Pakistan is currently unable to utilise around 5,500 megawatts of electricity generation capacity due to a shortage of liquefied natural gas (LNG), according to officials, as the country continues to grapple with energy supply challenges.

A spokesperson for the Power Division confirmed that several LNG-based power plants are not operational because of insufficient fuel. While recent increases in hydroelectric output have helped ease widespread outages, the underlying gas shortage remains unresolved. Authorities say these plants could quickly resume electricity production once LNG supplies are restored.

The country requires roughly 400 million cubic feet per day of LNG to meet demand. However, disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran have strained supply routes, particularly through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. As a result, Pakistan has experienced daily power outages lasting several hours in recent weeks.

Heavily dependent on imported fuel, Pakistan’s energy sector remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global LNG markets and declining domestic gas production. Officials estimate that at least four LNG cargoes would be needed in the short term to stabilise the situation and reduce outages.

In response, Islamabad is exploring options to secure additional LNG shipments on the spot market. SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state energy firm, has indicated its willingness to supply LNG to Pakistan upon formal request through Pakistan LNG Limited. However, it remains unclear whether a request has been submitted or when deliveries could begin.

The ongoing energy shortfall underscores the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s power sector, as external geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt supply chains and complicate efforts to maintain a stable electricity supply.

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US President Donald Trump has announced an open-ended extension of the ceasefire with Iran, saying the move is intended to give diplomacy more time. However, uncertainty surrounds the decision, as it remains unclear whether Iran or US ally Israel will formally agree to continue the truce.

In a statement shared on social media, Trump said Washington had accepted a request from Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, to delay further military action while negotiations continue. Pakistani leadership has been hosting talks in Islamabad in an effort to end the conflict, which has lasted nearly two months and caused widespread human and economic damage.

Despite signaling restraint, the United States is maintaining its naval blockade on Iran’s maritime trade routes. Tehran has strongly criticised the move, calling it a hostile act. Early responses from Iranian officials suggested skepticism toward Washington’s announcement, with some figures dismissing it as lacking credibility or describing it as a possible political maneuver.

The war began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iranian targets. It quickly escalated, drawing in other parts of the region, including Gulf states hosting US bases and Lebanon, where the Iran-backed group Hezbollah became involved. The fighting has since resulted in more than 5,000 civilian deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

Global markets have also been shaken by the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil shipments, has faced significant disruption, driving volatility in energy prices and raising fears of a broader economic slowdown. Iran has repeatedly leveraged its strategic position in the waterway in response to military pressure.

Trump’s messaging throughout the conflict has fluctuated between aggressive threats and calls for de-escalation. While he previously warned of severe military action against Iran’s infrastructure, he has also expressed a desire to bring the war to an end. International figures, including António Guterres, have cautioned against attacks on civilian targets, citing violations of international law.

The future of peace talks remains uncertain. A second round of negotiations in Islamabad had been tentatively planned, but logistical and political challenges have raised doubts about whether they will proceed as expected. Iranian officials have indicated a willingness to continue discussions, provided the US reduces pressure tactics and avoids framing negotiations as a demand for surrender.

One of the central sticking points in the talks is Iran’s nuclear program. Washington is pushing for limits on Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpiles to prevent the development of nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains that its program is for peaceful purposes and within its rights under international agreements.

Although the ceasefire extension may offer a temporary pause in fighting, deep divisions between the parties suggest that achieving a lasting resolution will remain a complex and uncertain process.

PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for supporting an extended ceasefire, creating space for meaningful dialogue and continued negotiations.

With Pakistan reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful resolution, hopes remain high that the second round of Islamabad Talks will pave the way toward a comprehensive and lasting peace deal.

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Pakistan has once again reinforced its sovereign position by extending the airspace ban on Indian aircraft until May 24, 2026, marking nearly a year since restrictions were first imposed.

According to a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airport Authority, all Indian-registered, operated, and even military flights will remain barred from entering Pakistani airspace.

The restriction applies across both of Pakistan’s major flight regions, Karachi and Lahore, ensuring a complete and consistent enforcement of the policy. The previous deadline, set for April 24, has now been pushed forward as Islamabad maintains its firm approach.

The move comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions that began in April 2025 following an attack in Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir’s (IIOJ&K) Pahalgam. In response to what Pakistan termed as aggressive actions by New Delhi, decisive measures were taken, including the immediate closure of airspace to Indian airlines.

Pakistan has consistently rejected India’s allegations linking it to the incident, reiterating its call for an impartial investigation.

Despite escalating tensions, Islamabad has maintained that its actions are rooted in safeguarding national interests and upholding its sovereignty, sending a clear message of resolve on the regional stage.

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Manipur witnessed continued unrest on Tuesday as protests intensified in Keishamthong over the April 7 bomb attack, which claimed the lives of two young siblings. Demonstrators are demanding swift justice and stronger security action following the incident that has deeply shaken the state.

The protest movement has expanded across several districts, contributing to a five-day shutdown that has disrupted normal life. Markets remain closed and transport services have largely stopped, reflecting the scale of the ongoing agitation. Protesters have also directed criticism at the state leadership while accusing militant groups of carrying out the attack.

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The victims, a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister, were reportedly killed when an explosive device was thrown into their home while they were asleep. Their mother was also injured in the incident. Civil society groups, including Meira Paibi organisations, have intensified their demands for arrests, setting deadlines for action.

Security forces have been deployed in larger numbers across sensitive areas, including Rapid Action Force units, after tensions escalated in multiple locations. Clashes have been reported during demonstrations, with authorities using tear gas and crowd-control measures in some instances after protesters allegedly responded with stone pelting and slingshots.

Police officials have also raised concerns about elements within protest gatherings allegedly resorting to violence, including the use of crude weapons and explosives, complicating efforts to manage public demonstrations.

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Apple is stepping into a major new chapter as it officially announced John Ternus as its next chief executive, replacing Tim Cook after his 15-year leadership of the tech giant.

Ternus, who currently heads hardware engineering and has been with Apple for 25 years, will take over on September 1, while Cook will transition into the role of executive chairman, BBC reported.

Cook, who became CEO in 2011 following Steve Jobs’ resignation due to health reasons, has overseen Apple’s transformation into one of the world’s most valuable companies. Under his leadership, Apple became the first public company to hit a $1 trillion valuation in 2018 and has since surged to around $4 trillion.

The leadership change comes after months of speculation about succession plans at the company, which recently marked its 50th anniversary. Cook praised Ternus as a “visionary” with a strong engineering mindset and leadership qualities, calling him the right person to guide Apple forward. Ternus, in turn, described Cook as his mentor and expressed optimism about the company’s future direction.

Ternus has played a key role in shaping nearly every major Apple product of the last two decades, from the iPhone and iPad to AirPods and Apple Watch, as well as overseeing Apple’s shift to its own silicon chips for Mac computers. His promotion is widely seen as a signal that Apple may be preparing to double down on product innovation after years of steady but incremental updates.

Analysts suggest the move could mark a shift in focus toward more experimental hardware and future-facing technologies, including foldable devices, wearables, and deeper integration of artificial intelligence. Critics have previously argued that Apple has lagged behind competitors in AI, often relying on external partners like Google and OpenAI.

While Cook is credited with delivering massive financial growth and operational strength, some industry voices say Apple now needs a new wave of breakthrough products to match the impact of earlier eras. With Ternus at the helm, expectations are rising that Apple may be ready to rediscover a more aggressive, innovation-driven identity.

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Oil prices recorded a sharp increase on Monday as markets reacted to escalating uncertainty in the Middle East, with investors closely monitoring tensions surrounding the fragile US-Iran ceasefire.

The rally comes as a two-week ceasefire agreement between the two countries is set to expire on Wednesday, raising fears of renewed conflict. Sentiment was further shaken after reports that the United States seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, casting doubt over the possibility of a new round of negotiations.

In trading, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery jumped 6.87 per cent to settle at $89.61 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for June delivery rose 5.64 per cent to close at $95.48 per barrel on the ICE Futures Exchange in London.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint responsible for roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments, has seen severely disrupted tanker movement since the conflict in the Middle East escalated at the end of February, further intensifying supply concerns.

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The United States has expressed cautious optimism that peace talks with Iran will move forward in Islamabad, even as uncertainty persists and a fragile ceasefire nears its deadline.

Officials on both sides signaled potential progress, with an Iranian source indicating that Tehran is seriously considering participation, though no final decision has been made. Pakistani authorities, acting as mediators, said they have received encouraging signals and are working closely with both Washington and Tehran to ensure talks begin within days.

Donald Trump has pushed for a deal aimed at preventing further economic disruption, particularly spikes in global oil prices, while maintaining that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Tehran, meanwhile, is seeking relief from sanctions and an end to hostilities without compromising its nuclear program.

Despite diplomatic movement, tensions remain high. Iran has warned that the United States would bear responsibility for any escalation following the interception of an Iranian vessel, while Washington maintains its blockade measures. Both sides have traded accusations, complicating the path to negotiations.

Market reactions reflected cautious hope, with oil prices easing and global stocks recovering slightly on expectations that talks could resume soon. Earlier uncertainty had driven oil prices sharply higher amid fears of prolonged conflict disrupting energy supplies.

Pakistan has ramped up preparations to host the negotiations, deploying thousands of security personnel in the capital. Reports indicate that JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad for the discussions, alongside other senior US officials.

The ceasefire, which followed weeks of intense conflict that impacted regional stability and global markets, is expected to expire midweek. While there are signs of diplomatic momentum, significant hurdles remain, leaving the outcome of the talks uncertain.

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The State Bank of Pakistan has confirmed it received $2 billion from the Ministry of Finance Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2026, providing a significant boost to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and easing pressure on its external account.

The transfer came during Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. During the meeting, the prime minister thanked the Kingdom for its continued financial backing and reiterated Pakistan’s support amid recent regional tensions, expressing solidarity with the Saudi leadership.

The development followed an announcement by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb that Riyadh would provide a total of $3 billion in fresh assistance. He also noted that Saudi Arabia had extended the tenure of an existing $5 billion deposit, further reinforcing financial ties between the two countries.

Pakistan is currently managing external financing challenges, including upcoming repayments and targets under its $7 billion program with the International Monetary Fund. The latest inflow is expected to support reserve levels and help maintain economic stability as the country works toward strengthening its financial position.

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A bus conductor accused of assaulting a young girl on a public transport vehicle has been arrested in Raiwind, according to police officials.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect, identified as Sajjad Ali, was taken into custody by Chohang police following reports that the girl was subjected to violence during a journey on a Speedo bus. A formal case has been registered, and the matter has been handed over to the investigation wing for further proceedings.

The incident gained attention after video footage surfaced online, allegedly showing the assault taking place on Speedo bus number LHREV 008 near the LDA stop on Raiwind Road in Lahore. Police said the incident occurred close to the Chohang Jayabga stop.

Senior police officials acted swiftly after the footage went viral, ordering immediate action. Investigators used modern technology to trace and apprehend the suspect, who now faces legal action.

Officials from the Punjab Transport Company strongly condemned the incident, stating that individuals involved in violence or harassment against women and children will not be given any leniency and will face strict consequences under the law.

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US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad as early as Tuesday for high-stakes negotiations with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to multiple US officials, said an article by Axios on Tuesday.

The visit comes at a critical moment, with a temporary ceasefire nearing its expiration. Donald Trump has warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to renewed military action targeting Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities. While securing a comprehensive deal within such a short timeframe remains uncertain, officials suggest the deadline could be extended if meaningful progress is made.

The timeline for the ceasefire has already seen slight flexibility. Although the original two-week period was set to conclude Tuesday, Trump indicated it could stretch until Wednesday evening, offering negotiators a narrow window to advance discussions.

Behind closed doors, US officials spent much of Monday awaiting confirmation that Tehran would send representatives to the talks. Iranian decision-making appeared delayed, reportedly due to internal pressure from elements such as the Revolutionary Guards, who pushed for a tougher stance—insisting that negotiations should not proceed without lifting the US blockade.

Diplomatic intermediaries from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey worked to encourage Iran’s participation. Approval for the delegation was ultimately granted late Monday by Iran’s supreme leadership, clearing the way for potential talks. Senior envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are also expected to join the diplomatic effort in Islamabad.

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A powerful earthquake measuring between 7.4 and 7.5 in magnitude struck northern Japan on Monday, sending strong tremors across Aomori Prefecture and prompting immediate tsunami warnings along the country’s northeastern coastline.

According to preliminary reports cited by Reuters, the quake triggered alerts for potentially dangerous tsunami waves, with authorities warning that waves could reach up to three meters in height in coastal areas of Aomori.

Emergency officials also cautioned that tsunami waves were expected to reach nearby Iwate Prefecture shortly after the seismic event, raising concerns for communities along the Pacific coast.

Japan, located on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes, but events of this magnitude often prompt large-scale emergency responses. Authorities urged residents in affected regions to move to higher ground and follow evacuation instructions as a precaution.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but officials said assessments were ongoing as emergency services remained on high alert.

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A half-marathon in Beijing featuring both human runners and humanoid robots turned into a large-scale trial of emerging robotics technology, as developers tested performance under real-world conditions.

More than 300 robots took part in the 21-kilometre race held in the Yizhuang district, running on separate tracks alongside thousands of human participants. Organisers described the event as a live testing platform for navigation systems, endurance, speed and computing efficiency.

Nearly 40 per cent of the machines completed the course autonomously, a notable improvement from last year’s debut race, when most failed to finish.

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This year’s competition saw a major leap in performance. The fastest robot, developed by Chinese tech company Honor, completed the race in just over 50 minutes, surpassing all human competitors and even beating the current human half-marathon record. Honor’s robots also secured second and third place, highlighting rapid progress in the country’s robotics sector.

Engineers credited advances such as liquid cooling systems, adapted from smartphone technology, for boosting efficiency and stability. Experts say events like this are accelerating the path toward mass production, with real-world testing helping to lower costs and expand potential industrial applications.

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When the so-called "Sartorial Sultan" of X pauses on an image, the focus is never branding or price. It's something far rarer... what menswear obsessives call the ghost in the cloth: that precise point where tailoring stops being clothing and starts behaving like architecture.

Yesterday evening, Derek Guy (@dieworkwear) tweeted: "Interesting to me that when you see men on the global stage, beautiful Western-style tailoring is often worn by men from non-Western countries. Pictured here is Shehbaz Sharif (Pakistan), Akinwumi Adesina (Nigeria), and Naruhito (Japan)."

He then moved on to Adesina's suit and left Sharif's hanging in the air like an unanswered question. Consider this the (possible) answer.

COLOR AND FABRIC THEORY: THE CREAM GAMBLE

There is a subtle moment when someone enters a space and the atmosphere shifts. Not dramatically, not theatrically, but undeniably. That shift has a grammar. And here, it is written in cream.

Lighter colours are unforgiving. They expose every structural lie, every compromise, every rushed measurement. Shadow falls differently on pale cloth. Creases announce themselves. Imperfections, if they exist, do not hide; they confess. Here, there is nothing to confess.

The fabric has a visible “heft” or weight. It drapes. It does not fold, does not crumple, does not surrender to the indignities of a stride or the physics of a turning torso. Mid-step, the jacket holds its architecture.

The likely choice, a high-twist wool-mohair blend (something like a 70/30 or even 50/50) explains that resilience. It gives the cloth a dry, almost architectural firmness while maintaining flow. The result is a surface that reflects light softly, like polished stone, rather than absorbing it.

More importantly, the colour shifts the message. It replaces bureaucratic distance of navy and black with something more nuanced: authority without aggression, formality without coldness. It is diplomacy expressed visually. It is like a firm, steady handshake in fabric form.

THE ARCHITECTURAL SILHOUETTE: THE 6X2 BLUEPRINT

This is a double-breasted jacket, cut in a classic 6-on-2 configuration. This is where engineering takes over. This is tailoring’s “golden ratio”: structured enough to command, restrained enough to stay elegant.

The chest is full and shaped, the waist gently suppressed, creating a natural V-taper that feels inevitable rather than forced. Crucially, there is no strain at the fastening point. No pulling, no tension lines; just a flat, uninterrupted plane. That absence of stress is itself evidence of precision. The jacket behaves less like clothing and more like a calibrated shell, holding its form even in motion.

THE LAPELS AND THE LINE OF SIGHT

The peak lapels are quietly theatrical. Wide, but not excessive; curved slightly, what tailors call a “belly”, so they guide the eye upward. The gaze is led, almost unconsciously, toward the face.

Their proportions echo everything around them: the tie width, the collar spread, the shoulder line. This is symmetry not as an aesthetic choice, but as discipline. When done correctly, it disappears. You don’t notice harmony, you feel it.

SHOULDERS, SLEEVES, AND THE UNSEEN WORK

The shoulders avoid extremes. They are neither heavily padded nor overly soft, instead striking a balance that suggests quiet strength. There is a faint roping at the sleeve head, adding just enough definition to frame the upper body without tipping into rigidity.

Look closer at the sleeves in motion: they hang cleanly, without twisting. This is the sleeve pitch… an adjustment so specific to the wearer’s natural stance that it cannot be replicated off-the-rack. It is one of those invisible details that signals true bespoke work.

The trousers follow the same philosophy. A clean line, a single break, no excess fabric pooling at the shoe. From shoulder to hem, the silhouette remains uninterrupted, a continuous vertical narrative.

THE QUIET LUXURY OF RESTRAINT

Nothing here competes for attention. The tie is understated, the shirt cool-toned, providing contrast against the warmth of the suit. Even the lapel pin and flag pin are controlled gestures, identity markers, not distractions.

Somewhere on that jacket is almost certainly a hand-finished buttonhole, stitched over hours, visible only to those looking for it. It exists not to impress, but to complete the garment. That is the essence of quiet luxury: effort invested without the need for recognition.

MOVEMENT: THE FINAL TEST

Stillness can be deceiving. Many suits look acceptable when standing. Movement reveals the truth. Here, the jacket does not bunch, the trousers do not collapse, the structure does not distort. The suit moves with him, not against him.

That is the final distinction. This is not a garment adapted to a body. It is a garment built for one.

THE VERDICT: STATECRAFT IN CLOTH

This isn't "fashion." Fashion is fleeting; this is architecture. The reason this image went viral among the global elite is that it represents a disappearing standard of excellence. In an era of "fast-fashion" and poorly fitted off-the-rack suits, Shehbaz Sharif’s ensemble is a reminder that precision is a form of respect. It tells the world that the man wearing it is disciplined, detail-oriented, and utterly in control of his environment.

It is, quite simply, the suit that commands the room before a single word is ever spoken. This suit moves with Shehbaz Sharif like a second skin. It was built for this body, this stride, this man!

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is close to finalising an agreement with Qatar to secure at least four shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG), as authorities scramble to address a growing electricity shortfall ahead of the summer season.

Officials say the proposed cargoes could begin moving through the Strait of Hormuz within days, following signs that maritime routes in the region may soon reopen after weeks of disruption, Dawn News reported on Monday.

The push for additional fuel comes as the country faces mounting criticism over power outages even before peak summer demand sets in. The Power Division has already asked the Petroleum Division to arrange roughly 400 million cubic feet per day of LNG to sustain electricity generation across the national grid.

Imports of LNG were halted last month when the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The crisis was triggered by US-Israel strikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory attacks targeting energy facilities in several Gulf states. In response, Qatar invoked force majeure on its LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan.

With supply lines disrupted, Pakistan’s power managers issued an urgent appeal to secure fuel after learning that Pakistani-flagged vessels might soon be able to pass through the strategic waterway. Several Qatari LNG shipments had previously been forced to turn back, and dozens are believed to remain stranded near the chokepoint.

Islamabad has formally requested Doha to allocate at least four of these cargoes, with senior officials indicating that diplomatic channels are being actively used to support the effort. Technical teams from both countries are currently working out the logistics.

The development coincides with recent diplomatic outreach by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military leadership, who visited key Middle Eastern capitals to help ease regional tensions and facilitate the restoration of energy supply routes.

Energy officials warn that electricity demand is already climbing and will continue to rise sharply with increasing temperatures. Without adequate LNG supplies, it would be difficult to keep major gas-fired power plants – particularly those in Punjab with a combined capacity of about 6,000 megawatts – operational.

Authorities caution that relying on alternative fuels such as high-speed diesel or furnace oil would significantly raise generation costs. Diesel-based power, which was already expensive before the regional conflict, may now cost more than Rs80 per unit, putting additional financial strain on consumers.

The Power Division has stressed that uninterrupted LNG supply is essential to maintain grid stability and meet demand across both public distribution companies and Karachi’s K-Electric network. A detailed forecast of fuel requirements has been shared with the Petroleum Division to guide planning for the coming weeks.

Officials add that if LNG shortages persist, increased use of costly backup fuels could lead to longer outages and higher electricity bills due to fuel price adjustments.

Electricity demand during peak summer months typically exceeds 28,000 megawatts, compared to current peak levels of around 20,000 megawatts. While solar energy has helped reduce daytime demand, reliance on the grid rises again after sunset, adding further pressure on the system.

With temperatures set to climb, securing LNG supplies has become a top priority to avoid a deeper energy crisis in the weeks ahead.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Iran remains committed to peace and regional stability, stressing that the country does not seek to expand the scope of conflict. He reiterated that Iran has consistently followed a policy focused on stability and dialogue.

Criticising Donald Trump, the Iranian president said there is no justification for denying Iran its nuclear rights. He questioned the basis of US claims, asking what wrongdoing Iran has committed to warrant such restrictions.

Pezeshkian added that no country or leader has the authority to strip another nation of its fundamental rights, accentuating that Iran does not intend to attack any country but retains the right to defend itself.

RUSSIA SIGNALS SUPPORT ON NUCLEAR ISSUE

Separately, Russia has expressed readiness to assist in transferring enriched uranium from Iran, indicating a potential role in ongoing diplomatic efforts. The head of Russia’s atomic energy agency said Moscow is closely monitoring the progress of talks between the United States and Iran.

He noted that beyond technical challenges, a major hurdle in negotiations remains the lack of trust between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking on past cooperation, he said Russia had successfully facilitated the transfer of enriched uranium in 2015 and is prepared to play a similar role again if required.

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Authorities in Islamabad have announced a comprehensive traffic management plan ahead of the arrival of foreign delegations, with strict restrictions in place across key parts of the city.

According to officials, the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed to all types of traffic. The Expressway from Koral to Zero Point will also be shut, while traffic on Srinagar Highway may be halted at intervals. Entry of heavy vehicles into Islamabad from all directions has been banned, and transporters have been advised to avoid traveling դեպի the capital during this period to prevent inconvenience.

To manage disruptions, residents have been provided with alternative routes. Those living in central sectors such as G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6, and F-7 are advised to use 9th Avenue via Margalla Road to reach Rawalpindi. Traffic from Faisal Avenue heading toward Zero Point will also be diverted to 9th Avenue. In case of closures at Koral Chowk, commuters can use routes via Srinagar Highway, Stadium Road, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk, and Rawal Road.

Additional diversions include redirecting traffic from Club Road toward Taramri Chowk if closures occur, while commuters from Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi are advised to take Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road. Travelers from Rawalpindi Saddar to Islamabad can use Karnal Sher Khan Road, Faqir Api Road, or 9th Avenue.

Heavy transport traveling between GT Road and Lahore has been assigned alternate routes via the motorway, Chakri Interchange, and Chak Beli Road to ease congestion and maintain flow outside the capital.

Authorities have urged citizens to stay updated through Islamabad Traffic Police channels, including their WhatsApp service, social media platforms, and ITP FM 92.4, for real-time guidance and updates.

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Global gold prices saw a notable increase, rising by 0.82 per cent amid continued economic uncertainty. The price of gold increased by $39.39 per ounce, reaching $4,831.05 compared to $4,791.66 a day earlier.

Analysts attribute the rise to global financial uncertainty and stronger investor demand for safe-haven assets. In Pakistan, gold is currently priced at Rs 506,000 per tola, while 10 grams stands at Rs 433,818.

FUEL PRICES EXPECTED TO EASE IN PAKISTAN

In related economic developments, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said a decision to reduce petrol prices is expected next Friday, following adjustments in diesel rates.

He said the move will be based on global market trends and added that recent geopolitical developments, including a ceasefire, have had a positive impact on global and local economic conditions.

Kayani also highlighted that Pakistan has re-entered the global Eurobond market after four years, calling it a positive sign for economic stability and investor confidence.

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An armed incident took place outside the Al-Subh Academy in Jhelum Cantt on Sunday, in what authorities described as an attempted attack targeting religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza.

According to police and academy officials, an unidentified armed man opened fire at the academy’s main gate at around 10:45 AM. Security personnel deployed at the location responded immediately, returning fire and killing the attacker on the spot. The identity of the assailant has not yet been confirmed, and officials said efforts are underway to identify the body.

During the exchange of fire, a police officer was injured after being hit by gunfire from the attacker. He was shifted to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that no students, staff, or attendees inside the academy were harmed in the incident.

Injured officer Ahsan Kayani stepped forward and blocked the attacker's path and killed him. Ahsan Kayani's leg was also injured by the attacker's firing, and the bone in his leg was almost broken. Ahsan was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital.

The academy administration said Sunday sessions typically attract around 150 to 200 participants, but all those present inside the premises remained safe due to the swift response of security personnel. Police have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and whether any accomplices were involved.

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Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have suspended all public, private, and goods transport until further notice, in a move tied to heightened security arrangements in the twin cities.

According to district administration announcements, heavy and public transport services in Islamabad have been halted, while Rawalpindi has also imposed a complete suspension of all types of transport with immediate effect.

Citizens have been urged to fully cooperate with security agencies, and officials said further updates will be shared as the situation develops.

Metro bus service operating in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been partially closed, from PIMS station to Pak Secretariat, officials said. Metro bus service is operational from Saddar station to Kachhari.

Public transportation, including Metro bus service will remain closed until further orders.

The measures come amid increased security preparations in the federal capital, where a possible second round of high-level US-Iran talks is being speculated.

While no official confirmation of the next negotiation round has been given, authorities appear to be tightening movement and access across key routes as part of precautionary arrangements.

Officials have not linked the restrictions to any specific event, but the timing has raised expectations that Islamabad may again host sensitive diplomatic discussions, prompting enhanced security and transport control across the region.

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Pope Leo has repeatedly condemned the Iran conflict, calling for an immediate end to war and urging global leaders to pursue dialogue instead of escalation. Speaking during homilies, public prayers, and meetings with journalists, the Pope warned that violence and military escalation are causing widespread suffering and instability.

Addressing the situation in the Middle East, he said the threat against civilians is “truly unacceptable” and stressed that innocent people, including children and the elderly, are the ones most affected by war. He also appealed for diplomacy, saying, “Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the tables of dialogue and mediation.”

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In another message, Pope Leo welcomed reports of a temporary truce in the region, describing it as a “sign of genuine hope,” and urged that negotiations be used to build a lasting solution. He also called on citizens to pressure political leaders to reject war and pursue peaceful outcomes.

Tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump criticised the Pope in a social media post, accusing him of being “weak on foreign policy” and questioning his stance on Iran and global security issues. Trump also said the Pope should “get his act together,” intensifying the public exchange between the Vatican and the White House.

Responding later, Pope Leo rejected the criticism and said he would not enter political disputes, accentuating that his role is rooted in the Gospel message. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he said, adding that the Church’s mission is to speak out against war and promote peace, dialogue, and justice.

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