Year: 2024

Canal Closures from Dec 26: Power Sector to Rely on RLNG for Electricity Generation

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Power Sector

ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has announced canal closures from December 26, 2024, to January 30, 2025, to facilitate desilting operations in Punjab and Sindh’s irrigation networks. During this period, hydroelectric power generation will drop significantly, from the current 3,550 MW to less than 1,000 MW, due to reduced water releases from dams, according to the Ministry of Water Resources. To address the resulting power deficit, the Power Division will increase reliance on RLNG-based power plants. This shift will help stabilize the national gas transmission network by utilizing…

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Cost of Diamer-Bhasha Dam Rises by Rs570 Billion, Completion Delayed to 2032

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water resources

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Water Resources informed the National Assembly on Monday that the cost of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam has surged to Rs1,049 billion, a sharp increase from the initially approved Rs479 billion. The dam’s completion, originally scheduled for February 2029, has been pushed to December 2032—a 22-month delay. During the question hour, the ministry attributed the cost escalation to various factors, including: Exchange Rate Impact: The dollar exchange rate increased from Rs105.3 in 2018 to Rs278.3, contributing Rs178 billion to the revised cost.Seismic Safety Enhancements: Design changes based on…

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Provincial Solar Panel Distribution Sparks Policy Challenges

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Floating Solar

ISLAMABAD: The widespread adoption of solar energy, driven by provincial government initiatives to provide free or subsidized solar panels to low-income households, has left policymakers grappling with its financial and systemic implications. The matter was recently highlighted in a power sector meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The Sindh government plans to distribute solar panels to 200,000 households, while Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa aim to supply 100,000 each, and Balochistan targets 50,000. Additionally, wealthy individuals, agricultural users, and commercial and industrial entities are transitioning to solar due to soaring electricity…

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Govt Admits Internet Issues Linked to Security Concerns

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internet issues

ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday tacitly acknowledged in the National Assembly that it was responsible for ongoing internet disruptions and social media monitoring, citing security concerns as the driving factor. “Pakistan faces significant security threats, necessitating a controlled approach. We cannot leave social media unregulated like other countries,” stated Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Secretariat Sajid Mehdi. His comments came in response to opposition criticism over slow internet speeds and alleged restrictions on online platforms. The debate arose during a calling attention notice from JUI-F lawmaker Aliya Kamran regarding sluggish internet…

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OGDCL Revives Heavy Oil Well in Chakwal, Enhances Production at Rajian Oil Field

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Heavy Oil Well in Chakwal

ISLAMABAD, December 16, 2024: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan’s leading exploration and production company, has successfully revived a heavy oil well in the Northern Region field, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s energy sector. The initiative was undertaken at the Rajian Oil Field located in Gujar Khan Exploration License (E.L.), district Chakwal, and is part of OGDCL’s strategic moves to enhance production capabilities. Earlier, the field’s four heavy oil-producing wells were contributing 1,500 barrels per day (BPD). With the successful completion of the revival process, the…

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