Latest news with #CERP
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CERP and Princeton launch energy transition roadmap
ISLAMABAD: In a significant step toward building a sustainable and resilient energy future, the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) and researchers from Princeton University have initiated a project to develop a long-term energy transition planning framework for Pakistan. The initiative comes at a time when Pakistan's energy sector faces high costs, volatility, and an overreliance on imported fossil fuels, which account for nearly 60% of the country's energy supply. Outdated infrastructure, inefficient management, and transmission bottlenecks have contributed to persistent power shortages and a growing circular debt crisis, issues that the roadmap aims to address while planning for future growth, sustainability, and climate resilience. The launch event, 'Pakistan's Energy Transition Roadmap,' was part of a two-day workshop, the final of a three-part capacity-building and learning series, which brought together over 50 policymakers, researchers, and private-sector experts. Drawing on Princeton's Net-Zero project expertise, this initiative will provide Pakistan with practical, evidence-based guidance on how to equitably move from reliance on expensive, imported fossil fuels to cleaner, more affordable energy sources aligned with economic growth and development goals. Pakistan's power sector indigenization need of the hour: Awais Leghari Speaking at the event, Federal Minister for Energy SardarAwais Ahmad Khan Leghari emphasized the need for an integrated plan. 'The Energy and Petroleum Division are working separately, but for the plan to be truly effective, it needs to be built on real, credible data...I believe we need to formalize this relationship with CERP to help us plan better and gain valuable insights from their experts. CERP is uniquely positioned to advise us and help us identify the issues they have expertise in.' The Minister added. Bilal Anwar, CEO of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), added that climate risks and natural disasters make planning ahead more urgent than ever to avoid future social and economic costs. 'This project isn't about imposing ideas, it's about co-creating a roadmap that respects Pakistan's unique challenges while exploring practical opportunities for cleaner, more affordable energy. At CERP, we ensure that every step we take is rooted in rigorous evidence, so that solutions are grounded in real data and tailored to Pakistan's specific needs,' said Maroof A. Syed, President & CEO of CERP. Reflecting on his three years with this workshop series, Dr Chris Greig, Senior Research Scientist at Princeton's Andlinger Center for Energy and Environment, noted, 'These discussions with participants, sector specialists, policymakers and other stakeholders have been valuable in helping us understand the real challenges and the urgency of finding context-specific solutions that work for Pakistan's economy and people. They also help us think about development-compatible pathways to Pakistan's sustainable energy future.' Over the last three years, the Julis-Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy & Finance at Princeton SPIA has cosponsored this workshop series. Pallavi Nuka, the Center's Associate Director said, 'Initially focused on capacity building, these workshops have directly contributed to catalyzing significant thinking about Pakistan's energy policies and fostered valuable collaborations. Building on this foundation, this initiative will help policymakers understand the bigger picture when it comes to planning for Pakistan's future energy needs.' The roadmap project, now beginning its detailed work, will explore multiple, development-compatible pathways to meet Pakistan's growing energy demand, reduce environmental and economic costs, and identify investment opportunities in renewables that support climate resilience. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CERP, World Bank delegation visits PITB
LAHORE: A delegation from the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) and the World Bank visited the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to discuss strategies for making the Punjab Job Center a more inclusive platform for women. The meeting focused on recent research findings related to gender inclusion in employment platforms and presented actionable recommendations to improve accessibility and outreach for women job seekers. The delegation included World Bank Economist Dr Katherine Vyborny, Consultant Aiman Farooq, CERP Associate Director Adil Saeed, and Senior Associate Government Relations Adil Aziz. Representing the Punjab Job Center were Director of Labour & Human Resources Department Imran Haider Tipu, PITB Director Incubation Hammad Khalique, and Senior Programme Manager Shams ul Islam. Speaking on the occasion, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf emphasized the importance of gender inclusivity in digital employment platforms: 'We are committed to making the Punjab Job Center a safe, accessible, and effective platform for women, enabling them to find suitable employment opportunities with ease. Through the Punjab Job Portal, we will also offer women-focused training, workshops, and mentorship sessions. This collaboration with the World Bank and CERP will further reinforce our vision.' The PITB is already implementing several initiatives targeted at youth and women. Programmes such as SheWins and e-Rozgaar 2.0 aim to empower women and young individuals as entrepreneurs and freelancers by providing incubation, skills development, and training opportunities. These initiatives play a vital role in strengthening the digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Punjab. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Is education a priority for Pakistan? experts call for urgent reforms and equity-driven policies
Lahore: Pakistan's education system is at a crossroads. Are we ready to confront the hard truths and embark on structural reforms? This was the central question at an important session hosted by the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) and the Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan (PILAP). The afternoon began with the book launch of Educational Conundrums of Pakistan and a fireside chat between author Dr Faisal Bari and Maroof A. Syed. They discussed entrenched failures in the education system, from the weak enforcement of Article 25-A to the culture of rote learning, exclusionary curricula, and widespread systemic neglect. The book launch was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Maroof A. Syed (President & CEO, CERP and Vice Chairman, PILAP), featuring Dr Amjad Waheed (CEO, NBP Fund Management and Founding Member, PILAP) and Dr Faisal Bari (Vice Chancellor, National Institute of Technology and Senior Fellow, IDEAS). Together, they examined critical themes ranging from the effectiveness of public interest litigation and the fragmentation of education governance to the risks of increasing privatisation and elite capture. 'Even though everyone agrees that Education is an important public policy issue, quality and equitable access to education remain intractable challenges' said Maroof A. Syed in his opening remarks. 'We need a renewed social contract that elevates education from a hackneyed policy discussion to a political and civic demand.' Dr Faisal Bari raised urgent concerns about equity, exclusion, and institutional inertia. 'We can't just talk about access; we must interrogate who is being left behind and why,' he stated. 'Without quality and accountability, the system will continue to produce inequity by design.' Dr Amjad Waheed offered insight from PILAP's public interest perspective. 'Article 25-A gives us a constitutional tool, but laws alone don't guarantee justice. This is why institutions like PILAP are crucial for citizen engagement to hold the policymakers accountable,' he emphasised. The session ended with a collective commitment to leverage research, litigation, and civic voice to transform education into a right realised, not just a right promised, shifting the focus toward equitable access and ensuring quality education reaches beyond the privileged few. PILAP is a non-profit organisation committed to securing citizens' constitutional rights. Through public interest litigation, policy advocacy, and civic engagement, PILAP works to ensure access to justice and accountability, especially in areas like education, health, and governance.
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Renewed social contract required to elevates education'
LAHORE: Experts at a session held here on Tuesday stated that Pakistan's education system is at a crossroads and there is urgent need of reforms and equity-driven policies. The Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) and the Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan (PILAP) organised the event. The afternoon began with the book launch of Educational Conundrums of Pakistan and a fireside chat between author Dr Faisal Bari and Maroof A Syed. They discussed entrenched failures in the education system, from the weak enforcement of Article 25-A to the culture of rote learning, exclusionary curricula, and widespread systemic neglect. The book launch was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Maroof A Syed (President & CEO, CERP and Vice Chairman, PILAP), featuring Dr Amjad Waheed (CEO, NBP Fund Management and Founding Member, PILAP) and Dr Faisal Bari (Vice Chancellor, National Institute of Technology and Senior Fellow, IDEAS). Together, they examined critical themes ranging from the effectiveness of public interest litigation and the fragmentation of education governance to the risks of increasing privatisation and elite capture. 'Even though everyone agrees that Education is an important public policy issue, quality and equitable access to education remain intractable challenges,' said Maroof A Syed in his opening remarks. 'We need a renewed social contract that elevates education from a hackneyed policy discussion to a political and civic demand.' Dr Faisal Bari raised urgent concerns about equity, exclusion, and institutional inertia. 'We can't just talk about access; we must interrogate who is being left behind and why,' he stated. 'Without quality and accountability, the system will continue to produce inequity by design.' Dr Amjad Waheed offered insight from PILAP's public interest perspective. 'Article 25-A gives us a constitutional tool, but laws alone don't guarantee justice. This is why institutions like PILAP are crucial for citizen engagement to hold the policymakers accountable,' he emphasised. The session ended with a collective commitment to leverage research, litigation and civic voice to transform education into a right realised, not just a right promised, shifting the focus toward equitable access and ensuring quality education reaches beyond the privileged few. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
B-52 Re-Engining Plan Comes Into Sharper Focus
The U.S. Air Force's goal has been to finish re-engining the last of its fleet of 76 B-52 bombers by 2035, but this schedule might now slip to the following year. This would extend the total time between the original Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) contract award and the completion of the upgrade work to around 15 years. Delays and cost growth have already beset the CERP effort. At the same time, we are gettin new information as to what will be included in one of the re-engining kits. In 2021, the Air Force announced it had selected the F130 as the winner of a competition to re-engine its remaining operational B-52Hs, something that had been a topic of on again-off again discussions for decades at that point. The B-52's original manufacturer, Boeing, is the prime contractor for the actual integration work, which requires a host of additional modifications to the aircraft. The resulting bombers, which will also get an array of other upgrades and are currently expected to serve into the 2050s, will be redesignated as B-52Js. The B-52Hs were the last of these bombers produced and the final example rolled off the Boeing production line in 1962. The aircraft have received various improvements and updates already since then. 'The B-52J CERP production phase' includes 'procurement and/or production of aircraft components to support installation of new engines and associated sub-systems onto the B-52 aircraft. (engines will be provided separately by the Government),' according to a recent Air Force contracting notice. 'Building, storing, and delivering aircraft modification kits to Tinker AFB [Air Force Base] or other designated locations, if required, on an as needed basis through the production phase for up to 76 B-52H aircraft including additional spare parts, production tooling and support equipment to support installations in a five-to-eight-year period, starting FY28 [Fiscal Year 2028].' An eight-year period starting in Fiscal Year 2028 would wrap up in Fiscal Year 2036. The 2036 fiscal cycle will start on October 1, 2035 and end on September 30, 2036. As of 2023, the Air Force said it was looking to complete the CERP effort by 2035. The contracting notice does say that the Air Force's goal remains to have its first two B-52s with the new engines by 2028, which will be used for ground and flight testing purposes. 'Prior to the B-52J production phase, the Boeing Company will develop aircraft modification installation drawings [and] select aircraft modification component suppliers,' it adds. Details about the anticipated contents of the B-52J CERP 'modification kits' are also included in the notice and are as follows: Engine Struts (OEM Spirit Aero) Integrated Drive Generators (OEM Collins) Hydraulic pumps (OEM Parker) Engine nacelles and fairings (OEM Spirit Aero) Generator Control Units (OEM Collins) Hydraulic reservoirs Engine throttle controls Power distribution boxes (OEM Boeing) Power wiring Engine start switches Air starter auxiliary unit (OEM Honeywell) Control wiring Engine instrument display (OEM L3 Collins) Air starter auxiliary unit controller Attachment hardware Engine data concentrator units (OEM Boeing) Hydraulics panel in cockpit Pneumatic pre-coolers Electrical panel in cockpit Pneumatic components and ducting Anti-ice systems (OEM Liebherr) Air Data System Probes (OEM Collins Rosemont) True Air Temp Sensors (OEM Collins Rosemont) The CERP program centers on a one-for-one replacement of the eight TF33 engines that currently power the B-52, a decision made to try to reduce the cost and complexity of the upgrade effort. However, the list above underscores that the work entails much more than just installing the new F130s under the wings of the bombers. The re-engining effort is set to give the bombers substantially better fuel economy and reduce maintenance demands, which, in turn, are expected to cut sustainment costs and provide operational benefits, including extended range, as you can learn more about here. The TF33 is a 1950s-era design that has been out of production since 1985 and is now very costly to operate and maintain. Though a possible slip in the completion timeline for the CERP program from 2035 to 2036 isn't great, it does speak to the larger issues the effort has already faced to date. Those difficulties could, in turn, eat into the benefits that re-engining the B-52s is supposed to provide. Last year, it emerged that the Air Force might not even start flying operational missions with B-52Js until 2033, three years later than expected and 12 years after the initial CERP contract was signed. It is also possible that steps the Air Force and Boeing are taking now, including starting the search for possible vendors to help put the modification kits together, could help mitigate existing delays. On the other hand, the program is still quite young and additional delays could spring up as a result of production and flight testing. Boeing as a whole has seen serious turmoil across its defense and commercial sectors in recent years, including with regard to new Air Force One jets for the Air Force and other high-profile U.S. military programs, leading to billions of dollars in financial losses. How much the CERP program is expected to cost in total at this point is unclear, but there are indications that it may have already grown from around $8 billion to roughly $9 billion. Boeing was supposed to provide the Air Force with an updated cost estimate by the end of last year, but it is unclear whether or not that occured. CERP is also just one of a number of modernization efforts the Air Force is pursuing to help ensure its B-52s remain operationally relevant for decades to come. This includes a major Radar Modernization Program (RMP), which has also struggled with delays and cost growth in recent years. Replacing the B-52's existing mechanically-scanned AN/APQ-166 radar with a new active electronically-scanned array (AESA) type derived from Raytheon's popular AN/APG-79 is seen as a particularly critical upgrade. The new radars will offer greater range and fidelity, along with improved situational awareness and resistance to countermeasures. All of this could help with target acquisition and identification, including of potentially hostile aircraft, as well as help expand the aircraft's ability to employ networked munitions at long distances. The radars will also have secondary ground moving target indicator (GMTI) and synthetic aperture radar surveillance capabilities, and could have additional functionality, including electronic warfare and communications support. The Air Force otherwise sees the B-52 as a key element of its nuclear and conventional long-range strike capabilities through at least 2050, including in a potential high-end fight against China in the Pacific. In addition to the on-aircraft upgrades, the bombers are set to receive new weapons to support those missions, including the nuclear-tipped AGM-181A Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) cruise missile and future conventionally-armed hypersonic weapons. Regardless, the re-engining program remains arguably the most important upgrade effort for the B-52 in decades, but it may ultimately take at least 15 years total to complete the work. Contact the author: joe@
