Day: July 9, 2026

Islamabad: The Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) has achieved a remarkable financial turnaround, converting a loss of Rs 36 billion in 2023-24 into a profit of Rs 1.05 billion in 2025-26.

As per the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), the turnaround of one of Pakistan’s largest and most difficult power distribution companies was done under the leadership of Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, said a press release issued on Wednesday. The recovery was gradual and sustained rather than a one-off correction, it added.

“Line losses reduced from 15.2 percent to 11.9 percent over the same period, while recovery improved from 98.6 percent to 100.8 percent – figures that reflect tighter billing, reduced theft, and stronger consumer confidence.”

The turnaround is attributed to a deliberate set of reforms, including the appointment of an independent Board of Directors insulated from day-to-day interference, consistent policy guidance and performance monitoring from the Ministry, automation and meterization of the network, and a renewed focus on consumer service.

The approach marks a shift from ad hoc intervention to structural, governance-led reform across the DISCO.

The Ministry said MEPCO’s result is a template rather than an exception, and that the same combination of independent governance, transparency, and technology-led monitoring is being extended across other distribution companies as part of a wider effort to end circular debt and put the power sector on a sustainable path of growth.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting with Somalia’s Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohamed Adam Moalim, on the sidelines of Geneva Digital Week.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in information technology, digital transformation, and communications. Shaza Fatima congratulated Somalia on its progress towards achieving its digital transformation goals.

The minister said Pakistan and Somalia enjoy longstanding relations based on mutual trust and educational exchanges, adding that both countries have significant potential to expand cooperation in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

Islamabad: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security Rana Umar Farooq chaired an important meeting with police Muharrars to review security-related matters and the maintenance of official records across the Security Division.

An official told reporter on Wednesday that the meeting focused on improving record management, ensuring timely disposal of security-related work and strengthening administrative efficiency.

DIG Umar conducted a detailed review of security documentation and official record-keeping, stressing the importance of maintaining accurate and updated records.

Rana Umar directed all Muharrars to complete security-related assignments within the prescribed timeframe, maintain proper documentation and perform their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism and due diligence.

He emphasized that efficient record management and timely completion of official work were essential for ensuring effective security management and enhancing the overall performance of Islamabad Police, the official added.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Wednesday said conspiracies aimed at undermining Pakistan’s peace had failed in the past and would continue to fail in the future.

In a statement posted on X, he paid tribute to Pakistan Army and police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, describing them as the nation’s true heroes.

He said the country’s enemies and their facilitators should remember that terrorism would be eradicated from its roots.

Dr Tariq said the sacrifices of the martyrs had further strengthened the nation’s resolve to defeat terrorism and safeguard peace in the country.

He said the entire nation stood united with the country’s security institutions and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability.

He said the cowardly terrorist attacks in Balochistan saddened the entire nation.

The minister also prayed for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in Jannah, for the speedy recovery of the injured, and for patience and strength for the bereaved families.

Islamabad: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic security partnership, expanding counterterrorism cooperation, enhancing border management, combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking, and facilitating greater people-to-people exchanges during a high-level meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with China’s Vice Minister of Public Security and head of the Special Service Bureau, Ling Zhifeng, where both sides pledged to further deepen cooperation on internal security and reaffirmed their shared resolve to confront terrorism and emerging security challenges.

The two ministers agreed to enhance cooperation on internal security matters, with particular emphasis on border management, combating illegal immigration and intensifying joint efforts against drug trafficking.

During the discussions, Naqvi stressed that terrorist financing must be stopped at every level, emphasizing that countries involved in supporting or financing terrorist groups should be confronted through coordinated international action.

“We want to take security cooperation with China to the next level,” the Pakistani minister said, underscoring Islamabad’s commitment to protecting bilateral interests.

Highlighting Pakistan’s measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals working in the country, Naqvi said a dedicated Special Protection Police Force had been established to provide security for Chinese citizens and projects.

The interior minister also emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and China, describing such exchanges as a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

He said easing visa regulations would help facilitate greater interaction between the citizens of both countries.

The Chinese minister acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism and praised its continued efforts to combat extremist violence.

“We appreciate Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism,” Ling said, adding that the two countries should continue working together to address evolving security threats through closer coordination.

He also assured the Pakistani delegation that issues related to visas and immigration would be reviewed with a view to facilitating bilateral exchanges.

The meeting reflected the continuing momentum in Pakistan-China security cooperation, with both sides expressing confidence that closer coordination on counterterrorism, border security and public safety would further reinforce the countries’ all-weather strategic partnership.

Islamabad: The Rupee on Wednesday appreciated by 03 paisa against the US Dollar in interbank trading and closed at Rs 277.82, compared to the previous day’s closing of Rs 277.85.

According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market were recorded at Rs 278.75 and Rs 278.95, respectively.

The price of the Euro against the rupee increased by Rs 0.74 and closed at Rs 316.64 against the previous day’s closing of Rs 315.91, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese Yen remained unchanged to close at Rs 1.69, whereas the exchange rate of the British Pound witnessed an increase of Rs 0.04 and closed at Rs 369.61 compared to the previous day’s Rs 369.57.

The exchange rate of the Emirate Dirham and the Saudi Riyal declined by 02 and 01 paisa, closing at Rs 75.63 and Rs 74.00, respectively.