Author: Syed Irfan Raza

Syed Irfan Raza is journalist and contributor for the Dawn newspaper. Dawn is a Pakistani daily English newspaper founded in 1941, and headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan. Covering local Pakistan news, and breaking news stories from around the world.

Exciting news for the industrial sector as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approves a significant reduction of Rs10.69 per unit in electricity tariff, bringing the new price down to Rs34.99 per unit. This move, recommended by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, is expected to provide relief of over Rs200 billion to the industry, making goods more competitive in the global market. The initiative is set to lower manufacturing costs, decrease prices of agricultural commodities, and spur industrial growth, creating new job opportunities and stimulating economic activity. To further boost investment agreements, the Prime Minister has instructed authorities to consult with…

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to join the ruling coalition led by PML-N during a visit to his residence. He proposed the formation of a committee to address political issues and urged the Maulana to be part of it. However, the JUI-F leader declined the offer, stating that seeking power was not a priority in their politics. Maulana Fazl had previously spearheaded the Pakistan Democratic Movement, which later formed a government under PM Shehbaz Sharif after the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan in April 2022. Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz emphasized the use of…

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PML-N President Nawaz Sharif stated that he is not seeking revenge and emphasized the importance of political reconciliation in Pakistan. He praised the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for reducing essential item prices. However, he criticized PTI founder Imran Khan for hindering political harmony. Sharif highlighted the need for lowering gas and electricity tariffs to address the country’s crises. He refrained from seeking political vengeance, even against those who tried to undermine his power. Sharif also condemned Imran Khan’s policies and victimization. He mentioned the failures of PTI development projects, particularly citing…

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In his recent visit to China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of business collaboration between Pakistan and China. He assured Chinese investors of full facilitation and security for their projects in Pakistan. He highlighted the potential for trade and investment in key sectors such as technology transfer, IT, agriculture, mining, textiles, and renewable energy. The PM praised China’s economic model and expressed his commitment to replicate it in Pakistan. He encouraged Pakistani businessmen to work with their Chinese counterparts to bring Chinese industries to Pakistan. During his visit, PM Shehbaz also visited Huawei’s headquarters and invited the company…

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China marks a significant milestone in Pakistan-China relations following the Feb 8 elections. The visit, which includes the inauguration of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is expected to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. In Shenzhen, a hub of innovation and technology, the Prime Minister engaged with local leaders and business communities. His visit also included the Pakistan-China Business Conference, where leading Pakistani and Chinese business figures explored collaboration opportunities. During his visit, Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism about elevating bilateral relations to new heights. Talks with Chinese leadership…

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In a bold move aimed at cutting government expenditures, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the closure of the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD) due to poor performance and corruption. This decision puts the fate of 7,000 employees at stake, with potential legal challenges against the ruling. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the decision was made during a meeting focusing on reducing expenses. The PM highlighted the department’s failure to meet objectives and requested alternative mechanisms for development projects. Deliberations include the possible shutdown of other departments like the National Engineering Services of Pakistan and National Construction. The PM…

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Recently, a team from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) along with Rawalpindi police conducted a raid at the offices of Bahria Town in Rawalpindi. The purpose of the raid was reportedly to confiscate records related to the Al Qadir Trust case. Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz and his son, currently in the UAE, have been declared proclaimed offenders in the case. In response to the raid, Malik Riaz posted a CCTV video on social media showing men going through office shelves and drawers. He alleged that his employees were taken away along with office records and vehicles. Malik Riaz also…

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed zero tolerance for overbilling and promised a monthly review of the power theft situation in Pakistan. In a recent meeting, he directed authorities to ensure better load management and provide relief to those suffering from long hours of power outages during the scorching summer. The government is cracking down on power thieves and is accelerating the privatization of power distribution companies. PM Shehbaz also invited Chinese textile firms to set up industry in Pakistan, offering them all-out facilitation to establish their businesses in the country. In a separate meeting to discuss Pakistan-China cooperation, PM…

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The government has launched a new plan to support startups in key technological fields by providing tax exemptions. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between private individuals and startups collaborating with organizations, who currently face a 35% tax rate. To facilitate this, a special committee will evaluate the performance of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) while consultations with the private sector will focus on encouraging startups and providing necessary resources. During a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was emphasized that hurdles related to debit cards and foreign currency must be removed for software exporters. Additionally,…

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to rationalize tariffs for export sector industries and ensure affordable rates for electricity and gas supply. He stressed the importance of industrial development and exports during a meeting in Islamabad. The PM also met with a Chinese mining company, MCC Tongsin Resources, inviting them to invest in Pakistan’s mining and manufacturing sector. He assured the delegation of support from exploration to exporting goods, highlighting his government’s efforts to promote foreign investment. Additionally, Shehbaz met with a delegation from beverages companies, discussing the government’s business-friendly policies and encouraging them to contribute to national development.…

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