Category: Latest News

ISLAMABAD: In a major relief for clean energy and environment advocates, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance on Tuesday unanimously rejected the proposed 18% sales tax on imported solar panels and their parts. Additionally, the government also withdrew a controversial proposal to raise sales tax on hybrid vehicles up to 1800cc from 12.5% to 18%—both seen as anti-environment measures. The committee, chaired by PPP MNA and former finance minister Syed Naveed Qamar, overruled the solar tax plan during the ongoing discussion on the Finance Bill 2025. Since the National…

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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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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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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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