Holes in budgeted, authorised and actual development spending

When an economy takes a downturn, private investors and bankers tend to avoid much of the business risks thus the government’s development spending serves as a stimulus for economic growth and creates jobs. The capital spending on social and physical infrastructure also provides the private sector with business opportunities. However, according to the latest reported update issued by the Ministry…

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Facilitating foreign investors

After launching Roshan Digital Accounts for overseas Pakistanis to boost both home remittances and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in government debt securities, Pakistan is now trying to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports. The purpose is to keep the balance of payments in shape at a time when geopolitical compulsions and a Covid-19–triggered global economic slowdown pose challenges for…

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KE’s issues: Centre seeks time for submitting ‘viable’ solution to SC

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has sought two weeks’ time from Supreme Court of Pakistan to present a viable solution to Karachi Electric’s (KE) issues including exclusivity after 2023. A government team comprising Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar, Minister for Energy, Omar Ayub, SAPM on Petroleum, Nadeem Babar and Nepra’s team headed by its Chairman Tauseef H.…

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Rising circular debt a threat for govt move of power tariff cut for SMEs

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has said that the growing circular debt in the power sector is a continued threat for the government’s recent move of cut in power tariff for SMEs. FPCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar, in a written statement issued here, appreciated the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet to form a…

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China can help Pakistan resolve energy woes

China can help in resolving the energy issues being faced by Pakistan and can provide muchdesired relief to the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors of the country, remarked Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) President SM Naveed. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Offline/ Online Pakistan China Industrial Expo 2020 on Friday, Naveed appreciated the Chinese businessmen working…

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Scope of expanding power tariff incentives

The government has announced an incentive package for industrial consumers of electricity with the aim of reducing the cost of production and thus increasing industrial output, employment and exports. The industry has generally hailed it, although some suggestions for improvement have been made, and contradictions of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) vs large industries have surfaced, especially in the steel…

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Power sector awaits clarity

Amid nascent positive economic signs in selective areas, a lag in the implementation of a few supportive initiatives by the government continues to create uncertainties among market players. On the positive side, large-scale manufacturing (LSM) has posted 4.8 per cent growth in the first quarter (July-September) of the current fiscal year. This is driven by textile, mineral and food sectors…

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