PM Shehbaz to Meet IMF Chief in Dubai Ahead of $1 Billion Loan Review

Shahbaz-Sharif1

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva today (Tuesday) in Dubai, just weeks before the March 3 review talks for Pakistan’s $1 billion second loan tranche. The high-stakes meeting will take place on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit, where global leaders, policymakers, and private sector figures are gathering to discuss governance, innovation, and international cooperation. Pakistan requested the meeting, but its agenda remains undisclosed. This marks the third meeting between PM Shehbaz and Georgieva in the past 10 months. The…

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Business Leaders Oppose Security Deposit Hike, Urge NEPRA to Reject Proposal

Nepra-KE-1

Business Leaders Oppose Security Deposit Hike, Urge NEPRA to Reject Proposal February 11, 2025 KARACHI: Business leaders have strongly opposed the proposed hike in security deposit rates by electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), urging the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to reject the move, which they argue would severely impact industrial growth and economic competitiveness. Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani warned that the proposed increase—such as the rise in B2 security deposits from Rs2,010 per kilowatt to Rs54,783/KW—is excessive and financially unsustainable for businesses.…

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Oil Prices Rise Amid US Tariff Concerns

Oil-Price

SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged higher on Monday despite investor concerns over US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat on steel and aluminium imports, which could slow global economic growth and energy demand. Brent crude futures rose 51 cents (0.7%) to $75.17 per barrel by 0444 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 45 cents (0.6%) to $71.45 per barrel. The gains come after oil markets recorded a third consecutive weekly decline last week amid fears of an escalating trade war. Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on…

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Serious Anomalies Found in Coal Procurement for Sahiwal Power Plant

Power-Plants

ISLAMABAD: A fact-finding committee of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has uncovered significant irregularities in the coal procurement process for the Sahiwal Power Plant. The committee has recommended a series of corrective measures, including the establishment of an independent regulatory authority to safeguard electricity consumers from unjustified costs. The four-member committee was formed last year following complaints from coal suppliers regarding an agreement between the Sahiwal Power Plant management and Awan Trading Company. Former Energy Minister and current Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Muhammad Ali, had called…

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Chinese CG donates 38 solar-powered systems to Balochistan

solar energy

KARACHI: The Consulate General of China in Karachi has donated Balochistan province with 38 solar-powered systems, extensively covering areas such as Kalat, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Zhob, Nushki, and Khuzdar in Balochistan. This initiative benefits schools, hospitals, mosques, and tribal communities, with aim to significantly reduce the reliance of remote areas on unstable power grids, alleviate the local energy shortage issues, and improve the living standards of the residents. On February 8, the Consulate General held a handover ceremony attended by Yang Yundong, Consul General of China in Karachi, Sheikh Jafar…

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