Pakistan Today

ISLAMABAD:Shahbaz-led government’s fuel price stability efforts have received a boost as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority disbursed Rs38 billion in pending claims to oil marketing companies under a government-backed mechanism. In a significant move aimed at maintaining fuel prices at affordable levels, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has processed and released approximately Rs38 billion in Price Differential Claims (PDC) to 34 Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has upheld the federal government’s decision to monetise free electricity units previously granted to officers of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and power distribution companies, according to a ruling that emerged on Friday. Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains announced the verdict while dismissing a constitutional petition filed against a notification issued by the Ministry of Energy’s Power Division on December 5, 2023.

NEW YORK: Actor Ranbir Kapoor, Blackpink member Jennie and New York state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani have been included in Time magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, according to the publication’s latest edition highlighted by Dawn. The list, released on Wednesday, features figures from politics, entertainment, business, sports and activism. Time divides the honourees into several categories, including artists, icons, leaders, titans, pioneers and innovators.

LAHORE: Hazim Bangwar, serving as an Assistant Commissioner in Karachi, has warned that a coordinated smear campaign may be launched against him following recent enforcement actions in his jurisdiction. In a video statement, Bangwar said he anticipates the circulation of “fake news and videos” on social media in the coming days, linking it to what he described as action taken against illegal activities.

Fast fashion just entered its gym era — without the gym. A UK based brand has dropped what might be the most unserious product of the year: the “Man Maxxing Tee” — a shirt that literally gives you abs. No crunches, no planks, no suffering. Just vibes… and built-in padding. The brand introduced it with peak confidence, writing: “All abs, zero effort. Your built-in six pack without engaging your core. No workout required.” And yes, the internet immediately clocked the assignment.

KARACHI: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Dr Usman Anwar on Friday directed officials to ensure timely resolution of complaints and transparent investigations during a visit to the FIA Karachi Zone. According to the report, the minister and the FIA chief carried out a detailed inspection of different departments during the visit.

If you are planning a road trip on the M2 Motorway anytime soon, you might want to double-check your change. A viral video is making the rounds showing a quick-witted customer exposing a calculated "sleight of hand" scam at a shop in the Kalar Kahar rest area. The footage shows a shopkeeper who, despite being caught in the act, refuses to turn around and show his face to the camera.

If you needed proof that Pakistani cricketer Fakhar Zaman is as solid off the field as he is on it, a viral podcast clip just settled the debate. The famous "Bara Bhai" and "Chota Bhai" duo behind UAE’s Zam Zam Electronics—Abdul Ghafoor and Muhammad Shakoor—recently appeared on a YouTube podcast where they put their friendship with the opening batter to the ultimate test.

STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s government is facing mounting criticism over a proposed requirement that migrants must meet an ‘honest living’ standard, with rights organisations and legal experts arguing that the measure is discriminatory. The proposal is part of a broader package of reforms being advanced by the government that took office in 2022 after pledging a tougher approach to immigration and crime.

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer came under renewed pressure from political opponents on Friday after it emerged that his former ambassador to the United States had failed security vetting but was still permitted to assume the post. The government confirmed on Thursday that Peter Mandelson had not passed security clearance before taking up the role. He was later dismissed after Starmer said Mandelson had lied about how close he was to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.