Ahead of the multi-billion-dollar sale of two power plants to a foreign nation, the government on Wednesday revived the compulsory take-or-pay conditions for the supply of gas and purchase of electricity aimed at making them attractive for buyers. The government also decided to increase the price of fertiliser by 9%, or Rs190 per bag, to cut subsidies. Headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, t
A majority of cabinet members have opposed the idea of offering subsidy on e-bikes, believing that it will promote rent-seeking and will also be unsustainable. Sources told The Express Tribune that the Industries and Production Division informed the cabinet, in a recent meeting, that initially it was also against extending any subsidy. However, after discussion with industry representatives, it
Stocks traded in a narrow range on Wednesday before slipping below the preceding day’s close after investors chose to book profits. Arif Habib Ltd said the benchmark index stayed in the positive zone for the most part of the trading session. Renewed interest was witnessed in the last trading hour following a press conference by the prime minister and his cabinet members. The finance minister hi
THE current flour crisis has been looming on the horizon for several months. Concerns were being expressed ever since the last domestic wheat harvest fell far short of expectations as well as the country’s consumption requirements. The catastrophic summer floods exacerbated the situation as the wheat stocks in the flood-hit areas were badly damaged. Balochistan on Saturday said the province was
Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue spoke with one voice on Wednesday about the unapproachability of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. “He doesn’t even meet me,” said PML-N MNA Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, chairman of the body, when members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) complained about their lack of access to the all-powerful minister. In hi