Category: Latest News

EV Makers Urge Swift Development of Charging Infrastructure, Retrofitting Support

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Electric-Vehicle

ISLAMABAD: Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers have voiced serious concerns over the lack of charging infrastructure and high upfront costs, warning that these obstacles could derail Pakistan’s clean energy ambitions. The concerns were raised during a consultative meeting held by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCCEC) on Friday, chaired by Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani. The meeting focused on accelerating the transition to electric mobility, scaling up EV charging stations, retrofitting fuel-powered vehicles, and exploring financing options to make EVs more accessible. Industry representatives emphasized the urgent need for…

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SIFC Calls for Policy Revamp to Rescue \$6 Billion Refinery Upgrade Projects by September

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SIFC-SSGC

ISLAMABAD: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has instructed authorities to revise the Brownfield Refinery Policy 2023 by September 31, 2025, aiming to revive stalled refinery upgrade projects worth \$6 billion. The move comes amid a lingering deadlock with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over sales tax exemptions that has rendered the projects economically unviable. According to minutes from the SIFC Executive Committee’s June 18 meeting—released on July 1—the Petroleum Division has been tasked with formally communicating final, non-extendable deadlines for resolving the tax issue. If no resolution is reached,…

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Pakistan Joins Fossil Fuel Treaty, But Faces Scrutiny Over Domestic Energy Contradictions

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Power-Project

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move, Pakistan has become the first South Asian country to formally join the global push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT)—a bold initiative aiming to end the expansion of oil, gas, and coal production while facilitating a global transition to clean energy through cooperation, financial aid, and technology transfer. Pakistan’s entry into the treaty movement in December 2024, alongside climate-vulnerable nations like Vanuatu, Colombia, and The Bahamas, was hailed as a major shift in global climate diplomacy. With over 120 cities, 3,000 scientists, and 100…

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PAC Report Slams Ogra for Failing to Protect Gas Consumers, Ignoring Company Misconduct

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OGRA

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has come under fire for failing to protect consumers from malpractice by gas companies, including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), according to an Audit Report for 2022–23 presented to a sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday. The report highlights Ogra’s inability to take punitive action against gas utilities, despite repeated instances of consumer exploitation. Key issues cited include excessive billing, unjustified tampering charges—even after Ogra had previously ruled against them—improper meter installations,…

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Gas and Oil Price Hikes Severely Impact Exports, Warns FPCCI Vice President

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OGRA-GAS

KARACHI: Amaan Pracha, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has warned that the recent surge in gas tariffs and oil prices is severely damaging Pakistan’s export competitiveness and industrial stability. Speaking to the media at the FPCCI, Pracha expressed deep concern over the government’s decision to raise gas prices for industries despite repeated requests from the business community for a reduction. “This move makes Pakistan more expensive compared to regional competitors, discouraging exports instead of promoting them,” he stated. He noted that the…

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