News

Millions subjected to inflated bills in April-June: Nepra

An investigation by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has revealed that millions of consumers across the country were subjected to ‘inflated bills’ during the April-June period as they lost their entitlement to subsidised rates and slab benefits. A report based on information and data provided by Power Information Technology Company (PITC) — a subsidiary of the power divi

Stocks rally ahead of monetary decision

The stock market staged a robust rally ahead of Monday’s anticipated interest rate cut, helping the benchmark KSE 100 index snap its losing streak triggered by growing political noise last week. Contrary to last week’s trend, Topline Securities Ltd noted in its market report that equities initiated the week on a bullish note ahead of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Monetary Policy Committee meetin

A quest for value-added exports

During the last fiscal year that ended on June 30, Pakistan’s exports (fob value) increased to $31.1 billion whereas imports consumed $53.2bn, leaving a trade deficit of $22.1bn, according to the latest balance of payments statement. Although this volume of deficit is lower compared to the deficit of $24.8bn recorded a year earlier, the country’s precarious external finance situation requires f

Bitter post-tax expectations

The sense of alienation and resentment among regular working families in Pakistan has deepened due to unjust treatment by employers and the government. Higher tax deductions from already low salaries have exacerbated the situation. In August, they will receive their first salary post-Budget 2024. Their bitterness is not misplaced, as new evidence confirms how the challenging job market and the

CORPORATE WINDOW: IPPs and capacity payments

After the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) tariff determination for FY25, the issue of capacity payments and independent power projects (IPPs) profits has re-emerged. The per-unit capacity payments have increased from Rs16.22 per kWh in FY24 to Rs17.31 per kWh in FY25. Social media alleged that IPPs are making enormous profits, so their power purchase agreements (PPA) must b