DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1 – A study conducted and published by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) titled ‘Barriers and Drivers of Solar Prosumage: A Case-Study of Pakistan’ states that as of November 2020, net-metering installations in Pakistan have reached a cumulative capacity of 148MW, which contrasts very poorly in comparison with other peer regional countries such as India where distributed generation has exceeded 5GW of installed capacity.

The study further observes that strong geographic uneven growth exists across the DISCOs in terms of distributed generation uptake where around 70 per cent of growth is concentrated in three major utilities namely IESCO, LESCO and KEL.

Overall, the challenges at inter-connection phase were identified as the dominant challenge to PV (photo-voltaic system) development, which included time lapse in acquiring of three-phase metering equipment at the initial stage, absence of online facility for applications, unavailability of bi-directional meters, and unnecessary delay in processing of the applications at every stage. The cumbersome procedure makes it quite challenging to get the generation license. Further, since DISCOs are playing the primary intermediary in this entire process—playing the role of coordinator between distributed resources—they continue to be reluctant towards distributed generation growth owing to administrative burden of processing applications, perceived fears of revenue losses and integration challenges, etc. Although they are obliged by law to implement the net-metering regulations however currently no accountability mechanism exists which could bind them to do the same.

The report also observes skewed concentration of distributed generation in resourceful sections of society. This skewed concentration is indicated to be rooted in ‘high cost of solar PV installation’ and the interlinked challenge of ‘difficulty in access to borrowing’ for financing the solar PV system. And while State Bank of Pakistan has introduced a scheme for supporting rooftop solar yet its limited adoption by commercial banks continue to restrict borrowing for these installations. In parallel, absence of Fee of Service Models—such as third party investors—again contribute to slow diffusion of solar PV among larger sections of society.

In the context of these challenges, the study emphasizes on specific reform measures which could address the identified challenges. In short term, the registration process needs an urgent overhaul. It needs to be simplified and made more user friendly. An online application portal should be introduced at all DISCOs on priority basis. The applicants should be able to track the progress of their application on the portal. The portal should also have a complaint window—which should be overseen by a third party for unbiased handling and resolution. This oversight authority should also be responsible for ensuring timely issuance of licenses to the applicants as well as taking note of any issues arising during the entire process.

Further, the study also lays strong emphasis on the need to overcome the passive opposition from DISCOs and replace it with appropriate regulations vis-à-vis incentives alongside orientation and trainings skewed in favor of distributed generation growth. Also since diffusion of solar PV in Pakistan is mostly held back by absence of supportive financial policies — due to which people continue to rely on alternative back up energy systems which comparatively have a ‘low upfront cost; and is affordable for larger section of society — the study advocates strong regulations that could leverage diffusion of ‘SBP Financing Scheme for Renewable Energy’ across the commercial banks; and resolves the difficulties in accessing the finance by designing common man-friendly standard procedures.

The study also advocates framing of regulations and focused interventions for facilitating private sector engagement in rooftop solar PV. According to the report, existing rate design/remuneration scheme under net-metering regulations with system caps (wherein in majority DISCOs consumers are not allowed to install solar PV system sizes greater than 1.5 times of their sanctioned load) complements self-generation and encourage small-scale consumers to avail the facility for off-setting grid consumption. In the context, a different tariff design need to be introduced for large-scale investors—which in the case of most countries remain Feed in Tariff.  The export rate for this new tariff design could be either pegged to the retail tariff rate or below the retail tariff—to equally incentivize DISCOs and accommodate for grid use charges.  A dual tariff regime under net-metering regulation i.e. retaining the existing net billing scheme for prosumers while designing a new tariff arrangement for investors selling all electricity to be exported to the grid—would on its own drive rooftop solar developers in the country. So a combination of designed tariffs scheme will simultaneously promote prosumage as well as advance private sector engagement in on-site generation and overtime introduction of Fee of Service models.

Finally, low tech solutions for grid integration are emphasized for managing system behind the meter which could improve visibility of distributed generation—helping DISCOs in actually knowing what is going on behind the meter. This could be done by building and maintaining DISCO-wise registries on net-metering installations—which will aid real-time communication on load profiles and thus more stabilized integration. Further modern inverters and other technological solutions can provide ancillary services to stabilize the distribution grid (voltage control). These regulations should also be set in national or regional grid codes by utilities or grid operators.

It may be mentioned that the report is based on a series of study stages designed under a 10-month project. The study supervised by Naufil Shahrukh, IPS’ General Manager Operation was ably conducted by Naila Saleh, the lead researcher of the project as well as the author of the report, which has been finalized after rigorous rounds of consultations with key policy stakeholders including, but not limited to, NEPRA, AEDB, NEECA, etc.

DNA

KARACHI – Mian Nasser Hyatt Magoo, President the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry” (FPCCI) applauds The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan for the extension of the fixed tax regime to Dec 31, 2021 for the construction sector on FPCCI’s recommendation

He said that the FPCCI welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement in the perspective of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic as the tax wavier will facilitate the constructors, and will tremendously enhance the socio-economic condition of the laborers earn on daily basis and will provide the ultimate support to the construction material industry.

PM Imran Khan said while announcing the extension that “projects worth Rs186 billion have been registered with the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) and the projects of amount Rs116bn are in the process of registration, under the incentives we had given for construction in April”. The prime minister also announces the facility of non-disclosure of the source of income while making investment till June 2021 and a one-year extension to construction projects which were supposed to be completed in 2022 and now they can be completed by 2023.

Mian Nasser Hyatt Magoo President FPCCI further said that due to the high risk of corona spread, many of the builders and developers were not able to avail of the facility, he urged the construction industry to avail of the tax amnesty facility in the year 2021, it will support them to stand again. Livelihood opportunities for the daily wagers through construction projects will also contribute to lessening the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the national economy.

M  Ishfaq Mugha

Faisalabad, JAN 1 /DNA/ – SSP Punjab Highway patrol, Region Faisalabad Chaudhary Farooq Ahmad Hundal released annum 2020 performance report. While talking to media, SSP told that due to vigilant patrolling, road crime has receded to lowest figures.  As per detail, total 4303 cases were registered under different sections and 4519 accused were arrested. SSP further told that in the year 2020, the massive recovery of weapons were done on highways.

As many as  54 Kalashnikovs,13 Rifle 223 Bore, 3 Rifles 222 Bore, 7 Rifles 244 Bore, 5 Rifles 7 MM, 3 Rifles 8MM, 20 Rifles 12 Bore, 19 Repeaters 12 Bore, 5 Pump action 12 Bore,6 carbine 12 Bore,  179 pistols 30 Bore,16 Pistols 9 MM,  with 5001 bullets and 427 cartridges were recovered. Furthermore, total 3612 liter liquor, 33 KG Cannabis and 2 KG 49 Gram Heroin was recovered. As many as 531 proclaimed offenders and 31 court absconders were arrested.Moreover, the patrolling teams dealt 152 accidents and extended medical help to 320 commuters. SSP further added that 1340 KG dead and unwholesome meat was recovered.

In order to contain the snatching and theft of automobiles, comprehensive plan was carried out to recover stolen and snatched vehicles.  1 stolen car, 8 snatched M/Cycles, 3 stolen M/Cycles, 7 stolen Buffalos, 1 stolen cow, 3 Mobile phone, 1 stolen engine, cash worth Rs 100,000/-  and 3 Batteries worth Rs. 30,600 were recovered by Punjab highway patrol in the year 2020.As many as 1211 cases were registered against reckless drivers U/S 279 PPC. Moreover, 63 lost children were found and reunited with their relatives. Help rendering were extended to 22950 commuters.

As many as 313 encroachments were removed for free flow of traffic. Motorcycle is widely used during robbery/Dacoity, in order to prevent road robbery, total 5049 Motorcycles, 1 car and 1 Pickup were impounded U/S 134 PO, 115 MVO and 550 Cr.P.C. He added that the signboards and information regarding Helpline 1124 is being displayed in all beat areas to help commuters in distress. SSP Punjab highway patrol reiterated at the conclusion of talk that the efforts of Punjab highway Patrol for the safety of road users are commendable. The ratio of crime and traffic accidents has considerably reduced. Citizens feel comfortable and secure while travelling on highways.

M  Ishfaq Mughal

Faisalabad, JAN 1 /DNA/ – On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar, the 4th monthly Revenue Public Service Katchri was held at DC office. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali listen the public complaints regarding revenue matters and directed the revenue officers for speedy solution of the applicants.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Fazal Rabi Cheema, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Khurram Pervaiz, Assistant Commissioners Sadar and City Umar Maqbool, Ayub Bukhari, Revenue Department officials, Assistant Director Land Record City and the Sadar, Tehsildar, Niab Tehsildar and Patwaris were also present.During the Katchri Deputy Commissioner directed to suspend patwari  Mazhar Shah of Halwa 224 and showcause notice was given to the Patwari Tariq Gujjar of Halqa 214 of city area for non compliance of public complaints.

DC said that the delay in the matters of public would not tolerated and responsible revenue officer and staff would accountable. He said that Revenue Katchries are being hold on every first working day of month and problems are being solved on the spot. He said that the Department of Revenue was at the forefront of public service and holding Revenue Public Service Courts would not only solve the problems of the people but also increase their confidence. Deputy Commissioner said that the problems of the people’s under one roof are being addressed by listening to the problems related to the revenue department.

He said that speedy solution of issues and grievances related to the revenue department including issuance of domicile, farad, registary, income certificate and other revenue matters are being solved on spot. He said that officers of the revenue department including Assistant commissioners and staff of land record center were also directed to ensure attendance in the court. Citizens can approach the concerned Tehsil Office on the first of every month for resolving revenue related issues. He also went to the applicants and took feedback to them about solution of their complaints.

He said that the monitoring officers appointed by SMBR has also inspected the process of listening public complaints. During the Awami Kidmat Revenue Services Katchri  a total of 54 applicants identified the problems in Tehsil City and Sadar out of which 88% were solved on spot while the remaining applications were directed to be processed and reported within three days. The Katchries were also held at Tehsil Jaranwala, Samundri, Tandlianwala and Chak Jhumra under concerned Assistant Commissioner.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1  – Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi and COMSTECH — OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation — Islamabad, signed an MoU to build capacity in ophthalmology and prevent blindness in OIC member states through providing training and conducting eye camps in different OIC member states.

The MoU ceremony held at COMSTECH headquarters and signed by Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, COMSTECH and Maj. Gen. Rehmat Khan (R), President, Al- Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Prof. Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum and Mr. Mohammad Adeel, Assistant Director, Science Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan were also present at the occasion.

According to the MoU, Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology (PIO) the academic wing of Al- Shifa Trust Eye Hospital will impart training in ophthalmology, optometry and orthoptics, public health, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, bio-medical technicians, ophthalmic nurses and ophthalmic nursing assistants of OIC region.

Al-Shifa Trust eye hospital will offer observerships for 4-12 weeks and 1-year clinical fellowships to candidates from OIC countries in the subspecialties, such as cornea and refractive surgery, Vitreo-retina, Pediatric ophthalmology, Glaucoma and Orbit and Oculoplastic.

Al-Shifa center for community ophthalmology will carry out wide-spread outreach programs for the prevention of blindness in OIC member states. A delegation of highly qualified and experienced surgeons will be sent to the pre-selected OIC member states to undertake surgical camps for cataract as well as perform advanced surgical procedures for diseases such as Cornea, Glaucoma, Obits and Oculoplastic, Vitreo-retina, Pediatric eye disorders and, Ocular oncology.

Eye camps in Kampala, (Uganda) Niamy, (Niger) and Serrekunda, (Gambia) will be organized this year.

Special emphasis will be given to carry out research in areas of Ocular Epidemiological Studies, Ocular Imaging, Ocular Genetics, Data Analytics, Cytokines and Biomarkers for Ocular Pathologies, Clinical Trials, Clinical Studies and Ocular Therapeutics.

COMSTECH would provide Al-Shifa Trust support, cooperation, and collaboration for all activities planned and organized in OIC member states.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1 (DNA) – The World Economic Forum released the Global Competitiveness Report 2020 earlier this month. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of Mishal Pakistan, a Country Partner Institute of New Economy and Societies Platform, World Economic Forum called on Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at NAB headquarters, Islamabad.

Honorable Mr. Justice, Javed Iqbal, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) thanked Mr. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of Mishal Pakistan, a Country Partner Institute of New Economy and Societies Platform, World Economic Forum for their confidence and appreciation of efforts of NAB undertaken in eradication of corruption and recovered Rs. 714 billion through directly and indirectly from corrupt elements as NAB’s faith is corruption free Pakistan. There are more than 1230 corruption references of NAB are under trial in the respected Accountability Courts of the Country and their approximately amount is Rs. 947 billion. NAB under clause 33-C of NAO, 1999 has adopted strategy of aware and prevention to aware people about the ill effects of corruption which is the mother of all evils.

Mr. Amir Jahangir said that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Pakistan is playing a vital role and efforts for eradication of corruption in order to establishing the rule of law, transparency and good governance so that the corrupt should be brought to justice as per law. He appreciated NAB for recovering Rs. 714 billion directly and indirectly since its inception.  Mr. Amir Jahangir also appreciated the efforts of NAB in creating awareness among citizens under its media and communication strategy on the anti-corruption drive involving all other stakeholders including business community so that country should become prosperous.

The Chairman NAB was briefed by Mr. Amir Jahangir that almost one year after the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the deep economic recession has triggered continues around the world to have profound economic and social consequences. While no nation has emerged unscathed, this year’s Global Competitiveness Report finds that countries with advanced digital economies and digital skills, robust social safety nets and previous experience dealing with epidemics have better managed the impact of the pandemic on their economies and citizens.

Mr. Jahangir further said, “the World Economic Forum has long encouraged policymakers to broaden their focus beyond short-term growth to long-term prosperity. This Report makes clear the priorities for making economies more productive, sustainable, and inclusive as we emerge from the crisis”.

Mr. Jahangir briefed the Chairman and said, “the success stories from Pakistan in the light of the Global Competitiveness Index 2020 is the performance and strengthening of the institutions, scaleup of digitization and service delivery both at the public and private sectors. He appreciated the digital presence of NAB among masses and hoped that it will be enhanced accordingly.

The recognition of the extraordinary developments in 2020 and of the unified global effort required to tackle the health crisis and its socioeconomic fallout, the Global Competitiveness Index rankings have been suspended for 2020. The 2021 edition will see a return to benchmarking, providing a refreshed framework to guide future economic growth.

During the year, the World Economic Forum will be hosting a series of communities and dialogues to develop new benchmarks, new standards, and new actions for building new economic models that combine productivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The Global Future Council on New Agenda for Fiscal and Monetary Policy, the Global Future Council on New Agenda for Economic Growth and Recovery, the Community of Chief Economists, the Champions for a New Dashboard for the New Economy and the Stewardship Board of the New Economy and Society Platform will be involved in shaping this effort. All readers are invited to share their views into this conversation, supporting collective efforts to “build back better”.

The Global Competitiveness Report is the flagship publication of the World Economic Forum’s Platform for Shaping the Future of the New Economy and Society. The Platform provides the opportunity to advancing prosperous, inclusive, and equitable economies and societies. It focuses on co-creating a new vision in three interconnected areas: growth and competitiveness; education, skills, and work; and equality and inclusion. Working together, stakeholders deepen their understanding of complex issues, shape new models and standards, and drive scalable, collaborative action for systemic change.

Over 100 of the world’s leading companies and 100 international, civil society and academic organizations currently work through the Platform to promote new approaches to competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution economy; deploy education and skills for tomorrow’s workforce; build a new pro-worker and pro-business agenda for jobs; and integrate equality and inclusion into the new economy, aiming to reach 1 billion people with improved economic opportunities.

Mishal Pakistan is Pakistan’s leading and reputed strategic communication and design company. It is also the country Partner Institute of the Future of Economic Progress System Initiative, World Economic Forum. Mishal is responsible to generate primary data on more than 100 indicators measuring Pakistan’s competitiveness. Mishal’s foremost domain of activity is behavior change communication, strategic communication with a spotlight on media and perception management.=DNA

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DNA

LAHORE, JAN 1 – The All Pakistan Business Forum leadership, in its National Board meeting, has pledged to continue its hard work to resolve the key issues of business community and facilitate it through better economic growth, expressing the hope that the New Year would start a new era of development and prosperity for the whole nation.

The APBF arranged an online meeting through Zoom to highlight the successes and achievements of the Forum throughout the previous year of 2020, besides fixing new targets for the upcoming year of 2021.

The meeting was attended by APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood, Secretary General Mr. Khuram Niaz, APBF Lahore Board President Amir Munir Malik, National Board Members Haroon Ali Khan, Amir Ata Barry, Naeem Ahmed and Lahore Board Member Dr. Saman Yazdani Khan.

APBF activity calendar for the year 2021 were also discussed and members gave their valuable inputs in this regard. Challenges of COVID-19 were also discussed with different remedies to support the business community in collaboration with the government and it was planned to write proposals to competent authorities.

APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood gave the briefing on APBF recent meetings with various prominent personalities and government dignitaries, including Special Advisor to PM on youth affairs Usman Dar, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri, Ambassador of Pakistan to Hungary Mohemmed Eajaz and Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan Bela Fazekas.

He said that APBF, HEPA and Embassy of Pakistan in Hungary continued their effort to work closely to establish a Pak-Hungary Business Window. “It’ll the help the business community of both the countries to increase the interaction, business activity and bilateral trade, he added. He said that the APBF also facilitated TEVTA and BOMSIE to establish a Technical Institute in Sundar Industrial Estate that will give training to the industry demanding workforce, with the ultimate objective of playing positive part in the economy of Pakistan.

APBF office-bearers pledged that they would continue to make efforts for promotion of economic growth and take measures for the protection of interest of business community for ultimate welfare and prosperity of Pakistan.

Syed Maaz Mahmood thanked the National and Lahore board members for supporting the APBF and assured that, like in the past, he would always use the APBF platform to promote best business and economic interests of Pakistan.

He said that business community is a driving force for the economy therefore, government would have to take all stakeholders on board while taking trade and industry related decisions. He said that the industrial sector whose growth remained negative in 2019-20 is expected to show robust performance in the coming year due to business friendly policies.

The APBF Board members said that the recent initiative of the government of introducing electricity relief package to the small industries in which the additional electricity is being provided at subsidized rates and peak hours have been abolished would help our small businesses if the policy is implement fully.

They said that government should leave the challenges of 2020 aside and should now focus on the momentum of economic growth.

Syed Maaz Mahmood said that APBF would take all business stakeholders on board while finalizing key policy recommendations for the government. He said about 90 percent enterprises in Pakistan belong to SME sector and stressed that government should focus on promoting SMEs so that they could contribute more effectively in strengthening the economy of the country.