Entertainment
Govt to absorb potential hike in fuel prices, says petroleum minister
- Govt ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply: minister.
- Malik suggests Pakistan brace for a “Test match”.
- Says no clear end in sight to Middle East conflict.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Tuesday said that the government has decided to absorb any potential fluctuation in fuel prices, hinting at no immediate significant changes in the prices.
The federal government, on March 6, announced a sharp increase of Rs55 per litre in the price of petrol and diesel each, following global oil supply disruption from the ongoing war in the Middle East.
At the time, the petroleum minister said that the government would reduce prices promptly once the situation improved.
Speaking today on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’ today, Malik said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided that he would make every effort to buffer any potential increase in petroleum prices.
“I think there will be no significant in this [prices] in reasonable time, as the government has decided to absorb them to prevent difficulties for the public,” he added.
While acknowledging the increased burden on the public due to the hike, the minister said the government was ensuring an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country.
The minister suggested the country brace for a “Test match”, noting that the Middle East conflict had no clear end in sight.
“You will have to try to extend your reserves and maintain your supply line,” he said.
However, he indicated that prices were unlikely to shift drastically following remarks by US President Donald Trump on the Iran conflict and the G7’s discussions on potentially releasing some of their strategic oil reserves.
“While nothing can be said for certain, it appears at this time that we will not see significant price changes,” he added.
Malik’s remarks on the government absorbing fuel price fluctuations come just a day after PM Shehbaz Sharif unveiled an austerity and fuel-saving plan.
Addressing the nation on Monday, the prime minister said the measures were necessary to deal with the prevailing global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
“The entire region is currently in a state of war,” the premier said, adding that Pakistan was making every effort through diplomatic channels to help resolve the situation.
PM Shehbaz then announced that both the federal and provincial governments would adopt austerity and simplicity to reduce expenditures and conserve energy during the challenging economic situation.
The measures included cutting government expenditures, reducing the working week to four days, and reducing non-essential movement.
PM Shehbaz also announced that members of the federal cabinet, advisers, and special assistants would not draw salaries for the next two months, while members of parliament would face a 25% salary cut during the same period.
Entertainment
Josh Duhamel provides relationship update with ex-wife Fergie
Josh Duhamel has confirmed that he and his ex-wife Fergie are in a fantastic place, describing their current relationship as being as good as it could possibly be.
Speaking on the Tomi Lahren Is Fearless podcast on Thursday, 23 April, the Ransom Canyon actor praised the singer for being a “good person” and an excellent mother.
Perhaps most importantly for their modern family dynamic, Duhamel shared that Fergie also gets on well with his wife, Audra Mari, ensuring there is no hostility between the households.
The 53-year-old actor, who was married to the former Black Eyed Peas star between 2009 and 2019, explained that keeping things civil is his main priority.
The pair share a 12-year-old son, Axl, and have worked hard to provide him with a comfortable upbringing that avoids the “awkward or uncomfortable” atmosphere they both experienced with their own parents’ divorces.
Duhamel noted that since their split was finalised with a 50-50 joint custody agreement, they have focused on being positive examples for their son, rather than falling into the traps of a contentious breakup.
Reflecting on their decade-long marriage, Duhamel admitted it took some time to adjust to Fergie’s level of fame, particularly when she was a “giant star” selling out stadiums across the globe.
He revealed that their eventual separation wasn’t due to a specific conflict, but rather a case of outgrowing one another as their interests shifted.
While Fergie’s career was rooted in the global pop scene, Duhamel felt a growing pull to return to his roots in North Dakota.
He insisted there are no hard feelings, remarking that they simply had different paths to follow as they got older.
Today, life looks quite different for the actor, who married Audra Mari in 2022.
The couple already shares a young son named Shepherd and recently announced they are expecting their second child together.
Despite the new additions to his family, Duhamel remains grateful that his relationship with Fergie has remained respectful and kind.
By prioritising a pressure-free environment for Axl and maintaining a friendship with his ex-wife, he believes they have successfully navigated the complexities of co-parenting in the public eye.
Entertainment
King Charles and the Trumps unite at White House for a historic tea meeting
A ceremonial welcome finally happened at the White House as Donald Trump and Melania Trump greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla at the South Portico.
The royal tour coincides with celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary an occasion rooted in the nation’s independence from Britain.
Both the leaders and their spouses gathered for tea, seated together over a carefully arranged spread that included finger sandwiches, cakes, and honey.
The first lady was wese into a butter-yellow outfit designed by Adam Lippes, while the Queen opted for an elegant white chiffon dress adorned with black beaded embroidery by Anna Valentine.
Newly released images show the King and Queen in conversation with the Trump’s standing before a striking painting that portrays the president in the aftermath of the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Entertainment
Norway joins Type 26 Frigate Programme to boost NATO naval power
Norway has joined the Type 26 frigates project with Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom in a bid to enhance its naval capabilities and build a formidable naval force for any future conflict.
The Global Combat Ship User Group Charter, overseeing the development, construction and operation of frigates formally welcomed the Royal Norwegian Navy into the team.
The group is building 34 world-class warships for the four states, including Type 26 frigates for Norway and the UK, the River-class frigates for Canada and the Hunter-class frigates for Australia.
The multi-billion-dollar project was initiated in the early 2010s; however, it saw real progress in 2017, gaining momentum after the UK began construction.
Norway was invited to sign the charter around a year ago and now the Kingdom has officially joined the partnership.
Norway wants to procure five Type 26 frigates to enhance its navy’s defensive capabilities in the Atlantic and Europe’s northern flank. The country already operates eight identical warships.
Commodore Stephen Roberts, the Senior Responsible Owner for the UK Type 26 frigate programme, welcomed Norway to the program and said, “Our strategic maritime security partnership with allies is further strengthened by Norway’s inclusion in the wider GCS enterprise alongside our Canadian and Australian partners.”
Captain Alexander Erichsen, Chief Fleet Programme for the Royal Norwegian Navy said that enhanced security cooperation and aligning the designs of frigates will strengthen interoperability and collective security measures across allied navies.
-
Sports1 week agoNCAA men’s gymnastics championship: All-time winners list
-
Sports1 week agoWWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2: Live match results and analysis
-
Fashion1 week agoUK’s Sosandar returns to profitability amid robust FY26 performance
-
Politics7 days agoUK’s Starmer seeks to deflect blame over Mandelson appointment
-
Entertainment1 week agoLee Anderson, Zarah Sultana kicked out of UK Parliament for calling PM ‘liar’
-
Business1 week agoNo fuel shortage: Govt assures 100% domestic LPG, PNG, CNG supply amid Hormuz energy crunch – The Times of India
-
Business1 week agoHow Trump’s psychedelics executive order could unlock stalled cannabis reform
-
Sports1 week agoQuetta Gladiators opt to bowl after winning toss against Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 11 clash
