For too long, Western foreign policy has mistakenly treated Tehran's aggressive posture as a localized Middle Eastern conflict. However, the escalating reach of Iranian espionage in Europe demonstrates that Iran’s hybrid warfare strategy directly targets Western domestic security, institutional integrity, and economic stability . From state-sponsored cyber operations targeting dissidents to covert intelligence gathering across European capitals, Tehran’s operations extend far beyond its immediate geographic neighborhood. Addressing this challenge requires European policymakers to abandon passive containment in favor of aggressive diplomatic oversight, strict legal accountability, and robust counter-intelligence strategies. Why is Iranian espionage in Europe expanding beyond the Middle East? Iran's external intelligence operations have shifted strategically from regional proxy warfare to asymmetric statecraft inside Western democracies. Western intelligence agencies-including Ge...
Petrol and Diesel Prices Hiked in Pakistan Petrol and Diesel Prices Hiked in Pakistan: Rs5 and Rs7.32 Increase Effective from February 16
The government has raised petrol prices by Rs5 per litre to Rs258.17 and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs7.32 to Rs275.70 per litre for the fortnight ending February 28, 2026. Announced late on Sunday from Islamabad, the revision stems from rising international crude rates and input from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). This comes as a fresh blow to households already grappling with inflation, especially with diesel fueling much of the transport and agriculture sector.
How the Hike Hits Everyday Life
Diesel’s jump now at Rs275.70 will ripple through trucking, buses, tractors, and even trains, pushing up costs for vegetables, grains, and daily essentials. Petrol at Rs258.17 affects bikes, rickshaws, and cars, squeezing middle-class budgets in cities like Karachi and Lahore. The Petroleum Division’s notification highlights these as key revenue drivers, with monthly sales hitting 700,000-800,000 tonnes.
Levies and Government Revenue Angle
Even with zero GST on fuel, the government collects hefty levies: Rs87 per litre on petrol (including Rs2.50 climate support) and Rs79 on diesel, plus Rs17-18 in customs duty regardless of imports or local refining. Dealers and companies pocket another Rs17 in margins. This setup helped rake in Rs1.161 trillion from petroleum levy last fiscal year, projected to hit Rs1.470 trillion this time a 27% jump amid fiscal pressures.
Reactions Pouring In on Social Media
Pakistanis are voicing frustration online over the timing and impact. Mohsi summed it up bluntly in his post: Government hikes fuel prices – petrol Rs258.17, diesel Rs275.70. Pakistan Economic Network shared expectations ahead of the hike here, while Grok confirmed the details in a timely reply on X.
Rs5 and Rs7.32 Increase Effective from February 16
The government has raised petrol prices by Rs5 per litre to Rs258.17 and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs7.32 to Rs275.70 per litre for the fortnight ending February 28, 2026. Announced late on Sunday from Islamabad, the revision stems from rising international crude rates and input from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). This comes as a fresh blow to households already grappling with inflation, especially with diesel fueling much of the transport and agriculture sector.
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