ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is exploring the possibility of importing coal from Kyrgyzstan for power generation, a temporary measure until power plants can transition to Thar coal, according to sources from Business Recorder. The Ambassador of Pakistan to Kyrgyz Republic recently met with Talaibek Baigaziev, Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Energy, to discuss potential energy cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, Baigaziev expressed satisfaction with the resumption of the CASA-1000 project, anticipating its completion by the end of 2026. He also mentioned the Kyrgyz Energy Minister’s interest in a phone call…
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CCOP Approves Sale of Six Loss-Making Power Firms; Consumers to Bear Rs200 Billion Burden
ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP) has approved the sale of six of the highest loss-making power distribution companies and four power generation companies, which collectively incur annual losses exceeding Rs200 billion. This decision, aimed at reducing the financial strain on the power sector, indicates that consumers will continue to face high electricity bills to cover these losses. The CCOP, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, reiterated its commitment to privatizing 24 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) over the next five years. Despite this decision,…
Read MoreKarachi Residents Face New Municipal Utility Charges in Electricity Bills
KARACHI: In a move that adds to the financial burden of Karachi’s residents, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has formally notified the collection of the controversial Municipal Utility Charges and Tax (MUCT) through K-Electric (KE) bills. This new charge will cost residents up to Rs400 extra in their electricity bills for the current month. Officials from both KMC and KE have confirmed the implementation of MUCT, which is expected to generate over four billion rupees annually for the city’s municipal administration. A KMC official stated that KE consumers will see…
Read MorePM Shehbaz Focuses on Reducing Electricity Prices to Boost Economy
Emphasizes the need for affordable electricity for agriculture and industry growth.Criticizes politicization of electricity pricing, citing inefficiencies and corruption in the FBR and energy sector.Requests China to reprofile Pakistan’s debt to secure IMF bailout. ISLAMABAD: In response to Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) 48-hour ultimatum to reduce electricity prices, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that the government is committed to providing relief to energy consumers. He urged against politicizing the issue, stating that doing so disrespects the public. During a cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted that reducing electricity prices is…
Read MoreHigh Capacity Payments Threaten Economy: APTMA
High Capacity Payments Threaten Economy: APTMA August 2, 2024 KARACHI: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has blamed Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for the country’s high electricity tariffs, stating that exorbitant capacity payments to IPPs have jeopardized Pakistan’s economy. Addressing a press conference at the APTMA house in Karachi, Zahid Mazhar, Chairman of APTMA Southern Zone, criticized measures in the Federal Budget FY25 as being anti-exports, which he warned could lead to deindustrialization and a significant drop in exports. Mazhar highlighted that the textile sector, which contributes 55% to…
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