Tag: sustainability

  • Suzuki eyes biogas plant in Karachi to strengthen its presence in Pakistan

    Suzuki eyes biogas plant in Karachi to strengthen its presence in Pakistan

    Suzuki Motor Corporation is poised to bolster its footprint in Pakistan with plans to establish a biogas plant in Karachi.

    This strategic move was articulated by Kenichi Ayukawa, the Global Vice President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday. The meeting convened Ayukawa and Rana Tanveer Hussain, the Federal Minister for Industries and Production.

    Hailing the delegation, Minister Hussain underscored the pivotal role of the automotive industry in Pakistan’s economic landscape. He highlighted its substantial contributions spanning employment generation, economic expansion, technology infusion, and industrial advancement.

    Notably, the government is steadfast in its commitment to fortifying the local automotive sector, extending tax exemptions and other inducements to automakers, and investing in research and development initiatives.

    Furthermore, to foster the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, incentives are being extended for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrids, encompassing duty-free import privileges for plant and machinery essential for establishing EV manufacturing facilities.

    This proactive stance has already yielded tangible results, with 43 companies securing manufacturing certificates for the local production of EV 2/3 wheelers.

    Suzuki’s envisaged biogas plant in Karachi aligns with the broader strategy to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency while contributing to the nation’s energy diversification efforts.

    This development signals a promising trajectory for Suzuki’s endeavors in Pakistan, reflecting a shared commitment to economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.

  • SBP’s foreign exchange reserves rise by $13 million

    SBP’s foreign exchange reserves rise by $13 million

    In a positive development for Pakistan’s economic landscape, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a weekly increase of $13 million in its foreign exchange reserves, reaching a total of $8.05 billion as of February 9, according to data released on Thursday.

    The country’s overall liquid foreign reserves now stand at $13.15 billion, with commercial banks holding a significant share of $5.1 billion in net foreign reserves.

    The central bank, however, did not provide specific details or reasons for the notable upswing in reserves during the mentioned week.

    In a statement, the SBP stated, “During the week ended on February 9, 2024, the SBP’s reserves increased by US$ 13 million to US$ 8,056.5 million.”

    This positive development comes on the heels of last week’s decrease in Pakistan’s central bank reserves, which experienced a dip of $173 million.

    The recent rebound signals resilience and stability in the nation’s economic standing, and financial analysts are likely to scrutinise the factors contributing to this uptick in the coming days.

    As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves play a crucial role in navigating economic challenges, and the recent increase reflects ongoing efforts to bolster the country’s fiscal strength.

    Experts anticipate that a robust foreign reserve position will provide a buffer against external shocks and instill confidence in the financial markets.

  • 10th Shell Tameer Awards – The Brilliance of Future Innovators

    10th Shell Tameer Awards – The Brilliance of Future Innovators

    A visionary concept like that of the likes of Shell’s flagship programme, the Shell Tameer, is one that gives youth a dynamic platform where sustainable, revolutionary, and scaleble ideas can prosper. Shell Tameer Awards is a beacon of hope for innovators and their developmental portfolios designed to fortify economies. Shell Tameer lays the foundation of entrepreneurship, and innovation to create meaningful changes in the country. A nationwide spectacle became the nexus where innovative ideas and creative minds across Pakistan came together to share a platform for the benefit of the country.

    Shell Tameer Awards 2023 saw a plethora of impeccable ideas poised to redefine Pakistan’s trajectory of progress. These ideas promise to bring transformative solutions to the challenges faced by the nation and its people, acting as a catalyst for economic growth.

    Diverse in scope and impact, the Shell Tameer Awards boast a spectrum of categories that mirror the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of our time, let’s shed some light on a few of many extraordinary visions that we encountered on the 10th Shell Tameer Awards.

    Clean Energy Solutions

    Clean Energy Jamal Ahmed – Solar Safe – A pioneering startup from Peshawar, specialising in solar panel cleaning, maintenance, and repair services for solar PV systems. It aligns with the principles of sustainability and circular economy by extending up to 10 years the lifespan of solar panels and maximising the energy of energy production.

    Sheraz Khalid – ECO CHAR – An environmentally friendly clean-tech based charcoal manufacturer that addresses the issue of sub-standard fuel in domestic, industrial, and commercial sectors.

    Empowering Women

    Shehnaz Akhtar – HALANCE NATURALS PVT LTD – A company that works towards creating natural and clean skincare, hair oils and essential soaps, scrubs, and shampoos nurtured through organically grown fruit goodness that grows from pesticide-free farming.

    Technology Innovation

    Farha Masood – BIO-NANO INNOVATIONS – A young startup developing specialised wound dressing for diabetic patients who consistently face issues of foot ulcers, bacterial invasion, and infections. The business aims to commercialize affordable adhesive dressings to provide aseptic conditions and promote wound healing for diabetic patients.

    Abdul Hanan – Softwares Solution – A smart system designed to serve over 70 million people suffering from stammer/stutter by taking voice input and predicting the next word/sentence as transcribed output.

    Anjum Javed – AGRIBOTX – Forefront runner of a transformative solution – Precision Robotics for future farming harnessed with cutting-edge technology, AI, and data-driven insights to develop a comprehensive suite of robotic solutions.

    Circular Economy

    Humza Rehman – RDUINOTRONICS – A high-quality filaments producer that uses discarded plastic bottles to manufacture filaments suitable for 3D printers, hence addressing the issue of plastic waste and fulfilling the need for more accessible and cost-effective filaments.

    Bushra Ali Khan – BAAZYAFT – An eco-friendly initiative where underprivileged communities, including transgenders and deserving females, produce home accessories, stationery items, and fashion accessories from textile waste.

    The Shell Tameer Awards extend beyond the winner’s podium, all 30 finalists benefit from global consultancy, exposure, and constructive feedback from industry leaders, helping them progress their business and further their ideas from concept to reality.

    Shell Tameer emerges as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and a flag-bearer of creative potential across Pakistan. It empowers leaders, game-changers, and trailblazers to shape national economic growth. Two decades on, the program continues to foster innovative solutions, building a modern, convenient, and vibrant ecosystem that propels the future of the nation. As we celebrate another successful year of the 10th Shell Tameer Awards, we eagerly anticipate the untold stories and hidden brilliance that will shape the next chapter of Pakistan’s journey towards progress and innovation.

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  • The internet is mocking ‘rich, pampered’ Suhana Khan’s bizzare explanation of sustainability

    The internet is mocking ‘rich, pampered’ Suhana Khan’s bizzare explanation of sustainability

    Actor Suhana Khan is going viral for all the wrong reasons after she rather bizarrely explained sustainability using actress Alia Bhatt’s example. The daughter of superstar Shah Rukh Khan applauded the ‘Gangubai’ actress for re-wearing a saari while receiving the National Award.

    X (formerly Twitter) users were dumbfounded by this bizarre comparison because Alia Bhatt did not invent sustainability? People have re worn clothes for more than one formal occasion? And several celebrities have also done the same thing?

  • Chinese electric car maker set to invest big in Pakistan

    Chinese electric car maker set to invest big in Pakistan

    In a momentous development, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is making preparations to establish its EV production facility within Pakistan. However, their ambitions extend far beyond this endeavour, as they are also poised to inaugurate showrooms in key urban centres nationwide.

    This momentous announcement materialized following a productive meeting involving a delegation led by GU Xongquan, Assistant Chairman of the Xinjian Jingyi Cheng Group, and Amin Ullah Baig. Notably, Amin Ullah Baig holds the esteemed position of Vice President at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

    GU Xongquan astutely emphasised a pivotal aspect of this development. In a country where automobiles hold paramount importance for commuting, and with gasoline prices incessantly soaring due to global oil market fluctuations, the exigency for alternative energy solutions is abundantly clear. Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a seamlessly fitting answer to this imperative.

    This undertaking transcends the realm of mere vehicular transportation; it signifies a substantial stride towards embracing more environmentally sustainable mobility alternatives within Pakistan.

    In an era marked by an escalating emphasis on sustainability worldwide, the presence of a prominent Chinese entity in the EV sector within Pakistan holds the potential to revolutionize our automotive industry. It offers the promise of a greener, more sustainable future that aligns with global imperatives.

  • Govt not reducing solar net metering rate of Rs19 

    Govt not reducing solar net metering rate of Rs19 

    In an official statement, Muhammad Ali, the Caretaker Minister for Energy and Petroleum, has provided clarity on the government’s stance regarding incentives for solar net metering. Addressing recent speculation in the media and on social platforms, he affirmed that the government has no intentions of reducing the incentives associated with solar net metering, particularly the rate of Rs19.  

     “There were talks of a change in the rate of solar net metering in media and social media that the government is reducing the net metering rate from Rs19. I want to clarify and ensure that we are not taking any such measure,” he said. 

    Furthermore, Ali announced the government’s upcoming initiative to introduce a special incremental tariff for industrial electricity users before October 31. This endeavor is aimed at ensuring affordable electricity for industrial sectors, thereby relieving some of the financial burden on energy consumers. 

    In its ongoing efforts to support energy consumers during the winter season, the government is actively working on devising a special tariff designed to mitigate expenses for this specific period. 

    Ali also disclosed the government’s rigorous measures to combat electricity theft, which includes a nationwide crackdown on the illegal activity. He reported that individuals implicated in electricity theft within distribution and other utility companies have been reassigned, and comprehensive actions are being taken against them. Additionally, a crackdown against gas theft has been initiated to curb such practices. 

    Previously, reports had suggested that the government was contemplating the issuance of an ordinance to further regulate net metering. This decision was prompted by concerns that the installation of solar panels on rooftops had inadvertently increased capacity payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Notably, the proposed ordinance is expected to include provisions criminalizing non-payment of electricity bills, as reported by Geo News. 

  • Tesla introduces cheaper Model S, Model X variants with reduced ranges

    Tesla has unveiled more affordable versions of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV in the United States. These new “standard range” models are priced at $78,490 (PKR 22.4 million) and $88,490 (PKR 25.3 million), respectively, marking a roughly 10 per cent reduction from the previous lowest-priced options. The company aims to boost sales by focusing on cost reduction.

    The new models will be available for delivery between September and October 2023. They come with a standard “pearly white” exterior and an all-black interior, while other colour choices will come at an additional cost.

    The updated Model S offers a driving range of up to 320 miles (515 km), which is lower than the existing basic and performance versions, which provide up to 405 miles and 396 miles of range, respectively. Similarly, the new Model X SUV boasts a range of up to 269 miles, falling short of the basic and performance versions that offer up to 348 miles and 333 miles of range, respectively.

    Tesla’s focus on price cuts and cost efficiency is evident in its consistent efforts to reduce prices in various markets. By doing so, the company aims to remain competitive and navigate economic uncertainties. In China, the company has recently lowered prices for its Model Y long-range and performance variants.

    This strategic move coincides with Tesla’s upcoming releases, including the long-anticipated Cybertruck and the completion of a manufacturing plant in Mexico. The latter is dedicated to producing a mass-market electric vehicle, which will serve as the foundation for a robotaxi.

    Although the Model S and Model X are some of Tesla’s earliest offerings, introduced in 2012, they have maintained premium pricing compared to the more budget-friendly Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover. In the second quarter of this year, Tesla delivered 19,225 Model X and S vehicles, an increase from 16,162 vehicles delivered during the same period last year.

  • ‘World’s largest aviary’ approved by CDA…is this really necessary?

    ‘World’s largest aviary’ approved by CDA…is this really necessary?

    The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved plans for the construction of the world’s biggest aviary in Islamabad’s F-9 Park. The structure has been planned to span over an area of at least 10 acres.

    The decision was taken during a meeting of the CDA board, chaired by the authority’s chairman, Noorul Amin Mengal, on Tuesday, Dawn reports.

    The decision was announced on CDA’s official Twitter account. In their announcement, they said birds from all over the world will be bred in the aviary, and it will be built through an ‘open auction’ pertaining to design, build, operate and transfer (DBOT). 

    Using this strategy, the project is said to be carried out to the highest standards, while putting a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term operation. 

    The CDA has yet to release further details about the project, including the expected completion date and the species of bird that are to be housed in the aviary.

    The announcement has generated significant interest on social media, with many users expressing their excitement and anticipation for the completion of the project.

    The project is reportedly one of CDA’s initiatives to support biodiversity and develop distinctive public leisure areas. However, users on Twitter called out CDA’s failed bird zoo in Lake View Park, another big project CDA hired a contractor to invest in.

    According to one Twitter user, the birds are kept in dismal conditions, with larger species such as eagles and owls being kept in cramped cages. He also points to how the contractor CDA hired is now “occupying the facility and generating revenue without any formal contract”, as stated in the report by the Auditor General of Pakistan.

    Considering Pakistan’s general history with keeping animals in enclosures (read: tales often ending in misery and death), one can’t help but wonder: is this the right step towards biodiversity and sustainability?

    As one Twitter user put it:

  • Sindh govt allocates Rs10 billion for buying 500 hybrid buses

    Sindh govt allocates Rs10 billion for buying 500 hybrid buses

    The Sindh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the public transportation system by allocating a substantial amount of Rs10 billion in the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. This allocation is specifically aimed at procuring 500 hybrid buses, which are known for their superior environmental performance and fuel efficiency.

    In addition to the allocation for hybrid buses, the provincial Transport Department has been granted a total of Rs13.4 billion. Within this allocation, Rs6.1 billion has been earmarked for the development of the ‘Intra-District Peoples’ Bus Service,’ which will greatly benefit commuters within the province. Furthermore, Rs2 billion has been dedicated to the maintenance of transport infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability and longevity of the transportation network.

    Recognising the importance of expanding the reach of public transportation, the PPP-led government has also allocated Rs600 million for the establishment of new routes. This investment will provide greater accessibility and convenience to the residents of Sindh.

    Moreover, keeping in mind the needs of the employees at the Sindh secretariat, the government plans to initiate three new routes from the following year, with a budget provision of Rs6 million. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the transportation options available to its citizens and creating a conducive work environment for the public servants.

    During the budget session in the Sindh Assembly, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also serves as the Finance Minister, presented the overall budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. The total outlay of the budget for the province is estimated at an impressive Rs2244 billion, reflecting the government’s dedication to promoting growth and development across various sectors.

    The decision to procure hybrid buses stands out as a commendable choice by the Sindh government. Hybrid buses offer numerous advantages over conventional buses, particularly in terms of environmental impact and cost savings. By utilising both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, hybrid buses significantly reduce harmful emissions, making them more environmentally friendly.

    Additionally, their fuel efficiency leads to lower operational costs, saving valuable resources in the long run. These hybrid buses will not only provide a reliable and comfortable mode of transportation but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the residents of Sindh.

    Overall, the budget allocation for the procurement of hybrid buses showcases the Sindh government’s commitment to modernising public transportation and promoting sustainable practices. It is a positive step towards enhancing the quality of life for the people of Sindh and reducing the carbon footprint of the province.

  • Markets nationwide to close at 8 pm to save energy

    Markets nationwide to close at 8 pm to save energy

    The National Economic Council has decided to close shops across the country at 8 pm.

    The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the participation of the Chief Ministers of Sindh, Punjab, and KP.

    The Balochistan Minister of Planning also participated in the meeting. During the meeting, it was decided to close shops across the country at 8 pm.

    In a press conference held after the meeting, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal stated that the decision to close shops at 8 pm was made to save energy.

    He further mentioned that commercial areas will be closed at eight o’clock, green energy will be promoted, and LED bulbs will be installed.