Exorbitant Increase in LPG Prices Cumbersome for Household and Industry. Iran Border Trade Closure Increased Miseries of Consumers. Urgent Supply Measures and Regulatory Enforcement is a Must: Mian Zahid Hussain

KARACHI (October 21, 2026): President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, and former Provincial IT Minister, Mian Zahid Hussain, has expressed concern over LPG prices reaching Rs500–600 per kilogram in various markets across the country, against OGRA’s notified October price of Rs279.34 per kilogram. He said Pakistan was already facing disruptions and uncertainty in imported LNG supplies amidst the current geopolitical crisis. Although the arrival of one LNG cargo in October had provided some relief, uninterrupted supplies throughout winter remained essential. Disruptions in pipeline gas supplies force households and commercial consumers to turn to LPG, making shortages and excessive prices of this alternative fuel a further threat to energy security. He said the substantial gap between notified and market prices required immediate improvements in supply, distribution and regulatory oversight.

Mian Zahid Hussain said the notified LPG price increased by approximately 8 percent, from Rs258.65 per kilogram in September to Rs279.34 in October. In comparison, market prices of Rs500-600 per kilogram were approximately 79-114.8 percent above the October notified rate. He said this disparity could not be explained by the monthly increase in the official price alone. Supply-chain disruptions, import and transportation costs, and margins charged at different stages of distribution required separate scrutiny. He said the notified price of an 11.8-kilogram domestic cylinder had increased by only Rs244.14, from Rs3,052.09 in September to Rs3,296.23 in October. However, the same quantity cost between Rs5,900 and Rs7,080 at market rates of Rs500–600 per kilogram. Consumers were therefore paying approximately Rs2,600–3,800 extra per cylinder. For low-income households, this additional expenditure comes at the expense of food, children’s education or medical treatment, while higher consumption during winter would further increase the burden.

Mian Zahid Hussain said that, according to the Planning Commission’s Annual Plan 2025–26, domestic LPG supply during FY2024–25 stood at 730,000 tonnes, equivalent to an average of 2,000 tonnes per day, while imports totalled 1.5 million tonnes. Imports accounted for approximately 67 percent of the combined volume, highlighting their importance to domestic availability. He said disruption along a major trading route, an increase in international prices or transportation delays could quickly affect Pakistan’s LPG supply chain. Mian Zahid Hussain said the September 19 suspension of border trade with Iran had affected LPG availability, while regional conflict and risks to maritime transport could also make alternative imports more expensive. He noted that OGRA’s 2023–24 report also placed daily LPG sales in Pakistan at approximately 5,000 tonnes. He urged the relevant authorities to arrange secure clearance of lawful cargo in accordance with security requirements and ensure alternative supplies. Effective coordination among the Petroleum Division, Ministry of Commerce, OGRA and Customs could reduce unnecessary delays and additional costs without compromising national security.

Mian Zahid Hussain said limited LNG availability would put pressure on industrial production and electricity supply, while interruptions in pipeline gas increased household and commercial dependence on LPG. However, LPG itself was becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain. Shortages and excessive price increases would raise operating costs for restaurants, tandoors, bakeries and other small businesses, with these costs subsequently passed on through higher food and service prices. Meanwhile, additional household spending on cooking and heating fuel would reduce the amount available for other essential purchases. The continuing energy crisis could therefore increase inflation while weakening business activity.

Mian Zahid Hussain said OGRA should ensure effective compliance with daily stock-reporting requirements for LPG marketing companies and strengthen monitoring of supplies at ports, storage facilities, filling plants and in transit. Where evidence of artificial shortages, hoarding or profiteering emerge, action should be taken in accordance with the law. The allocation and distribution of locally produced LPG must also remain transparent and competitive so that import difficulties could not be used to justify excessive margins on domestic supplies.

Mian Zahid Hussain urged the government to protect consumers through transparent scrutiny of actual import, insurance and transportation costs within the pricing mechanism. He called for a coordinated winter supply plan covering demand for LNG, domestic gas and LPG, available stocks and required imports. Timely deliveries to remote areas and targeted relief for deserving households should form part of this response. He said reliable energy supplies at affordable prices were essential to protecting purchasing power, sustaining small businesses and keeping the country’s industrial wheel running.

SZABIST University Karachi Hosts Career Awareness Session to Empower Students

Karachi, Pakistan: SZABIST University, Karachi Campus, successfully organized an inspiring Career Awareness Session aimed at helping students explore professional opportunities and make informed decisions about their future careers.

The session featured Mr. Zohair Allibhoy, a Career Strategist, Educator, and Motivational Speaker, who shared valuable insights into diverse career pathways, emerging professional opportunities, and the skills increasingly required in today's competitive job market.

The session focused on the importance of career awareness, informed decision-making, and developing relevant skills to prepare students for their professional journeys. It encouraged participants to explore different career options, identify their interests, and approach future opportunities with greater confidence and clarity.

The event was organized by the Student Career Services Department of SZABIST University, Karachi Campus, in collaboration with D’ Educationist.

The university expressed its sincere gratitude to Mr. Zohair Allibhoy for sharing his expertise and motivating students to take confident steps towards achieving their professional goals.

The initiative reflects the importance of career guidance and educational engagement in preparing students to navigate an evolving employment landscape and build successful futures.

Disclaimer

This report is based on information provided by the event organizers. While efforts have been made to present the information accurately, readers are advised to verify any additional details through the relevant institutions. This report is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute an independent assessment of the event or its outcomes.

Chairman KPT Calls for Greater Mental Health Awareness on World Mental Health Day

Karachi, 10 October 2026: Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and KPT–Karwan-e-Hayat Board of Governors, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI(M), S.Bt (Retd), attended Karwan-e-Hayat’s World Mental Health Day 2026 event as Chief Guest, emphasising that mental health is integral to overall well-being and calling for compassionate care, greater awareness and an end to social stigma. “Asking for help is not weakness. It is courage,” he remarked.

Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, he highlighted the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by men and stressed the importance of listening without judgement. Aligning his message with this year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” he underscored that meaningful change begins when people’s experiences are heard and acknowledged, while recognising women’s vital role in strengthening families and society.

Commending Karwan-e-Hayat’s services since 1983, Chairman KPT reaffirmed the Trust’s support for its mission of providing free and subsidised psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation and community-based mental healthcare to underprivileged individuals. Describing its work as “not merely healthcare, but service to humanity,” he appreciated the organisation’s contribution, while speakers also highlighted youth mental health challenges in the digital age and the impact of climate change on community well-being.

Medical Camp at Karachi Press Club Highlights Growing Burden of Heart Disease in Pakistan

KARACHI: The growing burden of heart and other diseases in Pakistan is becoming increasingly alarming, with unhealthy lifestyles putting younger people at greater risk, medical experts warned at a medical camp held at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) in collaboration with Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).

The medical camp, organised on Saturday, provided members of the Press Club with a range of healthcare facilities, including ECG, echocardiography and other diagnostic tests.

Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jameeli, Secretary Muhammad Aslam Khan, senior journalist Maqsood Yousufi, Health Committee members Tufail Ahmed, Shafqat Bhatti, Israr Sheikh and Siraj Amjadi, Professor Muhammad Javed Khan, Head of the Chest Unit at Aga Khan University, Assistant Professor of Cardiology Dr Yawar Saeed, AKU faculty and Communications representative Adil Siddiqui, spokesperson Shabbir Alam and others attended the camp.

Speaking on the occasion, Karachi Press Club Secretary Muhammad Aslam Khan appreciated Aga Khan University Hospital for organising the camp and providing medical facilities to Press Club members. He said the rising cost of private healthcare was making access to treatment increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.

Professor Muhammad Javed Khan stressed the importance of regular physical activity, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle to prevent heart and other diseases. He urged parents to discourage children from excessive consumption of fast food and encourage them to eat more vegetables and other healthy foods.

He also advised people to avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco, emphasising that preventive measures and healthier lifestyle choices could significantly reduce the risk of various diseases.

Assistant Professor of Cardiology Dr Yawar Saeed said heart disease was increasingly emerging as a major health concern in Pakistan and across Asia. He noted that heart attacks were also being reported among younger people, making preventive healthcare and lifestyle changes particularly important.

Dr Saeed advised people to avoid overeating and follow a moderate and balanced diet. He said positive lifestyle changes, including healthier eating habits and regular physical activity, could play an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The experts emphasised that greater awareness, early screening and preventive healthcare were essential to addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.