PESHAWAR: Militants attacked a headquarters of paramilitary security forces in northwest Pakistan early Wednesday, triggering an intense shootout in which at least four troops and three insurgents were killed, police said.
Mohammad Khurasani, spokesman for the outlawed Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on Frontier Constabulary in Tank, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Local police official Zahid Khan said about two dozen security personnel were also wounded in the attack, but that paramilitary forces had apparently taken control of the situation.
There was no immediate response from the military which was expected to issue a statement about the attack later Wednesday.
The Pakistani Taliban, led by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan movement, have been emboldened since the Afghan Taliban seized power across the border in Afghanistan. They have stepped up attacks on security forces since December when a one-month-long ceasefire between TTP and the government ended.
Pakistani authorities say most of the fighters and leaders of TTP are hiding in Afghanistan.
Militants attack troops in northwest Pakistan, killing 4
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Militants attack troops in northwest Pakistan, killing 4
- About two dozen security personnel wounded in the attack, police says
- Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for attack on Frontier Constabulary in Tank
Pakistan cuts fuel prices at year-end amid push for economic reform
- Petrol price has been cut by Rs 10.28, diesel by Rs 8.57 per liter from Jan. 1
- Relief comes as inflation eases but household purchasing power remains weak
KARACHI: Pakistan cut prices of petrol and high-speed diesel at the turn of the year, with a government notification on Wednesday announcing relief of up to Rs 10.28 per liter as Islamabad presses ahead with economic reforms following recent macroeconomic stabilization.
The price cuts come as inflation has eased in recent months after a prolonged slowdown, though households continue to complain of limited purchasing power following years of high prices, currency weakness and sluggish growth.
“The Government has revised the prices of the petroleum products based on recommendations of OGRA,” the Ministry of Energy said in a notification, referring to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
Under the revised rates, the price of high-speed diesel was cut by Rs 8.57 per liter to Rs 257.08, while petrol prices were reduced by Rs 10.28 per liter to Rs 253.17, effective from Jan. 1 for the next fortnight.
Fuel prices in Pakistan are reviewed every two weeks and are influenced by global oil market trends, currency movements and changes in domestic taxation. The pricing mechanism passes changes in import costs on to consumers, helping sustain the country’s fuel supply chain.
Petrol is primarily used for private transport, motorcycles, rickshaws and small vehicles, while diesel powers heavy transport used to move goods across the South Asian country.
While Pakistan has seen signs of macroeconomic stabilization, including a slowdown in inflation, many consumers say their purchasing power remains strained after years of economic stress.
Last year, the country was hit by devastating monsoon floods once again that damaged farmlands in the eastern province of Punjab — Pakistan’s breadbasket — pushing up food prices nationwide.
