Author: Admin

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to secure a $1 billion budget support loan from the Asian Development Bank to strengthen climate resilience policies, while deferring approval of a $40 million project due to concerns over excessive spending on equipment and services. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Central Development Working Party, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, which granted concept clearance for the second tranche of the Climate Disaster Resilience Enhancement Programme (CDREP). Under the arrangement, $500 million will be released immediately upon ADB board approval, with…

Read More

SINGAPORE: India has withdrawn its offer to host the 2028 United Nations climate summit, COP33, according to officials familiar with the development, raising questions about future leadership of global climate negotiations. The decision to step back from hosting the Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was communicated earlier this month, though no official reason has been publicly provided. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had initially proposed hosting the summit in 2023. A report by Climate Home News indicated that the move followed a “review…

Read More

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host crucial in-person negotiations between the United States and Iran, positioning the capital at the centre of high-stakes diplomacy as a fragile ceasefire between the two sides shows signs of strain. The talks follow a two-week truce brokered through Pakistan’s mediation after nearly six weeks of conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that delegations from both countries will arrive in Islamabad on Friday, with formal negotiations scheduled for Saturday to pursue a “comprehensive and conclusive” agreement. According to officials, the US delegation will be led…

Read More

PESHAWAR: Mohammad Sohail Afridi has directed relevant departments to explore the feasibility of establishing an electric bike and scooter manufacturing industry in the province, underscoring the government’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. The directive came during a high-level meeting of the Planning and Development Department to review proposals for the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026–27. The chief minister also ordered a structured assessment of heli-tourism to unlock high-value tourism potential in remote and scenic areas. The meeting reviewed a wide range of initiatives across social welfare, sports, tourism, relief,…

Read More

ISLAMABAD: Energy experts and policymakers have cautioned the government against imposing taxes on solar panels and batteries, warning that such measures could undermine Pakistan’s energy security and penalise consumers who have helped stabilise the economy during global energy volatility. The concerns were raised during a consultative dialogue titled “Beyond the Barrel: Making Pakistan Energy Secure in an Era of Geopolitical Shocks,” organised by the Pakistan Renewable Energy Coalition (PREC) in collaboration with the Alliance for Climate Justice and Clean Energy and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute. Speaking at the event,…

Read More