Petroleum Division Faces Dilemma Over ISMO’s Revised RLNG Demand

ISLAMABAD: The Petroleum Division is facing a complex policy challenge after the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) sought further reductions in nearly 10 additional RLNG cargoes for 2026—beyond already adjusted volumes—raising concerns about a potential breach of the Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP). According to senior officials, Special Secretary Petroleum Mirza Nasiruddin Mashhood Ahmad, in a letter to the Power Division, referred to ISMO’s December 13, 2025 communication that revised downward the RLNG demand for the power sector for calendar year 2026. Under long-term LNG Sale and Purchase…

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Arif Habib-Led Consortium Moves to Acquire Full Control of PIA

ISLAMABAD:* The consortium led by the Arif Habib Group has announced plans to acquire the remaining 25 per cent government stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), aiming to secure complete ownership of the national flag carrier. In December 2025, the group purchased a 75 per cent stake in PIA for Rs135 billion, with a commitment to turn around the loss-making airline through operational restructuring, fleet modernisation, and enhanced customer services. The acquisition of the remaining shares, valued at approximately Rs45 billion, will enable the consortium to implement its revival strategy…

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Latest Petrol Price in Pakistan 16 Feb 2026

Petrol-Diesel

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Sunday raised the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs5 and Rs7.32 per litre, respectively, for the next fortnight, starting from February 16. After the increase, the new price of petrol will be Rs258.17 per litre from Rs253.17; whereas, the diesel rate was hiked to Rs275.70 per litre from 268.38. The Petroleum Division announced in a notification that the revised fuel prices will take effect from February 16 and remain applicable for the upcoming fortnight. In the previous review, the federal government raised the…

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Taxing the Sun By Dr Farrukh Saleem

solar-Project

The government of Pakistan has done something no ruler, empire, dynasty or civilisation in human history has managed to do: It has taxed the sun. From the Pharaohs to the Romans. From the Mughals to the British Empire. Kings taxed land. Emperors taxed salt. Colonial powers taxed tea. But no one — not even at the height of imperial ambition — taxed sunlight. Until now. For 4.6 billion years, the sun has risen without invoice. It has shone without a billing code. It has powered crops, warmed oceans and lit…

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Saudia Brings the World to the Kingdom, Transporting 37 Million Guests in 2025

Saudia-Secures

Across 203.9 thousand flights to more than 100 destinations Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, recorded significant growth in its operational performance throughout 2025, while continuing to leverage its international flight network to enhance transit traffic yields. The airline transported approximately 37 million guests, reflecting a 6% increase compared to 2024. During the year, Saudia operated over 203.9 thousand scheduled and additional flights, marking a 4.7% rise, while total flight hours reached around 597 thousand, up by 2.5%. Saudia also continued to record growth in intercontinental transit traffic…

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