Latest news with #Discos
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
World Bank urges Pakistan to expedite $55mn power efficiency project
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has urged Pakistan's Power Division and three major Distribution Companies (Discos) to fast-track implementation of the Additional Financing (AF) for the Electricity Distribution Efficiency Improvement Project (EDEIP), warning that continued delays could hamper the timely and effective use of the $55 million credit facility. In a letter addressed to Secretary Economic Affairs Dr. Kazim Niaz, the World Bank's new Country Director for Pakistan, Bolormaa Amgaabazar, noted a significant uptick in disbursements and commitments as of June 30, 2025—with disbursements rising to $18.09 million (9.3%) from 3.6% in November 2024, and commitments to $18.28 million (20.7%) from 9.0%. Still, the Bank flagged that targets for the quarter were not fully met due to rebidding of key contracts, procurement strategy revisions, and delays in grievance resolution. Wolrd Bank approves $55m in additional financing to Discos Despite these hurdles, the Bank remains optimistic. 'The project is now on track to meet its development goals by closure,' the letter stated, projecting end-FY26 disbursement and commitment levels at 30% and 95%, respectively. The World Bank lauded the Economic Affairs Division and Power Division for securing the AF package but emphasized that further momentum depends on meeting several immediate conditions—including finalizing the Financing Agreement and triggering its effectiveness within the 90-day window post-signature. The three Discos—Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO)—have been told to promptly roll out activities under the new funding. During the Bank's May 2025 Appraisal Mission, all stakeholders agreed on a roadmap to eliminate project bottlenecks and enhance implementation speed. The World Bank stressed the importance of updating the Project Enhancement Action Plan (PEAP) by July 21, 2025, to reflect on-the-ground realities and lessons learned. Similarly, the Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) must be revised in line with the Bank's 2025 Procurement Regulations to address persistent contract delays. Key improvements must also be made in procurement quality, bid evaluation speed, complaint management, and oversight of contract execution. All high-value contracts must incorporate rated criteria and early market engagement to ensure transparency and efficiency. Revised procurement plans and bid documents are due to the Bank by July 31, 2025. On the Environmental and Social (E&S) front, the Bank flagged slow progress in preparing key documents like Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs). These are to be submitted by the end of July. The Bank warned that continued inaction could stall broader project progress. While the capacity of Project Implementation Units (PIUs) has improved—with support from the Project Implementation and Management Support Consultant (PIMSC)—gaps remain. The Bank highlighted the need for greater stability in project teams, urging against frequent changes in PIMSC personnel. DISCOs have been instructed to submit a detailed FY26 work plan for consultant engagement by July 31 and to fill all key PIU vacancies with qualified personnel by August 31. 'With focused effort and leadership, the project can still meet its targets and deliver long-term impact on Pakistan's power distribution performance,' the Country Director noted, reiterating the Bank's commitment to the country's reform agenda. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
AF implementation for EDEIP: PD, Discos urged to speed up
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has urged Pakistan's Power Division and three major Distribution Companies (Discos) to fast-track implementation of the Additional Financing (AF) for the Electricity Distribution Efficiency Improvement Project (EDEIP), warning that continued delays could hamper the timely and effective use of the $55 million credit facility. In a letter addressed to Secretary Economic Affairs Dr. Kazim Niaz, the World Bank's new Country Director for Pakistan, Bolormaa Amgaabazar, noted a significant uptick in disbursements and commitments as of June 30, 2025—with disbursements rising to $18.09 million (9.3%) from 3.6% in November 2024, and commitments to $18.28 million (20.7%) from 9.0%. Still, the Bank flagged that targets for the quarter were not fully met due to rebidding of key contracts, procurement strategy revisions, and delays in grievance resolution. Wolrd Bank approves $55m in additional financing to Discos Despite these hurdles, the Bank remains optimistic. 'The project is now on track to meet its development goals by closure,' the letter stated, projecting end-FY26 disbursement and commitment levels at 30% and 95%, respectively. The World Bank lauded the Economic Affairs Division and Power Division for securing the AF package but emphasized that further momentum depends on meeting several immediate conditions—including finalizing the Financing Agreement and triggering its effectiveness within the 90-day window post-signature. The three Discos—Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO)—have been told to promptly roll out activities under the new funding. During the Bank's May 2025 Appraisal Mission, all stakeholders agreed on a roadmap to eliminate project bottlenecks and enhance implementation speed. The World Bank stressed the importance of updating the Project Enhancement Action Plan (PEAP) by July 21, 2025, to reflect on-the-ground realities and lessons learned. Similarly, the Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) must be revised in line with the Bank's 2025 Procurement Regulations to address persistent contract delays. Key improvements must also be made in procurement quality, bid evaluation speed, complaint management, and oversight of contract execution. All high-value contracts must incorporate rated criteria and early market engagement to ensure transparency and efficiency. Revised procurement plans and bid documents are due to the Bank by July 31, 2025. On the Environmental and Social (E&S) front, the Bank flagged slow progress in preparing key documents like Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs). These are to be submitted by the end of July. The Bank warned that continued inaction could stall broader project progress. While the capacity of Project Implementation Units (PIUs) has improved—with support from the Project Implementation and Management Support Consultant (PIMSC)—gaps remain. The Bank highlighted the need for greater stability in project teams, urging against frequent changes in PIMSC personnel. DISCOs have been instructed to submit a detailed FY26 work plan for consultant engagement by July 31 and to fill all key PIU vacancies with qualified personnel by August 31. 'With focused effort and leadership, the project can still meet its targets and deliver long-term impact on Pakistan's power distribution performance,' the Country Director noted, reiterating the Bank's commitment to the country's reform agenda. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Discontinuation of ED collection opposed: KP govt urges Power Division to reconsider decision
ISLAMABAD: The federal government's plan to discontinue the collection of Electricity Duty (ED) has hit another roadblock as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has formally opposed the move, following the earlier objection by the Sindh government. The KP government has urged the Power Division to reconsider the decision in the interest of constitutional propriety, cooperative federalism, and fiscal stability. In response to a letter dated June 30, 2025, from Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur conveyed strong reservations regarding the unilateral discontinuation of ED collection by the Power Division through Distribution Companies (Discos), without prior notice or consultation. Leghari urges chief ministers to scrap electricity duty from bills starting July Gandapur highlighted the constitutional and legal basis for the imposition of Electricity Duty: (i) under Article 157(2)(b) of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973), provincial governments are empowered to levy taxes on electricity consumption within their jurisdictions ;(ii) according to Section 13(2) of the KP Finance Act, 1964, every distribution licensee is obligated to collect and remit Electricity Duty to the provincial government. This duty constitutes a first charge on the amount recoverable for energy supplied, thereby making it a debt owed to the KP government; and (iii) Rule 5(1) of the West Pakistan Electricity Duty Rules, 1964 requires Discos to list Electricity Duty as a separate item on electricity bills and recover it alongside energy charges. He further argued that under Section 38 of the NEPRA Act (1997), provinces are authorized to monitor Discos' compliance regarding billing, metering, and theft cases. The Act also affirms the provincial government's jurisdiction over electricity consumption charges based on the principle of subsidiarity. Gandapur pointed out that under Section 36(2) of the State-Owned Enterprises (SoE) Act, 2023, all previous orders, regulations, and instruments remain in force unless repealed. Thus, the KP Finance Act, 1964 and the Electricity Duty Rules, 1964 continue to hold legal standing. He also referenced Articles 268 and 279 of the Constitution, which provide continuity to existing laws, including taxation statutes, until altered by the appropriate legislature. These protections, he argued, reinforce the provinces' legal right to collect ED. The chief minister emphasized that under Article 154(1) of the Constitution, the Council of Common Interests (CCI) is the designated body to formulate and regulate policies related to electricity and oversee related institutions. Therefore, any decision affecting the power sector must be considered and approved by the CCI, with mandatory consultation from the provinces—a process that was not followed in this case. He noted that three distribution companies—PESCO, HAZECO, and TESCO—operate within KP's jurisdiction and are legally bound to comply with provincial laws, under the principle of lex situs (the law of the place where the property is situated). The ED, he added, must be collected through the billing system as mandated by law, and there exists no alternate mechanism for its recovery. 'The Power Division's unilateral administrative decision, without CCI's approval or consultation with the KP government, is unconstitutional and legally void,' Gandapur asserted. 'This measure may unnecessarily fuel federal-provincial tensions.' The KP government maintains that ED is not a general tax that can be collected through alternative channels, but rather a sector-specific charge that, by law, must be recovered via electricity bills issued by Discos. The provincial government has sought immediate reconsideration of the decision of Power Division, expressing readiness for constructive dialogue, provided the constitutional and legal frameworks are upheld. Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also criticized the federal government, accusing Islamabad of imposing a unilateral decision and advising it to 'put its own house in order' before dictating terms to the provinces. Currently, Discos collect an estimated Rs 60 billion annually as Electricity Duty on behalf of the provinces. While the federal government claims the move is intended to provide relief to consumers, provincial governments argue it undermines their constitutional right. Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari has stated that he will present the collective responses of all provinces to the prime minister before deciding on a future course of action. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Major UK crisp brand launches two new flavours and confirms exact date they hit shelves
Two brand new crisp flavours have hit the shelves this week as popular popchips, owned by KP Snacks have launched the meaty offerings to shoppers - promising to add fun to any occasion Crisp fans are in for a real treat as Popchips have announced two brand new flavours hitting shelves. Popchips, branded as a 'healthier' snack have released two brand new bold flavours - peri peri chicken and chargrilled steak. Popchips are kept away from fryers and are instead cooked in a special 'pressurised chamber' and then quickly released - making them healthier than a poacket of crisps. Now KP Snacks, owner of the Popchips brand has announced the brand new offerings available now and joun the popular line-up including barbeque, sour cream & onion, sea salt & vinegar, and sea salt. Peri Peri Chicken combines the aromatic zest of herbs and savoury roast chicken, finished with a tangy burst of lime and a gentle lingering heat. For those craving a meaty crunch, Chargrilled Steak brings rich, savoury roast beef notes with a light, salty finish. Jill Leslie, assistant brand manager at popchips, said ahead of the launch: "We're really excited to introduce our latest poppin' flavours of Peri Peri Chicken and Chargrilled Steak, and can't wait for everyone to try them when they hit the shelves on July 14. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or sharing with friends, these flavours are sure to add a pop of fun to any occasion.' It's not the only crisp flavour KP Snacks have announced recently. A nostalgic and tangy crisp flavour is making a bold comeback after last being on the shelves 20 years ago, with an exact return date confirmed. Discos, the crisps owned by KP Snacks, is returning with the popular pickled onion flavour, which was last seen back in 2005, and people are chuffed. And the good news is, the return of the iconic flavour is here to stay. Fans will find the pickled onion flavoured Discos in convenience stores across the UK from August 27, and they will be priced at £1.35 for a 70g bag. Brits were so heartbroken about the disapperance of the flavour, one passionate individual went to the extreme of trying to persuade KP Snacks to bring them back some 12 years after they disappeared from shelves. Launching a petition, the super-fan wrote: "These crisps were by far the best tasting pickled onion crisps on the market! Fellow crisp lovers help bring these back! KP can you not bring them back for a trial Halloween?!" The petition was signed by 428 supporters who all agreed they should return in what was described as an "important cause". Back in 2024, one person took to X to call Discos the "best ever" in a post and gushed: "As a nation, we don't give enough credit to Discos for being some of the best crisps around." Another crisp lover chimed: "I'd sell my soul for a pack of picked onion discos..." Amy Heap, marketing manager at Discos said: "This legendary flavour has been a fan favourite for years, and its mouth-tingling tang is guaranteed to take your snack game to the next level. "Whether you've loved them forever or you're just discovering their iconic punch, we can't wait for you to tear open a bag and try them."
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
New Quavers flavour that's ‘better than original' is finally spotted on UK supermarket shelves for first time in 3 years
HOME Bargains shoppers have finally spotted a new Quavers flavour on shelves that has been branded "better than the original". It is the first new flavour of the tasty snack in three years. 1 The new Red Leicester-flavoured treat is also currently available in B&M and Heron Foods. Social media users have been crunching the numbers on Facebook, with one posting: "Multi-pack £2.10 in B&M." Another added: "I bought the 6 pack today £1.79 from Heron", while one user stated the snack was available for £1.50 in Home Bargains. The comments prompted one person to post: "I really need to try these." Tesco shoppers will be able to get their hands on the new Red Leicester Quaver flavour from the end of July. Better yet, other major supermarkets are due to stock the delight from September, giving shoppers just a few weeks to wait. A single-serve bag costs £1.35 as well as being available as a grab bag and multipack. The crisps join fan favourites such as Cheese, Prawn Cocktail, and BBQ Sauce. And it is not the only new crisp flavour that Walkers has brought back. Fans were delighted when Tomato Ketchup crisps were spotted on shelves after going missing for the past two years. They were also accompanied by multipacks of the Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps - which were originally brought back exclusively to a single store in Worcester. Elsewhere, Discos, owned by KP Snacks, is bringing back its beloved pickled onion flavour after it was last seen on shelves in 2005. The tangy snack will be sold in convenience stores across the UK from August 27, giving punters just a matter of weeks before they're reunited with the flavour. Customers can expect to pay £1.35 for a 70g bag when they land in shops. It will be good news for fans of the savoury delight, many of whom have been begging the British manufacturer to bring the product back. In 2022, one passionate customer went as far as launching a petition. More returning products White chocolate Maltesers made a grand return to shelves earlier this year after a 10-year hiatus. A 30g bag is currently available to buy in Morrisons for £1.05, while a larger 74g pouch costs £1.75. Elsewhere, Opal Fruits, which were rebranded as Starburst in 1998, will now be available across major UK retailers. Customers will be able to purchase the treats from Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Morrisons stores for shoppers to enjoy a taste of nostalgia. Aldi also said it would bring back its "addictive" .
