Pakistan revises solar net-metering buyback rate to ease burden on grid consumers

A worker carries a solar panel plate at a market in Lahore on June 12, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 13 March 2025
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Pakistan revises solar net-metering buyback rate to ease burden on grid consumers

  • Economic Coordination Committee allows power regulatory authority to revise electricity buyback rate periodically
  • Committee says decision taken due to “significant increase” in solar consumers, financial burden on grid consumers

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Thursday revised the buyback rate for solar net-metering electricity from Rs27 per unit to Rs10 per unit, saying the move was intended to ease the burden on grid consumers. 

The net-metering policy approved in 2017 allows homeowners and businesses to generate electricity using solar panels and export any excess to the national grid. In Pakistan, it is a billing system where consumers receive credits or monetary compensation for the surplus electricity they send to the grid. 
Pakistan’s energy ministry said in April 2024 that the subsidy burden due to the net-metering policy is being shared by the government, domestic and industrial electricity consumers for other affluent consumers who are capable of generating power from solar panels. 

The ECC met under Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to approve a set of amendments to the existing net-metering regulations, a press release from the Finance Division said. 

“As part of the approved changes, the ECC has revised the buyback rate from the National Average Power Purchase Price (NAPP) to Rs 10 per unit,” the Finance Division said. 

“Furthermore, the committee allowed the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to revise this buyback rate periodically, ensuring that the framework remains flexible and aligned with evolving market conditions.”

It added that the new framework would not apply to existing net-metered consumers who have a valid license, concurrence or agreement under the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Alternative & Renewable Energy) Distributed Generation and Net Metering Regulations, 2015.

“Any such agreements will remain effective until the expiration of the license or agreement, whichever occurs first,” it said, ensuring the rights and obligations of these consumers, including agreed-upon rates, will continue as per existing terms.

The statement said the ECC also approved an updated settlement mechanism, under which exported electricity units would be purchased at the new buyback rate of Rs10 per unit, while imported units would be billed at the applicable peak and off-peak rates, inclusive of taxes and surcharges.

The ECC said that these amendments were made after a record decline in solar panel prices that led to a sharp increase in the number of solar net-metering consumers.

“As of December 2024, solar net-metering consumers had transferred a burden of Rs 159 billion to grid consumers,” it said.

The statement also highlighted the need for regulatory reforms to ensure balance in the energy distribution system, noting that 80 percent of net-metering consumers are concentrated in nine major cities.

Pakistan has ideal climatic conditions for solar power generation, with most areas receiving over nine hours of sunlight daily. According to the World Bank, using just 0.071 percent of the country’s land for solar photovoltaic (solar PV) power could meet its electricity demand.

With a population of 241 million, Pakistan aims to transition to 60 percent renewable energy by 2030 and reduce projected emissions by 50 percent. Despite recent growth in solar power adoption, the country is still far from achieving these goals.


Pakistan gets first iPhone trade-in program

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Pakistan gets first iPhone trade-in program

  • Jazz, leading digital conglomerate, and Mercantile, Apple’s authorized distributor, launch initiative 
  • Customers can trade in old PTA-approved iPhone 11, newer models for discount on iPhone 16 series

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s leading digital conglomerate Jazz has partnered with Mercantile, Apple’s authorized distributor, to introduce the country’s first-ever iPhone trade-in program, a press release said on Tuesday. 

Under the initiative, customers can trade in their old PTA-approved iPhone 11 or newer models to receive a discount on the latest iPhone 16 series. Jazz and Mercantile are also offering an additional subsidy bonus on top of the trade-in value.

“As a digital leader, Jazz is committed to bridging the digital divide in Pakistan. Our partnership with Mercantile to launch the first iPhone Trade-In Program reflects our focus on innovation and customer convenience,” Ali Fahd, Head of Marketing at Jazz, said. 

“By making premium devices more accessible, we are empowering customers to enhance their digital lifestyle with seamless connectivity and value-added services.”

Nauman Durrani, CEO of Mercantile Pakistan, said the launch would simplify how people in Pakistan could access latest iPhone models:

“By working with Jazz, we’re offering a clear, straightforward way for customers to upgrade from older devices and enjoy a better user experience.”

The program is currently available at Jazz Experience Centers in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. The trade-in offer applies to full-price purchases only and is not available on postpaid installment plans at this stage.

In addition to the trade-in program, Jazz has introduced an exclusive six-month bundle for customers purchasing a PTA-approved iPhone 16 through Jazz. This package includes 200GB of Internet, 6 months of free airtime, e-SIM activation, discount vouchers, and handset insurance worth up to Rs. 100,000 covering theft, loss, and damage for 6 months.

Jazz is also offering the iPhone 16 series on an 18-month installment plan for only postpaid customers, providing flexible payment options to suit varying needs.


Pakistan warns drought may ‘intensify’ in parts of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan 

Updated 25 March 2025
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Pakistan warns drought may ‘intensify’ in parts of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan 

  • Meteorological department says drought may exacerbate in coming months due to rising temperatures and low rainfall 
  • Advises stakeholders to take pre-emptive measures for drought-prone areas, urges farmers to seek updates from PMD

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) this week warned that the existing drought situation in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan provinces may “exacerbate and intensify” in the coming months due to below-normal rainfall, rising temperatures and acute shortage of stored water in the country’s dams. 

In its latest advisory issued on Monday, the PMD noted that drought conditions still persist in Sindh, southern parts of Balochistan and lower eastern plain areas of Punjab. It said that the overall, below-normal rainfall deficit of 40 percent was observed across Pakistan from Sept. 1 to Mar. 21, adding that the major rainfall deficits were observed in Sindh at 62 percent, Balochistan at 52 percent and Punjab at 38 percent. 

The PMD noted that there is an “acute shortage” of stored water in the Tarbela and Mangla dams, while water in different rivers is flowing at an “extreme low level.” The advisory said that the mean temperature recorded during March in the lower half of the country is two to three degrees above normal. 

“Keeping in view the current weather situation and seasonal climate outlook, the drought situation may exacerbate and intensify in the following drought affected areas of the country,” the advisory said. 

The advisory said that in Sindh, a “moderate” drought situation is likely in Padidan, Shaheed Benaz­irabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Ume­rkot, Kha­irpur, Hyde­rabad, Thatta, Badin and Karachi while a “mild” drought situation is likely in Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur and Sanghar.

In Balochistan, it said the drought conditions will be moderate in Gwadar, Kech, Lasbela, Panjgur and Awaran, with mild conditions in Chagai, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Sibbi, Nushki and Washuk.

In Punjab, the affected areas for mild drought conditions will be Bahawalnagar, Baha­walpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

The PMD said it is continuously monitoring the country’s meteorological conditions, warning of the emergence of a “flash drought” in the upcoming months due to the rainfall deficit and increasing temperatures. 

“Hence, it is advised to all stakeholders to take pre-emptive measures for drought prone areas,” the PMD said. “Farmers/agriculturists are advised to keep themselves updated from PMD website.”

Pakistan has the fourth-highest rate of water consumption in the world. The country’s agriculture sector uses the most amount of fresh water than any other sector. Rainfall has steadily declined over the past few decades and experts have been warning for years the country will approach “absolute scarcity” of water by 2025.

The results of the latest census in 2023 counted 241.49 million people across Pakistan with a growth rate of 2.55 percent. Linked to that, per capita water availability has been on a downward trend for decades.

In 1947, when Pakistan was created, the figure stood at about 5,000 cubic meters per person, according to the World Bank. Today it is 1,000 cubic meters. It will decline further with the population expected to double in the next 50 years, climate change experts say, pointing out that Pakistan needs intervention on a range of water-related issues: from the impact of climate change to hydropower, from transboundary water-sharing to irrigated and rain-fed agriculture, and from drinking water to sanitation.


Pakistani artists put spotlight on country’s rich cultural heritage at UAE exhibition

Updated 42 min 30 sec ago
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Pakistani artists put spotlight on country’s rich cultural heritage at UAE exhibition

  • Syrian, Egyptian and Lebanese artists also present their works
  • Pakistan aims to deepen cultural ties with the UAE through art

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates on Monday emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people contacts, said an official statement, as he addressed an art exhibition in Ajman that highlighted his country’s rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition comes amid growing efforts by Pakistan to deepen economic and cultural ties with the Gulf nation. The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest export destinations in the region due to its proximity, and Pakistani firms often use it as a base to target the broader Middle Eastern market.
In recent years, Pakistan has also hosted similar exhibitions featuring fruits, vegetables and industrial goods in a bid to enhance trade opportunities.
“Art, music, cuisine and sports have the power to unite people,” Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said during the ceremony. “For greater harmony and peace, we must encourage more cultural exchanges.”
“The UAE’s beauty lies in its ability to bring together over 200 nationalities, creating a melting pot of cultures,” he added.
The exhibition featured a blend of traditional and contemporary works not only by artists from Pakistan but also other Muslim countries like Syria, Egypt and Lebanon.
The Pakistani envoy toured the venue following the inauguration, interacting with artists and appreciating their creative expressions.
The event concluded with the ambassador distributing certificates to participating artists in recognition of their work.
There was also a cake-cutting ceremony at the exhibition to mark Pakistan Day, annually celebrated on March 23.


Canada says India, Pakistan among nations with potential to meddle in upcoming election

Updated 25 March 2025
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Canada says India, Pakistan among nations with potential to meddle in upcoming election

  • Canada is set to hold general election on April 28 amid chilly relations with both India and China
  • Its spy service says state actors are increasingly leveraging AI to meddle in electoral activities

OTTAWA: China and India are likely to try to interfere in the Canadian general election on April 28, while Russia and Pakistan have the potential to do so, the country’s spy service said on Monday.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) made its comments at a time when Ottawa’s relations with both India and China are chilly. Beijing and New Delhi have denied previous allegations of interference.
Canada was slow in responding to efforts by China and India to interfere in the 2019 and 2021 elections but their outcomes were unaffected by the meddling, an official probe concluded in a final report released in January.
Vanessa Lloyd, deputy director of operations at CSIS, told a press conference that hostile state actors were increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to meddle in elections.
“The PRC (People’s Republic of China) is highly likely to use AI enabled tools to attempt to interfere with Canada’s democratic process in this current election,” she said.
Earlier this month Beijing announced tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products, retaliating against levies Ottawa slapped on Chinese electric vehicles and steel and aluminum products last year.
Canada said last week that China had executed four Canadian citizens on drug smuggling charges, and strongly condemned Beijing’s use of the death penalty.
Asked for a response to the CSIS comments at a regular news briefing on Tuesday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said China had always adhered to the principle of not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, and had “never had any interest in interfering in Canada’s internal affairs.”
Canada last year expelled six Indian diplomats — including the head of mission — over allegations they were involved in a plot against Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.
“We have also seen that the government of India has the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes,” said Lloyd.
The Indian diplomatic mission in Ottawa was not immediately available for comment.
Russia and Pakistan could potentially conduct foreign interference activities against Canada, Lloyd added.
“It’s often very difficult to establish a direct link between foreign interference activities and election results ... Nevertheless, threat activities can erode public trust in the integrity of Canada’s democratic processes and institutions,” she said.
 


Pakistan says inflation expected to remain within 1-1.5% range in March 

Updated 25 March 2025
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Pakistan says inflation expected to remain within 1-1.5% range in March 

  • Inflation may inch up to 2-3% in April 2025, says Finance Division in monthly economic outlook report
  • Says Pakistan may record likely increase in remittances due to “seasonal factors” such as Ramadan, Eid festivals

KARACHI: Inflation is expected to remain within the 1-1.5% range in Pakistan during the month of March, the country’s Finance Division said in its monthly outlook report on Tuesday, as Islamabad navigates a tricky path to recovery from a macroeconomic crisis. 

Aggressive policy rate cuts by Pakistan’s central bank and a series of economic reforms by the government has led to a substantial decline in Pakistan’s annual inflation rate, bringing it down to 1.5% in February 2025.

Pakistan’s inflation rate peaked to a record high of 38% in May 2023 on account of surging food and fuel costs as Islamabad withdrew energy and fuel subsidies under a deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a financial bailout package. 

“Inflation is anticipated to remain within the range of 1.0-1.5% for March 2025 and inching up to 2.0-3.0% in April 2025,” the Finance Division said in the outlook report. 

It added that high frequency indicators, such as a “positive” growth in cement sales, increased automobile production and higher imports with an easy monetary policy, suggest a potential uptick in production if demand conditions remain supportive. 

The report highlighted that Pakistan may record a likely increase in foreign remittances due to “seasonal factors” such as the holy month of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid festivals. 

“Similarly, exports and imports are expected to improve owing to the expansion in economic activity,” the report said. “Collectively, these factors will help to keep the current account within manageable limits.”

The report praised the government’s resource mobilization, saying it had led to an increase in tax collection during the month and also noted the “favorable” performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange compared to major global indices.

Pakistan’s government has claimed the country is finally on the path to sustainable economic growth, vowing to undertake long-term financial reforms. The nation expects its foreign exchange reserves to increase beyond $13 billion by June despite weak net financial inflows caused by a shortfall in the planned official inflows. 

Pakistan has also repaid the majority of its external debt due this year, according to the central bank.