Power Generation Merger Faces Bureaucratic Hurdles in Power Division Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD: A planned restructuring of state-owned power generation companies has encountered resistance within the bureaucratic setup of the Power Division Pakistan and its subordinate entities, delaying efforts to merge several outdated power plants into the National Power Parks Management Company (NPPMC). Sources said the reform plan—endorsed by the National Task Force on Energy and Federal Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari—aims to consolidate oil-based and redundant generation companies (Gencos 1 to 4) into NPPMC. The initiative is part of broader power sector reforms designed to reduce electricity tariffs and…

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Oil Price Shock Could Cut Pakistan GDP by Up to 1.5%, Experts Warn

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KARACHI: Prolonged high global oil prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict could reduce the GDP of Pakistan by 1 to 1.5 percent if crude prices remain around $100 per barrel or higher, according to former finance minister Hafiz Pasha. Pasha warned that the most severe impact would be felt in Pakistan’s external sector, where the country could face a negative shock of $12–14 billion over the next year. The surge would be driven largely by petroleum imports, which may rise by 25–30 percent as global oil prices climb.…

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Iran Holds Key to Reopening Global Energy Markets Amid Gulf Conflict

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DUBAI/BAGHDAD: The ongoing Gulf conflict has shifted the balance of influence in global energy markets, with Iran emerging as a central player in determining when normal oil and gas flows may resume. The shift became evident after Saudi Aramco informed its global oil buyers in a letter this week that it was uncertain which port would be used for April crude exports. According to the communication, shipments could be routed through the Red Sea or still originate from Gulf terminals, reflecting growing uncertainty caused by the shutdown of the Strait…

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Govt to Absorb Rs23bn to Keep Fuel Prices Unchanged

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ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has decided to absorb a financial impact of Rs23 billion to keep petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices unchanged for the week starting March 14, 2026, amid rising global oil prices and regional supply disruptions. According to official documents, the subsidy will be provided as a price differential to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and financed through the newly created Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund. The payment will compensate OMCs at a rate of Rs75.05 per litre for HSD and Rs49.63 per litre for petrol. The estimated…

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Islamabad High Court Suspends Federal Board of Revenue Super Tax Recovery Notices to Three IPPs

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ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended recovery notices issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) against three Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for the collection of Super Tax, citing failure to follow the procedure prescribed under the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. The IPPs challenged the notices after recovery proceedings were initiated without providing the mandatory time period required under Section 137 of the ordinance. The companies informed the court that although the judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court regarding Super Tax is binding on the tax authorities, the…

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