Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Tuesday concluded public hearing into Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO's) five years investment plan worth Rs 80 billion for the fiscal years 2025-26 to 2029-30.

The hearing was presided over by NEPRA Chairman Waseem Mukhtar.

Under the investment plan, the QESCO proposed 47 per cent of the projects financing from its own resources, 24 per cent through federal/provincial funding while 23 and 6 per cent by loans consumer funds respectively.

The authority asked QESCO to explain its its financial performance and free cash flow position. Despite nearly utilizing the previous investment plan, QESCO failed to meet the transmission and distribution loss targets, observed the power regulator. Similarly, the distribution losses of the company remained 29.77 per cent against the set target of 14.04 per cent, resulting a loss of Rs 36.7 billion, the regulator further said.

Moreover, the company's recovery stood at 32 per cent thus causing a loss of Rs 102.99 billion. The authority said the agriculture electricity consumption stood at 70 per cent which received the government subsidies. Currently, QESCO was supplying 4-8 hours of electricity to the agricultural consumers. The process of solarizing agricultural tube wells was ongoing, which would help offload them from the grid.

NEPRA also expressed concerns over QESCO's dependence on its own resources for investment while its recovery ratio is below 50 per cent.

Islamabad: Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov has said that culture and art are the foundation of civilization, national identity, and spiritual perfection, as well as important indicators of a country's progress. The development of these spheres, reflecting the spiritual growth of the people, their past, present, and future, requires an approach that meets the demands of the times, the minister said in a statement issued by the embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad here on Tuesday.

This is why the reforms aimed at the development of culture and art in Uzbekistan carry profound meaning and are entering a new phase, he said.

The Minister said the words of the President of Uzbekistan Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev: 'In these troubled times, it is increasingly difficult to preserve intrinsic and humanistic values.

In such a challenging situation, true art, music, and literature, which originate from sacred sources and celebrate the ideals of humanism, must emerge as a life-affirming force, bringing peace and goodness to people, transcending the boundaries of time and space' serve as the guiding principle for current processes, he said.

He said the Preserving national art, educating the younger generation through its beauty, and strengthening culture as an integral part of social life are considered essential elements of our country's development.

He said the development of education in the field of culture and art plays a crucial role not only in improving the professional training system but also in ensuring the spiritual harmony of society.

The minister said that modern and innovative teaching methods are being implemented to familiarize young people with the best achievements of national and global culture, fostering respect for their history and art.

Ozodbek Nazarbekov said the tasks of the day include the use of credit-modular systems, the introduction of programs aligned with international standards, and enriching industry specialists with international experience.

He said that preserving the rich cultural heritage left by our ancestors and passing it on to future generations through modern technologies is of great importance for maintaining national identity and showcasing it to the world.

In this context, efforts to digitize cultural heritage objects, expand their scientific study, and enhance their popularization are becoming key areas of international cooperation, he said.

Cultural minister said the national art schools of Uzbekistan and the tradition of 'Ustoz-Shogird' (Master-Apprentice) play a unique role in ensuring harmony between national and contemporary culture. All necessary measures are being taken to create a bright future for the arts in our country, including identifying and supporting young talents.

He said the development of culture and art is reflected in all areas of public life. Every step in this direction represents a commitment to the spiritual growth of our people, respect for national values, and showcasing New Uzbekistan to the world.

In today's process of globalization, the lifestyle, customs, and values of the world's peoples are becoming closer, but at the same time, the struggle to preserve their national identity is intensifying. Under such conditions, culture becomes a powerful tool allowing nations to demonstrate their uniqueness.

He said in the context of globalization, national cultures, on one hand, open new opportunities on the global stage due to their distinctive appeal, while on the other hand, face the necessity of preserving themselves under the pressures of modernity.

The minister said that Culture is not only the spiritual face of a nation but also a wealth that can be gifted to the entire global community. Therefore, in this process, the preservation and development of national culture, its promotion on the international stage, and its popularization through modern technologies gain paramount importance.

In concluding remarks, he said careful preservation of ancestral heritage and its harmonious integration with modern ideas is not only a necessity but also a high goal. Utilizing the positive aspects of this process, showcasing the unique features of Uzbek culture on the global stage becomes an important criterion for the nation's progress.

Islamabad: The price of 24 karat per tola gold increased by Rs.1,000 and was sold at Rs 276,000 on Tuesday against its sale at Rs 275,000 on previous trading day, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs.857 to Rs.236,625 from Rs 235,768 whereas that of 10 gram 22 karat also went up to Rs.216,907 from Rs 216,121.

The prices of per tola and ten gram silver remained constant at Rs3,350 and Rs. Rs.2,872.08 respectively.

The price of gold in the international market increased by $10 to $2,642 from $2632, the Association reported.

Islamabad: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has offered his heartfelt condolences for the loss of lives and the financial damages caused by the earthquake in China's Xizang region.

In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow and regret for the loss of lives and the significant financial damages caused by the disaster.

The speaker conveyed Pakistan's, especially Parliament's, unwavering solidarity with the Chinese government, its people, and the victims during this difficult time.

He also extended prayers for the swift recovery of those injured in the earthquake, emphasizing Pakistan's support for China in the wake of the tragedy.

Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) held a meeting with Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), Dr Tahira Siddique, to strengthen cooperation and address key concerns of the restaurant industry.

The meeting, led by ICCI President Abdul Rehman Siddique, brought together representatives from both organizations to discuss ways to support business growth. Senior Vice President Nasir Choudhry, Vice President Naveed Satti, and Restaurant Sub-Committee Convener Faseeh Ullah Khan were also present at the meeting.

The agenda centered on fostering collaboration between ICCI and IFA, streamlining licensing processes, and enhancing support for restaurants. During the meeting, both organizations explored ways to align their efforts to support businesses effectively.

Meanwhile, officials from both departments highlighted the need for better facilitation of restaurant members through IFA resources. On the occasion, ICCI offered its platform for organizing capacity-building sessions to benefit food industry stakeholders.

Additionally, suggestions were made to simplify and improve the IFA licensing framework for businesses. Furthermore, participants from both sides identified and deliberated on shared challenges faced by the food industry.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen ties, ensuring that restaurant members and businesses benefit from effective collaboration. This initiative reflects ICCI's dedication to creating a supportive environment for businesses while addressing industry-specific needs.

By focusing on practical solutions and mutual efforts, the ICCI and IFA aim to pave the way for sustainable growth in the local food sector.

Islamabad: Diplomatic Enclave Shuttle Service, a lifeline for citizens visiting embassies for visas, has come under fire for its appalling conditions.

The cafeterias, meant to serve visitors, were riddled with unhygienic practices, and substandard items were being openly sold.

Visitors complained of broken washrooms, foul odors, garbage piles, and even stables in the vicinity.

Some waiting rooms shockingly had iron beds instead of proper seating.

‘The washrooms are completely unusable. There’s a terrible stench everywhere, and the waiting areas look like abandoned storerooms,’ a frustrated visa applicant told reporter.

Abdul Rehman, another visitor complained about overpriced, substandard food: ‘The cafeterias are a rip-off. They sell stale snacks at exorbitant prices, and there’s no regard for hygiene.’

Adding to the chaos, garbage piles and even stables were found in the area, creating an environment unfit for the thousands of citizens who rely on the service daily.

‘This is supposed to be the federal capital, yet these conditions are worse than those in rural areas,’ remarked Sana a disappointed traveler.

Following visitors’ complaints, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa conducted a surprise visit on Tuesday and found the service in a deplorable state.

Taking immediate action, Chairman Randhawa sealed both cafeterias on the spot and directed the Islamabad Food Authority to test the quality of food items.

Legal proceedings against the cafeteria owners have also been initiated.

‘This is unacceptable. Citizens deserve better facilities,’ Randhawa said while talking to media.

He has demanded an upgrade plan for the shuttle service within three weeks, emphasizing the need to transform the space into a clean, modern facility.

Currently operated under the CDA’s supervision following instructions from the Interior Minister, the service runs 10 electric buses daily to facilitate citizens.

The minister had stressed the importance of ensuring high-quality services for those seeking visas.

The CDA Chairman assured citizens that the area would soon be upgraded with top-notch facilities. ‘We are committed to providing the best services to the people,’ he said.

CDA officials, including members of the DMA, were present during the inspection.