LAHORE: Pakistan’s worsening air quality and the urgent need for cleaner transport solutions were in focus at a climate action dialogue hosted by BYD Pakistan–Mega Motor Company (MMC) this week. Citing IQAir data, speakers noted that Pakistan remains among the world’s most polluted countries, with average PM2.5 levels far exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. In major cities such as Lahore, winter smog routinely pushes pollution to hazardous levels, posing serious public health and economic challenges. Participants referred to research by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (2024), which shows…
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Sindh Launches New Electric Scooter Training Programme for Women
The Sindh government has launched another phase of its electric scooter driving training programme for women, aimed at promoting safe, affordable and independent mobility for students and working women across the province. Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon said the latest training sessions have begun in Karachi’s Korangi, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Malir areas. He added that working women from all districts of Karachi would be encouraged to apply for the pink electric scooters under the initiative. The minister said the programme was launched in Hyderabad on December…
Read MoreRare Storm Batters UAE, Floods Roads and Disrupts Flights
DUBAI: A rare and intense rainstorm lashed the United Arab Emirates on Friday, flooding roads in major cities and forcing the cancellation and delay of dozens of flights across the country. Dubai’s Emirates airline cancelled 13 flights, while neighbouring Sharjah airport also reported multiple delays and cancellations following overnight downpours accompanied by lightning and thunder. Airport authorities said operations were disrupted due to adverse weather conditions. In Sharjah, large stretches of the main road were submerged early Friday, with residents seen wading through knee-deep water. The scenes revived memories of…
Read MoreGovernment Seeks IMF Flexibility to Remove Growth Barriers
ISLAMABAD: The government has formally sought proposals from key economic ministries to identify potential concessions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at easing constraints on economic growth and bringing greater realism to the budget framework. According to government sources, the decision was taken at the highest level following a review that concluded the current economic structure is failing to attract meaningful foreign investment or deliver sustainable growth. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the first meeting with economic ministries on Thursday, directing them to submit proposals outlining a future roadmap…
Read MoreGas Utilities Oppose Move to Scrap Asset-Based Return Formula
ISLAMABAD: The country’s two public gas utilities have rejected a proposal to abolish the guaranteed asset-based return mechanism, urging the government to retain the existing pricing regime despite mounting criticism from industrial consumers. The government had directed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to restructure Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) by ending the fixed return on assets. Ogra engaged consultancy firm KPMG to review the formula, and the firm has submitted its report, officials said. Critics argue that as the gas pipeline…
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