News

Power consumers to brace for another surge in bills

Consumers of electricity in Pakistan are on the verge of another financial shock as Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) seek approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to recover a staggering Rs81.5 billion through quarterly adjustments for the second quarter of the financial year 2023-24 (October to December 2023). The burden primarily stems from capacity charges

Freight charges skyrocket 150% in Pakistan amid Red Sea crisis

The Red Sea trade crisis has led to a 150% surge in freight charges in Pakistan, posing a significant threat to the export of major commodities, including textiles, rice, and fruits and vegetables. Speaking to a group of journalists on Tuesday, All Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA), Chairman, Aasim A Siddiqui revealed that freight charges have, on average, risen from $1,500 per container to

Govt seeks $30b for gas production

Pakistan on Tuesday made a pitch for a $30 billion foreign and local investment in gas production aimed at puncturing a ballooning energy import bill projected to nearly double to $31 billion in seven years in a business-as-usual scenario. The appeal was made to foreign investors in presence of interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. I

Hinopak Motors posts Rs244m loss, Exide earns over Rs900m

Hinopak Motors Limited (HML) posted a loss after tax of Rs244 million for the nine months ending December 2023 compared to profit after tax of Rs10m a year ago, the company said on Tuesday. This led to a loss per share of Rs9.83 against earnings per share of Rs0.41 in the same period last year. Hinopak’s sales of trucks and buses shrank to 240 units from 780, while revenue fell to Rs5.48bn f

Ensuring democratic continuity becomes costlier every time

THE success of general elections on Feb 8 hinges significantly on voter turnout, imp­acting both the democratic process and the public cost incurred. A robust participation rate, besides strengthening democracy, will validate the allocation of valuable reso­urces, both human and material, invested in this extensive nationwide endeavour. A low voter turnout could escalate the cost per voter — a