Sindh Allocates Rs25bn for Solarisation to Cut Power Costs: Nasir Hussain Shah

Nasir-Shah

KARACHI, June 17, 2025 — Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah announced on Monday that the provincial government has allocated Rs25 billion in the new budget to reduce electricity costs through widespread solarisation, aiming to provide relief to low-income and underprivileged households. Shah credited Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and the Chief Minister for championing the initiative, saying it reflects the party’s vision of ensuring affordable and even free electricity where possible. The Energy Department, he noted, is actively working to distribute solar panels and implement solar energy solutions…

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Pakistan Explores Pipeline Oil Imports Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Oil-Price

ISLAMABAD, June 17, 2025: In light of escalating regional tensions following Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, the Government of Pakistan is exploring alternative oil import routes via pipelines from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ensure energy security in the event of a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. During the inaugural meeting of a newly formed high-level committee chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, officials discussed the potential impact of a worst-case scenario where the vital maritime corridor—responsible for nearly 20% of global oil supply—is…

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Sindh Enforces Complete Ban on Polythene Bags with Zero Tolerance

plastic-bags

KARACHI: A province-wide ban on the manufacture, supply, and use of plastic shopping bags came into full effect across Sindh on Sunday, as the final deadline for compliance expired. The Sindh government has pledged strict enforcement, warning that violators will face heavy fines, arrests, and factory closures. Environment Secretary Agha Shahnawaz Khan stated that all manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers have been given ample time through repeated warnings and awareness campaigns. “There is no more room for leniency,” he said. “The use of plastic bags in any form will not be…

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Government Nears Revised PPAs with Wind Power Producers Amid Tough Talks

Solar-Wind

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is expected to finalize revised Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with wind power plants (WPPs) within the next two weeks, following the model already applied to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and government-run plants (GPPs). A senior official from the Power Division, involved in the negotiations, confirmed progress despite earlier resistance, especially from project lenders. “Talks were challenging due to debt repayment concerns, but we are hopeful of achieving a Re0.13 per unit relief,” the official stated. The task force, led by Power Minister Sardar Awais Khan Leghari,…

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Iran Strikes Tel Aviv and Haifa, Fueling Fears of Full-Scale Middle East WarDozens killed and wounded as G7 summit puts Israel-Iran conflict at top of agenda

Israel-Iran

TEL AVIV/DUBAI/WASHINGTON – Iranian missiles rained down on Tel Aviv and Haifa on Monday, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens more in a dramatic escalation of hostilities that has alarmed world leaders and sparked fears of a broader Middle East war. According to Israeli media, three people were killed in central Israel, while emergency responders reported about 30 injured in Haifa, where fires erupted near the city’s power plant. Residential buildings in Tel Aviv were also hit, and live footage showed missiles streaking across the skies over Tel…

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