ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been ranked the most polluted country in the world in 2025, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels reaching up to 13 times higher than the safety limits set by the World Health Organization, according to a report by IQAir. The report revealed that only 13 countries managed to meet the WHO’s recommended annual PM2.5 limit of 5 micrograms per cubic metre, an improvement from seven countries in 2024. However, 130 out of 143 monitored countries failed to meet the standard. Following Pakistan, Bangladesh and Tajikistan ranked as…
Read MoreDay: March 25, 2026
Optional Multi Tariff ToU Mechanism for Industrial Consumers
Islamabad: March 25, 2026 Under Special initiative by the Federal Minister for (Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, the Division is considering introduction of a new optional tariff mechanism aimed at facilitating industrial consumers and enhancing overall efficiency in electricity utilization.Several internal consultative and technical meetings have already been undertaken by the Minister in this regard. Under this proposed framework, industrial consumers will have the flexibility to opt into a multi-slab tariff structure, where energy pricing is based on average marginal cost signals across defined time-of-use slabs. This approach…
Read MoreEnergy Crisis Shifts Focus to Renewables, Nuclear and EVs
ISLAMABAD: As the global fuel crisis intensifies amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict, countries including Pakistan are accelerating plans to transition towards renewable energy, nuclear power, and electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce dependence on oil. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and LNG supplies pass—have driven crude prices above $100 per barrel, with petrol in Pakistan crossing Rs300 per litre. The surge has triggered widespread economic strain, forcing reduced office operations and closure of educational institutions. With fuel shortages worsening, EVs and e-bikes have emerged…
Read MoreTrump Floats Peace Plan as Iran Eases Hormuz Passage for ‘Non-Hostile’ Vessels
US President Donald Trump has sent a proposed peace plan to Iran, expressing optimism about ending nearly a month-long conflict, as Tehran signalled limited de-escalation by allowing “non-hostile” vessels to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the White House, Trump confirmed that negotiations with Iran were underway, hinting at a positive development linked to the Strait, though he did not disclose details. Shortly afterward, Iran, via the International Maritime Organization, assured safe passage for vessels not deemed hostile—offering relief to global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, which…
Read MoreGovt Weighs Fuel Price Unfreeze as Global Surge Intensifies Pressure
ISLAMABAD: The government is considering unfreezing petrol and diesel prices amid a sharp rise in global fuel costs, while exploring targeted subsidies for vulnerable segments such as two- and three-wheeler users. Despite keeping petrol and high-speed diesel prices unchanged in recent weeks, authorities have quietly increased rates of jet fuel (JP-1) and kerosene. Official figures show JP-1 prices surged by Rs84 per litre to Rs472, marking a nearly 150% increase since early March, while kerosene rose by Rs71 per litre to Rs429, up 127% over the same period. The price…
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