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ARY NEWS

Aleem Malik

  • CTD foils ‘terror attack’ on Adiala jail

    CTD foils ‘terror attack’ on Adiala jail

    RAWALPINDI: In a joint operation, Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and police foiled an attempt to attack Adiala jail, arresting 3 terrorists with explosives and the jail map on Thursday night, ARY News reported quoting Rawalpindi police.

    According to City Police Officer, (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani, CTD personnel and police conducted a joint operation and arrested three terrorists with sophisticated weapons including explosives, Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and a map of the prison.

    The law enforcers conducted IBO after they received information about the presence of the terrorists in the area, he said.

    The arrested terrorists belonged to Afghanistan and wanted to conduct terror activities in the area, the CPO said and informed that police and law enforcement agencies were conducting search operation in adjoining area of Adiala jail.

    Read more: Man killed after ‘sexual assault’ in Adiala Jail

    Later, the arrested terrorists were shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Central Jail Rawalpindi is currently overcrowded, housing prisoners twice its capacity. Adiala Jail has a capacity of 2200 prisoners while currently there are more than 7,000 prisoners present inside the jail.

    Notably, former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, along with the former foreign minister and former CM Punjab, are also currently incarcerated in the Adiala jail.

  • Prime Minister’s swearing-in ceremony to be held on Monday

    Prime Minister’s swearing-in ceremony to be held on Monday

    The swearing-in ceremony of prime minister, set to be elected tomorrow (Sunday) following a one-on-contest between PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif and SIC’s Omar Ayub, is likely to take place on Monday (March 4), ARY News reported on Saturday, citing sources.

    Sources told ARY News that the swearing-in ceremony will be held on March 4 at 3 pm in the President’s House while President Dr Arif Alvi will administer the oath to the new prime minister.

    Sources further claimed that invitations in this regard have been sent to relevant personalities. Chief of Army Staff and other service chiefs, chief ministers, caretaker prime minister and governors will attend the swearing-in ceremony.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the nomination papers of Shehbaz Sharif and Omar Ayub for the elections of the prime minister — slated for Sunday at 11am — have been approved.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) on Saturday submitted nomination papers for Shehbaz and Ayub, respectively.

    Read More: PM’s Election: Shehbaz Sharif, Omar Ayub file nomination papers

    On February 29, the National Assembly (NA) Secretariat issued the schedule of the election for prime minister’s office. The time for submission of nomination papers ended at 2pm on Saturday (today) while the time for scrutiny of the nomination papers ended at 3pm.

    Pakistan People’s Party and PML-N got their speaker and deputy speaker elected with ease in Friday’s session, defeating the SIC and PTI-backed candidates.

    Following the prime minister’s election, the newly-elected lawmakers will also elect a new head of the state on March 9, marking an end to the tenure of PTI-backed President Arif Alvi.

     

  • Pakistan’s power sector caused Rs403bln loss in FY2022-23: Nepra

    Pakistan’s power sector caused Rs403bln loss in FY2022-23: Nepra

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s power sector caused a Rs403 billion loss in FY2022-23, revealed the National Electronic Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) report on Tuesday.

    The progress report of the power distribution companies including K-Electric was released by the NEPRA, indicating nine distribution companies including K-Electric failed to achieve 100pc recovery.

    The line losses and low recoveries caused a loss of Rs403 bln to the national kitty, the report said. The report highlighted that the companies did not buy the electricity as per the assigned quota.

    The companies carrying out loadshedding ‘deliberately’ as they are not buying electricity as per their quotas, the report said.

    Citing no investment by the electricity distribution companies to improve its system, the NEPRA report has suggested changes at the administrative levels in the companies.

    The NEPRA report further said the companies can be transferred to the province or can be run via public-private partnerships for the betterment of the system.

    Read more: Electricity tariff increased by Rs7.5 per unit

    On Monday, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) notified a hike of Rs7.5 per unit in the price of electricity as part of the fuel price adjustment (FCA).

    According to NEPRA notification, the power sector’s regulatory authority approved increase in the electricity tariff by Rs7.5 per kilowatt hour (kWh) under the head FCA of January 2024 and this hike in power tariff would be charged to power consumers during March 2024.

  • OGRA jacks up gas tariff by 35.13 per cent on IMF demand

    OGRA jacks up gas tariff by 35.13 per cent on IMF demand

    ISLAMABAD: In compliance with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) demand, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has further jacked up gas tariff by 35.13 per cent for the masses, who are already reeling under heavy and unaffordable bills.

    As per details, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has increased the gas tariff of Sui Northern by 35.13 per cent and Sui Southern by 8.57 per cent.

    This is the second gas price hike in the current financial year 2023-24. The rate of per MMBTU for Sui Northern has been agreed to be fixed at Rs1673.82 after an increase of Rs435.14.

    For Sui Northern, the rate of MMBTU will be Rs1466.40 after an increase of Rs115.72. The recommendations have been forwarded to the caretaker federal government.

    After approval from the government, OGRA will notify the new rates.

    Read more: IMF asks Pakistan to further hike gas tariff

    On Sunday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly asked Pakistan to hike the gas tariff.

    According to sources, the International Monetary Fund demanded Pakistan to increase gas prices till mid-February, the hike in gas prices could go up to 41 percent.

    Sources said that the International Monetary Fund refused to provide subsidies on the power tariff except for the subsidies given in the budget.

  • NEPRA jacks up electricity tariff

    NEPRA jacks up electricity tariff

    ISLAMABAD: In yet another shock to the already overburdened power consumers, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Saturday jacked up the electricity tariff by Rs 4.56 per unit, ARY News reported.

    The NEPRA issued a notification, increasing the power tariff by Rs 4.56 per unit in the account fuel adjustment charges for the month of December 2023.

    It added that electricity consumers have to pay additional charges in the month of February 2024, however, the increase will not apply to Lifeline consumers.

    The increase in electricity tariff would increase the additional burden worth Rs 39.8 billion on the power consumers.

    Read more: Power tariff jacked up by Rs5.62/unit in Pakistan

    It is pertinent to mention here that on January 31, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) increased the electricity tariff by Rs5.63 per unit on account of monthly fuel adjustment (MFA).

    The decision was announced after the NEPRA completed a hearing on the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) petition seeking a hike in electricity tariff by Rs5.63 per unit under fuel monthly adjustment for December 2023.

    The approval will put an additional burden of Rs49 billion on the power consumers. The consumers will pay an additional amount in next month’s electricity bills.

    The recent power hike will not affect K-Electric and Lifeline consumers. The NEPRA said it will release the detailed verdict later.

  • Electricity tariff likely to be increased in Pakistan

    Electricity tariff likely to be increased in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: In a move likely to add strain to already beleaguered power consumers, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has applied to increase the power tariff by Rs5.32 per unit due to fuel adjustments for December 2023, ARY News reported on Monday.  

    The application has been submitted to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), triggering concerns of an additional financial burden on consumers already grappling with rising utility costs.

    Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), on the request of DISCOs, was seeking NEPRA’s approval for increase in electricity tariff under FCA of November 2023. The power regulatory authority is set to conduct a hearing on this matter on Jan 31.

    The CPPA said in September 12.92 billion electric units were produced at the cost of Rs7.61/ unit, while the reference cost for September was fixed at Rs7.7 per unit.

    In its application, the CPPA reported that 7.41 billion electric units were generated in December.

    Hydropower generation contributed 24.03% in the total generation. Meanwhile, 16.95 per cent of electricity was general from local coal and 4.97 per cent from imported coal.

    10.69% of total power was produced from local gas while 16.41 per cent of power generation in Pakistan was made through imported RLNG.

    Earlier on Jan 4, NEPRA jacked up the electricity tariff by Rs 4.12 per unit for its consumers under the account fuel adjustment charges for the month of November 2023.

    Meanwhile, the consumers have to pay additional charges in the month of January 2024, however, the increase wasn’t applied to Lifeline and KE consumers.

  • DISCOs incurred Rs337 billion loss in FY2022

    DISCOs incurred Rs337 billion loss in FY2022

    ISLAMABAD: Electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) incurred a loss of a whopping Rs337 billion in Fiscal year 2022, ARY News reported.

    According to an official document, the DISCOs incurred more losses than other government entities in Pakistan in FY-2022.

    Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) suffered a loss of Rs102.1 billion in FY2022, while Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) incurred a loss of Rs76-42 billion.

    Furthermore, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) suffered loss of Rs54.41 bln. The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Sukkur Electric Supply Company (SEPCO), Multan Electric Supply Company (MEPCO) and Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO), suffered losses of Rs30.2 bln, Rs29.4 bln, Rs22.81 billion and Rs21.15 billion, respectively.

    Read more: OGDCL earned Rs133.78bln profit in FY2022: report

    Earlier, the finance ministry released a report that showed Oil and Gas Development Limited’s (OGDCL) profit crossed Rs133 billion in FY2022, as compared to Rs91 bln in 2021.

    The finance ministry released a detailed report regarding profit-making entities in FY2022. According to details of profit-making entities in 2022, Pakistan State Oil’s (PSO) earnings rose to over Rs86.22 in 2022 as compared to over Rs29bln.

  • SSGC seeks increase in gas prices

    SSGC seeks increase in gas prices

    KARACHI: The Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) has sought an increase in the prices of gas by Rs226.18 per metric million British thermal units (mmBtu), ARY News reported on Tuesday.

    As per details, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will hear the SSGC’s plea seeking an additional increase of Rs226.18 per MMBtu in gas prices tomorrow.

    It projected a shortfall of Rs47,773 million in its revenue requirement during the current fiscal year. It requested an increase of Rs226.18 per mmBtu in its average prescribed prices effective from July 1, 2023.

    The current average sale price is Rs1,470.21 per MMBTU and the company wants the average prescribed price to be set at Rs1,696.39 per MMBTU, reflecting an increase of 15.38 percent.

    Earlier, the caretaker federal government notified a massive hike in prices of gas which was effective from November 1.

    Read more: Petroleum Division notifies massive hike in gas prices

    The Petroleum Division issued a notification regarding the massive hike in prices for domestic, export, non-export units, CNG, cement, and other sectors.

    However, the prices of gas were not hiked for protected consumers using 25 to 90 cubic meters in a month, however, the fixed charges for this category of consumers were increased from Rs10 to Rs400.

    The notification stated that the prices for non-protected domestic consumers were hiked by over 172%.

  • Gas company seeks another tariff hike by 137%

    Gas company seeks another tariff hike by 137%

    Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has sought another hike in gas tariff by 137.62% per Metric Million British Thermal Unit (MMBtu), ARY News reported on Tuesday.

    Gas consumers are expected to see another massive hike in tariff which was sought by the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

    The gas company sought the implementation of the increased tariff by Rs1,715 per MMBtu from June 2023. The company sought a fresh hike to cover income requirements in its plea.

    The SNGPL stated in its plea to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) that it would face a shortage of funds worth Rs181.51 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, therefore, the gas price should be fixed at Rs2,961.98 per MMBtu.

    Related: Karachi industries observe shutdown over hike in gas tariff

    The current gas price is Rs1,246.49 per MMBtu, whereas, the company seeks a hike of Rs1,209.14 per MMBtu in terms of arrears, whereas, an increase of Rs56.48 per MMBtu was sought in terms of rupee devaluation.

    The OGRA will hear SNGPL’s plea on December 11.

    Last month, it was learnt that the caretaker government decided to increase the gas prices in Pakistan again.

    Speaking to the media, Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar said that gas prices will increase from January 2024 as Pakistan has informed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the review of the power tariff.

    Read More: Electricity tariff hiked by Rs3.07 per unit

    She said the government would continue its efforts to achieve the stability of the overall economy and balanced growth, by reducing debts and carrying out development priorities as well as governance reforms in government enterprises.

    After the staff-level agreement, Pakistan will receive about 70 million US dollars, after which the amount of assistance to Pakistan under the IMF programme will reach about 1.9 billion dollars.

    The finance minister said that under the stand-by agreement, it has been agreed to reduce costs in the energy sector and restore efficiency in the sector.

    Shamshad Akhtar said that the circular debt of the power and gas sectors has crossed 4 per cent of our Gross National Product (GNP). Urgent action is needed to bring it down. We have started work in this regard and electricity and gas rates have been adjusted. She said that continuing the exchange rate policy based on market dynamics and increasing foreign exchange reserves are among our priorities.

  • Electricity tariff hiked by Rs3.07 per unit

    Electricity tariff hiked by Rs3.07 per unit

    The electricity tariff was hiked by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) by Rs3.07 per unit in terms of the monthly fuel adjustment, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) issued a notification regarding the increase in electricity tariff by Rs3.07 per unit. The recent hike was made in terms of fuel adjustment for October.

    The hike will not be applied to the lifeline and K-Electric consumers. The additional payments will be received from the consumers next month.

    Last month, the power regulatory authority had approved a hike in the electricity tariff by Rs1.52 per unit for K-Electric consumers.

    Related: Power sector circular debt soars to Rs 2.6tr

    In line with the June 2023 directive from the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), NEPRA has issued a notification announcing an increase of Rs1.52 per unit in electricity charges, a press release read.

    The adjustments will reflect on monthly electricity bills from December 2023 to November 2024.

    Power companies involved in overbilling

    Yesterday, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) declared K-Electric (KE) and power companies responsible for overbilling electricity consumers.

    As per details, the investigation of NEPRA’s inquiry committee held K-electric and DISCOs responsible for over-billing and decided to take legal action against the power distributing authorities.

    Related: NEPRA takes notice of irregularities in electricity bills

    The investigation uncovers that monthly meter readings exceeded 30 days, leading to the issuance of average bills affecting millions of consumers.

    The Power distributing companies committed malpractices to conceal their wrongdoings and excessive bills were issued to people with less consumption.

    In the wake of these startling revelations, NEPRA has summoned explanations from the power distributing companies and directed the replacement of damaged meters within 30 days.

    The power companies were warned of strict action if NEPRA directives were not adhered to.

    Moreover, NEPRA has also issued a notice to K-electric and summons an explanation for non-compliance with meter-changing policies.