Rs 100M Blunder: NJ Project’s Failed Report Exposed as AI Copy-Paste Job!

Hydropower

Islamabad: The government has rejected a report analyzing the reasons behind the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project’s tunnel collapse, which allegedly cost Rs 100 million to produce. The reason for the rejection? The findings and recommendations of the report were reportedly available for free on ChatGPT, an AI tool. According to The Express Tribune, the report was presented at a meeting led…

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Pakistan Engages Three Global Law Firms for Arbitration Battle with Iran in Paris

iran-gas-pipeline

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has enlisted three renowned international law firms — White & Case, Three Crowns, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher — along with a leading Australia-based oil and gas legal expert, to defend its position in the Court of Arbitration in Paris. This legal move responds to a case filed by Iran over Pakistan’s failure to complete its portion of…

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JICA and NTDC Set to Develop Action Plan for Punjab Transmission Project

Power-control

ISLAMABAD: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) will prepare a joint action plan with defined timelines for the Punjab Transmission Line and Grid Station Project, according to sources. The plan emerged from a recent meeting in the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) aimed at reviewing the progress of Japan-supported development projects. JICA raised concerns…

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CPPA-G to Propose Fuel Charge Reduction for Bagasse-Fired IPPs

IPPs-Project

ISLAMABAD: The Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) is set to propose a Rs 1 per unit reduction in fuel charges for bagasse-fired Independent Power Producers (IPPs), following newly finalized agreements with owners of eight IPPs, informed sources disclosed. The proposal will be presented during the Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) public hearing for Distribution Companies scheduled for October 30, 2024. According…

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Govt Faces International Backlash Over Deals with IPPs

Power-sector

ISLAMABAD: The government is reportedly receiving concerns from various foreign governments over perceived one-sided agreements with certain Independent Power Producers (IPPs), sources reveal. According to sources, the German government has conveyed the reservations of Rousch Power Project Limited (RPPL), a company owned by the family of former Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood. Under the Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA), it was…

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Refineries Face Tax Adjustment Ban, Increased Costs Following New Amendment

Refineries-Face

KARACHI: The government has barred oil refineries from adjusting input tax on crude oil purchases against sales tax on refined products, such as petrol, high-speed diesel, light diesel oil, and kerosene—a restriction that is expected to drive up refining costs. In its quarterly report to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) for the period ending September 30, 2024, Pakistan Refinery Limited…

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WAPDA Chairman Reviews Progress on Tarbela 5th Extension Project

WAPDA-Chairman

ISLAMABAD: WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) reviewed ongoing developments at the 1,530 MW Tarbela 5th Extension Project during an extensive site visit on Tuesday, as per a press release. The chairman inspected crucial project areas, including the raised intake structure, tunnel, and powerhouse construction sites, and observed the ongoing work. In an on-site briefing, the chairman was updated…

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Gas Utilities Propose Up to 54% Tariff Hike to Cover Revenue Shortfall

Gas-IMF

ISLAMABAD: The two major gas utilities in Pakistan—Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL)—have requested an increase of up to 54% in prescribed gas prices to address revenue shortfalls for the current fiscal year (FY25). The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will conduct public hearings for these proposals, with SNGPL’s hearing set for…

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Equitable energy access urged amid solar surge

solar surge

ISLAMABAD: The rapid growth of rooftop solar systems is transforming Pakistan’s energy landscape but also creating disparities for lower-income electricity consumers who remain dependent on the traditional grid. To address this, ensuring equitable energy access for all consumers is crucial. This concern was the focal point of a session titled “Navigating the Solar Surge: Ensuring Equitable Energy Access in Pakistan’s…

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Pakistan, China Committed To Expeditious Completion Of CPEC-2: Ishaq Dar

Ishaq-Dar

Deputy Prime Minister And Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar says Pakistan and China are committed to the expeditious completion of CPEC-2. Addressing China’s Development And Global Leadership Conference, Ishaq Qar said CPEC is a gift for Pakistan from China and the mega project has transformed Pakistan’s economy by enhancing infrastructure. He said Pakistan and China have stood with each other…

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