
KE clarification about tariff determination
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the KE spokesperson said, 'Amid widespread speculation on increase in tariffs for K-Electric (KE) customers, KE believes that it is important to issue a short note on how electricity rates are determined in the country.'
Explaining the structure of tariff determination, the spokesperson added, 'Consumer tariffs – including per unit rate, consumer categories, and consumption slabs – are determined by the Power Division under the Uniform Tariff Policy. These rates are not decided by K-Electric (KE) and there is identical tariff for consumers nationwide.'
KE further emphasised that it does not possess the authority to change electricity pricing. 'KE does not have mandate to modify or alter these rates on its own. Any change in electricity prices, slabs, or categories can only happen through a formal notification from the Government of Pakistan. The customer-end tariff currently in effect was notified for all Discos by the GoP in July this year, and remains the same in the country.'
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
1724919650-0%2FUntitled-design-(5)1724919650-0-640x480.webp&w=3840&q=100)

Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Governor rules out talks with terrorists
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Faisal Karim Kundi, has declared that there will be no negotiations with those who defy the Constitution or challenge the writ of the state. He urged individuals supporting terrorists to cease providing them shelter, warning that intelligence-based operations will be conducted against them. Addressing the Qaumi Istehkam-e-Pakistan Conference in Peshawar and speaking to the media, the Governor emphasized that Pakistan's armed forces are capable of responding to any threat. "If our military can respond to our eternal enemy within 72 hours, a handful of terrorists hold no significance. They can be neutralized in minutes," he said. He added that while a large-scale military operation is not underway, intelligence-based actions are ongoing because locals do not want to be displaced again. Criticizing the provincial government, he said, "The K-P government is playing Jirga-Jirga while refusing to act decisively. We cannot hold talks with those who reject the Constitution." Addressing propaganda claims that the situation in certain areas is being worsened to exploit mineral resources, he countered, "If that's true, where are the mines in DI Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, and Bannu? This narrative is being used to undermine the army." On PTI's protests, Governor Kundi remarked that the party has been reduced to a "neighborhood group" and will soon be unable to hold rallies even in alleyways. He criticized CM Gandapur, calling him a "good boy" who has compromised on major issues. "It's unfortunate that the province's chief executive doesn't have time for Kashmiris," he added. Taking aim at PTI leader Omar Ayub, he said, "The grandson of a dictator should not lecture us on democracy. These are the same people who stood with Nawaz Sharif and General Musharraf, and are now aligned with Imran Khan. While we visit Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, they head to Corps Commander House." He recalled that PTI was handed a peaceful province in 2013 but failed to maintain law and order. Paying tribute to the armed forces, police, and security personnel, the Governor said, "It is the duty of every citizen to stand against terrorism. We want peace and prosperity in the province, which is rich in natural resources. Development, be it roads, schools, or hospitals, can only happen once peace is ensured." He stressed the need for better relations with neighboring countries but said Pakistan must rely on itself. "No savior will come from abroad," he said. Referring to past military victories, he stated, "The world called for peace when our army responded to Indian aggression. Even today, the Indian prime minister remains stunned by that response. The nation stood with the military then and continues to do so now." "We salute the martyrs of our armed forces, as well as the police and other officers who have sacrificed for the nation," he concluded.


Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Rs431bn owed to Chinese power projects: PD and SBP at odds over repatriation?
ISLAMABAD: The Power Division and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) are reportedly at odds over the repatriation of Rs 431 billion owed to Chinese power sector projects—an amount meant to be repatriated through commercial banks, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. This issue came to light during a meeting of the Sub-Committee on Reforms, chaired by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik. The meeting was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar. Chinese coal-fired power projects, such as Port Qasim and Sahiwal, have been persistently writing to the Ministry of Finance, seeking clearance of these outstanding payments. Chinese IPPs face Rs500bn in unpaid dues The matter surfaced during discussions on proposed measures to mitigate currency risks for foreign investors in Pakistan. The SBP stated that no loan repayments—whether principal or interest—nor profit repatriation payments are pending with the SBP or any commercial bank. The central bank acknowledged that only a profit payment of $26.5 million is pending with one commercial bank, which it expects will be cleared soon. SBP further clarified that no verbal or written directives had been issued to commercial banks to delay LC payments or other financial transactions. However, the Power Division reported that while the power payment cycle typically spans 90 days, Rs 431 billion in payments remain stuck with commercial banks—primarily for non-energy components. A detailed ageing report presented during the meeting indicated that while no energy payments have been overdue for more than three months, non-energy payments have been pending for years. The depreciation of the rupee has further reduced the dollar value of these payments. No representatives from NEPRA attended the meeting, and no information was shared regarding eight pending cases. The SBP reiterated that no Chinese company payments are currently pending for profit repatriation or debt servicing, and it has issued no instructions—verbal or written—to banks in this context. However, the SBP was asked to provide a written report detailing all payments to Chinese companies pending with commercial banks, including ageing data. The Power Division maintained its stance that Rs 431 billion in payments are pending with various banks and remain un-repatriated by the concerned Chinese companies. NEPRA was directed to provide an update on the potential claw back of the eight cases under adjudication. No conclusive way forward was proposed during the session. The committee noted a divergence in views between the SBP and the Power Division, making it difficult to issue a clear recommendation due to the lack of clarity. The chair emphasized several core principles as essential for attracting investment: (i) adherence to due process of law ;(ii) sanctity and enforceability of contracts;(iii) provision of adequate security measures ;(iv) a competitive and transparent process, and (v) policy consistency and predictability in the medium term. Regarding the development of physical infrastructure and utility services at Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs), the Board of Investment (BoI) informed the sub-committee that six SEZs will be marketed to Chinese investors. BoI said that 40 companies have been identified to showcase as success stories, which will be narrowed down to 5–10 for targeted promotion. The committee supported promoting six SEZs—AIIC, BQIP, KIP, Rashakai, Dhabeji, and PSM—to Chinese investors. Of these, 3,000 acres are available for development at PSM and 700 acres at AIIC, with additional land parcels available at other developed SEZs, all equipped with basic amenities. The committee recommended establishing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to define timelines. On easing regulatory hurdles and creating a one-stop-shop mechanism integrating federal and provincial authorities, the BoI presented updates on its Business Facilitation Center (BFC) initiative. BoI highlighted the 'regulatory guillotine' efforts and modernization of the Companies Act. The Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms (CCoRR) has been notified, and BoI claims that two reform packages will reduce the cost of doing business by Rs 250 billion. Three additional reform packages are in the pipeline for CCoRR approval. BoI also shared its role in integrating 20 departments with SECP, harmonizing food standards across federal and provincial jurisdictions, and reducing DRAP's medical device registration timeline from two years to 45 days. The committee recommended that BoI implement a hub-and-spoke model for BFCs linked to regional offices in the six priority SEZs. SLAs will also be developed for these centers to provide transparency and predictability for investors. On reducing port clearance times and enhancing cold chain logistics, the Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA), along with the Chairman of Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and the General Manager (Operations) of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), briefed the committee. They reported that recent reforms have reduced consignment clearance time by 24–48 hours. However, no precise data was available on reefer (refrigerated container) occupancy or costs. It was also noted that 35–40% of consignments are routed through yellow or red channels, and various departments at ports impact both import and export processes. The chair inquired whether consignments of vetted and established investors could be moved to the green channel. The committee recommended developing a comprehensive port governance model that ensures one-window operations and standard procedures for cold chain storage, aligned with international best practices. SLAs should also be signed with investors to guarantee faster clearance of their consignments. Pre-clearance mechanisms and a grievance redressal help desk for reputable importers were also advised. Lastly, the chair took serious notice of the long-vacant post of Chairman KPT and directed the Secretary of MoMA to resolve the matter urgently. A 'look-after' charge must also be assigned without delay. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
At Sindh Governor House: KE CEO case hearing now on 11th
KARACHI: A hearing was held at the Sindh Governor House here regarding a harassment case between K-Electric's Chief Executive Officer Moonis Alvi and former employee Meherin Aziz Khan. During the proceedings, CEO Moonis Alvi appeared along with his legal counsel, while Meherin Aziz Khan's lawyer submitted a request for exemption from attendance on medical grounds. Acting on the request from Meherin Aziz Khan's counsel, the presiding authority ordered that the appeal submitted by Moonis Alvi be provided to the opposing party for review. The next hearing has been scheduled for August 11, 2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025