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The Finance Division on Friday night announced a cut of Rs12.84 per litre in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) for the next fortnight, while petrol prices will remain unchanged.

Most of the transport sector runs on HSD and its price is considered inflationary as it is mostly used in heavy transport vehicles, trains and agricultural engines like trucks, buses, tractors, tube-wells and threshers and particularly adds to the prices of vegetables and other eatables.

A notification from the Finance Division, available with Dawn.com, stated that the new price of HSD was Rs272.99, while petrol would remain at Rs264.61. Additionally, the prices of superior kerosene oil and light diesel oil were slashed by Rs7.19 per litre and Rs8.2, respectively.

“The Government has decided to revise the petroleum product prices for the fortnight commencing August 16, 2025, in line with the recommendations of Ogra (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) and the concerned ministries,” the notification read.

Earlier this week, the per-litre HSD price was expected to fall by about Rs11.50, while petrol was expected to see an increase of Rs1.40 per litre for the next fortnight, driven by shifts in the global market and exchange rate movements.

International petrol prices inched up by 15 cents per barrel over the past fortnight, while diesel rates fell by about $4.5 per barrel. The rupee also appreciated slightly against the dollar.

On July 31, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a cut in the prices of petrol by Rs6.17 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs10.86, respectively, for the next fortnight. The cuts in petrol and HSD prices were higher than previously estimated.

Petrol, used mainly in private cars, small vehicles, rickshaws and motorcycles, directly impacts the budgets of middle- and lower-middle-income groups.

More than 120 people have lost their lives in Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as torrential monsoon rains triggered devastating floods across the district. The deluge swept away homes, roads, and vital infrastructure, leaving thousands displaced and entire communities cut off. Rescue teams are working around the clock, but access to remote areas remains severely hampered by washed-out bridges and landslides. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as more areas become reachable and reports continue to emerge from the hardest-hit villages. This tragedy adds to the already staggering loss of life across KP, making it one of the province’s deadliest flood seasons in recent history.

At least 202 people, including women and children, were killed as deadly floods hit different parts of Malakand Division and adjoining areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Friday, with Buner being the worst-affected district by the latest monsoon spell.

However, it is feared that the death toll may rise further as many people are still missing.

On August 15, 2025, a government-operated MI-17 helicopter crashed in Changi Banda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while delivering relief supplies to the flood-stricken Bajaur region. The aircraft went down due to severe monsoon weather, which caused the loss of all contact with the crew mid-flight. Tragically, all five onboard — including two pilots — lost their lives. The provincial government declared a day of mourning, lowering flags to half-mast as search and rescue teams rushed to the scene. The crash occurred during one of the deadliest monsoon episodes in recent memory, with flash floods claiming over 146 lives across KP, including 78 fatalities in Buner district in a single day. The disaster highlighted the extreme risks faced by rescue teams operating in hostile weather conditions, where missions meant to save lives can quickly turn perilous.

At least 61 killed as floods, landslides wreak havoc in KP, GB and AJK

At midnight, Karachi echoed with gunfire as hundreds engaged in illegal aerial firing to mark Independence Day, shattering the city’s peace and leaving tragedy in its wake.

Three people — including an eight-year-old girl and a 70-year-old man — were killed, while 81 others sustained injuries. Victims included 51 men, 23 women, six boys, and one girl. Police arrested 39 suspects and seized numerous fi****ms.

In Azizabad Block 8, eight-year-old Naaha was struck by stray gunfire while standing on her balcony with a Pakistani flag pinned to her chest. She had sat down in fear as shots rang out, but a bullet hit the back of her head. Taken first to a nearby hospital, then to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, she was declared dead.

In Korangi, 35-year-old Stephen, from a Christian settlement near Zaman Town Police Station, was also killed by celebratory firing. In Lyari’s Kalri neighbourhood, 70-year-old Jumma died in a similar incident.

Injuries were reported across the city — from North Nazimabad to Malir, Korangi, Orangi Town, Liaquatabad, Surjani, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and Lyari. Victims ranged in age from seven to over 50. Notable cases included Umar, 11, in North Nazimabad; Ramzan, 48, in Gulshan-e-Baloch; Isa, eight, in PIB Colony; Florence, 16, in FC Area; and Sidra in Bilal Colony.

Hospitals — including Abbasi Shaheed, Jinnah, and Civil — received a steady stream of victims all night. Police confirmed 57 arrests for aerial firing, with weapons of various calibres confiscated. Authorities promised strict action and urged the public to avoid dangerous celebrations.

Grieving families and residents criticised the provincial government for failing to prevent such incidents despite repeated past tragedies.
“Every year we fear this night more than we celebrate it,” said a Liaquatabad resident. “This is not independence but chaos.”

Gold price falls again, tola now at Rs358,300

Pakistani singer Atif Aslam's father has passed away in Lahore.
Atif often credited his father for shaping both his personal and professional life.
In an interview, he shared, "My father taught me consistency, how to treat others, and how to be professionally persistent."
The singer has always emphasized that his strong focus, discipline, and work ethic stem from the values his father instilled in him.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Disaster Management Authority to further strengthen coordination with the provinces in assisting and rehabilitating the rains and floods affected people.

He issued these directives during a meeting with Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, who called on the Prime Minister in Islamabad today.

The Prime Minister further instructed to ensure early warning to the people of the vulnerable areas in view of weather conditions and any kind of possible emergencies.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed about the ongoing relief activities for the victims of the recent rains and floods across the country and the preparations for any future emergency.

The Prime Minister was also briefed about the progress on making the Early Warning System fully operational in Gilgit-Baltistan and cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change in this connection.

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Due to the risk of flooding, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood warning.

There is an increased likelihood of moderate to high-level flooding in the River Chenab and its connected streams and canals.

Commissioners of Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions, along with Deputy Commissioners of Jhang, Chiniot, and Hafizabad, have been placed on high alert.

The relief commissioner of Punjab has instructed all relevant departments to remain vigilant and fully prepared to deal with any possible emergency. The director general of PDMA stated that emergency control rooms must remain staffed and operational 24/7.

The DG PDMA further advised the public to stay away from rivers, canals, and streams. In case of any emergency, citizens are urged to contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.

In a targeted airstrike on Gaza City, Israeli forces killed Al Jazeera journalists who were reporting from the scene. The incident occurred amid ongoing bombardment, with eyewitnesses saying the strike hit a clearly identifiable press position. Al Jazeera condemned the attack as a deliberate violation of international law and press freedom, calling for accountability. Media rights groups and humanitarian organizations have expressed outrage, warning that targeting journalists in conflict zones is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. The attack comes as Gaza faces intensified Israeli air raids, leaving thousands dead and injured since the escalation began.

A three-day curfew has been imposed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district with 27 areas locked down in Mamund tehsil and roads blocked for a targeted operation, authorities said on Monday.