ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday issued a stark warning: Pakistan could face an additional tax burden of Rs400–500 billion if Parliament fails to pass key enforcement measures outlined in the 2025–26 federal budget — already approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “I now request my colleagues in both houses of Parliament to get the enabling clauses for enforcement measures passed; otherwise, we would have to take Rs400–500bn additional tax measures,” Mr Aurangzeb said at a post-budget press conference. The soft-spoken minister hinted at possible resistance within the…
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Solar Industry Warns 18% GST on Imported Panels Could Derail Pakistan’s Clean Energy Progress
KARACHI: Pakistan’s renewable energy sector has sounded the alarm over the government’s proposed 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on imported solar panels, cautioning that the move could reverse recent gains in clean energy adoption, raise electricity costs, and negatively impact consumers, businesses, and farmers. Solar energy has emerged as a critical alternative amid rising fossil fuel prices and mounting electricity bills. However, stakeholders argue that this tax threatens to make solar installations unaffordable, curbing demand and undermining the national energy transition. “An 18% GST on imported solar panels could derail…
Read MoreGovt rolls out plan for affordable electricity
Pakistan, June 11 — Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday said the government has developed a comprehensive plan to obtain affordable electricity, making cheaper power accessible in the coming days. During budget speech 2025-2026, he said, under this plan, savings of more than PKR 4,000 billion have been achieved, and 9,000 MW of expensive power plants, which were to be added to the national grid, have been abandoned. He informed that for 18 million deserving and protected consumers, electricity prices have been reduced by over 50%..He added…
Read MoreOil up on hopes of positive US-China trade talks
NEW YORK: Oil prices edged up 1% to a seven-week high on Tuesday on hopes trade talks between the US and China – the world’s two biggest economies – will result in a deal that could support global economic growth and boost oil demand. Brent crude futures rose 81 cents, or 1.2%, to $67.85 a barrel by 11:22 a.m. EDT (1522 GMT), while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 83 cents, or 1.3%, to $66.12. Those gains pushed both crude benchmarks into technically overbought territory for the first time since…
Read MoreOil rises to 7-week high on US-China trade deal
LONDON: Oil prices rose to their highest in seven weeks on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal had been done with China, heightening expectations of a de-escalation in trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Brent crude futures were up $1.15, or 1.7%, to $68.02 a barrel at 1249 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.31, or 2%, to $66.29. At that level, WTI reached its highest in more than two months. Trump said Beijing would supply magnets and rare earth minerals and…
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