A recent rise in petroleum prices has led to higher transport fares across Pakistan, adding to the financial strain on commuters already affected by inflation, according to Samaa TV. In Lahore, negotiations between the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and transport operators resulted in a limited fare increase of about 3% to 4%. The meeting, held at Transport House, was led by RTA Secretary Rana Mohsin, who engaged with transporters initially seeking larger hikes due to rising fuel costs. Authorities approved only a small adjustment and warned against any unauthorized fare increases.
Rana Mohsin stated that transporters must strictly follow the approved rates, adding that legal action would be taken against violators. He also confirmed that updated fare charts would be enforced immediately. He explained that fuel prices have gone up by more than 7%, necessitating the revision. Despite the regulatory cap, passengers are still facing higher costs, with reports of around a 5% fare increase in some cases, making everyday and intercity travel more expensive. Commuters have expressed concern over the growing burden of frequent fare revisions.
Intercity travel has also become costlier. Fares from Lahore to Rawalpindi have reached PKR 2,340, while trips to Peshawar now cost around PKR 3,100. Routes to Faisalabad and Sargodha have increased to PKR 1,260, and the Lahore–Karachi route has climbed to PKR 9,720 after a significant jump. The impact is not limited to passenger transport. Goods transporters and mini Mazda operators have also raised charges by about 5%, citing higher diesel prices. In Karachi, the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announced an even steeper 10% increase, as reported by Samaa TV.
Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan criticised government fuel pricing policies, stating that the current subsidy of PKR 80,000 is inadequate. He claimed operational expenses have surged sharply, with costs rising by up to PKR 200,000 per trip. He also warned that global tensions have disrupted nearly half of transport operations, worsening the situation further.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met a delegation of journalists from Nepal on Saturday. According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, he provided an overview of the growing cooperation between India and Nepal. In a post on X, Jaiswal stated that Misri highlighted the steady progress in the wide-ranging partnership and expressed optimism about its future.
Earlier, on April 23, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also interacted with 20 Nepali journalists at Parliament House in New Delhi. In his post on X, Rijiju said the discussion covered India’s parliamentary system, political structure, and diplomatic outreach, noting that such exchanges help strengthen institutional ties and deepen the relationship between the two countries.
India and Nepal share borders with Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The two nations have long-standing cultural and civilizational links, reflected in strong people-to-people connections. Nepal remains a key partner under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The MEA also noted that regular high-level engagements have reinforced bilateral relations. Since May 2014, there have been 17 visits or exchanges at the level of Heads of State or Government. These frequent interactions have helped maintain momentum in the partnership and allowed leadership on both sides to regularly review the full scope of bilateral cooperation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@MEAIndia.
After seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs joined the BJP, political tensions have escalated across a wide region, including Punjab, Delhi, Goa, and Gujarat. Senior BJP leaders claim the party achieved multiple strategic gains simultaneously. Attention is now focused on whether this split in AAP’s Rajya Sabha wing could trigger similar defections among its Lok Sabha MPs and MLAs in Punjab and Delhi. This concern has long troubled the AAP, which has repeatedly accused the BJP of attempting to weaken it through “Operation Lotus.”
The impact of these developments is expected to be significant, especially as the BJP aims to strengthen its position not only in Punjab but also ahead of upcoming elections in Gujarat and Goa. While much political focus was on West Bengal, the BJP is believed to have quietly executed its strategy in Delhi, which could have long-term consequences.
Sources suggest the BJP had been preparing this move within the AAP for some time. Leaders such as Swati Maliwal were reportedly in contact with BJP figures, while Raghav Chadha was also being closely observed due to signs of dissatisfaction with AAP leadership. However, internal dynamics, including rivalries within the party, influenced coordination among the MPs involved in the split.
Among those who switched sides, several were already under pressure or had shown ideological or political differences with the AAP leadership. Others maintained limited political engagement or expressed views closer to the BJP on certain issues. One key strategic advantage for the BJP is believed to be access to influential figures within AAP’s organisational structure, particularly in Punjab.
The BJP’s reported plan is to leverage these connections to weaken AAP’s base in Punjab ahead of the 2027 state elections. Although a formal legislative split would require a large number of MLAs, analysts do not rule out the possibility of defections closer to the elections. A similar situation is being monitored in Delhi as well.
In Punjab, where the BJP currently has a limited presence, the party aims to expand its footprint independently, having ruled out an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal. It plans to strengthen its outreach in both urban and rural regions while targeting AAP legislators for potential support.
The recent developments are also seen as a setback for AAP ahead of local body elections in Gujarat, where the party is attempting to expand its influence in key regions such as South Gujarat and Saurashtra. In Goa, too, AAP has been trying to consolidate its base in coastal and minority-dominated areas. The BJP’s gain in Rajya Sabha numbers is expected to strengthen its legislative position in the upper house, making it easier for the government to pass key bills. The move is being described by party leaders as a significant political advantage ahead of the next election cycle.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP who recently left AAP, said on Saturday that the party had moved away from its founding ideals and that Arvind Kejriwal is no longer the same leader. Her remarks came a day after AAP faced a major setback when seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, resigned from the party. Other MPs who quit included Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Ashok Mittal, Rajinder Gupta, and Vikram Sahney.
Maliwal, who later joined the BJP, also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, calling it strong and decisive. She alleged that she had devoted years to public service and social causes but faced mistreatment after attempting to file a complaint following an alleged assault at Kejriwal’s residence. She claimed she was pressured and threatened to withdraw her complaint and was later sidelined within the party, including being denied opportunities to speak in Parliament.
According to her, AAP has changed significantly and is now associated with corruption, false claims, and misconduct. She said people are leaving the party because of dissatisfaction with Kejriwal’s leadership rather than fear. Maliwal also accused Kejriwal of changing from his earlier image of simplicity, alleging that his lifestyle has become more luxurious over time. She further claimed that the Punjab government is being indirectly controlled from Delhi and raised allegations of corruption and illegal activities in the state.
She said her decision to join the BJP was made willingly and not under pressure, adding that she could have joined earlier if she had wanted to. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the party would approach the Rajya Sabha Chairman seeking disqualification of the seven MPs under the anti-defection law. He also alleged that the resignations were influenced by the BJP. Maliwal had been elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2024 and earlier served as chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir in Islamabad as Pakistan continued efforts to support US–Iran dialogue. The Iranian embassy shared a video confirming the meeting, also attended by Iranian officials, but gave no details. Araghchi said his visit aims to coordinate on regional issues, while Iran clarified no direct talks with the US are planned during the trip.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy analyse Health Minister Mark Butler’s recent announcement that Labor plans to shift thousands of participants off the NDIS in an effort to reduce expenses. They also talk about the state of the economy, proposed taxes on gas companies, and Donald Trump.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian
Since the beginning of March, three cabinet secretaries have either resigned or been removed from the US administration. Reports now indicate that additional officials may also be at risk of losing their positions. Jonathan Freedland discusses with MS NOW White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López why Donald Trump appears to be acting with greater decisiveness and severity in his second term.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews travel content creator Chelsea Yap, who shares insights from her solo trip to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Yap reflects on her six-day yoga and meditation experience at the Suan Sati Retreat and discusses the effectiveness of its sustainability initiatives. She also highlights her other travel experiences, which she documents through snapshots on Instagram and TikTok under the handle @offbeatsingaporean.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews the co-founders of W:RLD, a new menswear label from Singapore created for modern men in hot, fast-moving urban environments. Lucas Yong and Roger Poon share the inspiration behind starting the brand and how they teamed up with other co-founders to bring W:RLD to life. They also discuss the pieces in their debut collection, including blazers, trousers, shirts, and T-shirts, which are crafted using advanced fabric technologies designed to regulate heat, moisture, and odour.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
