KARACHI: Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed, has reaffirmed that the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme — commonly known as the K-IV project — is on track for completion in 2026, subject to timely availability of funds. During a two-day visit, the chairman inspected major construction sites, including the intake structure and pumping stations at Keenjhar Lake, the high-pressure water conveyance pipelines leading to Karachi, and one of the city’s filtration plants. Project officials, contractors and consultants briefed him on contract-wise…
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Islamabad Warns Smoke-Emitting Vehicle Owners of Strict Crackdown
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) on Sunday issued a stern warning to owners of smoke-emitting vehicles, announcing a strict enforcement drive across the federal capital to curb rising vehicular pollution. Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zaib Ali said the agency has intensified inspections on major roads, intersections and high-traffic corridors to identify vehicles releasing excessive emissions. Offenders will face on-the-spot fines, possible confiscation of vehicles, or both, depending on the severity of the violation. Calling vehicular smoke a major contributor to declining air quality and recurring smog episodes, Ms…
Read MoreBorder Closure with Afghanistan Disrupts Key Pakistani Exports, Industries Brace for Losses
KARACHI: The prolonged closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border since Oct 11 amid heightened bilateral tensions has severely disrupted trade flows, choking crucial exports and straining supply chains across multiple sectors. Stakeholders report a mix of economic setbacks and temporary advantages, while analysts warn that a continued deadlock could deepen pressure on Pakistan’s export-oriented industries. Some experts, however, note that the halt may slow the influx of smuggled goods into Pakistan. Cement and Coal Supplies Hit HardA major cement manufacturer said the suspension of cross-border movement has halted Afghan coal imports…
Read MorePetrol, Diesel Prices Reduced for Next Two Weeks
The federal government on Sunday announced a reduction in petroleum prices for the upcoming fortnight, lowering petrol by Rs2 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs4.79 per litre. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the new prices—effective December 1—set HSD at Rs279.65 per litre and petrol at Rs263.45 per litre. The revision follows recommendations from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). HSD, widely used in heavy transport, agriculture machinery, and freight movement, has a direct bearing on inflation, influencing the cost of food items and…
Read MorePetrol, diesel rates slashed for next fortnight
The federal government on Sunday slashed the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs2 and Rs4.79, respectively, for the next fortnight. According to a notification from the Petroleum Division, the new HSD price is Rs279.65 per litre, while the new rate for petrol is Rs263.45. The prices will come into effect on December 1. “The government has revised the prices of the petroleum products based on recommendations of Ogra (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority),” a notification from the Petroleum Division stated. Most of the transport sector runs on…
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