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.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declared the inclusion of four legendary players—Mushtaq Muhammad, Inzamamul Haq, Saeed Anwar, and Misbahul Haq—into its esteemed Hall of Fame for 2024.

The decision acknowledges the significant efforts of these former cricketers, who have had a lasting impact on the history of Pakistani cricket.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi articulated his satisfaction in recognizing the players, asserting, “These four players occupy a significant position in the annals of Pakistani cricket.” Their accomplishments have motivated generations, and their commitment to the sport is unmatched.

Naqvi said, “Cricketers serve as our ambassadors.” The PCB takes pride in bestowing this honor upon them. I anticipate that our cricketers will emulate these esteemed players.

Mushtaq Muhammad, a pioneering figure in Pakistani cricket, captained the team with distinction and played a crucial role in establishing the groundwork for future achievements.

Inzamamul Haq, recognized for his composed demeanor and match-winning contributions, is one of Pakistan’s most esteemed batters.

Saeed Anwar’s graceful batting technique and capacity to overpower bowlers endeared him to fans, whereas Misbahul Haq’s leadership and reliability in adversity solidified his status as one of the nation’s most esteemed captains.

Icons respond Legends Mushtaq Muhammad, Saeed Anwar, Inzamamul Haq, and Misbahul Haq have conveyed their pleasure at their induction into the PCB Hall of Fame. The players expressed profound insights on their cricketing travels and treasured recollections that characterized their distinguished careers.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq characterized the accolade as a pivotal milestone in his life. “Such accolades or distinctions hold significant importance for former cricketers.”Today, I reflect on numerous significant performances,” he stated.

Inzamam cited the 1992 World Cup as a seminal tournament for both himself and the nation when reflecting on his career highlights. “The triple century against New Zealand possesses particular significance for me,” he stated.

Saeed Anwar conveyed appreciation and modesty for getting the accolade. “I never imagined I would compete in cricket at such a high level,” he stated.

Anwar emphasized his inaugural ODI century and the remarkable innings of 194 runs against India as pivotal moments in his career. “It is an honor to be inducted alongside cricketers who have brought pride to the nation,” he stated.

Misbah contemplated his career as a player and captain, characterizing the induction as a time of pride. “It is a significant honor for me to represent and subsequently lead the Pakistan team.” He expressed pride in being inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside cricketers who have distinguished themselves for the nation.

He nostalgically remembered significant successes, like the 2009 T20 World Cup, the 2012 whitewash of England, and the 2013 ODI series victory in South Africa. “Defeating Australia in both Tests in 2014 and matching the world record for the fastest century are significant milestones,” he remarked, further stating that attaining the number-one Test team ranking was a career pinnacle.

Muhammad, a pioneer of cricket in Pakistan, expressed his happiness and appreciation. “My happiness doubles upon seeing the name of my elder brother, the legendary cricketer Hanif Mohammad, on this list,” he stated.

He expressed gratitude to the PCB for the acknowledgment and conveyed delight in being a part of Pakistan’s illustrious cricketing heritage.

The PCB Hall of Fame was formed in April 2021, with the exclusive aim of honoring and promoting the achievements of the nation’s premier cricket players, after approval from the Board of Governors during its 62nd meeting.

Six individuals—Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Zaheer Abbas—were the inaugural inductees of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Two supplementary members will be incorporated each year, selected by an unbiased voting committee.

Criteria and selection process for the Hall of Fame
Each year on October 16, the anniversary of Pakistan’s inaugural Test match, the inductees are revealed, either by unanimous decision or majority vote. Formal inductions occur during events or at a PCB Gala Dinner, alongside the PCB Award recipients.

Players with outstanding statistical records and impeccable careers who have contributed to Pakistan and international cricket will be considered for inclusion. A minimum of five years must elapse following an inductee’s retirement from international cricket.

The PCB Hall of Fame automatically inducts individuals who have been enshrined in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Nominations from each independent panel member are directly submitted to the PCB’s designated representative. All nominations are confidential. An internal auditor oversees the voting process and validates inductees to ensure transparency.

The independent panel excludes any PCB management members to ensure transparency and avert conflicts of interest.

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was not visited by any party leader, family member, attorney, or member of the negotiation committee on Thursday at Adiala Jail, even though it was a scheduled meeting day.

For the first time in a year and a half, the former prime minister was alone during a whole meeting day.

The jail manual specifies Tuesday and Thursday as meeting days, providing a regular opportunity for communication. Sources, however, verified that none of the visitors got in touch with the jail administration or turned in the list of names needed to get entrance.

As the conference came to an end, PTI attorney Faisal Chaudhry disclosed that he had contacted jail officials on Wednesday at Omer Ayub’s direction. “I waited all day, but I never heard back, so the committee meeting was unable to happen,” Faisal said.

But according to jail officials, no PTI leader has called the jail administration for a meeting in the past two days. Visits are conducted in accordance with the established schedule, they clarified.

When the Toshakhana 2 case is heard tomorrow, there will be another meeting. “For two days, no request or list of visitors was submitted, nor did anyone come to meet the PTI founder,” a prison official said. According to jail sources, the PTI leadership forwards visitor names to the jail administration, but since Wednesday morning, no submissions have been made.

“The prison authorities do not have jurisdiction over the negotiation committee meeting,” the sources explained.

In past instances, PTI leaders and lawyers frequently arrived at the jail even without prior permission. However, this time, no effort was made by any party representative to reach Adiala Jail.

The PTI founder’s court appearance in the Tosha Khana II case tomorrow may present another chance for a meeting, according to sources. For the time being, the PTI founder remained isolated as the day came to a close.