Category: Latest News

Pakistan Explores Pipeline Oil Imports Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

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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

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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

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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

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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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Karachi Faces Urban Flood Threat as Drain Cleaning Delayed Monsoon preparedness stalled by funding bottlenecks; experts warn of severe flooding risk

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Urban-Flood

KARACHI – With the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicting 20–30% above-normal rainfall in Karachi and interior Sindh, the city remains vulnerable to urban flooding due to the delayed cleaning of its storm water drains—an issue compounded by the Sindh government’s slow release of funds. Despite repeated warnings and past flood disasters, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has yet to receive the necessary funds for cleaning its 586 drains, including 41 major nullahs. Sources told The Express Tribune that the KMC has requested Rs650 million for the 2024 monsoon season, but historically…

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