Author: Admin

TEHRAN: Iran has halted electricity production at one of its largest dams after a significant drop in reservoir levels, state media reported on Saturday, highlighting the deepening impact of the country’s worst drought in six decades. Amir Mahmoudi, head of the Karkheh Dam and its power plant, told IRNA that all generating units have been taken offline as the water level has fallen far below the threshold required for power production. The dam’s reservoir currently holds around one billion cubic metres of water, with levels standing at 180 metres —…

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has the potential to generate up to 40 gigawatts of solar power, according to the World Bank — a capacity that could boost the renewable share of the national energy mix to 60% by 2030. Yet, despite this vast potential and global momentum toward clean energy, the country faces a policy dilemma driven largely by its dependence on fossil fuels. For decades, Pakistan has relied heavily on oil and gas for power generation. However, falling solar technology prices and rapid adoption have begun shifting the energy landscape. The…

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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: 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…

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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…

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