Hire Now
Message Israr
See how it works
Book Israr with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Israr is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Israr
Israr Khan is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan. He has more than 17-year experience in reporting and writing with Pakistan’s leading English language newspapers and international media and has enough skills in development sector research. Currently, Mr. Khan is working as an Economic and Financial reporter with Pakistan’s leading English language daily ‘The News International.' He has also worked as Editor for the US-based online news website ‘Pangea Today’ where he covered Afghanistan and Pakistan region. He is also the ‘Country Representative’ for the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC)--a Swiss-based media assistance group that fights for the protection of journalists around the globe and enjoys the UN special consultative status. He has also worked as ‘Administrative Assistant’ with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Asia-Pacific. Furthermore, he has extensive expertise in infrastructure research while working with global organizations such as the United States-based FirmoGraphs (******) and Grassroots Research® (******). Mr. Khan has also worked as a fixer and translator with foreign media groups including the United States National Public Radio (NPR), the Canadian CBC Television, The Australian Newspaper, Sunday Times, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Portfolio
SNGPL seeks 147% gas price hike, 3rd time in one year
The Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) has submitted a petition to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) for a 147% increase in gas prices for FY 2024-25, which would be the third hike within a year. The proposed increase would raise the average gas price to Rs4,446.89 per mmbtu due to a projected revenue shortfall of Rs189.18 billion. Public hearings are being held in Lahore and Peshawar to discuss the matter. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has also sought a price increase. The textile industry, represented by the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) and Lahore Chambers, plans to oppose the hike, particularly questioning the high unaccounted for gas (UFG) rates and the rationale behind certain expenses.
SNGPL seeks 147pc gas price hike, 3rd time in one year
The Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) has submitted a petition to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) for a 147 percent increase in gas prices for FY 2024-25, marking the third such request within a year. The hike, if approved, is expected to exacerbate inflation and burden the poorer population. SNGPL, serving over 7.22 million consumers, faces a revenue shortfall of Rs189.18 billion. The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) and Lahore Chambers plan to oppose the increase, particularly questioning the SNGPL's high unaccounted for gas (UFG) rates and the rationale behind certain expenses. Ogra conducted hearings in Karachi and Quetta for a similar petition by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), which seeks a price increase due to a revenue shortfall of Rs79.63 billion.
Another Rs4.66 per unit hike in power bills expected next month
Electricity consumers in Pakistan may face an additional Rs33 billion burden if NEPRA approves a proposed Rs4.66 per unit increase in power prices for January 2024 bills, due to fuel adjustment for November 2023. NEPRA held a public hearing on CPPA's plea, which represented Discos. The hearing addressed concerns about operating power plants on imported fuel and the shutdown of cost-effective plants. A 13% decrease in electricity consumption and reliance on expensive imported LNG fuel in November 2023 has increased financial pressure on consumers. NEPRA is committed to enforcing its decisions and has taken legal actions against Discos for overbilling. Recent loadshedding was attributed to grid station failures, reduced hydel generation, and gas supply issues. The Power Division is working to minimize shortfalls by using furnace oil to compensate for the LNG shortage.
LPG price up by Rs1.57/kg for this month
The caretaker government of Pakistan has increased the price of a domestic 11.8-kilogramme liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder by Rs18.52 for January 2024, as per a notification from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). The LPG price per kilogram has risen from Rs254.86 in December to Rs256.43 in January. The increase is attributed to a 1.6% rise in the Saudi Aramco-CP and a 0.86% decrease in the average dollar exchange rate. The new pricing will affect different cylinder sizes, with the price of a 45.4kg commercial cylinder increasing by Rs71.278. The producer price of LPG, assuming a composition of 40% propane and 60% butane, has been set at Rs177,644.20 per tonne, excluding the petroleum levy and general sales tax (GST). The marketing, distribution, and transportation margins have been set at Rs35,000 per tonne, with an 18% GST applied on these margins.
Weekly inflation surges to 43.25pc y/y as food prices skyrocket
Weekly inflation in Pakistan rose by 0.37 percent, reaching 43.25 percent year-on-year, driven by significant increases in food prices such as onions, chicken, and sugar. The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) tracked the prices of 51 essential items, showing varied price changes. The highest inflation was observed among middle-income groups, with gas prices increasing by over 1100 percent for certain consumers. The data highlights the economic strain on different income groups, with notable price hikes in essential commodities over the past year.
Discos seek massive Rs4.66 per unit hike in Jan power bills
Power distribution companies (Discos) in Pakistan, excluding K-Electric, are seeking approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to increase electricity prices by Rs4.6617 per unit for January 2024. This increase is due to the fuel charges adjustment for November 2023. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has applied on behalf of Discos, and Nepra has scheduled a public hearing on December 27 to review the application. The total electricity generated in November was 7,547 gigawatt-hours, with various sources contributing to the generation mix, including hydel, coal, gas, RLNG, bagasse, wind, solar, nuclear, and imported electricity from Iran.
Weekly inflation stays at six-month high on food, gas prices
Pakistan's weekly inflation rate remained at a six-month high of 43.16 percent for the week ending on December 14, driven by significant price increases in food items and gas. The Sensitive Price Indicator slightly decreased by 0.06 percent week-on-week. The State Bank of Pakistan has kept the interest rate at 22 percent, with a total increase of 15 percentage points over the last two years. Gas prices surged by 1108.6 percent over the year, while prices of sugar, pulses, eggs, and rice also saw sharp increases. The inflation rate varied across different income groups, with the middle quintile experiencing the highest weekly inflation at 46.99 percent. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported changes in prices for various commodities, with some items like sugar and pulses experiencing price hikes, while others like potatoes and tomatoes saw price reductions.
Gas tariff increase fails to cut Pakistan’s Rs2.8 trillion circular debt pile
Pakistan's gas sector circular debt remains at Rs2.8 trillion despite tariff hikes, with no significant reduction expected. The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum discussed strategies to address the debt and the urea shortfall. Daily gas consumption exceeds production, with fertilizer companies being major consumers. The committee also discussed gas tariff rates, load shedding, and the regularization of contingent employees. The meeting included senators, the Special Secretary for Petroleum Division, the Chairman of OGRA, and other officials.
Senate chief’s brother Raziq removed from Saindak firm MD post
The federal government has removed Mohammad Raziq Sanjrani from his position as Managing Director of Saindak Metals Limited after revelations of his appointment violating established rules. The National Accountability Bureau had previously deemed his 2008 appointment illegal due to lack of qualifications and experience. The decision to rescind his appointment was formalized by the Ministry of Energy following directives from caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar. The revocation was based on recommendations from various government bodies and highlights the involvement of key political figures in the initial appointment process.
SSGC to halt gas supply to power plants amid severe shortage
Sui Southern Gas Company Ltd. (SSGC) will suspend gas supply to gas-based power plants in Pakistan from December 5, 2023, to February 29, 2024, due to a significant reduction in domestic gas availability and increased demand, particularly in Balochistan. The company has experienced a severe deficit in gas supplies, declining by over 39 percent in the past six years. The suspension is in accordance with the gas sale agreement, which allows for disconnection during high-demand winter months, prioritizing domestic sector supplies as per federal government policy.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
Want to see more portfolio samples?
Sign up to paydesk, it’s free!
Log In
Sign Up
×
Israr's
confirmed information
✓
Phone number
Verified Oct 2019
✓
Joined
Oct 2019