ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom on Sunday urged de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India over a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry, amid fears that the two nuclear-armed neighbors may go to another war.
The statement came after Pakistani and Indian troops exchanged fire in disputed Kashmir for a third night in a row, officials said Sunday, as relations between the nuclear-armed rivals plunged to their lowest level in years.
New Delhi has accused Islamabad of involvement in the latest attack in a scenic tourist resort of Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 tourists were killed. Pakistan has denied involvement and says it is ready to take part in a credible and transparent investigation.
Amid escalating tensions, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy and shared the current regional situation, and Indian accusations and unilateral measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
“He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to defend its national interests while continuing to promote peace and stability in the region,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said in a statement.
“UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the importance of de-escalating the situation through dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues.”
The development came as Indian military held naval drills — releasing images of warships firing missiles — while the country’s security forces pressed on with their hunt for those behind the April 22 attack at a tourist hotspot in Pahalgam in Kashmir.
The military blamed Pakistan for the “unprovoked” firing of small arms along Kashmir’s Line of Control that separates the two countries.
“(Our) own troops responded effectively with appropriate small arms fire,” it said of the latest incident.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday in Islamabad, Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said there was “no official confirmation” of any clashes at the border with India.
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both rule it in part but claim it in full and have fought two wars over the Himalayan territory.
This is the second time since 2019 when the two nuclear-armed nations have come close to war over Kashmir.
UK urges de-escalation as Pakistan-India crisis deepens over Kashmir attack
https://arab.news/rpec6
UK urges de-escalation as Pakistan-India crisis deepens over Kashmir attack
- The development comes as Indian military holds naval drills and releases images of warships firing missiles
- Deputy PM Ishaq Dar reiterates Pakistan’s resolve to defend its interests while promoting peace in the region
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.
