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In a significant move to facilitate renewable energy adoption, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has officially abolished the licensing requirement for solar power systems with a capacity of up to 25 kilowatts (kW). Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/alleged-fake-claims-oil-marketing-companies-accused-of-extracting-billions-from-govt/ This decision aims to simplify the process for residential and small commercial consumers who utilize net metering to offset their electricity bills. The policy change follows a formal request from the Power Division, acting on the special directives of Federal Minister for Energy, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. Previously, even small-scale solar installers had to navigate bureaucratic hurdles to obtain a license, which often acted as a deterrent for many households looking to switch to green energy. Simplifying the Net Metering Process The removal of the licensing condition is expected to drastically reduce the processing time for net metering applications. By cutting through the red tape, the government hopes to encourage more citizens to invest in solar technology, which helps reduce the burden on the national grid and lowers individual electricity costs. Focus on Clean Energy Goals This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to increase the share of renewable energy in Pakistan’s total energy mix. By making it easier for small-scale users to connect to the grid, the authorities aim to promote environmental sustainability while providing financial relief to the public amid rising energy prices.

ISLAMABAD – A high-level delegation of U.S. negotiators is scheduled to arrive in the Pakistani capital this Saturday to revive stalled peace talks, even as Tehran maintains a firm stance against direct engagement. The mission, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, aims to resolve a nine-week conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies and claimed thousands of lives. Mediation Through Interlocutors Despite the White House’s optimism that the “Iranians want to talk in person,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei clarified on social media that no direct meeting is on the agenda. Instead, Tehran intends to use Pakistani officials as intermediaries to convey their concerns. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who arrived in Islamabad on Friday, has been coordinating with Pakistani leadership, emphasizing that “neighbors are our priority” while dismissing direct contact with the American team. Economic Stakes and the Nuclear Demand The backdrop of these talks is a crippling economic impasse. Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for 20% of global oil, in response to a U.S. blockade on its exports. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently stated that Iran still has an “open window” to secure a deal, provided they abandon their nuclear ambitions in a verifiable manner. With Brent crude prices soaring by 16% this week, the international community is watching Islamabad closely for any sign of a breakthrough that could stabilize the market.

Karachi: President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Muhammad Ikram Rajput, has expressed serious concern over the government’s recent increase in petroleum prices, warning that the move will have damaging consequences for industry, employment, and the broader economy. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/why-phevs-not-evs-are-winning-the-first-round-of-electrification-in-emerging-markets/ Reacting to the latest notification, he said the price of petrol has been raised by Rs26.77 per litre to Rs393.35, while high-speed diesel has increased to Rs380.19 per litre. He termed the sharp hike in energy costs “highly detrimental” to industrial and commercial activity. Rajput noted that higher fuel prices would significantly raise production costs, leading to an increase in the prices of essential goods and undermining export competitiveness. “Expensive fuel translates directly into expensive production,” he said, adding that the burden would ultimately be passed on to consumers. He urged the government to immediately reduce levies and other charges on petroleum products to bring prices within reach of the common man. “Fuel prices are rapidly moving beyond the affordability of ordinary citizens,” he said, warning that the rising cost of energy is making it increasingly difficult for industries to sustain operations. President KATI pointed out that the business community is already grappling with high electricity tariffs, elevated interest rates, and other financial constraints. “At such a time, an increase in petroleum prices will only compound the challenges faced by industrialists,” he added. Rajput called on the government to review its decision and introduce immediate relief measures for the industrial and trade sectors. He cautioned that if production costs continue to rise at the current pace, industrial activity could slow down, adversely affecting both economic growth and employment.