Author: Admin

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to privatise 25 state-owned entities following the divestment of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with long-term concession agreements planned for Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore airports instead of outright sales, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission Muhammad Ali said on Monday. In an interview, Mr Ali said the next phase of privatisation would include State Life Insurance Company, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) and nine power distribution companies (Discos). Each entity will be offered through separate bidding…

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LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) completed major development and system upgrade projects worth Rs3.723 billion during 2025, aimed at strengthening the power distribution network, reducing line losses and ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers. According to figures released by LESCO’s Planning and Development (P&D) Department, the company implemented a wide range of Energy Loss Reduction (ELR) and Development of Power Distribution (DOP) projects at both high-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) levels. At the HT level, LESCO completed 97 energy loss reduction projects and 19 power distribution schemes…

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ISLAMABAD: The government is considering imposing taxes on imported electric vehicles (EVs) to help curb the transport sector’s $9 billion import bill, while offering minimal or zero taxation on locally manufactured EVs, the Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production was informed on Monday. The meeting, chaired by Senator Khalida Ateeb and attended by Senators Danesh Kumar and Syed Masroor Ahsan, was briefed by officials from the Ministry of Industries and Production and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). According to a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat, officials said…

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ISLAMABAD: Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Monday directed relevant ministries to finalise a prioritised list of the most critical power and hydel projects to be completed over the next three years, as part of efforts to reduce delays, control costs and strengthen energy security. While reviewing Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) schemes in the power sector, the minister was informed that 37 critical projects with a combined approved cost of Rs1.7 trillion were currently under implementation. Of this amount, Rs1.1 trillion had been spent up to June 30,…

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NEW DELHI / ISLAMABAD: India’s renewed push to advance controversial hydropower projects on the Chenab River has triggered strong reactions from environmentalists and Pakistan alike, amid growing concerns over climate change, fragile Himalayan ecology, and the future of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India’s Ministry of Environment has recently approved the 260-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project in Kishtwar district of India-held Jammu and Kashmir, according to The Hindu. Earlier reports also indicated that environmental clearances were revived for the much larger Sawalkote hydropower project on the same river. These approvals…

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