ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday hailed a relief package announced by the Punjab provincial government for electricity consumers in Pakistan’s most populous province, Sharif’s office said.
Sharif’s elder brother and three-time former PM, Nawaz Sharif, announced Rs14 reduction in per unit price of electricity for consumers using up to 500 units a month in bills for the months of August and September.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from people, with some saying the government should permanently reduce the tariff and others calling for equal relief across the South Asian country.
“The relief of 14 rupees per unit for consumers who consume up to 500 units of electricity is undoubtedly a public-friendly initiative of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Minister of Punjab,” Sharif was quoted as saying in a statement by his office.
“Work is underway for a long-term solution for reduction in electricity prices and all possible efforts are being made in this regard.”
Pakistan has witnessed protests over inflation and electricity bills in recent weeks, at which protesters demanded the government reduce power tariffs and revoke additional taxes introduced in the last federal budget, amid rising costs-of living in the South Asian nation.
The government raised power prices by 26 percent during the last fiscal year, which ended June 30, before tacking on another 20 percent increase on July 13. Officials say the increases were needed to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund for a $7 billion loan deal reached last month.
The government has also added a confusing bevy of taxes on top of the base price, adding up to a bill that has more than doubled for some Pakistanis.
PM hails Punjab government’s announcement of relief package for power consumers
https://arab.news/cpdc4
PM hails Punjab government’s announcement of relief package for power consumers
- The Punjab government announced Rs14 cut in per unit price of electricity for August and September for consumers using up to 500 units a month
- The announcement drew mixed reactions, with some saying government should permanently reduce tariff and others calling for equal relief nationwide
UK announces ‘major reset’ of Pakistan development partnership with new trade, climate, education initiatives
- UK commits to increased investment-led cooperation in climate, business regulation and higher education
- London shifts from aid donor to investment-focused partner as bilateral trade crosses $7.3 billion
ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom on Wednesday unveiled what it called a “major reset” in its development partnership with Pakistan, announcing new investment-focused cooperation, education programs and a bilateral climate compact during a visit by UK Minister for Development Jennifer Chapman.
The trip marks the first federal-level development dialogue between the two governments in eight years and reflects London’s shift from a traditional aid-donor role toward investment-based partnerships. The British government said the new approach aims to use UK expertise to help partner economies build capacity and unlock domestic growth.
Pakistan-UK trade has also reached a record high, crossing £5.5 billion ($7.3 billion) for the first time, with more than 200 British firms now active in Pakistan, an increase London says signals growing two-way commercial confidence.
“Pakistan is a crucial partner for the UK. We work together to tackle the drivers behind organized crime and illegal migration, keeping both our countries safer,” Chapman was quoted as saying in a statement by the British High Commission in Islamabad.
“Our strong bilateral trading relationship brings jobs and growth to us both. And we’re working together to tackle climate change, a global threat.”
The minister and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday jointly launched a package of business regulatory reforms aimed at improving Pakistan’s investment climate and making it easier for UK firms to operate. Officials said the initiative supports Pakistan’s economic recovery agenda and creates new commercial avenues for British companies.
A second key announcement was the next phase of the Pak-UK Education Gateway, developed with the British Council and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. The expanded program will enable joint research between universities in both countries, support climate- and technology-focused academic collaboration, and introduce a startup fund to help commercialize research. The Gateway will also promote UK university courses delivered inside Pakistan, giving students access to British degrees without traveling abroad.
Accompanied by Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, Chapman also launched a Green Compact, a framework for climate cooperation, green investment, environmental protection and joint work at global climate forums.
The UK emphasized it remains one of Pakistan’s largest development partners, citing ongoing work in education, health, climate resilience and anti-trafficking capacity building.
During the visit to Pakistan, Chapman will meet communities benefiting from UK-supported climate programs, which London says helped 2.5 million Pakistanis adapt to climate impacts in the past year, and observe training of airport officers working to prevent human trafficking.
“We remain firm friends of Pakistan, including in times of crisis, as shown through our floods response,” Chapman said. “And we know to accelerate growth in both our countries, we must work together in partnership to tackle the problems we face.”
