EAD Urges NTDC to Expedite Dasu Project Construction, Set to Meet End-Dec 2025 Deadline

Dasu-Dam

The Economic Affairs Division (EAD) has issued directives to the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) to accelerate construction work on Lot-1, Lot-2, and Lot-3 of the Dasu hydropower project, aiming for completion by the end of December 2025. In a recent meeting chaired by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, various stakeholders including the World Bank, ADB, and other agencies discussed the progress and challenges faced by foreign-funded projects. The focus was on addressing delays that hinder disbursements and prolong project timelines. One of the key projects under scrutiny is…

Read More

Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant Reaches Maximum Capacity, Generating 969MW

Neelum-Jhelum

The Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant has achieved a significant milestone by generating 969 megawatts (MW) of electricity at its full capacity, following the resumption of power generation earlier this month after inspection of its tail race tunnel. The project, located on the Neelum River in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), resumed electricity production after a comprehensive examination of its tunnel during a low-flow season. International experts were involved in inspecting the tunnel, ensuring its safety and functionality. Operational since 2018, the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant is a unique hydroelectric project, with 90%…

Read More

Petrol Prices Expected to Surge to Rs290 Ahead of Eid, Diesel Rates Likely to Decrease

Petrol-price

As Eidul Fitr approaches, petrol prices in Pakistan are anticipated to increase by approximately Rs10-11 per litre on March 31, primarily due to higher import premiums and global market prices. Conversely, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) is expected to decrease by up to Rs2 per litre during the same period. The current ex-depot price of petrol stands at around Rs280 per litre, and with the upcoming review, it could surpass Rs290 per litre. This price surge is attributed to a $4 per barrel increase in the import price of…

Read More

FM Aurangzeb Aims for New IMF Deal by End of June, Reports Progress on Privatisation

pak-imf

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has set ambitious targets, aiming to secure a staff-level agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the end of June. He expressed optimism during an appearance at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) gong ceremony, noting that while there have not been final discussions with the IMF yet, the global lender has shown receptiveness towards a “larger and longer programme.” To further these negotiations, Aurangzeb announced plans to lead a delegation to Washington around mid-April, specifically on April 14 to 15. These talks are crucial…

Read More

Dr. Gohar Ejaz appointed as Head FPCCI-PERG Think Tank

Gohar-Ejaz

Karachi: Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, has constituted a high-profile think tank of the apex body – comprising the nation’s top economic minds, governance specialists, industrialists, entrepreneurs, investors and exporters. The body will be called FPCCI’s Think Tank on Pakistan’s Economic Revival & Growth (FPCCI-PERG); and, will be chaired by Dr. Gohar Ejaz, former caretaker federal minister for finance, revenue and investments. Atif Ikram Sheikh maintained that the entire business, industry and trade community of Pakistan is united for the economic revival of Pakistan; and, being the apex body, FPCCI…

Read More