Category: Latest News

Pakistan’s Passport Ranking Jumps to 98th in Henley Index

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New-Pasport

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s passport ranking has shown notable improvement, rising from 126th to 98th in the latest Henley Passport Index, reflecting expanded global travel access for Pakistani citizens. According to the index, Pakistan now shares the 98th position with Yemen, ranking above Iraq (99th), Syria (100th) and Afghanistan (101st). Pakistani passport holders can now travel visa-free or obtain visa-on-arrival (VOA) in 31 countries. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the development, calling it a “strong achievement” in a post on X. He expressed optimism that Pakistan’s passport ranking would continue to improve…

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PM Shehbaz Urges Timely Execution of CPEC Projects to Deepen Pakistan–China Ties

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Pak-China

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledging China’s continued support for Pakistan, on Thursday underscored the importance of timely implementation of the next phase of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier made these remarks during a meeting with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC). He expressed appreciation for China’s generous support, particularly under the CPEC framework. PM Shehbaz…

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Business Community Warns Against Curtailing Nepra’s Autonomy

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KARACHI: The business community has voiced serious concerns over proposed amendments to the Nepra Act, 1997, and the Electricity Act, 1910, warning that the changes could erode the autonomy of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) by placing it under the administrative control of the Power Division. Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Acting President Muhammad Raza strongly opposed the proposed amendments, saying they strike at the very foundation of regulatory independence — a principle widely recognised as essential for transparency, predictability and credibility in utility regulation. He…

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Oil Industry Protests Delay in Margin Increase, Seeks Recovery of Digitisation Costs

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oil-gas-sector

ISLAMABAD: The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has raised serious concerns over the regulator’s failure to implement the government-approved increase in oil marketing companies’ (OMCs) margins and the lack of a clear mechanism for full recovery of investments made in digitisation. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), OCAC highlighted the absence of a notification for the 50 per cent increase in OMC margins on motor spirit (MS) and high-speed diesel (HSD), which was approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). According…

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Gas Supply Increased to 746mmcfd Amid Rising Winter Demand

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OGRA-GAS

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday directed gas utilities to take immediate measures to ease supply pressures on domestic consumers as harsh winter conditions triggered a sharp rise in gas demand across the country. Chairing a meeting with senior officials of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the minister took notice of complaints from households facing gas shortages during peak winter hours. According to an official statement, he emphasized that providing relief to…

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