Business
Businessmen call new ‘Bijli Package’ ineffective | The Express Tribune
Argue it will not provide substantial tariff relief, leaving industries uncompetitive
Power lines connecting pylons of high-tension electricity are seen during sunset at an electricity substation on the outskirts of Ronda, during a blackout in the city, Spain April 28, 2025. Source: REUTERS
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has expressed disappointment over the recently announced Roshan Maeeshat Bijli Package, saying it will not effectively reduce the cost of doing business or make local industries competitive.
It termed the offer ineffective that will not address the core issue of high power tariff. In a statement, PBF President Khawaja Mehboobur Rehman said the new package – though well-intentioned – fails to address the fundamental problem of high electricity tariffs.
He recalled that the previous Bijli Sahulat Package, launched last winter, also could not deliver meaningful results, with industries receiving an average relief of just Rs2 per unit despite claims of a Rs26.07-per-unit concession.
Rehman stressed that “until the per-unit cost of electricity comes down to Rs26, we will not sit idle,” adding that affordable power is essential for every citizen, shop and factory.
Under the new Roshan Maeeshat Bijli Package, industries and farmers will receive additional electricity at Rs22.98 per unit for the next three years – until October 2028 – but the base tariff remains unchanged. PBF argued that with the current base tariff of around Rs34 per unit (excluding taxes and fuel adjustments), the new package will not bring substantial relief.
PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad said the current electricity tariff has become a serious burden on businesses, calling it “a tax on production and employment.” He added that Pakistan’s economy is stuck in a cycle where “for a hammer, everything is a nail,” meaning structural problems are being met with short-term fixes.
Jawad noted that while the system has 7,000 megawatts of surplus power, this capacity will not yield results unless the base tariff is rationalised.
He posed three critical questions to policymakers: How long can Pakistan’s industries remain competitive with tariffs exceeding 12 cents per unit, while regional rivals pay nearly half? What is the concrete roadmap to achieve the long-promised 9-cents-per-unit benchmark for base industrial tariffs? How will the government ensure that reforms move beyond short-term relief to deliver lasting tariff rationalisation and structural competitiveness?
PBF officials also stated that without significant tariff reduction and sustainable energy reforms, Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural sectors will continue to struggle against regional competitors.
 "Bank Holiday Alert! Will Banks Be Closed On October 27 For Chhath Puja? Find Out Here")
New Delhi: With the sparkle of Diwali just fading, the festive spirit continues as people gear up to celebrate Chhath Puja. However, amid the excitement, many are wondering whether banks will remain open or closed during these celebrations. October has already been packed with back-to-back festivals from Navratri and Vijayadashami to Diwali and Lakshmi Pujan leading to several bank holidays across the country.
Bank Holiday on October 27: What You Need to Know
Banks in many parts of India will remain closed on October 27 in observance of Chhath Puja. While some regions will have a two-day break, others will see banks closed for just one day, depending on the state and local traditions.
Chhath Puja 2025: Dates, Significance, and Celebrations
Chhath Puja 2025 will be celebrated from October 25 to 28, marking four days of devotion dedicated to the Sun God. The festival holds special importance in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and even in parts of Nepal. During these days, devotees observe fasts, take holy dips in rivers, and offer prayers to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth while seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.
Bank Schedule and Services During the Festive Month
Banks in Gujarat will remain closed on October 31 to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. As per the RBI holiday calendar, all banks nationwide will also stay shut on the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays.
Digital Banking to the Rescue During Holidays
Customers can still perform fund transfers, bill payments, and balance checks via online banking, mobile apps, ATMs, and UPI. Only in-person services like large cash deposits, cheque clearances, and demand drafts will be unavailable. To avoid inconvenience, customers are advised to plan their bank visits accordingly and make full use of digital banking facilities during the festive period.
Last Updated:
Lenskart Solutions Limited will open its Rs 7,278 crore IPO on October 31, 2025, with expected listing on BSE and NSE on November 10.
Lenskart has announced the opening date for its IPO.
Lenskart IPO GMP: Eyewear company Lenskart Solutions Limited has announced October 31 as the opening date for its initial public offering (IPO). The three-day subscription window will end on November 04, 2025. The expected size of the issue is Rs 7,278 crore, as informed in the RHP filed on October 25.
Lenskart’s IPO anchor book will open for a day on October 30, according to the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP). The company is expected to finalise share allotment by November 6, and trading of Lenskart shares on the BSE and NSE will begin from November 10.
The company hasn’t yet revealed the price band for its upcoming IPO. It will be announced closer to the launch date.
The grey market premium (GMP) will also be available once the IPO price band is fixed.
Lenskart IPO Details
Earlier, Lenskart converted into a public limited company in June. Its name was changed from Lenskart Solutions Private Ltd to Lenskart Solutions Ltd during an extraordinary general meeting held on May 30.
Back in February, the company was reportedly in discussions to appoint five investment banks — Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Avendus Capital — as advisors for the IPO.
Existing investors like TR Capital, Chiratae, Softbank and Kedaara Capital are expected to sell their stake as part of the deal.
Alongside founders and promoters — Peyush Bansal, Neha Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi — investors including SoftBank’s SVF II Lightbulb (Cayman), Schroders Capital, PI Opportunities Fund, MacRitchie Investments, Kedaara Capital Fund, and Alpha Wave will also participate as selling shareholders in the offer-for-sale. Notably, Schroders Capital Private Equity Asia Mauritius is set to exit entirely, offloading its 1.9 crore shares, representing a 1.13% stake, through the IPO.
Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
October 26, 2025, 11:13 IST
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Business
US-China trade talks: ‘Moving forward’ towards final agreement; Trump expresses hope for ‘comprehensive deal’ with Xi – The Times of India
The longstanding trade tensions between the United States and China might finally come to an end as the two nations are making progress on finalising the details of a trade agreement, a US official said on Sunday.“I think we’re moving forward to the final details of the type of agreement that the leaders can review and decide if they want to include together,” US trade representative Jamieson Greer said, as cited by AFP.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump had also expressed believe that the two nations will reach a “comprehensive deal” with China’s Xi Jinping, putting an end the bitter trade war between the world’s two largest economies.When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One what he hoped to take away from upcoming talks in South Korea, Trump replied, “I think we have a really good chance of making a really comprehensive deal.”The announcement comes after the latest round of trade talks in Malaysia, which began on Saturday, as both nations sought to prevent further escalation of a costly tariff dispute.“The Chinese and US delegations convened on Saturday morning for talks on economic and trade issues,” the official Xinhua news agency reported, as cited by AFP.Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading a delegation in Malaysia from October 24 to 27 to hold discussions with the United States, the Chinese commerce ministry said. The talks are focused on “important issues in the economic and trade relationship between China and the United States,” the ministry added.Tensions between the two countries have intensified in recent weeks. US President Donald Trump threatened 155% additional tariffs on Chinese imports. This came after Beijing’s introduction of sweeping controls on its rare earths industry earlier this month. Both countries have also imposed fees on each other’s shipments, following a US “Section 301” investigation that concluded China’s dominance in the sector was unreasonable.Trump had warned that he might cancel his anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, scheduled on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit beginning October 31. Despite the mounting tensions, the US president emphasised his goal of securing a “good” deal with China and bringing the trade war to an end.The timing of the Malaysian talks coincided with President Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting from October 26 to 28, further highlighting the strategic importance of these discussions.
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