The government has raised the petroleum charge on petrol and diesel but kept fuel prices steady for the next week.

Sources in the Petroleum Division said that the levy on fuel has been increased by Rs6.57 per litre making the total charge on diesel to Rs79.54 per litre.

Govt hikes petroleum levy on petrol, diesel

The hike of Rs0.39 a litre in the petroleum levy on fuel takes the charge to Rs66.64 a litre.

Meanwhile, the duty on paraffin oil has been left constant at Rs20.36 per litre.

The government has kept the cost of petrol and diesel unchanged for the coming week despite the hike in levy, it is worth mentioning here.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Both leaders renewed their commitment to regional peace and stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan said that Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promote peace and stability in the area during discussion with his Iranian counterpart.

Araghchi, a spokesperson said, also praised Islamabad for ensuring safe return of Iranian servicemen and fishermen to their homeland and appreciated Pakistan’s continuous cooperation in aiding the peace process.

The two leaders also agreed to keep in constant communication and to continue to coordinate on issues of common interest.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the grand passing out parade at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar as chief guest. The Prime Minister appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Navy and emphasised its critical role in Marka-e-Haq.

The prime minister reviewed the passing out parade and commended the professional brilliance of Pakistan Navy and expressed happiness over the participation of cadets from friendly countries in the occasion.

The 33rd Short Service Course had a respectable graduation ceremony with 125 midshipmen and cadets. The graduating class comprised midshipmen from Bahrain, Iraq and Djibouti.

Commandant Gold Medal was awarded to Officer Cadet Alveera Hamza and Chief of Defence Forces Gold Medal to Officer Cadet Hafiz Muhammad Ahmed Munawar. Hadi Abbas Khan got the Academy Dirk Midshipman honour, while Midshipman Umar Mukhtar was presented with the honorary sword for exceptional achievement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the country’s real strength was the sacrifices of the nation and the support of the people and the country continued to play its role as a proponent of peace in the international community while addressing the passing out parade.

In the current global scenario, peace and cooperation have become more vital than ever and Pakistan wants the resolution of conflicts via peace, negotiation and diplomacy,” he said.

The prime minister congratulated the graduating cadets and said their achievements are a subject of pride for the nation and will boost them in their journey of serving Pakistan.

He also lauded the training and professional standards of the academy, saying the Pakistan Naval Academy is generating highly capable officers who would play a key role in the country’s defence and security.

Shehbaz Sharif said that the Pakistan Navy is not only a formidable defensive force but also plays a key role in promoting peace and stability in the area. Pakistan had always preferred peace and diplomacy, he noted.

The prime minister further stated that the agreement between the United States and Iran is an honour for Pakistan and added that the memorandum of understanding was signed by Islamabad as a mediator with the help of Iran and other friendly countries. The recent visit of the Iranian president will further improve the connections between Pakistan and Iran, he said.