– Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and inquired about his health, conveying his wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

According to an official statement, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over positive developments in Pakistan-Malaysia bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further accelerating cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

The leaders also discussed the regional situation, especially developments in the Gulf. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability and expressed gratitude for the leadership, efforts and guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked his Malaysian counterpart for Malaysia’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace. He said Pakistan would continue working closely with brotherly and friendly countries, including Malaysia, to advance peace and would pursue joint efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East.

The two prime ministers also agreed to meet in the near future at a mutually convenient time. 

The government has again hiked prices of fuel and high speed diesel and announced the new rates that would be effective for three days from Aug 22 to Aug 24.

An official statement said on Friday that the fuel price has been increased by Rs3.81 per litre to Rs341.59 per litre.

The price of high-speed diesel has also been raised by Rs3.59 per litre and the new price is Rs368.29 per litre.

The new tariffs will be effective from Aug 22 and will be valid till Aug 24.

The newest move comes after another change in petroleum prices as the government is revising fuel costs more often under its new pricing methodology.

Petrol and diesel costs remain significant to consumers and businesses as they directly effect household spending, transport and economic activity.

With the recent rise, a consumer buying 40 litres of fuel will now spend roughly Rs13,664, while filling a 50-litre tank will cost around Rs17,080 at the new rate.

High speed diesel has wider impact on economy through its wide use in transportation of commodities, agriculture and commercial vehicles. Higher diesel prices can raise freight and logistics costs, which can increase the cost of moving key commodities and other goods.

The seventh period of the monsoon has arrived Pakistan and sporadic rain is predicted in Lahore and a number of other districts of Punjab today and tomorrow, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said.

Lahore might experience rain in the afternoon, the Met Office said, adding that gloomy weather is forecast in the city in the following two days.

The low temperature in Lahore was predicted to hover around 28°C while the maximum temperature may touch 36°C, the weather authority said.

The city had a temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and 76 per cent humidity.

The next monsoon phase is likely to deliver more rains over areas of Punjab offering relief from the existing heat and humid conditions.