Business Confidence Rebounds Sharply in Pakistan: OICCI Survey

OICCI-Project

ISLAMABAD: Business sentiment in Pakistan has turned positive, with the Business Confidence Index (BCI) rising 16 percentage points to *+11%, up from *-5%* in the previous wave, according to the latest survey by the *Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI). The *Wave 27 BCI Survey, conducted in **March-April 2025, reflects growing optimism across the country’s key sectors. The *manufacturing sector led the rebound, improving from *-3% to +15%, followed by the **retail/wholesale sector, which climbed from *-18% to +2%*, while the *services sector rose from +2% to +10%.…

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KE Consumers Likely to Get Rs5.02 Per Unit Tariff Relief Amid Fuel Cost Adjustment

K-Electric

ISLAMABAD: K-Electric (KE) consumers may soon benefit from a Rs5.02 per unit reduction in electricity bills for March 2025 under a *Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA), potentially translating into a *Rs6.79 billion total relief, pending approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). Nepra conducted a public hearing on Thursday, during which KE presented key operational and financial details, including fuel usage, system efficiency, and measures against electricity theft in Karachi. KE CEO Moonis Alvi emphasized the utility’s commitment to combating power theft but highlighted the growing danger to staff,…

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PM Shehbaz Vows Rapid Reforms, Taps World Bank and IMF for Economic Growth

New-IMF1

ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fast-tracking institutional reforms and sustaining macroeconomic stability, as talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) near conclusion on Pakistan’s upcoming fiscal budget. During a meeting with IMF Regional Director Jihad Azour, PM Shehbaz declared that Pakistan was transitioning from recovery to sustained economic growth. “By the grace of Allah, Pakistan is now moving from economic stability towards sustainable growth,” he stated. The discussions are part of final negotiations under the IMF’s \$7 billion Extended Fund Facility. Talks…

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Thailand Accelerates Green Transition with ASEAN Wind & Biomass Energy Expo 2026

ASEAN-2025

Bangkok, Thailand | March 25–27, 2026 — Thailand is set to host a pivotal clean energy event, the *ASEAN Wind & Biomass Energy Expo 2026, at the IMPACT Exhibition Centre, Bangkok. Scheduled for *March 25–27, 2026, this high-impact expo underscores Thailand’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065, as outlined in its National Energy Plan. Building on the success of the 2025 edition—which featured over 400 global exhibitors and welcomed 16,000+ professionals from 80+ countries—the 2026 expo promises to be even more dynamic. The event…

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Strengthening Brotherhood: Pakistan and Azerbaijan Focus on Energy & Economic Partnerships

Minister-Petroleum

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik was called on by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, H.E Khazar Farhadov, at the Ministry of Petroleum today. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations particularly in the energy sector and exploring new avenues for economic cooperation. Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s steadfast support to Pakistan in recent conflict with India, reaffirming the deep-rooted brotherly ties between the two nations. He underscored that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif greatly values the Azerbaijan’s solidarity with Pakistan. Azerbaijan has always stood behind…

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