Category: Latest News

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh Condemns State Bank’s Decision to Maintain Policy Interest Rate at 11%

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FPCCI-Project

Karachi: Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has strongly condemned the State Bank of Pakistan’s recent decision to keep the policy interest rate at 11%, calling it “incomprehensible” given the current economic landscape. Sheikh expressed deep concern about the detrimental effects this stubborn stance will have on the business environment and the broader economy. Sheikh urged the central bank to reduce the policy rate to 6-7%, aligning it with prevailing inflation rates and economic realities to stimulate growth. He pointed out…

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Sindh, fed govt to work together to evolve a climate action plan, to improve Sukkur Barrage capacity

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CM-Sindh

• Sindh govt restores natural waterways through engineering solution • River Indus fragile bunds to be strengthened with Japanese assistance KARACHI (Sept 15): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, discussed launching a 300-day Climate Action Plan ahead of the upcoming monsoon, improving Sukkura Barrage capacity, reinforcing fragile embankments of the River Indus, and restoring old waterways to prevent loss of lives and property during riverine and flash floods.The meeting, held at CM House on Monday, was attended…

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Conflict of Interest Concerns Cloud Ogra Appointment Process

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OGRA

ISLAMABAD: The federal government’s move to appoint a new Member (Gas) to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest, officials at the Petroleum Division confirmed. Three candidates have been shortlisted, including a serving Senior General Manager at Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) — a company directly regulated by Ogra. Critics argue that such selections undermine the regulator’s independence. Similar objections were raised earlier when a senior official from Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) was appointed as Ogra’s Member (Finance). Former…

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Floods Inflict Rs500bn Losses; Govt Announces Power Bill Waiver, Relief Measures

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LAHORE/ISLAMABAD/SUKKUR: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday said the recent floods have inflicted an estimated Rs500 billion in losses, severely impacting Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. He emphasized that the government would pursue self-reliance rather than foreign aid to overcome the crisis. Speaking with experts, the minister noted that provincial agricultural officials have been called for consultations on rehabilitation. “The world did not fulfill its promises in 2022. This time, self-reliance is our priority,” he maintained. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a complete waiver…

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NEECA Pushes Hydroponics and Aquaponics to Tackle Climate and Resource Challenges

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New-NEECA

ISLAMABAD: With Pakistan’s agriculture sector under strain from climate change, dwindling water resources, and rising energy demand, the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) is turning to hydroponics and aquaponics as sustainable farming solutions. At a national dialogue titled “Powering Hydroponics Sustainability: Energy-Efficient Solutions, Climate Resilience, and Urban Agriculture,” experts, innovators, and policymakers gathered to discuss how advanced farming can strengthen climate resilience and conservation efforts. Participants included Dr. Arshad Nawaz Chaudhry (Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi), Fatima Rizwan (NDRMF), and entrepreneur Zarak Khan, among others. “Hydroponics saves water, saves…

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