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Solar energy: Govt denies fixed tax reports, hints at revising rates

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Several solar panels can be seen in this picture. — AFP/File

Refuting a report claiming the government plans to impose fixed tax on solar power, the Power Division on Saturday said there is no truth to the news.

Reports were circulating on social media platforms that a summary had been moved to introduce the fixed tax on solar electricity. The reports further said that the CPPA’s proposal suggests levying a tax of Rs2,000 per kilowatt on those installing solar panels for residential or commercial purposes.

In a statement, the division clarified: “The Central Power Purchasing Agency or Power Division has not sent any such summary to the government in this regard.”

Hinting at cutting tariff for solar net metering, the power division, however, said that the prevailing system is promoting unhealthy investment in the sector.

“The well-off people are massively installing solar panels.”

The power division statement came as the rates of solar panels plummeted by over 60% in recent weeks due to bulk imports from China.

The domestic, industrial consumers and the government have to bear burden of Rs 1.90 per unit under the head of subsidy which resulted affecting 25 to 30 million consumes, as per the statement.

“If this trend continues, the bills of poor consumers would surge at least Rs 3.35 per unit,” warned the power division.

It said the “Net Metering Policy 2017” was aimed at promoting alternative energy in the system.

The solarisation process witnessed a sharp increase after the policy, the division said, adding that the whole system was being reviewed.

“Now, there is a need to announce a new rate.”

The division further said that proposals and amendments were being considered to save the poor consumers from further burden.

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Pakistan

Suzuki Bolan discontinued in Pakistan after 36 years; Here’s replacement for ‘Carry Dabba’ – Pakistan Observer

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LAHORE – Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to the iconic Suzuki Bolan as Pak Suzuki pulled plugs to replace the minivan with another model. Over the last 3.5 decades, Suzuki Bolan enjoyed decent sales and was valued for its flexibility, serving a multi-passenger vehicle and for commercial purposes.

Amid shift in auto landscape in Pakistan, Bolan becomes latest drive to be discontinued after Suzuki Mehran, which you can still spot.

Pictures of Suzuki Bolan’s last batch surfaced online, and Pakistanis hit nostalgia as many grew up in this vehicle. The final chassis number marked as 01151691. The country’s oldest automaker and maker of Bolan also confirmed discontinuation of the 800cc Carry Dabba.

The company decided to replace Bolan for its outdated design and lack of safety features. Amid its low sales, consumer demand for a modern replacement like Changan Karvaan increased.

Suzuki Every to Replace Bolan

Suzuki earlier mentioned that Every will replace Bolan, and one of its recent model was unveiled at a recent auto show.

The launch of Every models faced delays due to import challenges and it is expected to launch in mid October.

Suzuki Bolan Price in Pakistan

 

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Pakistan

Gold prices reach historic high in Pakistan – Pakistan Observer

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Your source for latest Pakistan, world news. Stay updated on politics, business, sports, lifestyle, CPEC, and breaking news. Accurate, timely, and comprehensive coverage.

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Pakistan

Stocks rally past 82,000 mark as investors bet on IMF deal approval

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A man uses a mobile phone as he takes a photo of the electronic board displaying share prices during a trading session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, on November 28, 2023. — Reuters

Stocks hit a record high on Friday, with the benchmark index topping the 82,000 mark as investors binged on big names amid forecasts of a further drop in inflation, strengthening the case for another rate cut by the State Bank of Pakistan in its next monetary policy meeting, traders said.

The KSE-100 index jumped by 615.16 points, or 0.76%, to reach 82,074.44 from its previous close of 81,459.28.

The index, fuelled by buying activity in heavyweight shares, rallied nearly 900 points during the opening hours of trading before succumbing to profit-taking in the latter half of the session, trimming early gains.

Analysts attributed this bull run to expectations of a sharp drop in inflation and interest rates. They added that government securities now have a kinked yield curve, with 2-year and 5-year yields above the 3-year yield.

Buying activity was seen in key sectors, including cement, commercial banks, fertiliser, and refineries, with index-heavy stocks such as MEBL, UBL, ENGRO, and FFC trading in the green.

Experts added that part of the positivity comes from investors anticipating the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board’s approval.

The IMF is scheduled to review Pakistan’s 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF), amounting to about $7 billion, on September 25.

On Thursday, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) rose on improved local macroeconomic indicators and a larger-than-expected reduction by the Federal Reserve, with the KSE-100 index closing at 81,459.29, a gain of 997.95 points or 1.24%.

Meanwhile, world stocks hovered near record highs on Friday, underpinned by a big interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve earlier this week, while the yen eased after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda tempered market expectations around imminent rate hikes, according to Reuters.

The dollar climbed 1.2% on the Japanese currency to 144.29 – its strongest in two weeks – on the back of Ueda’s remarks, having earlier fallen around 0.6% to 141.74 after the BOJ kept interest rates steady in a widely expected move.

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PSX surges 1,510 points, crosses 81,000 mark amid positive economic signals – Pakistan Observer

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KARACHI –  Pakistan Stock Exchange on Thursday experienced a major surge of 1,510 points which resulted in the index crossing the 81,000-point level, rising to 81,971 points.

The factors such as expectations of receiving approval for a loan program from the IMF this month, a gradual reduction in the external financial gap and loan-related difficulties, a growth of 2.38% in large-scale industries, and the Asian Development Bank’s indication of providing $8 billion in loans over the next four years contributed to this bullish trend in the Pakistan Stock Exchange, allowing the index to surpass the psychological level of 81,000 points.

Besides it, the State Bank’s decision to reduce interest rates by 2% has positively impacted capital market activities while recoveries in the textile, food, chemical, auto, and garments sectors have kept the market in the green zone since the start of trading.

 

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