ISLAMABAD – President of Pakistan has signed into law the Off the Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy Bill, 2025, following its approval by both Houses of Parliament. The legislation imposes a phased levy on natural gas and RLNG consumption by captive power plants (CPPs), sparking concern among industrial stakeholders. Introduced by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and passed by the National Assembly on May 22, the bill mandates an immediate 5% levy, increasing to 10% by July 2025, 15% by February 2026, and reaching 20% by August 2026.…
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Iran Strikes Tel Aviv and Haifa, Fueling Fears of Full-Scale Middle East WarDozens killed and wounded as G7 summit puts Israel-Iran conflict at top of agenda
TEL AVIV/DUBAI/WASHINGTON – Iranian missiles rained down on Tel Aviv and Haifa on Monday, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens more in a dramatic escalation of hostilities that has alarmed world leaders and sparked fears of a broader Middle East war. According to Israeli media, three people were killed in central Israel, while emergency responders reported about 30 injured in Haifa, where fires erupted near the city’s power plant. Residential buildings in Tel Aviv were also hit, and live footage showed missiles streaking across the skies over Tel…
Read MoreKarachi Faces Urban Flood Threat as Drain Cleaning Delayed Monsoon preparedness stalled by funding bottlenecks; experts warn of severe flooding risk
KARACHI – With the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicting 20–30% above-normal rainfall in Karachi and interior Sindh, the city remains vulnerable to urban flooding due to the delayed cleaning of its storm water drains—an issue compounded by the Sindh government’s slow release of funds. Despite repeated warnings and past flood disasters, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has yet to receive the necessary funds for cleaning its 586 drains, including 41 major nullahs. Sources told The Express Tribune that the KMC has requested Rs650 million for the 2024 monsoon season, but historically…
Read MoreChahan Dam Contract Dispute Lingers, Project Faces Further DelaysCourt suspends cancellation; new project director appointed amid ADB funding concerns
RAWALPINDI – The long-standing dispute over awarding contracts for Lot Two and Lot Three of the Chahan Dam Dream Project remains unresolved, raising concerns over potential delays in the Rs20.4 billion Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded water supply initiative. The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench has suspended the cancellation of contracts initially awarded to Turkish firm Five H Insat. Justice Jawad Hassan has directed that the matter be settled through mutual agreement within two weeks. Following the court’s directive, the government removed Project Director Hamza Salik and replaced him with Additional…
Read MoreScorching Heatwave Brings Trading to a Standstill in Rawalpindi Markets deserted, birds perish, and citizens pray for rain amid 47°C temperatures
RAWALPINDI – A crippling heatwave swept across Rawalpindi on Sunday, halting commercial activity in wholesale markets, trading centres, grain markets, and bazaars, while tourist spots and public parks remained eerily deserted. From mid-morning until sunset, business slowed to a crawl as temperatures soared between 45°C and 47°C. Shopkeepers, drenched in sweat and seated under fans blowing hot air, waited in vain for customers. The heat kept most residents indoors, with only a trickle of activity occurring after dark. The Citizen Action Council issued an appeal urging residents to place water…
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