Sindh accelerates digital governance drive as CM Murad Shah oversees expansion of e-stamping system730,000 challans processed, Rs12.8 bn collected through e-Stamping platform

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KARACHI (March 17): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah launched an expanded push for digital governance in the province, describing technology-driven reforms as central to building a transparent, efficient and citizen-centric government, as he presided over the signing ceremony for the e-Stamping system.The ceremony held at CM House was attended by Provincial Ministers Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and Syed Sardar Shah, SACM Ali Rashid, Spokespersons Nadir Gabol and Buland Junejo, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, and Senior Member Board of Revenue Khalid Hyder Shah, Secretary…

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“Oil from Yanbu to Karachi Will Take 9 Days, Triple Strait of Hormuz Route; Country Braces for Energy Crunch”

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Karachi, March 17, 2026: Pakistan is preparing for a critical delivery of crude oil to Karachi Port as the second oil tanker, carrying 70,000 metric tons, is expected to arrive via Saudi Arabia’s port city of Yanbu in the next three days. According to sources at Energy Update, the tanker’s chosen route is significantly longer than the traditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz, taking approximately nine days instead of 2.5 days. Officials note that while this extended route increases transportation costs, it is necessary to ensure uninterrupted energy supply…

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Why Did a Pakistani Oil Tanker Take a Strange Route Through the Strait of Hormuz?

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Several vessels were tracked today transiting the Strait of Hormuz, including a Pakistani-flagged ship named Karachi, carrying crude oil. The vessel is owned by the state-owned Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). According to MarineTraffic tracking data, the tanker entered Iran’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ), passed between Qeshm and Larak islands, and continued south along the Iranian coastline. To understand why the tanker took such an unusually long route, Energy Update consulted former U.S. Navy Captain Bradley Martin, now a senior researcher at the RAND Corporation. Martin suggested that the vessel…

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Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum Rescheduled to November 12-13

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, originally planned for July, has been officially rescheduled to November 12-13, organisers announced. The change comes in response to ongoing regional developments and travel concerns affecting participants. Organisers highlighted that the new dates aim to ensure broader participation from government officials, industry leaders, and international investors, creating a more favorable environment for dialogue and collaboration. The forum will continue to focus on investment opportunities, policy discussions, and partnerships in Pakistan’s minerals sector. Further details regarding the updated agenda and participating stakeholders will be shared…

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IMF Rejects Pakistan’s Request for Relief on Captive Power Gas Levy

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ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund has turned down Pakistan’s request to freeze the 15 per cent additional gas levy on captive power plants (CPPs) and to grant exemptions to efficient industrial units, dealing a setback to the government’s efforts to ease pressure on industry. During ongoing review talks, the government proposed maintaining the current levy rate and excluding industries that undergo gas efficiency audits. However, the IMF rejected both proposals, insisting that the levy should remain a key policy tool to discourage industries from generating in-house electricity using gas. The…

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