Lahore: The former Chief Minister Punjab, Manzoor Wattoo after meeting with the Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Lahore on Monday announced to join the PPP with his family members.

Former members National Assembly, Khurram Wattoo and Rubina Shaheen Wattoo and former members Punjab Assembly, Moazzam Wattoo, Jahan Ara Wattoo and Amina Wattoo Kasuri were the family members of Manzoor Wattoo who joined the party. Chairman Bilawal welcomed the new entrants in the party.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Hassan Murtaza, Shahzad Saeed Cheema and Chaudhry Sajjad ul Hassan were also present in the meeting.

Islamabad: Malik Imran Ahmed, country head of The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) on Monday urged the government to address the pressing issue of massive tobacco consumption among youth by raising tobacco taxes up to 70 percent of the retail price – a bench mark set by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The proposal comes as government contemplates options to increase revenue collection in the next budget ahead of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

 Pakistan has two-tiered system of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes.

The country made significant strides and increased the FED on cigarettes in 2022-23. The current FED share in retail prices is 48 percent and 68 percent respectively for low and high tiers.

“It is high time to build on the gains and cut the number of smokers,” said Malik Imran Ahmed.

He said that more than 60 percent population of the country comprises youth and it was imperative for the government protect them from the ills of tobacco use.

The data shows that some 19.1% percent of adults (age 15 and above) currently use tobacco in any form. The tobacco users include 31.8 percent men and 5.8 percent women.

Ahmed proposed 37 percent increase in tobacco taxes keeping in view market dynamics, gains of previous tax adjustments and IMF’s recommendation of taxing non-essential items including cigarettes.

Revenue collection from July 2023 to January 2024 has reached Rs 122 billion and figure expected to surpass Rs 200 billion by year-end. Beyond revenue generation, it helped recouping 17.8% of total healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illnesses in Pakistan.

Tobacco consumption is responsible for approximately 160,000 deaths annually, accounting for a considerable 1.4% of the country's GDP in healthcare expenses each year.

“The industry has the potential to absorb this increase,” he added.

He referred to the surveys and studies including the one by Interantioanl Monetary Fund (IMF) which said that cigarette consumption in Pakistan had reduced by at least 20 percent after the prices were increased.

Earlier, the Social Policy Development Centre (SPDC) had also advocated the increase saying it can save 265,000 lives, generate an additional revenue of Rs 37.7 billion and push 757,000 people to quit smoking.

Islamabad: A leading foreign firm on Monday announced plans to inject 200 megawatts (MW) of solar energy into the country's grid.

The initiative, set to be realized through the supply of cutting-edge Vertex N modules, marks a significant step forward in Pakistan's quest for sustainable energy solutions.

In this regard, the leading Chinese company is collaborating with the key Pakistani companies and signed a series of strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance the share of solar energy generation with an ultimate objective of providing sustainable and low-cost electricity to consumers, as the present negligible two percent solar energy share against the huge 63 percent expensive thermal production segment is the real cause of highest power tariffs in the country.

Presently, electricity tariffs are considered as one of the highest in region, since Pakistan is mainly dependent on oil-based thermal power production, which is very costly. The Trina Solar will work together with the local companies with a view to strengthen the share of energy mix in power generation by promoting solar energy solution and reducing Pakistan’s dependence on costly electricity generation to the cheap renewable energy.

"We are proud to collaborate with key stakeholders in Pakistan's solar industry, reaffirming our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the region. These agreements underscore Trina Solar's leadership in solar technology and our dedication to providing Pakistan with the most advanced solar solutions available", commented Dave Wang, Sub regional Head of Trina Solar Asia Pacific.

According to a press release, the Trina Solar has signed the agreement with leading solar importers in Pakistan, including Mesol, Diwan International, as well as solar company Zi Solar. Mesol focuses on commercial and industrial segments, aligning with Trina Solar's commitment to green energy.

Under the MoU, Trina Solar will supply 200MW of Vertex N modules for various applications, while Diwan International aims to enhance its capabilities with 200MW of Vertex N modules. Similarly, Trina Solar's collaboration with Zi Solar involves supplying 120MW of Vertex N modules, enabling Zi Solar to provide innovative solar solutions to its customers.

Trina Solar, the global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has also announced its unwavering commitment to the Pakistani market with the introduction of its world-record-setting solar modules to the Pakistani market. In a strategic move to bolster Pakistan’s solar industry, the company has signed a series of strategic Memorandums of Understanding with leading local distributors, reinforcing its dedication to providing Pakistan with cutting-edge solar solutions.

The Chinese company, renowned for its innovation and technological prowess, is recognizes the importance of empowering Pakistan's transition towards renewable energy and is proud to introduce its Vertex N modules, equipped with advanced features such as larger-size, 210mm solar cells combined with market-leading n-type i-TOPCon cell technology.

We are proud to collaborate with key stakeholders in Pakistan's solar industry, reaffirming our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the region. These agreements underscore Trina Solar's leadership in solar technology and our dedication to providing Pakistan with the most advanced solar solutions available."