Category: Latest News

Structural Shake-up in WAPDA Sparks Internal Controversy

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WAPDA-MoUs

ISLAMABAD: The incoming chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is expected to face a challenging start amid internal unrest sparked by controversial structural changes made by the acting management in recent weeks. Sources reveal that the acting chairman implemented several senior-level reorganisations—adding and removing key posts and advisers—just before the appointment of the new chairman. These decisions, allegedly taken without a proper quorum, were rushed through a hastily convened meeting and formalised the same day the Ministry of Water Resources held interviews for the new leadership. The…

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Pakistan, China to Strengthen Collaboration on Electric Vehicles

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electric-vehicles

BEIJING: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has identified electric vehicles (EVs) as a pivotal area for future cooperation between Pakistan and China, emphasizing the sector’s potential to transform Pakistan’s energy and transportation landscape. Speaking at a press conference at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, Iqbal underscored Pakistan’s interest in leveraging China’s technological leadership, particularly in emerging innovations like sodium-ion batteries, which offer significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion alternatives. He announced that the upcoming Pakistan-China Business Conference, scheduled for September 4, will act as a vital…

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Govt Unveils Rs100bn EV Subsidy Scheme Backed by New Car Levy

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Electric-Vehicle

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move to accelerate Pakistan’s transition to electric mobility, the government has approved a five-year Rs100 billion subsidy programme aimed at deploying 116,000 electric bikes and 3,170 electric rickshaws/loaders. This initiative, set to be formally launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 14, will be financed through a newly introduced tax on conventional vehicles—dubbed the New Electric Vehicle Adoption Levy (NEVAL). Approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the NEVAL will impose a 1% levy on local and imported cars up to 1300cc, 2% on 1301–1800cc…

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Pakistan Sets Sights on Moon Mission by 2035, Deepens Space Cooperation with China

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New-Project18

BEIJING – Pakistan plans to launch its first-ever lunar mission by 2035, according to Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. The national space agency, SUPARCO, has received formal directives to lead this groundbreaking project under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative. Speaking during a high-level meeting in Beijing with Shan Zhongde, Chairman of China’s Atomic Energy Authority and Space Agency, Iqbal underscored Pakistan’s commitment to advancing space exploration and technology in collaboration with China. The talks also covered deepening cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy and cutting-edge technologies such…

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Nationwide Overbilling Probe Urged Amid Rs53.4bn Refund Plan and Tariff Concerns

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Power-generation

ISLAMABAD: A probe into widespread overbilling by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) has prompted calls for similar investigations across all power distribution companies, as the Power Division confirmed action against officials found responsible, following an inquiry ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. At a public hearing hosted by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), Additional Secretary Power Mehfooz Bhatti confirmed that the inquiry report had been submitted to the Prime Minister. However, he refrained from sharing details until the report’s recommendations are formally processed and shared with the…

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