Web Desk

<span style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted">This live blog follows updates for Day 16 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 15, go&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/usisrael-war-on-iran-day-15" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em style='box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Roboto, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;'>here</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); float: none; display: inline !important;"><em style='box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Roboto, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;'>.<hr><ul style='box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: square; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Roboto, -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; background-color: oklch(0.985 0.002 247.839);' id="isPasted"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 2; font-size: 14px;">Smoke seen rising from direction of UAE energy facility: AFP journalist</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 2; font-size: 14px;">Iran urges UAE residents to stay away from ports</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 2; font-size: 14px;">Macron thanks Iraqi PM for &#39;measures&#39; to safeguard French forces</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 2; font-size: 14px;">Iran says museums and historic sites damaged in war</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; scroll-behavior: auto !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 2; font-size: 14px;">Pentagon moving additional marines, warships to Middle East: Wall Street Journal</li></ul><hr> France denies reports its warships heading to Middle EastPublished: March 15, 2026 | 01:00 GMT&nbsp; The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports that the French Navy is preparing to deploy 10 warships to the Middle East. In a post on X, the ministry said: &ldquo;No. The aircraft carrier strike group remains in the Eastern Mediterranean. France&rsquo;s posture is unchanged: Defensive, Protective.&rdquo;The report came after Trump urged the US&rsquo;s allies to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Middle East

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies reports that the French Navy is preparing to deploy 10 warships to the Middle East

LIVE: France denies reports its warships heading to Middle East

WASHINGTON:&nbsp;The Pentagon on Saturday released the identities of six US crew members killed during the crash of a refueling aircraft in western Iraq earlier this week, which authorities said was not caused by &quot;hostile fire.&quot; The KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, bringing the number of US troops killed in operations against Iran to at least 13. A second aircraft involved in the operation landed safely. The Pentagon said the six members killed in the crash were: John Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Seth Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. The first three were members of the US Air Force, while the latter three were stationed with the US Air National Guard. The crash remains under investigation, Pentagon officials said, but US Central Command previously stated that &quot;the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.&quot; The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-backed Iraqi factions, claimed to have downed a KC-135. They also said they had targeted another plane that escaped. Since the start of the Middle East war, the alliance has been claiming daily attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region. The KC-135 crash is at least the fourth US military aircraft lost during the war, after three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait. KC-135s, which have been in operation for more than 60 years, generally have a crew of three -- a pilot, a copilot and a third who operates the boom used to refuel other aircraft, according to the US Air Force. But some KC-135 missions require a navigator, and the aircraft can carry up to 37 passengers, an Air Force factsheet said. Early in the war&mdash;which began on February 28&mdash;Kuwaiti forces mistakenly downed three American F-15E fighters, but all six crew members were able to eject, according to CENTCOM. That incident occurred during combat, including &quot;attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones,&quot; the military command said at the time.

Americas

The Pentagon release the identities of six US crew members killed during the crash of a refueling aircraft in western Iraq earlier this week, which authorities said was not caused by "hostile fire."

US military identifies 6 soldiers killed in Iraq plane crash

Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: At first glance, the room feels like a modest neighborhood caf&eacute;. Tables are neatly arranged, diners sit comfortably over warm plates of food, and volunteers move quietly between them, refilling dishes and offering water.&nbsp;There is no cashier, no bill and no rush to leave.&nbsp;Everyone eats for free.&nbsp;Across Pakistan, spaces like these community kitchens are quietly redefining how charity works. Rather than lining people up for handouts, many charities create settings that resemble ordinary restaurants, allowing visitors to sit, share a meal and leave with their dignity intact.&nbsp;The idea is simple: help people without making them feel like recipients of charity.&nbsp;This approach reflects a wider national ethos where generosity is woven deeply into daily life. In Pakistan, charity is not just an occasional act of kindness. It is widely seen as a social responsibility.&nbsp;That culture of giving is also visible in global data.&nbsp;According to the World Giving Report 2025, analyzed locally by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy, 73% of Pakistanis donated money in 2024, well above the global average of 64% and the Asian regional average of 69%. Pakistan ranked 17th out of 101 countries in overall generosity.&nbsp;Perhaps even more striking is how much people give relative to their income. On average, Pakistanis donated 1.64% of their earnings, compared with a global average of 1.04%.&nbsp;The numbers suggest generosity in Pakistan is driven less by wealth than by values.&nbsp;Religion plays an important role in shaping those values. In Islam, charity is not merely encouraged but considered a religious duty. Obligatory contributions such as zakat, along with voluntary charity known as sadaqah, form a central part of religious life.&nbsp;During Ramadan, charitable giving often surges as families and communities mobilize to help those in need.&nbsp;The scale of these contributions is significant. Research conducted jointly by the International Centre for Tax and Development and the Lahore University of Management Sciences found that Pakistanis donated Rs619 billion in zakat in 2024, equivalent to about $2.19 billion.&nbsp;The survey, based on phone interviews, estimated that around 50 million Pakistanis contributed, with an average donation of nearly Rs15,000 ($53) per person.&nbsp;Overall, charitable giving in Pakistan accounts for more than one percent of the country&rsquo;s GDP, according to the Stanford Social Innovation Review. That level places Pakistan alongside wealthier nations such as the United Kingdom and Canada and is roughly double the share of giving relative to GDP in India.&nbsp;But statistics tell only part of the story.&nbsp;Much of Pakistan&rsquo;s charity work is carried out by grassroots welfare organizations operating across multiple sectors. One example is Saylani Welfare International Trust, which runs community kitchens, vocational training centers and aid programs across the country.&nbsp;A charity worker explained how everyday donations sustain their operations.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our organization has many donors who help run this institution,&rdquo; the worker told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;Saylani Welfare helps people in many different sectors. We provide free meals, or langar, to people. Our organization also teaches skills to people. We distribute clothes among poor people, and we also provide ration to those in need.&rdquo;&nbsp;Programs like these turn charitable contributions into practical support. Free meal services ensure no one goes hungry, while vocational training aims to help people develop skills and earn a living independently. Clothing drives and ration distribution further support families struggling with rising costs.&nbsp;Yet some of the most powerful acts of generosity in Pakistan never appear in official reports.&nbsp;Much of the giving happens quietly, person to person. Families help neighbors pay hospital bills. Shopkeepers allow struggling customers to take groceries on credit, sometimes forgiving the debt entirely.&nbsp;Communities often pool money to support families facing sudden hardship.&nbsp;Over time, these informal networks have become a vital social safety net.&nbsp;Even during periods of economic pressure, the willingness to give remains remarkably resilient. For many Pakistanis, generosity is not measured by the size of a donation but by the intention behind it.&nbsp;Millions of small acts of kindness, repeated daily, form a vast and largely invisible system of support.

Economy

Culture

At first glance, the room feels like a modest neighborhood café. Tables are neatly arranged, diners sit comfortably over warm plates of food, and volunteers move quietly between them, refilling dishes and offering water

Pakistanis rank among world’s most generous givers, study shows

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces carried out overnight strikes on terrorist hideouts and military infrastructure in Afghanistan&rsquo;s Kandahar province, security sources said Sunday, as Islamabad escalates its response to cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;The strikes targeted facilities used by the Afghan Taliban and affiliated terrorist groups to support attacks against Pakistani civilians, according to the sources.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan Armed Forces have successfully targeted military installations, including terrorist hideouts of Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij,&rdquo; security sources said.&nbsp;Pakistani forces destroyed technical support infrastructure and an equipment storage facility in Kandahar that sources said had been used to facilitate cross-border terrorist activities.&nbsp;&ldquo;In these attacks, Pakistani forces effectively destroyed technical support infrastructure and equipment storage facilities in Kandahar that were being used by the Afghan Taliban and terrorists against innocent Pakistani civilians,&rdquo; the sources said.&nbsp;In a separate strike during the same night, Pakistani forces also targeted a tunnel in Kandahar that housed technical equipment used by the Afghan Taliban and terrorist networks.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan Armed Forces successfully targeted a tunnel in Kandahar that housed technical equipment of Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij,&rdquo; the sources said.&nbsp;They said the operations were conducted under Operation Ghazab lil Haq, Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing cross-border campaign launched on Feb. 26 following repeated attacks originating from Afghan territory.&nbsp;&ldquo;Operations under Operation Ghazab lil Haq will continue until attainment of objectives,&rdquo; the security sources added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Drone attacks on Pakistani citiesThe latest strikes came hours after Pakistan&rsquo;s military said rudimentary drones launched from Afghanistan targeted Pakistani cities, with debris from intercepted devices injuring civilians.&nbsp;In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the drones were intercepted before reaching their intended targets.&nbsp;&ldquo;On 13 March 2026, Afghan Taliban launched few rudimentary drones to harass the brave people of Pakistan,&rdquo; the military&rsquo;s media wing said.&nbsp;According to the ISPR, the drones were neutralised using a combination of electronic and kinetic countermeasures.&nbsp;&ldquo;The drones were intercepted through soft and hard kills and did not reach their intended targets,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;However, debris from the intercepted drones caused injuries to civilians in several locations.&nbsp;&ldquo;The debris from these drones resulted in injuries to two children in Quetta and a civilian each in Kohat and Rawalpindi,&rdquo; the ISPR added.&nbsp;The military said the attacks were intended to intimidate the public and described them as reflective of the &ldquo;terrorist mindset&rdquo; driving the Afghan Taliban.&nbsp;&lsquo;Red line crossed&rsquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership has also issued strong warnings following the drone incidents.&nbsp;President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attacks, saying targeting civilian areas marked a dangerous escalation.&nbsp;&ldquo;Strongly condemn the drone attacks targeting the Pakistani civilian areas,&rdquo; the President&rsquo;s Office said in a statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan will not tolerate its civilians being targeted. Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against neighbors. Pakistan will defend its people,&rdquo; the statement added.&nbsp;Operation Ghazab lil HaqThe Kandahar strikes mark the latest phase of Pakistan&rsquo;s retaliatory campaign, which officials say focuses on dismantling terrorist camps, logistical hubs and infrastructure used to support attacks inside Pakistan.&nbsp;Security officials say the operation has intensified in recent days as tensions rise along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.&nbsp;Pakistani authorities maintain that the campaign is aimed solely at terrorist infrastructure and support networks responsible for cross-border attacks, while emphasizing that operations will continue until Pakistan&rsquo;s security concerns are addressed.&nbsp;

Security

Security sources say Pakistan carried out overnight strikes in Kandahar, targeting terrorist hideouts, tunnels and technical infrastructure used by Afghan Taliban and affiliated groups, hours after drones launched toward Pakistani cities injured civilians when intercepted debris fell

Pakistan strikes Kandahar terrorist infrastructure after drone attacks injure civilians

Shizza Jasmin

ISLAMABAD: Germany and Pakistan are expanding cooperation in climate action, education and development partnerships, even as both countries seek to reinvigorate trade and investment ties, German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel said in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV Digital. Lepel, currently serving her third posting in Pakistan, described bilateral relations as broadly positive with active political engagement and growing people-to-people connections. &ldquo;Overall the trajectory is going in a good direction,&rdquo; she said, noting that the two countries maintain regular high-level contact. She added that Pakistan and Germany share a commitment to international cooperation and rule-based global governance. &ldquo;We depend on a reliable international world order that is governed by rules and not by the law of the strongest,&rdquo; Lepel said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s why we are both big friends of multilateralism.&rdquo; Climate cooperation expandingGermany&rsquo;s development partnership with Pakistan is increasingly focused on climate and energy transition, the ambassador said, highlighting a &euro;114 million commitment announced late last year for climate-related cooperation and other development initiatives. According to Lepel, climate action offers both countries an opportunity to strengthen long-term economic competitiveness while addressing a global challenge. &ldquo;Climate change does not stop at borders and we don&rsquo;t get to negotiate with the planet,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;The planet follows the law of physics, so this is a global challenge we have to tackle together.&rdquo; Germany is supporting several climate-related initiatives across Pakistan, including rebuilding flood-affected homes in Balochistan using climate-resilient methods and improving freshwater access in Punjab. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Berlin is also contributing to forest restoration efforts linked to a provincial tree-planting initiative. Lepel said community participation is key to ensuring such environmental projects succeed. &ldquo;Planting the forest is the easy part,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Without taking the local communities along it&rsquo;s very difficult to keep it.&rdquo; Education links growingEducational exchange remains one of the fastest-growing areas of bilateral engagement, with nearly 10,000 Pakistani students currently studying in Germany, according to Lepel. She said Germany has digitalized its student visa application system to improve transparency and processing times, while the growing availability of English-language programs is making German universities more accessible to international students. &ldquo;The attractiveness of studying in Germany just is growing so much,&rdquo; she said. Lepel also encouraged prospective Pakistani students to rely on official information portals rather than private education agents. &ldquo;It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on agencies,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;If you just Google &lsquo;study in Germany&rsquo; you come to a very accessible and intuitive portal where people are guided through all the universities.&rdquo; Trade potential yet to be realizedWhile political dialogue and development cooperation remain strong, the ambassador acknowledged that trade and investment between the two countries have not grown as quickly as other areas of partnership. &ldquo;The numbers in terms of trade are pretty much the same when I left eight years ago,&rdquo; Lepel said, adding that improving the ease of doing business could help attract greater foreign investment. Pakistan&rsquo;s large market, young population and strategic geographic location remain significant advantages for potential investors, she noted. &ldquo;There are quite a few German companies that have a presence in Pakistan,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Hopefully as ease of business improves we can build on that.&rdquo; Opportunities in innovation and diversificationLepel said changing global economic dynamics are prompting German companies to diversify supply chains and explore new markets &mdash; a trend that could create opportunities for Pakistan. &ldquo;We have learned the hard way that it&rsquo;s not a good idea to be unilaterally dependent on any one partner,&rdquo; she said. She also pointed to Pakistan&rsquo;s innovative talent pool as a potential area for collaboration in research and development. &ldquo;I have really met amazing people who are very innovative, creative, resourceful and agile,&rdquo; she said. Energy efficiency and sustainable building technologies are additional areas where German expertise could support Pakistan&rsquo;s transition toward a low-carbon economy, Lepel added. &ldquo;The best energy is the energy we have never used,&rdquo; she said, highlighting opportunities in building insulation and energy-saving infrastructure. Despite global economic uncertainty, the ambassador expressed optimism about the future direction of bilateral relations. &ldquo;There is a positive mood,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;People are taking more of an interest in how things go in Pakistan.&rdquo;

Foreign Affairs

In a wide-ranging interview to Pakistan TV Digital, German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel says Pakistan-Germany relations are progressing through climate cooperation, education links and political engagement, while noting untapped potential in trade, investment and innovation partnerships.

Germany-Pakistan ties deepen through climate, education partnerships, ambassador says

Asfandyar Yahya

Ever wondered why mosquitoes always seem to bite you first? In this episode of Tell Me Why, we break down the science behind mosquito attraction and why the world&rsquo;s deadliest animal might already have you on its radar.

Tell Me Why

In this episode of Tell Me Why, we break down the science behind mosquito attraction and why the world’s deadliest animal might already have you on its radar.

Tell me why you're a mosquito magnet

PARIS: Two more players of the Iranian women&#39;s football team, which competed in the Asian Cup in Australia, and one member of the backroom staff have withdrawn their requests for asylum in the country, Iranian state media said on Saturday.&nbsp;Seven members of the visiting women&#39;s football delegation, six players and one backroom staff member, had sought sanctuary in Australia after they were branded &quot;traitors&quot; at home for refusing to sing the national anthem during the ongoing war between Iran and the US and its ally Israel.&nbsp;One of the players had withdrawn her request earlier in the week and linked up with the rest of the team, who are returning to Iran via Malaysia, according to Iranian media and Australian authorities.&nbsp;State broadcaster IRIB said on Saturday, &quot;two players and a member of the technical staff of the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/iranian-womens-football-team-member-changes-mind-on-asylum-in-australia" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">women&#39;s national football team</a> have given up on their asylum application in Australia and are currently heading to Malaysia.&quot;&nbsp;It posted a picture of the three women as they were apparently about to board a plane.&nbsp;The rest of the team are believed to still be in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, awaiting their return to Iran.&nbsp;According to Australian authorities, the first woman who changed her mind over the asylum application exposed the location of the other <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/five-iran-women-footballers-take-asylum-in-australia" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">asylum seekers</a> when she contacted Iran&#39;s embassy in Australia.&nbsp;They were then forced to change the safe house where they were living.&nbsp;Rights groups have repeatedly accused Iranian authorities of pressuring athletes abroad by threatening relatives or with the seizure of property if they defect or make statements against the Islamic republic.&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has lauded the bravery of the women, vowing they would be welcomed with open arms.&nbsp;But Iran&#39;s governing football body has accused Australia of kidnapping the players and forcing them to forsake their home nation against their will.&nbsp;Iranian players fell silent as the national anthem played ahead of a tournament match in Australia, an act seen as a symbol of defiance against the Islamic republic.&nbsp;A presenter on Iranian state TV branded the players &quot;wartime traitors&quot;, fuelling fears they faced persecution, or worse, if they returned home.&nbsp;Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, slipped away from the team hotel under the cover of darkness to claim asylum in Australia.&nbsp;Two more team members, a player and a support staffer, claimed asylum before the team flew out of Sydney earlier this week.

An undated photo released by Australia's Department of Home Affairs on March 11, 2026, shows two more members of the Iranian women's football team, which took part in the Asian Cup. (Photo: AFP/File)

Football

State broadcaster IRIB says "two players and a member of the technical staff of the women's national football team have given up on their asylum application in Australia and are currently heading to Malaysia."


Iran state media says two more footballers pull Australia asylum bids

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s petrol stocks remain at comfortable levels, and supply chains are functioning smoothly, the government said on Saturday after a high-level committee reviewed national fuel reserves and energy preparedness amid ongoing regional tensions.&nbsp;A government committee reviewing petrol prices and fuel supply has confirmed that Pakistan currently has comfortable stocks of petroleum products and that nationwide supply remains stable.&nbsp;The meeting of the Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices was held virtually on Saturday under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb as part of the government&rsquo;s daily review of developments in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistans-pm-sharif-heads-to-qatar-for-key-trade-energy-talks" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">energy sector</a>.&nbsp;Officials informed the committee that the national inventory of crude oil and refined petroleum products remains adequate. Cargoes carrying petroleum products are already en route to the country, while additional shipments are being arranged to further strengthen reserves.&nbsp;The committee noted with satisfaction that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-seeks-red-sea-oil-route-as-gulf-crisis-disrupts-supply" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">supply chains</a>&nbsp;are operating smoothly and that arrangements are in place to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fuel in the coming weeks.&nbsp;During the meeting, members also reviewed global crude and refined petroleum market trends, which have shown increased volatility in recent days due to regional geopolitical developments. Officials briefed the committee on international price movements and possible scenarios that could affect Pakistan&rsquo;s energy sector.&nbsp;The government, the committee was told, is closely monitoring international market developments and undertaking continuous planning to safeguard domestic energy security and economic stability.&nbsp;Operational arrangements related to crude imports, refinery operations, and maritime logistics were also reviewed. Authorities said steps are being taken to facilitate cargo movement, maintain optimal refinery throughput, and ensure smooth functioning of the petroleum supply chain.&nbsp;Officials further briefed the committee on the supply outlook for petrol, diesel, aviation fuels, and LPG, noting that current supply levels and planned imports are expected to meet domestic demand in the coming weeks adequately.&nbsp;The meeting also discussed potential fuel-conservation and demand-management measures to reduce import pressures during periods of global price volatility. These include initiatives to promote efficient fuel consumption, particularly within the public sector.&nbsp;In addition, progress on strengthening monitoring mechanisms across the petroleum supply chain was reviewed, including the development of a digital dashboard that will provide real-time visibility of stock levels, depots, and retail supply conditions.&nbsp;Addressing the meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government&rsquo;s top priority is ensuring the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country while minimizing the burden on the public.&nbsp;He added that despite volatility in global energy markets, Pakistan&rsquo;s supply position remains stable due to proactive planning and coordination among relevant institutions.&nbsp;The committee will continue to monitor international energy markets, domestic stock levels and supply chain dynamics daily to ensure timely policy responses, the minister said.&nbsp;The meeting was attended by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.

The committee notes with satisfaction that supply chains are operating smoothly and that arrangements are in place to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fuel in the coming weeks.


Petrol stocks at comfortable levels as Pakistan reviews energy preparedness amid Gulf war

BEIRUT: UN chief Antonio Guterres said Saturday on a visit to Beirut that diplomatic channels remained open to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah and urged the international community to support Lebanon.&nbsp;&quot;There is no military solution, only diplomacy, dialogue and full implementation of the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions. The diplomatic avenues are available, including through my special coordinator for Lebanon... and through key member states,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;We are doing everything we can now to bring about an immediate de-escalation and the cessation of hostilities,&quot; Guterres told reporters.&nbsp;&quot;My special coordinator is engaging with all actors around the clock to bring the parties to the table and UNIFIL peacekeepers... remain in position,&quot; he said, referring to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.&nbsp;He said attacks against peacekeepers and positions were &quot;completely unacceptable and they must stop. They are in breach of international law and may constitute war crimes&quot;.&nbsp;Three peacekeepers serving with the Ghanaian contingent were wounded earlier this month in south Lebanon.&nbsp;Guterres arrived in Beirut on Friday for what he called a &quot;solidarity&quot; visit, and launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal to support Lebanon as it responds to the displacement crisis.&nbsp;&quot;My message to the international community is simply step up your engagement, empower the Lebanese state and support the Lebanese Armed Forces to secure the capabilities and resources they need. Respond generously to the humanitarian appeal,&quot; he said.&nbsp;The Israeli army has issued sweeping evacuation orders to residents of south Lebanon and Beirut&#39;s southern suburbs, with the Norwegian Refugee Council saying they cover 14 percent of Lebanese territory.&nbsp;&quot;Evacuation orders in a situation where so many vulnerable populations exist in the areas that are asked to be evacuated does not create enough security for civilians, and whatever does not create enough security for civilians inevitably becomes in violation of international humanitarian law,&quot; Guterres said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said the fighting in Lebanon should be stopped through talks, not war. He urged all sides to stop fighting and use talks, diplomacy, and UN rules and resolutions to find peace.

UN chief says 'diplomatic avenues' available to stop war in Lebanon

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has rejected the Afghan Taliban&rsquo;s claims about capturing posts and inflicting damage as &ldquo;false&rdquo; and &ldquo;fabricated&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;The official X account of Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared a post on Saturday rejecting claims attributed to what it described as the &ldquo;so-called Ministry of Defence of Afghan Taliban Regime,&rdquo; calling them false and misleading.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 745px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2032768048441262142&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=5230f194f2368e7167636f318bc33f78bb3fcf6e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2032768048441262142"></iframe></div></div>In the social media post, the ministry stated: &ldquo;This latest claim of the so called Ministry of Defence of Afghan Taliban Regime regarding capturing some post and made up damages etc is false as always, fabricated and designed to mislead Afghan internal public opinion, which are unfortunately first hand experiencing and suffering under these terror sponsors.&rdquo; The ministry further said that &ldquo;Damages and losses incurred by Master Proxy Afghan Taliban and their extension Fitna Al Khawarij are being regularly updated by MOIB.&rdquo; &lsquo;Video and pictorial evidence&rsquo;&nbsp;It added that &ldquo;Related video and pictorial evidence, where applicable, is also shared with media, rather than resorting to fake claims and propaganda.&rdquo; According to the post, &ldquo;Great care is being exercised to provide credible and timely information about the ongoing targeted operations against terrorist and support infrastructure inside Afghan Taliban regime occupation area.&rdquo; The statement also said that &ldquo;beyond the amplification cycle of terrorists and Indian media /social media networks, there has been no credible and verifiable evidence of such repeated frivolous claims made by the Taliban outlets.&rdquo; It added: &ldquo;These claims have in fact always fallen on their face once fact checked.&rdquo;

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting rejects the Afghan Taliban’s claims about capturing posts and inflicting damage as ‘false’ and ‘fabricated’.  

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