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Pakistan Refutes Extreme-Cold Rumors as NEPRA Weighs Uniform Power Tariffs and Islamabad Revamps Local Government

Officials coupled clearer winter guidance with steps on pricing and governance to steady services during the cold spell.

Overview

  • The Pakistan Meteorological Department rejected viral claims of record-breaking cold and snow from January 16–25, as Punjab’s PDMA kept targeted cold-weather alerts active through January 16 and Lahore recorded a 3°C low.
  • A gas leak explosion near Lahore’s Atari Darbar injured eight and a separate cylinder-refilling blast hit Pakpattan, while Rescue 1122 reported responses to 972 traffic accidents across Punjab in 24 hours.
  • NEPRA heard a federal bid for a nationwide uniform electricity tariff, with proposed cuts including industrial rates to Rs46.31 per unit and an average tariff near Rs42.27, and a possible application date of January 15 pending the regulator’s decision.
  • The Cabinet Division published Toshakhana records for October–December 2025 showing senior officials, including the president and prime minister, listed as recipients who deposited gifts.
  • President Asif Ali Zardari promulgated an ordinance restructuring Islamabad’s local government into three Town Corporations, detailing composition, elections and appointments for new bodies.