Author: Admin

WB Calls for Gas-Sector Reforms, Unbundling of Utilities to Tackle Circular Debt

Admin
OGRA-GAS

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has urged Pakistan to develop a comprehensive road map for gas-sector reforms, including the unbundling of public gas utilities, to improve efficiency, reduce losses and rein in the mounting circular debt. At present, two state-owned companies—Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC)—serve consumers nationwide. However, their vast distribution networks have struggled to curb losses, contributing to circular debt that has surged to around Rs2.6 trillion. World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolormaa Amgaabazar raised the issue during a meeting with Federal…

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Pakistan, China Move Forward on $2.2bn Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex at Port Qasim

Admin
Port-Qasim

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have advanced discussions on a major maritime industrial project at Port Qasim, with a five-member delegation from China’s Shandong Xinxu Group meeting Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Chaudhry to review plans for an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC). According to an official statement, the proposed project—estimated to cost between $1.1 billion and $2.2 billion—aims to revitalise Pakistan’s maritime and heavy industrial base. The Chinese delegation was led by Shandong Xinxu Group Chairman Hou Jianxin. The IMIC is envisaged to comprise three core components: revival…

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ECC Approves Rs200bn Equity Injection for Discos to Ease Power Sector Cash-Flow Crunch

Admin
Asian-bank

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet on Thursday approved over Rs225 billion in supplementary grants, including a Rs200 billion equity injection for power distribution companies (Discos) to address acute cash-flow constraints in the power sector. The meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, also cleared funds for parliamentarians’ development schemes, eased eligibility criteria for the Prime Minister’s Fan Replacement Programme, approved compensation for families of missing persons, and reviewed inflationary trends, noting a marked improvement in price stability. The ECC approved Rs12 billion for the Sustainable Development…

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IBON International The COP of Half-truths

Admin
climate

The summit closed with its main political outcome, called the Global Mutirão, named after an Indigenous language in Brazil, which translates as “collective efforts.” While the decision calls for tripling adaptation finance and accelerating emissions reductions, developed countries remain unwilling to provide the resources needed to implement these commitments. It failed to reflect roadmaps on fossil fuel phaseout or reversing deforestation that a broad alliance of governments demanded. The outcome also leaned heavily on false ‘solutions.’ These gaps were made even more glaring by the overwhelming presence of corporate lobbyists…

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The Aga Khan Foundation and the Embassy of Denmark Sign Agreement to Boost Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral

Admin
New-Project96

Islamabad, 17 December 2025: The Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan and the Embassy of Denmark in Islamabad today signed an agreement to support climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods for vulnerable mountain communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The initiative aims to strengthen food security and income stability by expanding access to diversified and sustainable agricultural opportunities. It will support the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative farming practices, improve water management systems, and promote locally viable green business models suited to mountain environments. The project will directly benefit approximately 5,890 individuals across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral…

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