Category: Latest News

21% Profit Surge at Gas Utilities Sparks Debate Over Efficiency and Pricing Formula

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Gas-OGDCL

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s gas utilities came under sharp criticism on Friday as industry stakeholders argued that a guaranteed rate of return on assets has undermined operational efficiency, allowing state-owned companies to earn profits of up to 21 per cent despite persistent energy shortages. The concerns were raised during a public hearing held by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to review the existing gas pricing framework for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), which currently ensures a fixed return on their regulated asset base.…

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Climate Change Minister Defends Islamabad Tree Felling Amid Public Backlash

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musadiq

ISLAMABAD: Amid mounting public criticism over the large-scale cutting of trees in the federal capital, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadiq Malik on Friday defended the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) actions, stating that around 29,000 paper mulberry trees had been removed in compliance with Supreme Court orders issued in 2023 and reiterated in 2025. Speaking on a television talk show after chairing a meeting on the issue, the minister said paper mulberry is a non-indigenous and highly allergenic species, responsible for severe respiratory problems and deaths among…

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Petroleum Secretary Removed Amid Differences with Minister

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New-Project6

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday removed Petroleum Secretary Momin Agha from his post and directed him to report to the Establishment Division without assigning any further posting. Following his removal, Mirza Nasir-ud-Din Ahmad, Additional Secretary Petroleum, has been given the additional charge of petroleum secretary on a look-after basis until a regular appointment is made. According to informed sources, differences had emerged over the past couple of months between Mr Agha and Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik on several key policy and administrative matters. These reportedly included…

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Ali Pervaiz Malik Engages Pakistan’s Envoys Abroad to Mobilise Global Participation for PMIF 2026

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New-Project4

Islamabad: January 09,2025 Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a briefing session with Pakistan’s Ambassadors and High Commissioners posted in key foreign capitals to advance preparations and mobilise international participation for the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26). The meeting was conducted virtually with Pakistan’s Missions abroad, while senior officials from the Petroleum Division and representatives of key public sector entities attended in person. The session focused on aligning diplomatic outreach with national economic priorities and positioning PMIF26 as a premier global platform for investment in Pakistan’s mineral…

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Ogra Launches Review of Gas Returns, Questions Asset-Based Profit Model

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OGRA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s gas regulator has formally initiated a nationwide public consultation to review the long-standing asset-based return formula for gas utilities, a move that could significantly reshape how Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) earn profits amid market liberalisation and mounting sectoral stress. In a public notice, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) said it is reassessing the rate of return (ROR) allowed to gas transmission and distribution companies under the existing tariff framework. The review follows a federal government directive to restructure…

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