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Negotiations with IPPs saved Rs1.1 trillion: Awais Leghari

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In talks with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), the government has saved Rs1.1 trillion, according to Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari on Thursday.

Speaking at the closing of the 4th International Hydropower Conference, which Energy Updates organized in cooperation with the Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), WAPDA, and other interested parties, the minister stated that the government and IPPs had mutually extended the contracts for the benefit of Pakistan.

He claimed that consumers were no longer able to pay their electricity bills and that the government planned to completely restructure the power industry.

He went on to say, “We are also restructuring National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC).”

He explained that the government’s power sector reforms had resulted in a notable decrease in distribution businesses’ losses. According to him, these losses from July to November 2023 totaled Rs223 billion, but the same period in 2024 saw a drop to Rs170 billion.

He said out of a total of 10 Board of Directors (BoDs) of Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs), eight have been completely revamped, and not a single induction was made on a political basis.

According to him, the government was examining the several levies that are included in electricity bills in order to give customers the most relief possible.

He described a national uniform tariff as a significant obstacle, arguing that it is unjust to shift the burden from one business to another.

He said a competitive electricity market will be launched in March, where market forces would determine power tariffs and the government would play only a facilitating role.

The minister said that the demand for solar solutions was increasing due to the high cost of electricity. It is anticipated that the country’s net metering system will gain an extra 10,000–12,000 MW.

In 2017, he claimed to have implemented net metering throughout the nation. But according to him, the top class was enjoying net metering. “The country is experiencing a revolution in solar energy due to the high cost of electricity,” he continued.

Although the government calculates that the increase should only be Rs 1 per unit, K-Electric has requested a Rs 10 per unit increase in the rate from the power regulator.

Stressing the need for necessary decisions for sustainable development in the energy sector, the minister said the government was taking every possible measure to facilitate the public.

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China and Pakistan will travel to Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram together on scientific trips.

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BEIJING: With assistance from the China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences (CPJRC), Northwest University (NWU) and Karakoram International University (KIU) want to carry out collaborative scientific expeditions in the Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram region.

According to the recently signed partnership agreement between the two universities, they will work together on research projects, develop talent, and train teachers primarily in the areas of cultural heritage conservation and geological catastrophe prevention and control.

According to CEN, they also talked about expanding the options for Pakistani students to pursue postdoctoral and academic degrees at NWU.

“There is a strong need for external cooperation in geological disaster and cultural heritage preservation due to complex geological conditions, frequent disasters, and unique cultural heritage in the region where KIU is located,” stated KIU Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah.

In addition to KIU’s distinct characteristics, NWU has an edge in areas such ecological environmental protection, natural disaster prevention and control, etc., according to NWU President Sun Qingwei.

China-Pakistan cooperation in earth science is constantly evolving. A DoU to jointly develop the Karakoram Observation and Research Station (KORS) on Natural Hazards was recently inked in February between KIU and CPJRC.

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Unveiling of the PSL X trophy in the Arabian Sea

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With the stunning introduction of its historic 10th edition trophy, Luminara, in Karachi’s coastal waters, the HBL Pakistan Super League has created history.
This extraordinary action, which represents creativity, tenacity, genius, and the essence of Pakistan’s top T20 league, is a new turning point in the league’s history.
The PCB released a video showing Colombian cliff-diving sensation Orlando Duque, aided by the Pakistan Navy, plunging into the Arabian Sea to retrieve the PSL X trophy, “Luminara,” which is picked up by former captain Sarfraz Ahmed and PSL CEO Salman Naseer on the Karachi shores.
Made from a single sheet of solid silver that has been expertly machined to create its elaborate stone settings, Luminara is a stunning work of art. The trophy, which weighs 10 kg and is embellished with 22,850 high-luster zircon stones, is a reflection of the HBL PSL’s competitive prowess, passion, and exceptional stars.
The Latin words “lumens,” which means “light,” and “luminare,” which means “torch,” are the sources of the name Luminara, which means illumination. It represents the league’s ten-year history of setting the standard for entertainment and cricket excellence.
With the assistance of the Pakistan Navy, a professional diver unearthed a treasure box from the deep sea during the revealing, which took place in the open waters of the Arabian Sea. The prized trophy was then presented to HBL PSL stakeholders in Karachi. The story describes an amazing performance that embodies the league’s richness, development, and unflinching attitude. Cricket players, franchise representatives, and HBL and PCB officials all witnessed this extraordinary spectacle, which increased the anticipation for HBL PSL X.
In his remarks on the momentous occasion, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi stated that the league’s dedication to innovation and quality is demonstrated by the introduction of “Luminara” at sea. “This trophy symbolizes the league’s illuminating history and its promising future as we commemorate ten years of the HBL PSL,” he continued.
“The HBL Pakistan Super League has always been about pushing boundaries, both on and off the field,” stated Salman Naseer, CEO of the HBL PSL. The HBL PSL has been a rich source of skill, tenacity, and sportsmanship, just like the sea is full of secrets and depth. This special reveal demonstrates the intense enthusiasm that our players and supporters have for the game.
The 10th edition of HBL PSL is set to take place in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 18 May. The opening match will be played between the defending champions Islamabad United (IU) and Lahore Qalandars (LQ) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

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The policy of repatriation is enforced by Pakistan, and the deadline for Afghan citizen card holders to leave the country is set for 18 days.

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It is only 18 days left until the deadline that the government has set for the departure of unlawful foreign nationals and holders of Afghan Citizen Cards. The deadline is rapidly approaching.

It is expected that the foreign nationals who are illegally residing in the country would face severe consequences if they do not leave the country by the 31st of March.

Considering that there are just 18 days left, the deadline for their departure is drawing near almost immediately. A guarantee has been provided by the government that there will be no instances of cruelty during the process of evacuation.

As an additional point of interest, the government has announced that preparations have been taken to provide food and medical services for individuals who are departing the nation.

It was highlighted by the government that foreign nationals who wish to remain in Pakistan must complete the legal conditions in order to obtain permission to do so.

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