Sindh govt soon to launch E-commerce platforms for rural female artisans: Women Development Minister Shaheena Sher Ali Karachi The Sindh government’s Women Development Department will soon launch an E-commerce website and smartphone application to enable craftswomen and female artisans from rural and deprived areas of the province to connect with prospective buyers in the international market.Sindh Women Development Minister Shaheena Sher Ali stated this while speaking as the chief guest at the 17th CSR Summit & Awards-2025 organised by the National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH). The Women Development…
Read MoreDay: March 8, 2025
New Petroleum, Privatization Ministers Appointed
Ali Pervaiz Malik, formerly a junior finance minister, will now lead the petroleum ministry, with a key task of overseeing a major transaction in the Reko Diq copper and gold project.¹ This project is a significant undertaking, with Barrick Gold, which owns 50% of the project, working with railway authorities to revamp Port Qasim’s coal terminal for copper transport. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali has taken over as adviser for privatization, a role that will focus on privatizing state-owned enterprises, including the debt-ridden airline PIA. This effort is essential for raising funds…
Read MorePAGE Foundation Partners with PARCO Gunvor Limited to Champion Girls’ Education
PAGE Foundation is proud to collaborate with PARCO Gunvor Limited (formerly Total PARCO Pakistan Ltd.) in advancing girls’ education and educational equity across Pakistan. Through mentorship, capacity building, and impactful initiatives focused on road safety and environmental stewardship, this partnership aims to create a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of young girls. On International Women’s Day, PAGE Foundation marked a significant milestone by signing an MOU with Mr. Asif Iqbal, CEO of PARCO Gunvor Limited, reinforcing our shared commitment to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity. Together, we are shaping…
Read MoreIMF Talks: Pakistan to Reduce Net Metering Rates by 63%
The government has proposed a significant cut in the rate at which electricity is purchased from net metering users, from Rs27 per unit to Rs10 per unit, a reduction of Rs17 per unit.¹ This proposal was shared during ongoing talks with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission. The net metering system allows consumers who generate their own electricity, typically through solar panels, to sell excess power back to the grid. This not only reduces their electricity bills but also encourages the use of renewable energy sources. However, the IMF has…
Read MorePakistan & the IMF: A Cycle of Dependency or a Path to Reform?By Asad Ali Shah
Amid ongoing economic and political uncertainty, Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads—struggling to navigate its 25th IMF program while confronting deep-rooted structural challenges. While IMF programs provide short-term stabilization, they fail to address the real cause of Pakistan’s deepening insolvency—our lack of productivity and innovation to drive export-led growth. Instead of making the economy more competitive, these programs lead to policies that further erode our global competitiveness, leaving Pakistan more dependent on external support rather than fostering self-sustaining growth. I had the privilege of discussing these critical issues with Dr.…
Read More