Latest News
Prime Minister Shehbaz expresses gratitude to Trump for suspending ‘Project Freedom’ in the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent his appreciation to US President Donald Trump for his bold leadership and prompt declaration over the temporary suspension of Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on social media platform X, he stated: “President Trump’s benevolent response to the request from Pakistan and other allied nations, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my esteemed brother Crown Prince and Prime Minister H.R.H. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will significantly contribute to promoting regional peace, stability, and reconciliation during this critical juncture.”
He stated that Pakistan is steadfastly dedicated to endorsing any initiatives that foster restraint and a peaceful resolution of issues via dialogue and diplomacy.
“We are optimistic that the existing momentum will culminate in a sustainable agreement that ensures enduring peace and stability for the region and beyond,” stated the article.
On Tuesday, May 5, Trump announced the cessation of the US military operation to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after only one day, aiming to negotiate a resolution with Iran to conclude the Middle East conflict.
Trump’s initiative, termed “Project Freedom”, commenced on Monday to assist vessels in departing the Strait of Hormuz, the constricted passage to the Gulf where Iran has asserted control following attacks.
The US leader announced on Truth Social that he is now suspending it at the request of mediator Pakistan and other nations, stating that “significant progress has been achieved toward a comprehensive and conclusive agreement” with Tehran.Trump stated, “We have reached a mutual agreement that, although the blockade will continue to be fully enforced, Project Freedom will be temporarily suspended to assess the possibility of finalising and signing the Agreement.”
Washington is enforcing a blockade on Iran’s ports to compel Iran to negotiate a resolution to the conflict initiated by the US and Israel on February 28.
Tensions escalated about the Hormuz operation, with the US claiming it had sunk seven Iranian warships, while many civilian ships reportedly faced attacks attributed to Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier on Tuesday that the confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz were not included in the initial conflict.Rubio stated, “This is not an offensive operation; it is a defensive operation.” “This means that shooting will only occur if we are fired upon first.”
He stated that the United States had concluded its offensive operations against Iran, designated as “Operation Epic Fury”.
Latest News
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7 occurs close to Naples, Italy, resulting in damage and disruptions.
- A magnitude 4.7 earthquake hit the Campi Flegrei area near the southern Italian city of Naples on Friday, causing power cuts, disrupting train and metro services and damaging some buildings, authorities said.
The quake was registered around 7.46 pm (1746 GMT). Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology stated the epicentre was in the Campi Flegrei area west of Naples at a depth of around 3 km (2 miles).
The Italian fire department said there had been minimal damage to buildings in and around Naples, but workers had not received immediate demands for help or rescue of occupants.
Local rail and metro services were suspended as a precaution, local officials said.
According to Italian media, it was one of the greatest earthquakes ever registered in the region, with people in some areas pouring into the street as the tremors hit.
The government has increased surveillance of the heavily populated volcanic caldera of Campi Flegrei, which spans much of western Naples and has seen growing seismic activity in the past several years.
The region is regularly hit by tiny quakes but greater ones have stoked fears of a repetition of the seismic crisis that rocked Campi Flegrei in the early 1980s, disrupting life across the region and forcing thousands of people from their homes.
Italy is a country at risk of earthquakes.
Central Italy was hit by severe quakes in 2016, destroying areas of Lazio, Umbria and the Marche provinces, killing over 300 people.
The most destructive in recent decades was a 6.9-magnitude quake that rocked the Irpinia region of southern Italy in November 1980, killing over 2,700 people and destroying hundreds of villages.
Business
For three days, Pakistan lowers the price of petrol and diesel.
For a three-day period starting on August 1, the government has announced a slight decrease in the cost of petroleum products, including gasoline and high-speed diesel (HSD).
The Petroleum Division said that the price of high-speed diesel has been lowered by Rs0.66 per litre, resulting in a new retail price of Rs392.38 per litre.
Additionally, the price of gasoline has been lowered by Rs0.12 per litre, to Rs336.03 per litre.
According to the letter, the updated pricing will go into effect between August 1 and August 3.
According to the administration, the little cut was taken after accounting for both domestic economic and budgetary factors as well as global oil costs.
In light of persistent economic pressures and swings in the world’s crude oil markets, the most recent adjustment provides customers with little respite.
The most recent update comes after the government regularly reviews fuel costs, which are decided by the currency rate, domestic tax laws, and global market trends.
Business
FBR surpasses its July revenue goal by Rs40 billion.
In July 2026, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs820 billion in net revenue, exceeding the monthly target by Rs40 billion.
The July tax collection target was set at Rs780 billion, but net receipts came in at Rs820 billion, according to FBR documents.
According to the papers, gross tax collections for the month totaled Rs918 billion. Net receipts were Rs820 billion after Rs98 billion of this sum was reimbursed to taxpayers under different refund categories.
Gross collections under the income tax head was Rs343 billion. Net income tax revenues fell short of the objective of Rs323 billion, coming in at Rs308 billion after the payment of Rs35 billion in refunds.
In July, sales tax collections came to Rs413 billion, while sales tax refunds were Rs53 billion.
The Federal Excise Duty (FED) collected Rs48 billion, compared to the objective of Rs47 billion, according to the FBR.
In July 2026, customs duty receipts totaled Rs115 billion, surpassing the designated objective of Rs105 billion by Rs10 billion.
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