‘New electricity provider in Karachi’: NA panel underscores need for exploring possibility

electricty

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances has recommended that the government explores the possibility of inducting a new electricity provider in Karachi to promote healthy competition and improve service delivery. This recommendation was made during a discussion on a calling attention notice moved by MNA Sardar Nabil Ahmed Gabol regarding unscheduled load-shedding and over-billing in Karachi, particularly in Lyari and Azam Basti by K-Electric (KE). The Committee, chaired by Nuzhat Sadiq, directed KE to cease unscheduled load-shedding, especially outages exceeding 10 hours a day and those occurring…

Read More

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has confirmed that the country currently holds sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet existing demand.

oil

However, in view of anticipated future requirements and the prevailing market situation, OGRA has formally advised all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to ensure the maintenance of their mandatory 20-day stock levels, in line with the conditions stipulated in their respective licences. OGRA remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and will continue to take proactive steps to ensure national energy security.Imran GhaznaviSpokesmanOil and Gas Regulatory Authority

Read More

KHCL Seeks Formal Extension of Support for \$2.5bn Kohala Hydropower Project to Safeguard Pakistan’s Water Rights

Hydropower

ISLAMABAD: Kohala Hydro Company Limited (KHCL) has formally requested an extension of its Letter of Support (LoS) for the \$2.5 billion, 1,124 MW Kohala Hydropower Project (HPP) until September 30, 2027, citing strategic and legal imperatives tied to Pakistan’s rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). In a detailed letter to the Managing Director of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), KHCL CEO Liu Yonggang emphasized the critical importance of timely development of the Kohala HPP to assert and preserve Pakistan’s hydroelectric rights on the Jhelum River, guaranteed under…

Read More

SIFC Reviews \$6bn Refinery Upgrade Plans Amid IMF Pushback on Tax Proposals

Refinery-Upgrades

ISLAMABAD – The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) on Wednesday deliberated on the future of \$6 billion refinery upgrade projects, following the IMF’s rejection of key government tax proposals aimed at supporting the oil refining sector. The government had earlier sought to restore zero-rated tax status and impose a 10% sales tax on petroleum products (POL) to facilitate refinery modernization. However, the IMF turned down both proposals, urging the government to submit alternative measures. Sources familiar with the meeting said the authorities would continue to engage IMF officials until the…

Read More

Govt Mulls Abolishing Sales Tax on Solar Panel Imports, Faces Rs20bn Revenue Hit

ISLAMABAD – The government is poised to abolish the proposed 18% sales tax on the import of solar panels, a move expected to cost the national exchequer approximately Rs20 billion in the fiscal year 2025–26. According to official sources, there is a strong possibility that the proposed tax will be either fully withdrawn or further reduced from the revised rate of 10% currently under consideration. To offset the revenue shortfall, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing alternative measures to be submitted for approval by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.…

Read More