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ARY NEWS

Aleem Malik

  • Pakistan to ask Qatar to defer LNG deliveries amid weak demand

    Pakistan to ask Qatar to defer LNG deliveries amid weak demand

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to request Qatar to defer liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes due to declining demand from the power sector and industries.

    According to Petroleum Division sources, a government delegation led by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik will soon visit Doha to formally present the proposal. Pakistan is expected to seek postponement of 177 LNG cargoes over the next five years.

    Officials said Islamabad may also propose selling two LNG cargoes in the international market starting January 2026. However, they emphasized that the final decision on deferment rests with Qatar.

    The Petroleum Division noted that domestic gas production has also been scaled back in line with falling demand. The power sector is currently taking up to 300 mmcfd less gas than its allocated quota, while the export industry is also consuming below assigned levels, creating challenges for system line-packing.

    Earlier in July, Reuters reported that Pakistan is exploring ways to sell excess LNG cargoes amid a gas supply glut that could cost domestic producers $378 million in annual losses, according to a presentation and a government official familiar with the matter.

    The country has at least three LNG cargoes in excess that it imported from top supplier Qatar and has no immediate use for, and is currently selling natural gas at steep discounts to local users, a second government official said.

    Power generation from gas-fired power plants, which has historically accounted for a lion’s share of LNG use in the country, has declined for three straight years ended 2024, with cheaper solar power use dramatically gaining at the expense of gas-fired generation, data from energy think-tank Ember showed.

    That has forced domestic producers of the fuel to curb production. Pakistan is currently exploring the possibility of transferring LNG cargoes to rented tankers for “offshore storage and onward sale,” state-owned oil and gas producer OGDCL said in a presentation to industry and government.

  • Pakistan Petroleum Limited targeted in cyberattack

    Pakistan Petroleum Limited targeted in cyberattack

    Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) confirmed that its IT infrastructure came under a ransomware cyberattack, with attackers demanding a ransom from the company.

    According to a statement issued by PPL, a ransom note was received following the cyber breach.

    The incident has been formally reported to regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies, and a thorough investigation is currently underway.

    The company clarified that no contact has been established with the hackers so far.

    A Pakistan Petroleum Limited spokesperson stated that no sensitive company data was compromised, although certain portions of the IT infrastructure were temporarily suspended as a preventive measure.

    Pakistan Petroleum Limited further noted that timely action was taken under its cybersecurity protocols to contain the breach.

    The company is now conducting a comprehensive forensic analysis of the incident to assess the extent and source of the attack.

    Read more: Suzuki Pakistan reports data breach amid cyberattack

    Last year, Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited said that its corporate data has been leaked following a major cyberattack on its infrastructure.

    In a bourse filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Pak Suzuki said that its data related to the HR and financials along with other departments has been leaked to the public.

    “We have onboarded Security Consultant for detailed Forensic assessment and eliminating potential security threats from entire infrastructure. Detailed findings will be concluded after completion of assessment,” the company informed the PSX.

  • Electricity prices likely to drop in Pakistan

    Electricity prices likely to drop in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: Electricity consumers to get relief as prices are likely to go down further across in Pakistan, ARY News reported on Monday.

    As per details, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has submitted a petition to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) requesting a reduction of Rs1.75 per unit in electricity tariffs under the quarterly adjustment for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25.

    NEPRA is scheduled to hold a hearing on the CPPA’s petition today, August 4, 2025. If approved, the proposed reduction would provide over Rs53.39 billion in relief to consumers nationwide.

    The adjustment will apply to all government-owned distribution companies (DISCOs), including K-Electric. Consumers can expect this relief to be reflected in their electricity bills for August, September, and October 2025.

    Furthermore, if additional adjustments are approved for September, October, and November 2025, the relief could increase to up to Rs2.10 per unit during those months.

    In a separate development, K-Electric made an official statement highlighting that the company does not have the right to revise consumer tariffs.

    K-Electric gave this statement in response to rising speculation about a possible increase in electricity rates.

    According to the company, all electricity rates, along with per-unit charges, consumer categories, and slab structures, are conditioned by the Government of Pakistan under the electricity tariff policy managed by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division).

    A spokesperson for K-Electric repeated that the utility complies strictly with the electricity tariff policy, which is consistently applied across all distribution companies (DISCOs) nationwide.

    If any changes are made to electricity pricing, slabs, or categories, they can only be executed after an official government notification.

    Also read: Karachi to face water shortage amid power cut

  • Earthquake tremors felt in Islamabad, adjoining areas

    Earthquake tremors felt in Islamabad, adjoining areas

    ISLAMABAD: A 5.1-magnitude earthquake jolted parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas Sunday midnight as confirmed by the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC).

    Rarthquake tremors were felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and their surrounding regions, including Mardan, Murree, Haripur, Chakwal, Talagang, and Kallar Kahar.

    The NSMC reported the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.1, with a depth of 10 kilometers, and its epicenter located 15 kilometers southeast of Rawat.

    The tremors were experienced at 12:10 AM, prompting residents to rush out of their homes reciting the Kalima Tayyaba.

    A day earlier, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake was felt in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and the federal capital Islamabad.

    The NSMC confirmed that the 5.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded at a depth of 102km, while its epicenter was in Hindukush Mountain region in Afghanistan. Tremors were also felt in various areas of Afghanistan and Tajikistan, NSMC stated.

    The quake jolted Peshawar and adjoining areas, Swat, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Dir, Mardan, Mohmand, Shangla, Hangu, Swabi, Haripur, and Abbottabad districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    Tremors were also felt in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Lahore, Attock, Taxila, Murree, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Ferozwala, Muridke and other parts of Punjab. The earthquake also jolted Mirpur in Azad Kashmir and adjoining areas

  • Petrol, diesel levy ‘increased’ by Rs 2.50/liter in Pakistan

    Petrol, diesel levy ‘increased’ by Rs 2.50/liter in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: The government has raised the petroleum levy, depriving public of complete relief, ARY News reported on Saturday.

    According to sources, the levy on petrol and diesel has been increased by Rs. 2.50 per litre. The levy on diesel has been raised from Rs. 74.51 to Rs. 77.01 per litre.

    Additionally, the freight margin on diesel has been increased by Rs. 0.20 per litre, bringing it to Rs. 6.24 per litre. For petrol, the levy has been hiked from Rs. 75.52 to Rs. 78.02 per litre.

    Sources also indicate that a climate support levy of Rs. 2.50 per litre has been imposed on both petrol and diesel. The dealers’ margin for both petrol and diesel has been set at Rs. 8.64 per litre, while the distributors’ margin is fixed at Rs. 7.87 per litre. The sales tax rate on petrol and diesel remains at zero.

    It is worth mentioning here that the federal government announced new petrol and diesel prices for the next fortnight August 1.

    According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the petrol price were decreased by Rs7.54 per litre and while diesel’s price was inreased by Rs1.48 per litre.

    After the decrease, the new price for petrol has been set at Rs 264.61 per litre while the diesel will be available at Rs 285.83 per litre after a hike of Rs1.48.

    Petrol Price in Pakistan- Latest Updates

  • Government hands over electricity bill distribution to Pakistan Post

    Government hands over electricity bill distribution to Pakistan Post

     

    ISLAMABAD: The government has officially handed over the responsibility of distributing electricity bills to Pakistan Post across the country, ARY News reported.

    According to reports, initially, the distribution will begin on a trial basis, with Pakistan Post employees delivering bills in one sub-division of each DISCO (Distribution Company).

    If the pilot project proves successful, the initiative will be gradually expanded to cover all regions.

    Talks are currently ongoing with K-Electric to include it in the bill distribution plan as well.

    The officials added that within six months, Pakistan Post will be fully responsible for distributing electricity bills nationwide.

    In the final phase, the postal department will also take over the printing of the bills.

    Instructions regarding the new role in bill distribution have already been sent to all Postmaster Generals across the country.

    Read More: FBR introduces AI based Custom Clearance and RMS

    In other news, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), under the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has for the first time in Pakistan’s history introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Custom Clearance and Risk Management System (RMS).

    During a meeting chaired by the prime minister held here to review the ongoing reforms measures by the FBR, it was informed that under this new system, estimation of cost and nature of goods during import and export will be conducted by Artificial Intelligence and BOTs.

    The new risk management system, based on modern technology, will continuously improve through automation using machine learning, along with the movement of goods, the meeting was told.

    “During the initial testing of the new system, over 92% improved performance was observed.”

    The briefing showed that in initial testing, not only was 83% more Goods Declarations (GD) determined for tax collection, but goods clearance through the green channel also increased two and a half times.

  • Pakistanis deprived of relief as petroleum margins increased

    Pakistanis deprived of relief as petroleum margins increased

    Despite fluctuations in global oil prices, the Pakistanis continue to be denied complete relief due to increased margins on petroleum products.

    According to official documents, the freight and distribution margins on petrol and diesel have been significantly raised.

    The delivery margin on petrol has been increased by Rs3.95 per liter, while the freight margin has jumped from Rs2.09 to Rs6.04 per liter.

    Similarly, the delivery margin on diesel has been raised by Rs1.93 per liter, with its freight margin going up from Rs6.96 to Rs8.89 per liter.

    The cumulative burden of taxes, duties, and margins on petrol now stands at Rs103.42 per liter, while diesel carries a total burden of Rs97.56 per liter. The Climate Support Levy has been set at Rs2.50 per liter for both fuels.

    Read more: Govt increases petrol price for next fortnight

    Petroleum Levy on petrol is recorded at Rs75.52 per liter, while the freight margin is Rs8.89 and the distributor margin is Rs7.87 per liter. Consumers are also being charged Rs8.64 per liter in dealer margins on petrol.

    In the case of high-speed diesel, the petroleum levy is Rs74.51 per liter. The freight margin is Rs6.04, distributor margin Rs7.87, and dealer margin Rs8.64 per liter.

    Interestingly, the sales tax rate on both petrol and diesel remains at zero percent. Previously, the total burden of taxes, duties, and margins on petrol stood at Rs101.49 per liter, while for high-speed diesel it was Rs95.74 per liter.

  • Pakistan, Russia sign protocol to revive Pakistan Steel Mills

    Pakistan, Russia sign protocol to revive Pakistan Steel Mills

    Pakistan and Russia have signed a protocol to revive Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), ARY News reported on Friday.

    As per details, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Adviser to Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, visited Russia, where Pakistan and Russia signed a protocol to revive and modernize the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in Karachi.

    The protocol was signed by Pakistan’s Federal Secretary for Industries and Production, Syed Saif Anjum, and Russia’s Vadim Velichko.

    Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that this collaboration will usher in a new era of industrial development. “Established in 1971 with Soviet support, Pakistan Steel Mills is once again being revived through Russian cooperation,” he said.

    He further asserted that the revival of PSM reflects Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for industrial growth in Pakistan.

    “This partnership is a cornerstone for the country’s industrial future and will boost both employment and industrial output,” Haroon Akhtar added.

    Read more: PSM restoration talks to be held next week, says Russian envoy

    The modernization of Pakistan Steel Mills is expected to significantly contribute to national productivity and economic resilience, marking a major step in Pakistan’s journey toward sustainable industrial development.

    The agreement marks a significant milestone in Pak-Russia industrial cooperation, with both sides committing to restore PSM through technological upgrades and strategic partnership.

    On July 3, 2024, the federal government decided to shut down Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), a state-owned enterprise that had been incurring heavy losses for years.

    In a statement, Secretary of Industry and Production said that the Sindh government has been offered to take over 700 acres of the total 19,000 acres land of the PSM and establish its own steel plant on the site.

  • NEPRA approves Rs1.15/unit cut in basic electricity tariff

    NEPRA approves Rs1.15/unit cut in basic electricity tariff

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Wednesday approved Rs1.15/unit cut in the basic electricity tariff in Pakistan, ARY News reported.

    As per details, the NEPRA approved the federal government’s request to reduce the base tariff.

    In its official decision issued from Islamabad, NEPRA confirmed the decrease in the basic electricity rate and has forwarded the decision to the federal government for notification.

    The revised tariff will come into effect once it is formally notified by the government.

    Earlier, the NEPRA reduced K-Electric’s (KE) tariff by Rs2.99 per unit.

    Read more: NEPRA completes hearing on KE’s Rs 4.69 relief plea for Karachi consumers

    According to a notification, the reduction has been made under monthly fuel adjustment for March which will reflect in the June electricity bills, offering some respite of KE consumers amid soaring power costs and prolonged load-shedding in Karachi.

    Meanwhile, the city had been grappling with intensified unannounced load-shedding as summer heat peaks, drawing protests not only from residents but also from elected representatives.

    In a recent interview on ARY News, K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi conceded the high electricity costs but deflected responsibility, attributing the pricing to government policies.

  • Pakistan misses export target in FY2024-25

    Pakistan misses export target in FY2024-25

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government failed to meet its export target for the fiscal year 2024–25, ARY News reported on Wednesday, quoting PBS.

    According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the volume of exports during the fiscal year 2024-25 stood at $32.106 billion, falling short of the government’s target of $32.341 billion.

    Meanwhile, the country’s total imports reached $58.38 billion, exceeding the official target of $57.283 billion. As a result, the annual trade deficit amounted to $26.274 billion, surpassing the projected gap of $24.941 billion.

    Despite missing the targets, exports showed a year-on-year growth of 4.67%, while imports recorded a 6.57% increase.

    The larger-than-expected import volume and the shortfall in exports contributed to the widening of the trade deficit, posing continued challenges for the government’s external account management.

    Read more: Govt reduces port charges to ‘boost’ exports

    On Tuesday, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs reduced charges for export and transshipment containers through the Port Qasim Authority by 50 per cent.

    According to a notification, the revised charges are in effect from July 1, 2025. The decision aims to provide ‘relief’ to the trade sector and stimulate economic growth.

    The reduction applies to export cargo at Port Qasim, including Marginal Wharf, FOTCO, and PIBT, where wharfage charges for export and transshipment containers have been halved.

    Additionally, charges for containerized cargo at DP World have been relaxed. However, the notification clarifies that no concessions will be extended to empty containers.