Curtain rises on five-year plan for economic revival

Musadik-Malik

Ms Khawaja, who attended the meeting, said the committee, after getting the required information from the ministries and divisions, would prepare a consolidated document carrying five-year targets for all sectors. She said several meetings would be held soon on the five-year roadmap.Earlier, speaking at the meeting, the prime minister said consultation should be held on the plan with all stakeholders of different sectors of economy.“Without wasting any time, implementation of projects for the economic stability and progress of the country should be ensu­red,” PM Shehbaz said, according to an official…

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Power Division Asserts Full Compliance with IMF Agreements

Power-generation

The Power Division has affirmed its complete adherence to all agreements made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stating that it has submitted reports detailing actions taken up to January 2024. An official clarified that the IMF Mission will review these reports and pose queries based on their analysis, which will be addressed during discussions. Moving forward, input from ministries will be incorporated into negotiations for the 2024-25 budget. Regarding the reduction of capacity payments, the government aims to fulfill its commitment of zero net Circular Debt accumulation for FY24.…

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Rising Energy Costs Compound Economic Burden on Consumers

power-sector

The cost of living has surged notably, driven by increasing utility bills and transportation expenses, exacerbating economic challenges for consumers. A mixed trend in food prices during the last Ramazan has contributed to this heightened financial strain. Data from the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) reveals significant changes in food prices. For instance, the average national price of a 20kg flour bag has risen to Rs2,500-2,960 from Rs1,295-3,000 compared to the same period in 2023. Similarly, prices of wheat and fine flour have increased despite efforts by flour millers to stabilize…

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Government Likely to Maintain Stable Petroleum Prices for Next Fortnight

According to informed sources, petroleum prices are expected to remain steady for the upcoming two weeks starting March 16. Despite a slight increase in the premium on petrol import to $12.15 per barrel, and unchanged premium on high-speed diesel (HSD) import at $6.50 per barrel, the government has room to manage prices. While petrol prices may see a marginal increase of about a rupee per litre, HSD prices are anticipated to decrease by less than Re1 per litre. This stability is attributed to factors such as steady exchange rates and…

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Planning Commission’s LEAP Model Targets Pakistan’s Energy Challenges

renewal-energy

Islamabad – The Planning Commission’s new initiative, centered around a long-term integrated energy demand and supply model based on a long-range energy alternatives planning (LEAP) framework, aims to address Pakistan’s persistent energy challenges. Muhammad Nauman Hafeez Khan, a research analyst on energy policy at the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, highlighted the critical role of this initiative in providing comprehensive energy planning at the national level. Khan emphasized the need for integrated energy planning to guide various energy-related departments over a span of five to 15 years. He…

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