King Charles has opted not to deliver an Easter message this year that has left at least one senior church figure openly dismayed and questioning whether the Palace has misread the national sentiment.

Bishop Ceirion H Dewar describing himself as “bitterly disappointed” and warning the monarch that the decision risks falling out of step with public expectations.

While Buckingham Palace clarified that an Easter broadcast is not a fixed royal tradition in the way the Christmas address is, the bishop argued that the King has, in recent years, created his own precedent by marking the occasion. 

Speaking candidly, the bishop suggested the absence of a message would leave many feeling overlooked, especially given the King’s title as Defender of the Faith. 

He went further, claiming the choice could deepen concerns already circulating among Christians across the Commonwealth.

This latest criticism follows a letter Dewar sent directly to the Palace later made public in which he raised worries about how Christianity is represented in royal messaging. 

That letter has since gathered thousands of signatures, turning a personal appeal into a growing campaign.

Some observers reading the unusual royal silence as a sign of possible strain. 

Traditionally, the monarch has marked major Christian holidays with a public message, but this year Buckingham Palace confirmed no Easter address will be released. 

Royal watchers worry that the break in tradition could hint at personal or health-related pressures weighing on His Majesty.

Mumford & Sons’ new record, “Prizefighter,” recently debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 200. The band spoke to Anthony Mason about their journey through the music industry, how they got their confidence back and the major collaborations on their new music.

• PTI says new rates compounded by additional levies.
• Rana Sanaullah urges opposition to rise above politics.
• Subsidies, relief announced for public: Sanaullah.
  

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) of “like-minded” parties in response to the massive hike in petroleum product prices.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan made the announcement during a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, slamming the PML-N-led government for the sharp increase in fuel prices.

While acknowledging the impact of the war in the Middle East, he said that the government has raised fuel prices excessively, even surpassing increases seen in Nigeria and Vietnam.

The PTI’s announcement comes following Thursday’s sharp increase in the prices of petroleum products.

Addressing a press conference along with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the hike in petrol and diesel prices, citing rising global energy costs, triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

“The new petrol price has been fixed at Rs458.41 per litre, marking a rise of Rs137.23 per litre. Diesel will now cost Rs520.35 per litre, up by Rs184.49 per litre,” he said.

However, the PTI rejected the hike, with party leaders saying the new rates were compounded by additional levies.

Speaking during today’s press conference, PTI leader Taimur Saleem Jhagra said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously announced the lowering of fuel prices himself.

“Today, the prime minister cannot face the public,” he added.

Jhagra alleged that the increase in prices was amplified by extra levies, including a rise in customs duties.

However, PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah defended the recent measures on fuel pricing, emphasising subsidies and relief announced for the public.

In a televised address, Sanaullah said that a “few elements were trying to mislead the public” in the current conditions.

He urged the opposition to rise above political interests and cooperate with the government to strengthen the country.

Sanaullah explained that austerity measures and targeted relief were being implemented, saying the prime minister chaired a meeting on Thursday to ensure citizens receive relief.

Farmers and motorcyclists are being supported, and subsidies aimed at stabilising goods transport costs, he added.

Sanaullah said that the government made all efforts to keep prices down despite regional tensions causing fuel cost increases.

He warned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could have severe consequences worldwide, including for Pakistan.