Pakistan, May 21 -- UK inflation jumped to 3.5% in April, marking the highest level in over a year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The sharp increase was driven by rising household bills, energy costs, transport charges, and wage-related pressures. This surprise surge has raised concerns for the Bank of England as it complicates future decisions on interest rates.

The consumer prices index (CPI) exceeded expectations from both City economists and the Bank of England, which had forecast 3.3% and 3.4% respectively. This rise follows a recent dip to 2.6% in March and has been partly blamed on what experts call an "awful April" of soaring gas, electricity, and water bills. Water and sewerage charges alone soared by 26...