CPPA asks Nepra to cut power tariff by Rs 3.28/unit
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) on Saturday asked Nepra to cut power tariff by Rs 3.28 in light of May’s fuel adjustment. According to Nepra authorities, the fuel cost in May remained at Rs 4.80 per unit but the customers were charged Rs 8.9. In May, at least 9.29 billion units were sold to distribution companies. The overall fuel cost to produce electricity in May was Rs 44.70 billion. However, Nepra will hold hearing of the matter on July 16 to consider the matter. Meanwhile, the govt has decided to spend about thirty one billion rupees for different water related projects in various parts of the country during the current financial year. According to reports, priority is being given to the construction of Diamer Bhasha and Dasu dams.
The govt has already provided fifteen billion rupees for land acquisition for 4500 megawatt Diamer Basha dam. It plans to build small dams in Balochistan. This year work on Basool Dam in Gwadar will be started while work is in advanced stages on projects such as Kachi canal and Naulang storage dam. In Punjab, the govt is planning to start work on construction of Ghabir Dam in Chakwal while in Sindh work will be started on Makhi Farash Link Canal project.
Similarly, numerous schemes of lining of water courses will be undertaken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab provinces to reduce water wastage.
FPCCI invites applications for 3rd Achievement Awards
KARACHI (INP): The FPCCI has invited applications for its 3rd FPCCI Achievement Awards for the year 2014. The FPCCI Achievement Awards is likely to be graced by the VVIP of Pakistan at a very special function to be attended by Parliamentarians, Bureaucrats, Diplomats and the elite of the Country, which is expected to be held in the last week of September 2015, at Karachi. FPPCI Achievement Awards will be given to recognize and honor the dedicated individuals and enterprises and individuals of Pakistani origin that have made sustained and lasting contribution in economic and socio-economic development of the Country to build its image and have thus rendered all Pakistanis proud and are laudable heroes of Pakistan.
Achievement Awards is another milestone of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) which is the apex body of Trade, Industry and Services of Pakistan, promoting the interests of Pakistan’s Commercial & Industrial community, socio-economic activities and corporate social responsibilities. The FPCCI Achievement Awards will project the image of Pakistan and its unique talent pool blessed with hardworking and creative people.
The Application Forms, Rules & Regulations for participation can be obtained from FPCCI Head office Karachi or its Capital & Regional Offices (Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar & Quetta) or downloaded from FPCCI’s Website www.fpcci.org.pk.
ABAD flays KW&SB’s ban on new water connections
KARACHI (Staff Reporter): Association of Builders & Developers Chairman Junaid Ashraf Taloo, criticizing ban on new water connections by Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, stated that ban is unjustified and will accumulate negative impact on construction and its allied industries. He said supply of water is the responsibility of government. ABAD members always get their water connection sanctioned and paid the dues without any delay. He appealed to Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh, to intervene and remove ban on new water connection. Muhammad Hanif Memon Vice Chairman, said that many residential projects will be delayed and builders will be unable to hand over possession to the allottees in time due no water connection.
Ban on new water connection will widely open the way to corruption which already is rampant in KW&SB. Revenue of water board will be highly affected.
Muhammad Hassan Bakshi, Chairman southern region, said ban of new water connection will further enhance the prevailing corruption in water board. Supply of water by tanker mafia will also flourish. He questioned the management of water board that from where water is supplied to tanker mafia? Ban on new water connection will decrease recovery of KW&SB and ultimately is a revenue loss to government of Sindh. If ban is not removed forthwith people will be compelled to take illegal connection. He urged the management of KW&SB to immediately remove the Ban on water connection.
Hydel power generation only
sustainable solution
ISLAMABAD (INP): President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Saturday said energy crisis in Pakistan is result of decades of indifference and it cannot be resolved overnight. Despite serious efforts of the incumbent government, the crisis which has compromised growth will take time to settle, he said. He said that dysfunctional power sector is root cause of all the problems which continue to deprive 35 percent of population of grid electricity while the 65 percent have been facing loadshedding. Mian Zahid Hussain said that Pakistan satisfy 32 percent of energy demand through imported oil which is biggest hurdle in ample power generation.
He said that circular debt which has reached to the tune of Rs600 billion is enough to terrify the investors.
He said that power transmission and distribution system has developed irreparable faults and at many places it is as old as the country, adding that the power sector is worst example of the bad governance.
The veteran business leader said that two ministries have overlapping functions damaging the weak power sector therefore it should be made subservient to a body which is public centric disregarding profits. There is no conservation plan and lack of awareness that hydel powder generation is the only sustainable way, he added.
Air China to operate from Islamabad Airport
ISLAMABAD (APP): Air China, national flag carrier of China, has showed keen interest to operate three flights of its Airbus-320 in a week from Islamabad Airport from October this year. In this regard, a China Air delegation visited Islamabad Airport and held meeting with Airport Manager, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Muhammad Ayaz Jadoon, a spokesman of the Authority said here on Saturday. The Airport Manager assured the delegation full support for smooth and secure flight operation from Islamabad Airport. Presently, China Southern, a Chinese Airlines, operates weekly four flights of Boing 757 from Islambad Airport. Pakistan International Airlines also operates two flights to Beijing of Airbus-320 in a week.
It is pertinent to note that about 100 flights operate from Islamabad Airport on daily basis including 18 foreign carriers. After the renovation and development work, foreign carriers are taking more interest to operate from Islamabad International Airport.