Latest news with #Akhtar
Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Pakistan launches National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-30
Pakistan government on Thursday officially launched the National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30. Speaking at the launch, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan called the policy a 'historic and transformative step' in Pakistan's journey towards industrial, environmental, and energy reforms, according to a statement from the Ministry of Industries and Production. Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that the new EV policy was aligned with the prime minister's vision of promoting clean, sustainable, and affordable transportation while encouraging local industry and protecting the environment. He emphasised that the transport sector was a major contributor to carbon emissions in Pakistan, and reforms in that area were imperative. National Electric Vehicle policy expected in one month Akhtar said one of the major targets under the policy was to ensure that 30% of all new vehicles sold in Pakistan by 2030 would be electric. The transition is projected to save 2.07 billion litres of fuel annually, amounting to nearly $1 billion in foreign exchange savings. Additionally, the policy is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 4.5 million tons and cut healthcare-related costs by $405 million per year. Akhtar announced that an initial subsidy of Rs9 billion was allocated for the fiscal year 2025-26, under which 116,053 electric bikes and 3,171 electric rickshaws would be facilitated. 'Importantly, 25% of the subsidy is reserved for women to provide them with safe, affordable, and eco-friendly mobility.' He said a fully digital platform was introduced to ensure transparent online application, verification, and disbursement of subsidies. Furthermore, the policy outlines the installation of 40 new EV charging stations on motorways, with an average distance of 105 kilometres between them. Electric Vehicle policy to be announced by end of November: Tanveer The policy also includes the introduction of battery swapping systems, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) schemes, and mandatory integration of EV charging points in new building codes to facilitate wider adoption in urban areas. To encourage local manufacturing, incentives are being provided to domestic producers. Currently, over 90% of parts for two- and three-wheelers are already manufactured locally, according to the ministry. As per the details, the government will also introduce special support packages for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to further boost localisation. The Automotive Industry Development and Export Plan (AIDEP) tariff facility would continue until 2026 and be phased out gradually by 2030, the official announced. The Special Assistant noted that the NEV policy was developed through consultations with over 60 experts, institutions, and industry stakeholders, guided by a steering committee under the Ministry of Industries and Production since September 2024. The steering committee would hold monthly and quarterly review meetings, while the Auditor General of Pakistan would conduct a performance audit every six months, Akhtar said. He stressed that the NEV policy was not only an environmental revolution but also a foundation for industrial growth, local employment, energy efficiency, and technological self-reliance in Pakistan. He expressed hope that federal and provincial governments, the private sector, and citizens would work together to realise 'this vision of a clean, modern, and sustainable transport system'. Akhtar stated that the policy was a decisive move toward clean energy, sustainable transportation, and industrial development. ' 'It presents a comprehensive and results-driven strategy that aims to lead Pakistan toward a cleaner and more resilient future.' He also highlighted that locally produced goods were 30-40% cheaper than imported alternatives. In the two-wheeler segment alone, more than 90% of parts are now produced locally, according to Akhtar. 'Given Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, the EV policy will significantly contribute to achieving global carbon reduction targets.' The policy is expected to yield savings of approximately Rs800 billion over the next 24-25 years through reduced fuel imports, the use of cheap electricity, and revenue from carbon credits. 'Charging vehicles with electricity will also reduce capacity payments from Rs174 billion to Rs105 billion, and carbon credits could generate around Rs15 billion in revenue.' The country's total energy demand for EVs over the next five years is projected at 126 terawatt-hours, which could be met using the existing surplus in the national grid, he said. An electric rickshaw or bike user is expected to recover their initial investment within 1 year and 10 months due to the low cost of charging compared to petrol. For instance, if the additional cost of an electric bike is Rs150,000, 'this can be recouped within less than two years through fuel savings'. Akhtar concluded by saying that the government had also provided exemptions on customs duties and sales tax on EV parts to support the local industry. 'This policy should be embraced wholeheartedly by Pakistan, as it is a game-changer for our economy, environment, and industrial landscape.'
Business Recorder
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Govt launches National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-30
The federal government has officially launched the National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, the Ministry of Industries and Production said on Thursday. Speaking at the launch, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan called the policy a 'historic and transformative step' in Pakistan's journey towards industrial, environmental, and energy reforms. Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that the new EV policy is aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of promoting clean, sustainable, and affordable transportation while encouraging local industry and protecting the environment. He emphasised that the transport sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions in Pakistan, and reform in this area is imperative. National Electric Vehicle policy expected in one month He said that one of the major targets under the policy is to ensure that 30% of all new vehicles sold in Pakistan by 2030 are electric. This transition is projected to save 2.07 billion litres of fuel annually, amounting to nearly USD 1 billion in foreign exchange savings. Additionally, the policy is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 4.5 million tons and cut healthcare-related costs by USD 405 million per year. Akhtar announced that an initial subsidy of Rs. 9 billion has been allocated for the fiscal year 2025-26, under which 116,053 electric bikes and 3,171 electric rickshaws will be facilitated. Importantly, 25% of this subsidy is reserved for women to provide them with safe, affordable, and eco-friendly mobility. He said a fully digital platform has also been introduced to ensure transparent online application, verification, and disbursement of subsidies. Furthermore, the policy outlines the installation of 40 new EV charging stations on motorways, with an average distance of 105 kilometres between them. Electric Vehicle policy to be announced by end of November: Tanveer The policy also includes the introduction of battery swapping systems, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) schemes, and mandatory integration of EV charging points in new building codes to facilitate wider adoption in urban areas. To encourage local manufacturing, incentives are being provided to domestic producers. Currently, over 90% of parts for two- and three-wheelers are already manufactured locally. The government will also introduce special support packages for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to further boost localisation. The AIDEP tariff facility will continue until 2026 and be phased out gradually by 2030. The Special Assistant noted that the policy was developed through consultations with over 60 experts, institutions, and industry stakeholders, guided by a steering committee under the Ministry of Industries and Production since September 2024. The steering committee will hold monthly and quarterly review meetings, while the Auditor General of Pakistan will conduct a performance audit every six months. He stressed that the NEV Policy 2025-30 is not only an environmental revolution but also a foundation for industrial growth, local employment, energy efficiency, and technological self-reliance in Pakistan. He expressed hope that federal and provincial governments, the private sector, and citizens will work together to realise this vision of a clean, modern, and sustainable transport system. Akhtar stated that the policy is a decisive move toward clean energy, sustainable transportation, and industrial development. It presents a comprehensive and results-driven strategy that aims to lead Pakistan toward a cleaner and more resilient future. He also highlighted that locally produced goods are 30-40% cheaper than imported alternatives. In the two-wheeler segment alone, more than 90% of parts are now produced locally. Given Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, the EV policy will significantly contribute to achieving global carbon reduction targets. The policy is expected to yield savings of approximately Rs. 800 billion over the next 24-25 years through reduced fuel imports, the use of cheap electricity, and revenue from carbon credits. Charging vehicles with electricity will also reduce capacity payments from Rs174 billion to Rs105 billion, and carbon credits could generate around Rs15 billion in revenue. The country's total energy demand for EVs over the next five years is projected at 126 terawatt-hours, which can be met using the existing surplus in the national grid. An electric rickshaw or bike user is expected to recover their initial investment within 1 year and 10 months due to the low cost of charging compared to petrol. For instance, if the additional cost of an electric bike is Rs. 150,000, this can be recouped within less than two years through fuel savings. He concluded by saying that the government has also provided exemptions on customs duties and sales tax on EV parts to support the local industry. 'This policy should be embraced wholeheartedly by Pakistan, as it is a game-changer for our economy, environment, and industrial landscape,' Akhtar affirmed.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Javed Akhtar compares alcohol with religion: 'People never stop at two pegs, dharm mein bhi bas thoda sa nahi rehta'
Javed Akhtar has confessed in the past that he was an alcoholic but he overcame that habit. He hasn't touched alcohol for many years now. In a recent conversation, Akhtar has compared religion with alcohol. When asked if alcohol is good or bad, he said that too much of anything can be bad. Just little bit of something is not bad but the problem is that people don't stop at little. He added that while people stop at two glasses of milk, they cannot stop at two glasses of alcohol. He said on Aaj Tak Radio, "Alcohol and religion have a lot in common. The Americans did a survey once, about who lives longer; the person who doesn't drink or the person who drinks an entire bottle every day. It was discovered that neither have longetivity. Those who live the longest are the ones who strictly have two pegs before their dinner. Medicines have alcohol, how can it be so bad? What's bad is overconsumption. If a person has two glasses of milk, it's fine. But if he has two glasses of whiskey, it's not okay. People never stop at two." He said further, "Agar aadmi mein thoda sa dharm ho toh aadmi theek rehta hai. Par woh thoda sa nahi rehta hai. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Do peg dharm bhi theek hai, do peg daru bhi theek hai lekin woh nahi rehta isiliye usse door rehna padta hai. (If a person has a little bit of religion, he is good, but he isn't limited to just a bit. Two pegs of religion is also okay. Two pegs of alcohol is also okay. The problem is that a person doesn't stop at just two pegs, that's why one has to be away from it). " He had spoken about being an alcoholic during a chat with Arbaaz Khan and said, "Main isliye peeta tha ki main enjoy karta tha (I drank because I enjoyed it), it was a pleasure. I was not drowning any sorrow in it. Magar mujhe ek baat samajh mein aayi, common sense kehta hai ki 52-53 tak mujhe marr jana chahiye, if this is how I drink. Isse upar umar meri jani nahi chahiye with this kind of drinking (But I understood one thing, common sense dictates that with this kind of drinking I would die by 52-53). '
News18
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Javed Akhtar Recalls Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's Brave Pro-India Remark To Pakistan: 'He Was Courageous'
Last Updated: Javed Akhtar recalls Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's bold statement to Pakistani officials, praising India's warmth and criticizing Pakistan for ignoring Lata Mangeshkar. Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has once again revisited the long-standing conversation around the cultural exchange between India and Pakistan, while fondly remembering his deep admiration for legendary Pakistani qawwali maestro, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Though Akhtar had earlier drawn applause in India — and criticism across the border — for calling out Pakistan's history of sheltering perpetrators of attacks like 26/11 during an appearance in Lahore, he maintains that his respect for Nusrat remains untarnished. Speaking on AajTak Radio, Akhtar shared a poignant anecdote from a music launch in Delhi that highlighted Nusrat's candour and courage. 'I'm not a huge fan of qawwali as a genre," Akhtar admitted, 'but I was a great admirer of Nusrat. He was a lovely man. We worked together on an album titled Sangam — I wrote it, he composed it." Recalling the event held at a five-star hotel in Delhi, Akhtar described how Nusrat addressed a packed audience, including dignitaries from the Pakistan High Commission seated in the front row. 'Nusrat was asked to say a few words. He said, 'I travel all over the world, but the reception I get in India is unmatched. I hang my head in shame when people ask me why my country hasn't hosted Lata Mangeshkar. I'm saying this here because I want the people from the Pakistan High Commission to pay attention,'" Javed recalled. Akhtar described the moment as a rare act of bravery. 'It takes conviction, daring, and honesty to make such a statement. For me, as an Indian, it's not a big deal to say this. But for a Pakistani to say this on Indian soil and then return home — that's incredibly courageous," he said, adding, 'I have nothing but love and admiration for Nusrat. He died so young. He was on his way to America to sign a record deal with none other than Madonna. Who knows what more greatness he would have achieved had he lived longer." Born in 1948, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan passed away in 1997 at the age of just 48. Javed noted that Nusrat was one of the few South Asian artists whose appeal transcended borders, regularly selling out concerts not just among the diaspora, but among Western audiences as well. After the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, Akhtar reiterated his stance on the imbalance in cross-border artistic engagement. 'It has been one-way traffic. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Noor Jahan — all came to India and were welcomed with open arms. Faiz Ahmad Faiz, when he visited India during the Vajpayee era, was treated with the respect reserved for a head of state," he said in an interview with PTI. First Published:
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aamir Khan reveals his No. 1 insecurity of his early days: 'Other top male actors made me nervous because...'
In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of Hindi cinema , Aamir Khan has carved a unique niche for himself as someone who constantly strives for excellence. His journey began in the late 1980s with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, a film that not only introduced him to audiences but also catapulted him to instant stardom. Over the decades, he has continued to maintain a strong presence in the industry, becoming one of its most respected figures. Despite his stature as a leading actor, Aamir once struggled with self-doubt, especially regarding his physical appearance. During the early stages of his career, one of his biggest concerns was his height. Standing around 5 feet 5 inches tall, Aamir felt noticeably shorter than many of his contemporaries at the time. Stars like Sunny Deol and Jackie Shroff dominated the screen with their towering presence, and Aamir often questioned whether someone of his height would be taken seriously in the industry. This sense of unease stayed with him for a while, particularly when actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Shatrughan Sinha—taller, commanding personalities—ruled the silver screen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo During a recent interaction on a YouTube talk show, Aamir revisited these feelings when asked about a humorous line in the trailer of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par , which pokes fun at his height. He admitted that, in the past, such remarks would have deeply unsettled him. However, over time, he grew more comfortable with himself and gradually shed that insecurity. A pivotal moment in his journey toward self-acceptance came through a conversation with renowned writer Javed Akhtar . Akhtar had once advised him that humour, when used wisely, could be a powerful tool during tough times. The ability to laugh at oneself, Akhtar explained, acts as a buffer against life's emotional bumps. This idea stuck with Aamir and helped him view his own perceived shortcomings in a new light. In another earlier discussion on a YouTube channel, Aamir had acknowledged that his height used to make him feel inferior and uncertain about how audiences might react to him. He feared rejection based on appearance alone. But with time and experience, he came to understand that talent, authenticity, and sincerity mattered far more than physical traits. Sitare Zameen Par, directed by RS Prasanna, stars Aamir alongside Genelia Deshmukh and introduces several fresh faces including Naman Misra and Simran Mangeshkar. The film is set to hit theatres on June 20, promising a heartfelt story brought to life by a cast full of new energy and seasoned talent.
