News

Govt promises cheapest electricity in the region

Promising the region’s lowest electricity tariff in a few months, the government on Wednesday decided to reduce power supply rates to electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) by almost 44 per cent to an all-inclusive Rs39.70 per unit from Rs71.10 at present. This measure aims to promote clean energy and reduce the $6 billion annual fuel import bill for small vehicles. Speaking at a news con

Govt raises Rs421bn, cuts yields on PIBs

The gover­nment on Wednesday rai­sed Rs421 billion through the auction of Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) against the total bids of Rs1.5 trillion. The auction of long-term bonds reflected the government’s strategy to avoid short-term debt servicing, which creates fiscal imbalances each year. The auction was also crucial because the government exceeded the Rs350bn target while it remained r

Nepra questions K-Electric’s future amid heavy grid reliance

The National Electric Po­­­wer Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on We­­­­dnesday approved a Rs4.98 per unit re­­fund for K-Electric consumers for Nove­m­ber’s fuel cost adjustment (FCA), applicable in February bills. However, the regulator wondered why the utility should have a generation licence if it’s drawing more than two-thirds of its supply from the national grid. At a public hearing convened

Govt plans $250 million ‘green fund’

Pakistan is working on launching a $250 million Green Impact Fund (GIF) to channel international commitments meant for climate change to finance green micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. The plan proposed by Karandaaz — a non-profit firm drawing funds from international donors — came under discussion at a meeting of the PM’s Committee on Social Impact Financing presided over by

Bourse averts selling pressure, gains 574 points

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended gains on Tuesday as the KSE-100 index closed up by over 550 points, driven by the easing of political uncertainty, rising global oil prices and expectations of a reduction in policy rate by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). While the bourse came under some selling pressure earlier in the trading session, when it dipped to the intra-day low of 113,836.61 po