ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has convened an inter-ministerial meeting on Wednesday (Jan 29) to discuss key issues related to K-Electric (KE), following a proposal by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which is addressing Saudi investment-related concerns. Key Issues on the Agenda:Generation tariff approval.Transmission, distribution, and supply tariff under review.KE’s Rs 68 billion write-off claims pending NEPRA verification.Shareholding…
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Government to Establish ‘Minerals Division’ for National Development
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to establish a dedicated Minerals Division to accelerate the development of the country’s mineral sector, informed sources revealed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed an Inter-Provincial Committee (IPC) to oversee this initiative. Chaired by Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, the committee includes Federal Minister for Investment Bilal Azhar Kayani, secretaries…
Read MoreSIFC to Address Key Energy Sector Challenges Today
ISLAMABAD: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is set to deliberate on critical energy sector issues in a high-stakes meeting today (Wednesday). The agenda includes significant matters from the petroleum and power divisions, such as the proposed sale of 35% gas from new discoveries to third parties and amendments to the Greenfield Refineries Policy. Key discussions will revolve around the…
Read MoreSIFC Sets November Deadlines to Address Refinery Challenges, Boost Compliance
ISLAMABAD: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has set a November 10 deadline for the Petroleum Division to resolve critical issues facing Pakistan’s oil refineries, hindering agreements on plant upgrades under the Brownfield Refinery Policy 2023. According to sources, a recent meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, led by a working group on downstream policy issues under SIFC, emphasized adherence…
Read MoreOil Refineries Warn Lenders Won’t Support Upgrades Without Sales Tax Exemption
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s oil refineries have informed government officials that their lenders will not provide loans for plant upgrades unless issues, including the sales tax exemption on petrol (MS), High-Speed Diesel (HSD), and light diesel oil (LDO), are resolved. Managing directors from Pak-Arab Refinery Company, Pakistan Refinery Limited, National Refinery Limited, Attock Refinery Limited, and Cenergyico Pk Limited conveyed this during…
Read MorePM Directs Power Division to Develop Comprehensive Solution for KE Payment Settlement; NEPRA Announces Tariff Hearings
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Power Division to formulate a comprehensive solution for resolving the longstanding receivables and payments between K-Electric (KE) and various government entities and departments. This directive came during a recent meeting addressing multiple power sector issues, sources told Business Recorder. The Power Division will work closely with the Cabinet Division and NEPRA to…
Read MorePFREIF Accuses Power Division of Misguiding SIFC on Renewable Energy Projects
The Pakistan Foreign Renewable Energy Investors Forum (PFREIF) has raised concerns about the Power Division’s handling of thirteen “withheld” renewable energy projects, accusing it of misleading the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff, the President of PFREIF, Mustafa Abdullah, commended SIFC’s decision to allow 300MW solar projects at…
Read MoreIndustry Leaders Urge Government Action as Gas Prices Soar, Threatening Business Survival
KARACHI: Business leaders have strongly criticized the staggering 220% surge in gas tariffs over the past year, calling upon the newly-elected government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to intervene. They emphasize the urgent need for research and development (R&D) efforts to explore alternative fuel sources for the local industry. Adil Siddiqui, President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce…
Read MorePakistan to Implement Turkish Model for DISCOs Management, Eyeing Efficiency and Investment
In Islamabad, Pakistan is set to emulate the successful Turkish model by outsourcing the management of its power distribution companies (DISCOs) in a bid to curtail losses, enhance efficiency, and attract investment. Following an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan aims to engage a transaction adviser for long-term concessions by April 2024. The World Bank has offered grant-based…
Read MoreSigning Ceremony of MoU between the Stakeholders onConsortium Formation for Machike-Thallian-Tarujabba White Oil Pipeline
In a landmark achievement, the signing ceremony of MoU between the Stakeholders on Consortium Formation for Machike-Thallian-Tarujabba White Oil Pipeline Project has been held on February 14,2024 at SIFC Secretariat, PM Office. The ceremony was witnessed by Minister for Power and Petroleum Muhammad Ali, Secretary (Petroleum Division) Momin Agha, Secretary SIFC Jameel Qureshi. The heads of consortium entities i.e. MD…
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