Tipu Usman seeks closer media engagement to strengthen Pakistan’s UK diaspora outreach

  Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has strongly criticized Pakistan’s judicial and economic systems, stating that a justice system that fails to deliver justice even after forty years cannot be considered a true system of justice but rather a system of oppression. He made these remarks while addressing a public ceremony in Karachi, where he spoke about the country’s pressing legal and economic challenges. During his speech, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman expressed concern over the prolonged delays in the judicial process. He argued that when people have to wait decades for justice, the very purpose of the legal system is defeated. According to him, justice delayed for such an extended period effectively becomes justice denied, leaving citizens frustrated and deprived of their fundamental rights. He emphasized that a judicial system should provide timely and fair decisions so that public confidence in the rule of law remains intact. The scholar also urged those in positions of authority to focus on resolving Pakistan’s domestic problems instead of concentrating solely on international issues. He remarked that while government leaders often discuss and engage with global affairs, the country’s internal challenges require immediate attention. He specifically called upon policymakers and those holding power to prioritize the welfare of the people by addressing the nation’s economic difficulties. One of the major issues highlighted by Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman was the problem of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He appealed to the government to find a practical and sustainable solution to the IPP issue, which has been widely debated due to its impact on electricity prices and the country’s financial stability. According to him, resolving this matter would help reduce the economic burden on both the government and ordinary citizens. Speaking about the national economy, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman painted a concerning picture of Pakistan’s financial condition. He stated that after distributing the constitutionally allocated shares to the provinces and making payments on interest obligations, the federal government is left with very limited financial resources. This situation, he suggested, reflects the severity of the country’s fiscal challenges and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive economic reforms. He stressed that policymakers should adopt measures that promote financial stability, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and improve revenue generation without placing excessive burdens on the public. The event also featured an address by Maulana Bashir Farooqi, who criticized the government’s approach toward eliminating the interest-based financial system. He argued that the authorities are not demonstrating sufficient seriousness in transitioning toward an Islamic banking framework. According to him, meaningful reforms require not only policy changes but also practical steps to prepare financial institutions for such a transformation. Maulana Bashir Farooqi announced that his organization is willing to provide training for approximately 100,000 employees working in conventional banks. He explained that this initiative aims to equip banking professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate within an interest-free Islamic banking system if the government decides to pursue such reforms. He maintained that the availability of trained professionals would facilitate a smoother transition and strengthen the implementation of Islamic financial principles in the country’s banking sector. The speeches delivered at the Karachi ceremony underscored concerns regarding Pakistan’s judicial efficiency, economic management, and financial policies. Both religious leaders called on the government to prioritize domestic reforms, strengthen public institutions, address long-standing economic challenges, and work toward a system that better serves the interests of the people.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has announced a 75-paisa per unit increase in electricity prices for consumers across Pakistan, including domestic users of K-Electric. The revised tariff will be reflected in electricity bills issued during August 2026, according to an official notification released by the regulator. The increase has been approved under the monthly fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for June 2026, a mechanism through which electricity tariffs are periodically revised to account for changes in fuel generation costs. The adjustment applies to electricity consumers served by power distribution companies nationwide, including those receiving electricity from K-Electric in Karachi. According to the notification, consumers will pay an additional Rs0.75 per unit in their August electricity bills. The fuel cost adjustment is a routine regulatory measure designed to recover fluctuations in the cost of electricity generation caused by varying fuel prices and the overall energy mix used by power producers. NEPRA stated that the revised charges are part of the monthly adjustment process and are intended to align electricity tariffs with the actual cost of power generation during the relevant period. The authority regularly reviews requests submitted by power distribution companies before approving any changes in consumer tariffs. The latest increase comes as electricity consumers across Pakistan continue to face higher utility costs amid rising inflation and increasing household expenses. The adjustment will affect millions of residential, commercial, and industrial consumers, although the exact financial impact will depend on individual electricity consumption levels. Domestic consumers in Karachi supplied by K-Electric will also be subject to the revised tariff, ensuring that the increase is implemented uniformly across the country. The notification confirms that the additional charges will be included in the current billing cycle for August. Fuel cost adjustments are separate from the base electricity tariff and may result in either increases or reductions in monthly bills depending on changes in fuel prices and electricity generation costs. In recent years, these periodic revisions have become a regular feature of Pakistan’s electricity pricing system as regulators seek to recover actual power generation expenses. Consumers are advised to review their upcoming electricity bills carefully to understand the impact of the latest tariff adjustment and any other applicable charges included in the monthly billing statement.