Day: June 14, 2025

Sindh CM Opposes 18% GST on Solar Panels, Allocates Rs25 Billion for Solar Projects

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Murad-Ali1

KARACHI – June 14, 2025: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a detailed post-budget press conference, strongly opposed the federal government’s proposed 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on imported solar panels, calling it unjust and counterproductive to the nation’s clean energy goals. Highlighting Sindh’s commitment to renewable energy, the Chief Minister announced a significant allocation of Rs25 billion for solar projects, which will also contribute to climate change mitigation. He acknowledged the rising poverty linked to the stringent IMF fiscal constraints but emphasized that the provincial government is…

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PSO Eyes Rs732bn Receivables as Profit Climbs 14% Despite Market Pressures

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PSO-Head

KARACHI: Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has reported a 14% year-on-year rise in profit, reaching Rs15 billion during the first nine months of FY2024–25, despite persistent circular debt challenges and market share pressures. In a corporate briefing held Friday, PSO revealed that total receivables had ballooned to Rs732 billion by the end of March, including Rs325 billion in principal from SNGPL alone. Efforts to recover outstanding dues—especially the Rs200 billion in Late Payment Surcharges—remain a top priority, although a definitive debt resolution plan is still awaited. Since February 2024, SNGPL has…

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Industrial Gas Demand Plunges Amid Price Hike, Raising Surplus LNG and Circular Debt Concerns

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Oil-and-Gas

ISLAMABAD: The Petroleum Division informed the National Assembly that gas consumption by industrial Captive Power Plants (CPPs) has sharply declined—by approximately 80% in the SNGPL network and 43% in SSGCL’s system—primarily due to increased gas tariffs and levies. This reduction, amounting to around 216 MMCFD, is expected to worsen as more CPPs transition to the national grid, raising fears of a growing surplus of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) and further exacerbating the circular debt crisis. In a written reply to MNA Ali Muhammad, Minister of State for Petroleum Ali…

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FPCCI Condemns 18% Tax on E-Commerce and Solar Panels, Calls for Immediate Withdrawal

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FPCCI-Project

KARACHI: Muhammad Amaan Paracha, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has sharply criticized the federal budget 2025–26, saying it falls short of the expectations of trade, industry, and the general public. He denounced the imposition of 18% tax on e-commerce transactions, arguing it will suppress the potential of unemployed youth who had found income opportunities through online platforms. “This move is unjust and counterproductive,” he remarked. Paracha also strongly opposed the 18% sales tax on solar panels, warning it will drive up prices…

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Power Division Uncertain on Tariff Changes from July 1 Amid Disco Petitions

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Power-sector

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division on Friday admitted it has no clear estimate of whether electricity tariffs will rise or fall from July 1, 2025, stating that any change hinges on the regulator’s approval of cost components submitted by eight power distribution companies (Discos) under the Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) regime. During a NEPRA public hearing, Additional Secretary (Power Finance) Mehfooz Bhatti explained that seven tariff scenarios have been submitted to NEPRA, but final rates will depend on approved distribution margins and government subsidies. A targeted distribution subsidy (TDS) of Rs250 billion…

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