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Solar boom needs battery storage, grid reforms to sustain momentum

ByJustpaste.in

Islamabad: Pakistan’s rapid expansion of solar energy has already generated billions of dollars in savings, but experts and policymakers on Tuesday warned that battery storage, grid modernization and supportive policies are now essential to sustain the country’s clean energy transition.

Speaking at the Solar, Storage and Flexibility 2026 Conference, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari said Pakistan’s energy mix is already 50% clean and is targeted to reach 90% by 2035.

He stressed that local manufacturing of battery storage systems and the introduction of a daytime Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff would be key to integrating growing solar generation into the national grid.

Addressing the conference, PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman said solar energy has already saved Pakistan US$12 billion, with another US$6.3 billion in savings expected this year.

She said the country now faces an energy management challenge rather than a generation shortfall, calling for major investments in battery storage, smart grids and modern transmission infrastructure.

Rehman said one in every five Pakistani households now uses solar energy and urged international climate finance to prioritize distributed renewable energy, battery storage and affordable financing for households and small businesses instead of focusing mainly on large utility-scale projects.

She also opposed the proposed 18% GST on solar equipment, saying it would have slowed Pakistan’s clean energy transition, and called for targeted subsidies, microfinance and supportive regulations to expand access to renewable energy, particularly in underserved and off-grid communities.

Renewable energy experts noted that Pakistan has installed an estimated 38 gigawatts of distributed solar capacity, while imports of lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) surged 220% in 2025, signalling rapidly growing demand for energy storage.

Global renewable energy leaders, including Global Solar Council CEO Sonia Dunlop and Renewable Energy Council Asia Pacific representative John Grimes, described Pakistan’s consumer-led solar revolution as a model for other countries but stressed that a comprehensive battery storage policy and modern electricity grid are now critical to maintaining the momentum.

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    Senate questions FBR over Rs1,120bn tax-exempt imports

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The Senate Sub Committee has raised serious questions over the Federal Board of Revenue’s failure to provide complete records related to Rs1120 billion worth of tax exempted imports in former FATA and PATA regions, while also seeking detailed tax information from major tobacco companies including Pakistan Tobacco Company and Philip Morris Pakistan Limited. The matter came up during a meeting of the Senate Sub Committee convened by Senator Saifullah Abro at Parliament House. The Committee was reviewing press freedom concerns, cigarette smuggling networks, tax evasion issues and possible misuse of duty exemption systems. At the beginning of the meeting, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists President Afzal Butt raised concerns regarding remarks made about a private channel reporter during an earlier Committee meeting. Senator Saifullah Abro assured that the Committee respects every citizen and considers the media an important partner in highlighting national issues. He stated that the Committee would continue working on matters related to illegal tobacco trade and economic losses faced by the country. At the beginning of the meeting, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists President Afzal Butt raised concerns regarding remarks made about a private channel reporter during an earlier Committee meeting. Senator Saifullah Abro assured that the Committee respects every citizen and considers the media an important partner in highlighting national issues. He stated that the Committee would continue working on matters related to illegal tobacco trade and economic losses faced by the country. The main focus of the meeting shifted towards the Federal Board of Revenue’s pending information regarding tax exempted areas. The Committee noted that raw materials worth Rs1120 billion entered tax exempt regions between 2018 and 2026 under exemption arrangements. Members expressed concern that manual tracking systems and a lack of automated verification could create risks of illegal movement of goods into taxable markets. The Committee once again directed FBR to provide complete details of consumption certificates issued against the Rs1120 billion imports and submit tax related information for the tobacco sector, especially regarding Pakistan Tobacco Company and Philip Morris Pakistan Limited. During the meeting, officials also discussed investigations into cigarette theft cases and illegal activities in the tobacco sector. The Federal Investigation Agency briefed the Committee about cigarette theft cases in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Committee also reviewed the investigation regarding senior officials and a tax charge sheet issued against Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Fahim Rashid in connection with Paramount Tobacco Company. Another serious matter discussed was the theft of 2,828 cigarette cartons from an FBR warehouse. The cartons were reportedly valued at Rs25 crore. The Committee directed FBR to prepare clear Standard Operating Procedures for registering, handling and managing seized goods to prevent such incidents in the future. The Committee also examined concerns related to cigarette smuggling and tax losses, stressing that illegal trade not only affects government revenue but also creates unfair competition for legal businesses. The meeting also discussed government advertisement spending and tobacco industry media campaigns. The Committee reviewed information provided by the Press Information Department and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and stressed the need for greater transparency in advertisement payments and media related spending. The meeting was attended by Senators Umer Farooq, Muhammad Talha Mehmood and Dilawar Khan as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Press Information Department, FBR Inland Revenue, Customs, FIA, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and other relevant departments. Senator Saifullah Abro directed all concerned institutions to provide the required information and continue cooperation with the Committee. The Committee made it clear that investigations into tax exemptions, tobacco sector irregularities and smuggling networks would continue until complete records and explanations were provided.

  • Private medical college fees spark Parliamentary debate

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A heated parliamentary debate over private medical college fees has exposed a conflict between the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and members of the National Health Services Standing Committee. Lawmakers questioned why students are being asked to pay millions of rupees for medical education while some colleges seeking fee increases allegedly have incomplete documents and audit reports. The controversy became more serious when Member Aliya Kamran questioned the approval of higher fees for colleges whose facilities and records were allegedly not good enough to justify such increases. She specifically referred to Rawal Institute of Health Sciences and claimed that photographs showed standing water in classrooms and students unable to attend classes because of poor infrastructure. She questioned how such an institution could qualify for a fee increase and said colleges with poor standards should face action rather than receive permission to charge more. The debate also revealed a major disagreement over whether high fees are responsible for vacant seats in private medical and dental colleges. One PMDC official argued that fees alone cannot explain the vacant seats, pointing out that some colleges charging Rs3.5 million have no vacant seats. The official said students also consider the quality of education, facilities and the reputation of institutions before choosing a college. But the Vice Chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University presented a very different picture. He told the committee that around 8,000 students who passed the Medical and Dental College Admission Test did not take admission because they could not afford the fees. He said many of these students could have joined if more public sector seats had been available. The disagreement over fees comes as the committee is examining a fee range of Rs1.8 million to Rs2.5 million for private medical colleges. According to the PMDC briefing, 61 colleges applied for permission to charge more than the Rs1.8 million baseline. After checking their balance sheets, third party audit reports, specifications and inspection reports, only 35 were declared eligible for fee enhancement. However, eligibility did not mean that all 35 colleges were allowed to charge Rs2.5 million. Some were allowed to charge Rs1.9 million, Rs1.95 million or Rs2 million. The issue of quality also came under strong criticism. Aliya Kamran questioned the argument that better quality should automatically allow a college to charge higher fees. She warned that allowing some institutions to charge Rs2.5 million while keeping others at Rs1.8 million could create the impression that students studying at lower fee colleges belong to inferior institutions. Minister for National Health Syed Mustufa Kamal defended the fee difference by saying that institutions have different facilities and levels of exposure. He cited Aga Khan, which was described as charging Rs3.5 million, and Ziauddin, which was described as charging Rs2 million. He said some colleges hire professors from abroad and provide additional practical training; their audited accounts are used to show their higher operating costs. The debate then turned into a bigger question: should medical education be treated as a business or as a social service? Member Gul Asghar Khan openly argued that medical education is a business and that private investors put money into medical colleges because they expect a return. He warned that imposing strict fee controls could force private colleges to close. He claimed that a major audit could show the actual cost of educating one medical student is more than Rs4 million a year in the public sector. Another member rejected this argument, pointing out that government medical institutions may spend much more on a student while charging students only around Rs5,000 to Rs50,000 in fees. The member said private medical college fees ranging from Rs1.8 million to Rs2.5 million are simply beyond the reach of ordinary families. The committee also heard that medical education fees have increased sharply over the years. A university vice chancellor said the cost per student at a public medical college had earlier been estimated at around Rs750,000 to Rs800,000. An audit conducted after Justice Saqib Nisar sought data had put the private college figure at around Rs900,000, but the fee later increased to Rs1.8 million. The vice chancellor said the higher fee is beyond the ability of most students to pay and stressed that fees are a major factor behind the problem. Another member said medical college fees had earlier been around Rs640,000 before increasing to Rs900,000 and then suddenly reaching Rs1.8 million. The member argued that colleges struggling to fill seats should reduce fees to Rs1.5 million or even Rs1 million rather than leave seats empty. The BDS programme also came under discussion. Officials said the programme is being increased from four years to five years to meet international recognition requirements. This means students will have to pay for an additional year. Officials warned that students already struggling to pay around Rs10 million for four years could face another Rs2.5 million burden for the fifth year, potentially leading to even more vacant seats. The committee was also told about serious questions regarding documentation submitted by colleges seeking fee increases. Aliya Kamran pointed out that Peshawar Medical, Sahara, Liaquat National and Rawal were among colleges whose documents were allegedly incomplete in the list provided to the committee. She questioned how colleges could be included in the fee enhancement process when some did not have audit reports. The PMDC official responded that audit reports had not been demanded from colleges in the past. According to the official, PMDC started demanding third party audit reports after the January 2023 Act. The official said colleges that failed to provide the required documents were rejected, while the 35 colleges approved for fee enhancement had submitted third party audits. The chairman of the committee, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, said the committee had already decided that medical colleges should generally charge between Rs1.8 million and Rs2.5 million and had sought lists of colleges charging higher fees. Complaints had been received that some colleges were charging more than what their standards justified. The discussion also highlighted a major difference between high

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    Nearly 2,000 child abuse cases reported in Pakista…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan recorded 1,914 reported cases of child abuse during the first six months of 2026, with child sexual abuse making up the largest share of incidents, according to a new report released by child rights organisation Sahil. The report, based on cases published in national and regional newspapers, revealed that 1,015 children were victims of sexual abuse between January and June. It also documented 558 abductions, 101 missing children, 35 child marriages and 98 cases involving child pornography linked to sexual abuse. In addition, 49 newborn babies were found abandoned in different parts of the country during the reporting period. Girls accounted for 58 percent of the reported victims, while children between the ages of 11 and 15 were identified as the most vulnerable group. The report also noted that children aged 16 to 18 and those between six and 10 years old were among the frequently affected age groups. According to Sahil, many victims were abused by people they knew. Acquaintances were identified as the alleged perpetrators in 43 percent of the reported cases, while strangers accounted for 34 percent. The findings further showed that nearly half of the abuse incidents occurred inside the victims’ homes, highlighting the hidden nature of child abuse. Other cases took place in the homes of the accused or at various public locations, while the location was not specified in several reports. Urban areas recorded a higher number of reported incidents than rural regions. Punjab accounted for around 80 percent of all reported child abuse cases nationwide, followed by Sindh with 15 percent. The remaining cases were reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The report also stated that police registered cases in 89 percent of the reported incidents. However, a small number of cases were either not reported to law enforcement or allegedly faced refusal in the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), while the registration status of some cases remained unknown.

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    Swat hosts flag rally in support of Pakistan army …

    ByJustpaste.in

    A joint flag rally and patrol were held in Swat to demonstrate solidarity with the Pakistan Army and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police amid the prevailing security situation in the region. The event brought together security personnel and local residents in a show of unity aimed at reinforcing public confidence and promoting peace. According to official information, the rally featured participation from Pakistan Army personnel, KP Police officers, civilians, and children. Participants carried the national flag and expressed support for the country’s security forces while emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies. During the event, large crowds chanted patriotic slogans, including “Long Live Pakistan” and “Long Live Pakistan Army,” as the joint procession moved through key roads and public areas of Swat. The rally was accompanied by a coordinated patrol involving security vehicles and motorcycles, highlighting the continued presence of security forces across the district. The joint patrol was organized as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security, reassure local communities, and enhance coordination between the Pakistan Army and the provincial police. Officials said such activities are intended to improve the public’s sense of safety while maintaining vigilance against potential security threats. Authorities stated that the initiative also aimed to send a clear message that the people of Swat stand united with the country’s security institutions against elements seeking to disrupt peace and stability. The visible participation of residents reflected community engagement in efforts to support law enforcement and contribute to a secure environment. Residents from different segments of society, including families and young people, took part in the event, underlining a shared commitment to peace and national unity. Organizers described the rally as a symbol of cooperation between citizens and security forces, stressing that maintaining peace requires collective responsibility and mutual trust. The flag rally comes as security agencies continue to monitor the situation in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and carry out measures aimed at ensuring public safety. Joint patrols and community outreach initiatives have become an important part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination between security institutions and local communities. Officials expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the Pakistan Army, KP Police, and the people of Swat would help preserve lasting peace and stability in the region. They emphasized that unity, vigilance, and public cooperation remain essential in addressing security challenges and safeguarding the progress made toward maintaining law and order.

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    Justice delayed for 40 years is injustice, says Mu…

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    Prominent religious scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has called for urgent reforms in Pakistan’s justice and economic systems, saying that a legal framework that fails to deliver justice for decades cannot be considered fair. Addressing a gathering in Karachi on Tuesday, Mufti Muneeb said prolonged court cases lasting 40 years amount to injustice and place an enormous burden on ordinary citizens. He stressed that timely justice is essential for social stability and public trust in institutions. The scholar also urged those in power to focus on resolving Pakistan’s domestic challenges. He said leaders often discuss global issues, but greater attention should be given to pressing national matters, particularly economic concerns affecting millions of people. Referring to the energy sector, Mufti Muneeb called for a solution to issues related to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which have frequently been debated in Pakistan due to their impact on electricity costs and the national economy. He further highlighted the country’s financial difficulties, saying that after payments related to provincial allocations and debt obligations, limited resources remain for development and public welfare. Speaking at the same event, Maulana Bashir Farooqi expressed concern over the continuation of the interest-based banking system. He said there was a need for serious efforts to move toward alternative financial models and added that his organization was prepared to help train employees of conventional banks if reforms were introduced. The remarks come amid ongoing debates in Pakistan over judicial reforms, economic challenges and proposals for changes in the financial system.

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    Honey-trap, cyber blackmail ring busted as 3 arres…

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    LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested three suspected members of a honey-trap and cyber blackmailing network during a raid in Multan, officials said. According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the suspects allegedly used fake identities on social media to establish contact with unsuspecting citizens before moving conversations to WhatsApp. They would then use video calls to obtain private pictures and videos, which were allegedly used to threaten victims and extort money from them. The operation was carried out on the special directions of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem. Acting on intelligence, an NCCIA Lahore team raided a house in Basti Saleh Mahaye, near Nawabpur Road in Multan, and arrested Dil Hassan, Umar Saeed and Umair Hassan. Initial investigations suggest that the suspects had allegedly collected millions of rupees from victims through the same method. Investigators have also secured evidence relating to financial transactions and money transfers as part of the probe. Three mobile phones were recovered during the raid. The agency said an initial forensic examination revealed several WhatsApp accounts, photographs, videos and other potentially significant digital evidence. A detailed forensic analysis is now under way. During questioning, investigators also came across the names of Muhammad Farhan, Sohail alias Loli, Zahid Haraj and Shahid Haraj, along with several other individuals. Their alleged involvement and possible links to the network are being examined. The NCCIA is now working to identify additional members of the suspected network, trace the social media accounts allegedly used in the scheme, follow the money trail and identify other potential victims. NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem said operations against individuals involved in honey-trapping and cyber blackmailing would be intensified, stressing that those found involved would face legal action under the law.

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