued to decline, with 4.8 million deaths recorded. This included 2.3 million newborn babies who died in their first month. For the first time, the number of child deaths dropped below five million in 2022.The latest numbers show that child deaths have dropped by 52% since the year 2000.
However, Shafique emphasized, “4.8 million deaths is still 4.8 million too many.”
Since 2015, progress in saving children’s lives has slowed down because funds were redirected to fight COVID-19. This could lead to a worrying trend. “Reaching a record low in preventable child deaths is a big success,” said United Nations executive director Catherine Russell. “But without the right policies and enough funding, we could lose all the progress we have made.”
“We cannot let that happen,” she added. Some effects of funding cuts are already visible, such as a shortage of health workers, closed clinics, problems with vaccination programs, and a lack of essential supplies like malaria treatments. Ethiopia is seeing a big rise in malaria cases, said Shafique.
However, the country does not have enough malaria test kits, insecticide-treated bed nets, or funds for spraying to stop disease-carrying mosquitoes.
