KARACHI: The Parliamentary Forum on Energy and Economy on Thursday cautioned that sharp increases in the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) are intensifying inflationary pressures, disproportionately impacting low-income households and exposing long-standing weaknesses in Pakistan’s energy and fiscal management, particularly amid recent regional tensions in the Persian Gulf. The forum said the petroleum levy should not be used as a primary revenue-generation tool or as a substitute for broader fiscal reforms. Speaking at a high-level policy briefing, members noted that Pakistan’s heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels has left the economy…
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Citizens Warn Against Unplanned Commercialisation of Karachi’s Residential Areas
KARACHI: The Karachi Citizens Forum (KCF) on Wednesday urged authorities to halt unchecked commercialisation of residential neighbourhoods, warning that recent policy changes could accelerate environmental degradation, infrastructure collapse, and declining quality of urban life in the city. The press conference, held at the Karachi Press Club, brought together urban planners, lawyers, activists, and residents who expressed concern over what they described as “unregulated conversion” of residential zones into commercial and high-rise developments without adequate infrastructure, environmental safeguards, or public consultation. Speakers said Karachi’s residential areas were already facing severe pressure…
Read MorePPL Signs PSAs for Eight Offshore Blocks Under Offshore Bid Round 2025
KARACHI: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has signed Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) and exploration licences for eight offshore blocks awarded under the Offshore Bid Round 2025, marking a key milestone in reviving offshore hydrocarbon exploration in Pakistan after nearly two decades. In a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company confirmed that the agreements were executed on May 20, 2026, in the presence of the Federal Minister for Petroleum, following the earlier provisional award announced on November 13, 2025. The offshore portfolio includes two PPL-operated blocks — Gharo…
Read MoreOGDC Secures Eight Offshore Blocks in Landmark Exploration Expansion
ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC), the country’s largest exploration and production company, has secured eight offshore exploration blocks under the Offshore Bid Round 2025, marking a significant expansion of its exploration portfolio. The Government of Pakistan has officially reopened its offshore energy frontier after nearly two decades through the signing of Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) and Exploration Licences (ELs), aimed at boosting investment and reducing dependence on imported energy. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Petroleum in Islamabad and was witnessed by Federal Minister…
Read MoreMecom Gas Plans $20 Million IPO to Expand LPG Storage Capacity
ISLAMABAD: Mecom Gas Pvt Ltd is considering launching an initial public offering (IPO) on the Pakistan Stock Exchange to raise approximately $20 million for the development of a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facility, according to a media report. As reported by Bloomberg, the company is currently in discussions with Arif Habib Limited regarding advisory services for the proposed IPO. Chief Executive Officer Kamran Afzal said the company plans to utilise the proceeds to establish storage capacity of around 3,000 tons to strengthen fuel reserves and improve supply stability.…
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