Author name: NEN News

Federal Minister Reviews Major Energy Infrastructure Project Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met Tuesday with a delegation from SPEC Refinery Pvt Ltd in Islamabad. The high-level meeting focused on Pakistan’s first deep conversion greenfield refinery project. The $4.5 billion facility is planned for Hub, Balochistan. SPEC Refinery Chairman Zafar Sheikh led the delegation and presented comprehensive updates on the project’s development timeline and milestones. Strategic Importance for National Energy Security The Hub refinery represents a major step forward for Pakistan’s energy infrastructure. Minister Khan discussed how the Pakistan greenfield refinery would strengthen the country’s energy security framework. The delegation outlined the refinery’s potential to boost Pakistan’s industrial base. The facility would create significant economic activity in Balochistan province and generate thousands of employment opportunities. Key Benefits of the Refinery Project Enhanced energy security for Pakistan Reduced dependence on imported refined petroleum products Significant economic development in Balochistan Major addition to national refining capacity Impact on Pakistan’s Petroleum Sector Once completed, the greenfield refinery would transform Pakistan’s downstream energy sector. The project aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products through domestic production capacity. The deep conversion facility would mark a significant addition to Pakistan’s refining capacity. This development could help the country achieve greater self-sufficiency in meeting its growing energy needs and support economic growth.

FAISALABAD — Two anti-smog guns will soon be deployed at pollution hotspots across Faisalabad. Authorities are taking action to address worsening air quality in the industrial city. Director General Environment Protection Department Imran Hamid Sheikh announced the initiative. The move comes in response to mounting concerns over environmental conditions. Business Community Pressures Government Sheikh made the commitment following demands from the Vice President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The announcement signals growing pressure from the business community. Deteriorating environmental conditions have increasingly affected commercial operations in the city. Faisalabad Air Pollution Crisis Intensifies Faisalabad, Pakistan’s third-largest city, serves as a major textile manufacturing hub. The city has faced persistent smog and air pollution challenges. The environmental crisis stems from multiple sources: Industrial emissions from textile factories Vehicle exhaust from increased traffic Crop burning in surrounding districts How Anti-Smog Gun Technology Works Anti-smog guns spray fine water mist to suppress airborne particulate matter. The technology effectively reduces pollution levels in targeted areas. Lahore has previously deployed similar equipment during peak smog seasons. The technology showed positive results in improving air quality. The two units will be strategically positioned at identified pollution hotspots. Officials aim to maximize their impact on Faisalabad air pollution and air quality improvement across the city.

ISLAMABAD — The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) released 237,700 cusecs of water from various rim stations on Wednesday. This IRSA water release came against a total inflow of 206,600 cusecs into the system, reflecting active water management across Pakistan’s federal water infrastructure. Tarbela Dam Water Levels and Storage Capacity According to official IRSA data, the water level at Tarbela Dam on the River Indus stood at 1,451.33 feet. This measurement indicates the reservoir is 51.33 feet above its dead level. The dam maintains adequate storage capacity for Pakistan’s water distribution requirements. Water Distribution Operations Across Pakistan The water release from rim stations reflects ongoing water management operations across Pakistan’s river system. IRSA monitors and regulates water distribution to ensure equitable allocation among all provinces. The federal water authority coordinates releases to meet agricultural, domestic, and industrial demands throughout the country. These daily measurements help maintain optimal reservoir levels while meeting downstream water requirements for Pakistan’s irrigation and urban needs.

ISLAMABAD — Gold prices in Pakistan fell sharply on Wednesday as the local market witnessed one of its steeper single-day declines in recent weeks. The precious metal saw a significant correction in domestic trading. Sharp Decline in 24-Karat Gold Prices The price of 24-karat gold per tola declined by Rs 12,627 to settle at Rs 442,436. This represents a significant drop from the previous trading day’s rate of Rs 455,063. The All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association issued the updated rates. The association monitors and tracks daily bullion prices across Pakistan’s jewellery and precious metals markets. Key Price Details 24-karat gold per tola: Rs 442,436 Single-day decline: Rs 12,627 Previous rate: Rs 455,063 International Market Influences Local Rates The sharp decline in Pakistan’s gold market reflects broader movements in international gold prices. International rates typically influence domestic pricing trends in the local market. This marks one of the more notable single-day price corrections in recent trading sessions. The precious metal’s volatility continues to impact Pakistan’s bullion sector.

MULTAN — A generations-old tradition of handcrafted pickle-making is disappearing from the villages of South Punjab. Younger residents are abandoning the artisanal practice in favour of commercially produced alternatives. The decline marks a significant cultural shift in rural Pakistan. Traditional Pickle-Making: A Cultural Heritage For decades, households across the region filled with the aroma of mustard oil and spices each mango season. Women prepared “achaar” — homemade pickle — using skills passed down through families. The annual ritual was both a culinary practice and a marker of domestic pride. Each household developed signature recipes, closely guarded and refined over generations. Decline of the South Punjab Tradition That tradition is now in steep decline. The rise of factory-made pickles has changed consumption patterns dramatically. Shifting lifestyles have reduced time available for labour-intensive food preparation. Urban migration and changing employment patterns mean fewer women have the time or inclination to continue the practice. A younger generation shows little interest in the craft. This generational disconnect has combined to erode what was once a near-universal seasonal custom in rural South Punjab. Cultural Heritage at Risk Cultural observers and older residents warn of impending loss. As the women who carried this knowledge age, the recipes and techniques face extinction. Community bonds built around the practice are also at risk. The tradition served as a social connector, bringing women together during preparation seasons. Few efforts are currently underway to document or preserve this South Punjab tradition. Without intervention, the cultural heritage of artisanal pickle-making may disappear entirely within a generation.