Gwadar Port Gains Strategic Importance as Regional Trade Activity Accelerates

Gwadar-Port

ISLAMABAD: Trade and shipping activity at Gwadar Port has witnessed a notable increase, with port utilization reaching approximately 30 percent amid shifting regional trade dynamics and growing interest in alternative logistics corridors following tensions in the Middle East. Recent geopolitical developments have highlighted Gwadar’s strategic location outside the Strait of Hormuz, positioning the deep-sea port as a potential gateway for regional trade, energy transit, and connectivity between South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. During the recent regional conflict, disruptions in maritime traffic left hundreds of vessels stranded…

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K-IV Water Project Faces Further Delays as Completion Timeline Slips Towards 2029

K-IV.

KARACHI: The long-awaited K-IV water supply project, envisioned as a lifeline for millions of Karachi residents facing chronic water shortages, is once again facing significant delays, with officials now indicating that completion is unlikely before 2029. Originally conceived more than two decades ago to address Karachi’s growing water crisis, the mega project was expected to substantially increase the city’s water supply by transporting water from Keenjhar Lake. However, repeated design revisions, administrative challenges, funding complexities, and rising costs have slowed progress considerably. According to senior officials of the Karachi Water…

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Electric Bike Boom in K-P Faces Challenges from Power Shortages and Lack of Infrastructure

E-Bike

PESHAWAR: Electric bikes are rapidly gaining traction across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Peshawar, as soaring fuel prices encourage commuters to seek more affordable transportation options. However, inadequate charging infrastructure, frequent electricity outages, and the absence of a formal registration system are posing significant challenges to the sector’s sustainable growth. The e-bike market has witnessed notable expansion in major commercial areas of Peshawar, including Gulbahar, Kohati Gate, Sarki Gate, Saddar, Tehkal, and Ring Road. Despite growing consumer demand and increasing investment in the sector, the province lacks dedicated charging facilities at…

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Business Community Seeks Tax Relief, Faster Reforms in Pre-Budget Meeting with PM Shehbaz

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ISLAMABAD: Ahead of the presentation of the Federal Budget 2026-27 on June 5, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level consultation with leading representatives of chambers of commerce and industry from across Pakistan, who urged the government to introduce tax relief measures, expedite refund payments, and implement structural reforms to accelerate economic growth. During the meeting, business leaders presented a range of proposals aimed at enhancing industrial productivity, boosting exports, attracting investment, and improving the overall business environment. Addressing the delegation, the prime minister stated that consistent efforts by the…

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31st IRENA Council Opens in Abu Dhabi to Advance Global Renewable Energy Transition

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Abu Dhabi, UAE: The 31st Council Meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) commenced today in a hybrid format at the Agency’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 300 government representatives from around the world, both in person and virtually. Over the next two days, Council members will review progress on IRENA’s ongoing initiatives and discuss strategic priorities for the next phase of the global energy transition. Key discussions will focus on enhancing energy security through renewable energy deployment and exploring the role of emerging technologies—including artificial…

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