Budget FY26: Govt Shifts from Broadening Tax Base to Raising Rates Amid Record Revenue Target

ECONOMIC-SURVEY

ISLAMABAD: With limited room for fresh tax measures, the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government is pivoting from “broadening the tax base” to a new rhetoric of “equity,” effectively justifying higher taxes on lower-income groups as it targets a record Rs14 trillion in revenue for FY2025-26 — a 22% increase over the outgoing fiscal year. In line with IMF commitments, the government estimates autonomous revenue at Rs12.845 trillion, based on 4.2% GDP growth and 7.5% inflation. To bridge the gap, new tax measures worth Rs655 billion and enforcement-driven revenue of Rs400 billion…

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ECONOMIC SURVEY 2024-25: Capacity Payments Continue to Burden Power Consumers Despite Surplus Generation

Power-sector

LAHORE: Pakistan’s installed electricity generation capacity has risen to 46,605 megawatts in FY2024-25, yet costly capacity payments to idle power plants remain a major burden on consumers, ranging between Rs12 to Rs15 per unit. The Economic Survey 2024-25 reveals that while the government has halted new power projects and is terminating power purchase agreements (PPAs) with several independent power producers (IPPs), the capacity payment issue persists — especially during winters when electricity demand plummets to 12,000-13,000MW. The current energy mix includes thermal (55.7%), hydel (24.4%), nuclear (7.8%), and renewables (12.5%).…

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Livoltek Unveils Advanced Solar and EV Charging Solutions at ISE M 2025 in Lahore

Livoltek

Pakistan: – Livoltek, a leading provider of smart solar energy solutions, has a strong presence today at the 10th ISEM Pakistan Solar Exhibition, held at the Expo Centre Lahore from May 23–25, 2025. The company drew significant attention on the opening day as it showcased its best-selling residential, commercial, and industrial solar product lineup, built to support Pakistan’s transition to clean, reliable energy. Visitors to Livoltek’s booth are exploring its robust off-grid inverters, including the dependable GF1-3K624S2 (3.6kW) and the high-capacity GF1-6K24S3 (6.2kW), both designed for uninterrupted power in areas with weak or no grid access.…

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Oil prices headed for rebound this week as US-China trade talks resume

Oil prices

LONDON: Oil prices steadied on Friday and were on track for their first weekly gain in three weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping resumed trade talks, raising hopes for growth and stronger demand in the world’s two largest economies. Brent crude futures fell 9 cents, or 0.1%, to $65.25 a barrel by 1210 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude lost 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $63.25. On a weekly basis, both benchmarks were on track to settle higher after declining for two straight weeks. Brent…

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India’s GAIL sells LNG cargo as early monsoons cause weak power demand, say sources

lng

SINGAPORE: GAIL (India) Ltd has re-sold one liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo this week, said three market sources on Friday, as the state-run firm’s storage tanks for the fuel are full amid weak power demand in India. Fewer LNG imports by GAIL, the country’s largest gas distributor, could reduce India’s overall appetite for the super-chilled fuel. India is the world’s fourth largest LNG buyer, importing about 26 million metric tons last year as it goes through rapid urbanisation and industrialisation and to meet growing power demand. However, GAIL’s LNG tanks…

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