• 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.

Drag Race Philippines star Misua died at the age of 27, the show’s production company confirmed Friday.

World of Wonder announced that the performer, whose real name was Jason Evie Go Ty, passed away in their sleep on April 2.

Misua, who also worked as a graphic designer outside of drag, was set to appear in the upcoming fourth season of Drag Race Philippines.

It had just begun filming.

“We are heartbroken to share that Misua, a talented queen set to appear on season four of Drag Race Philippines, passed away in her sleep the morning of April 2,” World of Wonder said in a statement.

“She brought light, artistry, and joy to those around her, and she will be deeply missed. We have paused production to care for and support our cast and crew during this incredibly difficult time.”

The company added that it is in contact with Misua’s family, who have requested privacy.

Misua’s family also shared a tribute on Facebook.

It wrote, “Jayson was our dearly loved son, brother, friend, mentor, and most of all, Jayson is a star. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and close friends.”

Audiences had been expecting to see Misua compete alongside other queens in the new season, which now faces an uncertain timeline as production remains paused.

Easter weekend = zero plans, maximum snacks, and a remote that’s about to work overtime. If you are ready to fully commit to couch life, here’s your no-nonsense, actually-worth-it watchlist.

• Babies – BBC iPlayer/ BBC One

A quiet heartbreaker. Two people, one dream, and the kind of grief no one prepares you for. Bring tissues – seriously.

• Secret Garden – BBC One

David Attenborough doing what he does best – making ypur backyard feel like a hidden kingdom. Cozy, calming, oddly addictive.

Dark, gritty and full of “just one more episode” energy. If you like your crime shows bleak but brilliant, you are sorted.

• I’m a Celebrity… South Africa – ITVX

Chaos in the jungle (again), but with familiar faces. Except drama, bugs and at least one meltdown.

• The Devil’s Hour – ITVX

Waking up at 3:33am has never been this terrifying. Creepy, clever and properly bingeable.

• The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer – Channel 4

Celebrities + cake + mild panic. Comfort TV at its finest.

• Raising Chelsea — Disney+

Real life, real chaos and a baby on the way. Equal parts sweet and “are they okay?”

• China with Ben Fogle — Channel 5

Big landscapes, bigger history. It’s basically a passport without the airport queues.

• Your Friends and Neighbors — Apple TV+

Jon Hamm stealing from rich neighbours? Messy, dramatic, and weirdly fun.

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — HBO Max

Less politics, more adventure. Westeros – but make it wholesome(ish).

Fast, frantic, and stress-inducing in the best way. Basically, don’t start this before bed.

• Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen — Netflix

The title says it all. Dark, gory, and not for the faint-hearted.

Whether you’re in it for chills, chaos, or cake – this weekend’s TV lineup has you covered. Just don’t blame us when “one episode” turns into six.