ISLAMABAD – President of Pakistan has signed into law the Off the Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy Bill, 2025, following its approval by both Houses of Parliament. The legislation imposes a phased levy on natural gas and RLNG consumption by captive power plants (CPPs), sparking concern among industrial stakeholders. Introduced by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and passed by the National Assembly on May 22, the bill mandates an immediate 5% levy, increasing to 10% by July 2025, 15% by February 2026, and reaching 20% by August 2026.…
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Chahan Dam Contract Dispute Lingers, Project Faces Further DelaysCourt suspends cancellation; new project director appointed amid ADB funding concerns
RAWALPINDI – The long-standing dispute over awarding contracts for Lot Two and Lot Three of the Chahan Dam Dream Project remains unresolved, raising concerns over potential delays in the Rs20.4 billion Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded water supply initiative. The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench has suspended the cancellation of contracts initially awarded to Turkish firm Five H Insat. Justice Jawad Hassan has directed that the matter be settled through mutual agreement within two weeks. Following the court’s directive, the government removed Project Director Hamza Salik and replaced him with Additional…
Read MoreScorching Heatwave Brings Trading to a Standstill in Rawalpindi Markets deserted, birds perish, and citizens pray for rain amid 47°C temperatures
RAWALPINDI – A crippling heatwave swept across Rawalpindi on Sunday, halting commercial activity in wholesale markets, trading centres, grain markets, and bazaars, while tourist spots and public parks remained eerily deserted. From mid-morning until sunset, business slowed to a crawl as temperatures soared between 45°C and 47°C. Shopkeepers, drenched in sweat and seated under fans blowing hot air, waited in vain for customers. The heat kept most residents indoors, with only a trickle of activity occurring after dark. The Citizen Action Council issued an appeal urging residents to place water…
Read MoreFuel Crisis Worsens in Balochistan Amid Iran-Israel Tensions Border closures, smuggling clampdown, and global oil volatility deepen local woes
QUETTA – The fuel crisis in Balochistan has taken a critical turn as escalating tensions between Iran and Israel disrupt the supply of Iranian oil into Pakistan. The smuggling routes through Makran, Rakhshan, and Chagai have been badly affected, leading to the closure of 60–70% of petrol pumps in the province’s border districts, including Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Washuk, Chagai, and Mashkail. The crisis has triggered black market activity, with smuggled petrol being sold at Rs280–300 per litre—significantly above the official rate of Rs254. Additionally, food shortages are emerging in areas…
Read MorePetrol price likely to rise for next 15 days
New prices will be implemented once approved Petroleum prices in Pakistan are expected to rise by up to Rs5.50 per litre for the next 15 days, owing to an increase in global oil prices, sources revealed on Sunday. According to reports, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has completed a working paper based on recent international market trends.The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is expected to send its summary to the federal government today.The final decision will rest with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who will approve any changes to…
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