Pakistan Viral Series

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NEPRA’s Net Metering Overhaul: What Changes for Pakistan’s Solar Users?

NEPRA has introduced the (Prosumer) Regulations 2026, effectively ending the one-to-one net metering system established in 2015. Under the new “net billing” framework, utilities like Discos will buy excess solar power from households and businesses at the national average energy purchase price potentially as low as Rs11 per unit while charging full consumer tariffs up to Rs50 per unit for supplied electricity. This shift could burden solar adopters with higher net payments, as the buyback rate drops from the current Rs25.9. Existing contracts remain intact until expiry, but renewals must comply with the new rules, including a reduced five-year term from seven. Key Restrictions and Application Process System sizes are capped at 1MW and tied to sanctioned load, with no new setups if transformer generation hits 80% capacity. Larger systems (250kW+) require load flow studies, and all interconnection costs fall on prosumers, plus a Rs1,000/kW fee. Applications must be processed quic...

When Rivals Need a Room: How Abu Dhabi Became the Place Where Impossible Conversations Happen

There's a phone call happening soon that 314 families have been waiting months to receive. Your son is coming home. Your husband is being released. The waiting is over. It won't make as much noise as it should. Prisoner exchanges rarely do. But this one brokered this week in Abu Dhabi between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia marks the first time in nearly five months that these three countries have agreed on anything that puts human lives first. The talks were described by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff as "detailed" and "productive"—the kind of carefully chosen words that mean something actually moved forward. No grand announcements. No political theater. Just an agreement that 314 people, caught in the machinery of conflict, get to go home. And it happened in the UAE. The Room Where It Happens There aren't many cities left where American, Ukrainian, and Russian delegations will sit across from each other. Abu Dhabi is one of them. Not because t...

Moonis Alvi Steps Down as KE CEO: Key Details and Background

K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi has resigned, as announced in a Pakistan Stock Exchange disclosure dated February 6, 2026. Alvi, who joined KE in 2018 and served eight years, confirmed the move on X , pledging a smooth transition and praising the team’s resilience. This follows a 2025 harassment case where the provincial ombudsman ordered his removal and Rs2.5m compensation, though Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori overturned it on February 3 after Alvi’s appeal. Alvi denied charges and challenged via Sindh High Court, which stayed the order. Harassment Case Timeline and Legal Battles The controversy stemmed from a complaint by KE’s former chief marketing officer, leading to the ombudsman’s July 2025 ruling. Alvi argued no harassment occurred and the complaint was invalid, while the complainant defended the order’s legality. Governor Tessori, after review, set aside the decision. For full context, see Dawn’s detailed report . KE shares surged 7.58% on resignation day, per Business Rec...

Epstein Files Library 2026: One-Click Guide to Searching Names in Jeffrey Epstein Documents

The latest Jeffrey Epstein files release by the US Department of Justice includes over three million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images, shedding light on investigations, associations, and travel records. Financier Epstein, convicted in 2008 for sex crimes and rearrested in 2019 before his suicide, remains linked to powerful figures. These redacted documents, available as public PDFs on the DOJ site, raise questions on transparency and accountability without implying guilt for named individuals. Overview of Epstein Files and Key Names Files encompass FBI interviews, emails, flight logs, and financials, with names like Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Prince Andrew, Ghislaine Maxwell, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk appearing – presence doesn’t indicate wrongdoing. For full context, cross-reference court filings. Tools like EpsteIn Tool from 404 Media links names to LinkedIn, while CBS News offers a searchable database. Download from DOJ Epstein Library or use media summaries. Step...

LAAM Fashion Week 2026 Wraps Up in Lahore: Setting New Standards for Pakistani Fashion

LAAM Fashion Week (LFW) concluded its debut four-day run in Lahore, blending Pakistan’s artisan heritage with a digital retail model to go global. As the first runway-to-e-tail platform, it featured high-street, prêt, manufacturing, retail, luxury, and bridal brands, reaching over 120 countries via live streams. Day 1 honored legacy with 26 iconic garments from designers like Ali Xeeshan and HSY, plus emerging talent from IVS and PIFD, ending with shows by Tena Durrani and Rizwan Beyg. Day 2 and 3 Highlights: From High-Street to Couture Day 2 showcased high-street like Agha Noor and Panache Apparel, retail from Allure by Izna Hamza, and designers including Karma and Fahad Hussayn. Day 3 continued with KIBO and Kiara in high-street, retail by KB by Zulfiqar Malik, and finales by The House of Kamiar Rokni and Saira Shakira. These segments highlighted diversity, from accessible prêt to avant-garde pieces, with immediate online sales for many collections via LAAM’s platform. For full co...

Basant Festival Lahore 2026: Clear Skies Forecast as Punjab Revives Tradition with Strict Safety Rules

Basant is making a grand comeback in Lahore after 18 years, with the Punjab government lifting the ban under strict regulations to ensure safety. The three-day festival kicks off February 6, celebrating spring with kite-flying, but only cotton strings and permissible sizes are allowed – no metallic manja or oversized kites. Banned in 2007 due to deaths from sharp strings and gunfire, this revival emphasizes caution around electric lines and roads. CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted Basant’s cultural significance, urging Punjabis to embrace their heritage, including speaking Punjabi proudly. The event’s yellow theme symbolizes life’s return, boosting billions in economic activity with hotels booked solid. 0 “LARGE” PMD Weather Forecast and Safety Advisories The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts dry weather with mostly clear skies for February 6-7, and partial clouds on the 8th – ideal for kite-flying with light winds at 10-15 km/h. Participants are advised to stay vigilant near ...