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US Commander praises Saudi Arabia for security cooperation

Grynkewich also said the US relationship with Saudi Arabia was “a really solid relationship” with very clear guidance and support from President Joe Biden…reports Asian Lite News

The newly appointed commander of US military forces in southwest Asia on Sunday praised Saudi Arabia and Qatar for the support they provided in the fight against Daesh, Iran, and international terrorism.

Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of the Combined Forces Air Component and US Central Command, Southwest Asia, also said the US continued to maintain its military readiness and strength in the wake of providing more than $5.3 billion in military support to defend Ukraine.

The southwest Asia region includes most of the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, and North Africa, and Grynkewich emphasized that the US worked in close cooperation with all of its southwest Asia partners in deterring Iran, maintaining regional security, and countering violent extremists.

“I just returned from Saudi Arabia where I met with Lt. General Turki (bin Bandar Al Saud), the air chief. I spent some time at our base just outside of Riyadh. We looked at ways we could enhance our cooperation across the board with shared exercises, shared intelligence, shared information,” he told a media briefing.

“The Kingdom remains one of our most important regional partners. So, General Turki and I agreed we will continue to push the bounds of the cooperation that we have in the defense of the Kingdom and the defense of US forces that operate here in the region.”

Grynkewich also said the US relationship with Saudi Arabia was “a really solid relationship” with very clear guidance and support from President Joe Biden.

“We are committed to this partnership. We are committed to regional stability, whether that means deterring Iran, countering violent extremist organizations, or ensuring that we can compete with our competitors on a global scale.

“This area is critical to global security, and I could not be more proud to be serving here alongside the other men and women from so many different nations in doing what small bit we can to contribute to that.”

Grynkewich responded to a question from Arab News about the impact of US military support of Ukraine on all of the military regions, including southwest Asia, saying it had not reduced US resources in the region or security efforts.

(Photo: White House Pool)

“We have adequate forces in the region to defend ourselves as required. There has been an intentional decision to maintain those sufficient forces here.

“That’s because we know again that threats from violent extremists, and the destabilizing activity we see from Iran, and the need to continue to work with our partners in the region doesn’t go away just because there is something else going on or something very important going on in another area. We have sufficient forces here for all the tasks we have been given. The overall posture has not been affected by things going on elsewhere, just because the entire United States government recognizes the importance of the region.”

Grynkewich said recent US airstrikes in Syria, following rocket attacks that injured several US soldiers, were “disconnected” from other events, including Israel’s recent strike against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces in Syria or the continuing negotiations with Iran over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in Vienna.

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Saudi Arabia UAE News

Next World Forum presents ‘Saudi Spotlight’

The panel at the Forum will discuss the Kingdom’s role as an emerging global player in the booming gaming and esports economy, which is larger than Hollywood and the music industry combined…reports Asian Lite News

The Next World Forum will be inaugurated with a unique panel session entitled ‘Saudi Spotlight: What Now, What Next?’, featuring some of the most prominent government and private sector figures propelling Saudi Arabia’s growth strategy for gaming and esports.

Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Center on Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday, September 8, the Next World Forum’s opening, scene-setting panel will highlight the Kingdom’s extensive gaming and esports aspirations.

The ‘Saudi Spotlight’ panel consists of:

  • HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports
  • HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman, Saudi Esports Federation
  • HE Dr. Mohammed Altamimi, Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC)
  • Eng. Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO, NEOM
  • HE Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director, Qiddiya
  • Brian Ward, Group CEO, SAVVY Gaming Group

The purpose of the ‘Saudi Spotlight: What Now, What Next?’ panel session – facilitating the first dedicated meeting of its kind – is to discuss the future of gaming and esports as a flourishing part of the Saudi Arabian economy. Integral to this is an ambition to develop the abundant talent that exists in the Kingdom and integrate related sectors.

HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Saudi Spotlight, the scene-setting panel of the inaugural Next World Forum, is a golden opportunity to gather some of the brightest minds and main players helping deliver the Kingdom’s ambitions of being a global leader in esports and gaming.

“As well as highlighting the economic opportunities and gains sought, there will also be focus on the crucial, wider holistic thinking behind those ambitions – which spans multiple government bodies and sectors, as well as the large local demand. The passion for gaming in Saudi Arabia – where around 70 percent of the nation’s 35 million population are gamers – is immense. The potential for further growth, however, is even bigger. Saudi Spotlight at the Next World Forum will act as a fulcrum for ensuring that potential is fully captured across all aspects of gaming and esports in Saudi Arabia.”

The panel at the Forum will discuss the Kingdom’s role as an emerging global player in the booming gaming and esports economy, which is larger than Hollywood and the music industry combined. While the gaming and esports sector is currently dominated by the United States, China, South Korea and Japan, gaming consumption in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $6.8 billion by 2030.

Specific discussion points to be raised by the ‘Saudi Spotlight’ panel at the Next World Forum include:

  • The role of the Ministry of Sport, Saudi Esports Federation, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Qiddiya, NEOM, and SAVVY Gaming Group in gaming and esports
  • The collaboration between multiple ministries in this area, including integration into the various aspects of Vision 2030 and two key Giga projects
  • The impact of developing a sports culture and business economy, with reference to the professionalization of esports
  • The integration of gaming and esports into the digital economy strategy
  • The development of infrastructure, a gaming and esports hub, and incentives for international ecosystem players to be based in Saudi Arabia
  • The value chain from tech development and hardware, creative production, esports and changing consumption habits factored into future approach
  • The underlying funding, governance, regulator and implementation framework
  • The emerging trend-driven opportunities such as streaming, distribution, and sports professionalization that will be discussed throughout the two days of the Next World Forum

The Next World Forum recap

More than 1,000 delegates from across the globe will gather in Riyadh to discuss the most important issues in esports and gaming at the in-person Forum. The Forum will also feature activations, gaming masterclasses, bilateral meetings, and bring to a close Gamers8, the biggest esports and gaming event worldwide. The Next World Forum’s guestlist includes ministers of sport from leading nations across the world, investors, gamers, developers, tech providers, start-ups, public sector representatives, brands and advertisers, publishers, broadcasters, and federations and leagues. More information on the Next World Forum can be found at https://www.nextwrld.sa.

Gamers8 recap

Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, Gamers8, the biggest esports and gaming event worldwide, runs daily throughout this summer until September 8 at a purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City. Elite esports tournaments are featuring alongside a series of big-name concerts, festivals, shows, and fun-filled activities for all ages. Further details, including ticket sales, are available on the event website.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

KSA records 21% growth in residential real estate transactions

The CBRE report said visitation to the workplace in Saudi Arabia remains above its pre-pandemic baseline and now sits 19.3 percent above the baseline…reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia recorded SR36 billion ($9.58 billion) worth of transactions in the residential real estate sector in the second quarter of 2022, recording a 21.4 percent increase over the same period last year, the latest market report by the global real estate adviser CBRE revealed.

While the volumes of residential transactions fell by 19.9 percent to over 44,000 deals in the second quarter when compared to last year, the Kingdom saw the overall value of translations increase due to a spike in apartment prices. 

The average apartment prices, on a per square meter basis, across the Kingdom have increased by 6.2 percent in the year to the second quarter of 2022.

This was led by Saudi city Alkhobar which recorded a growth of 11.3 percent in apartment prices, followed by  Jeddah and Riyadh with a spike of 5 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively, in prices in the second quarter.

However, aside from Alkhobar, all major cities registered a sharp decline in the annual rate of price growth in the second quarter of 2022, compared to the quarter earlier, revealed CBRE’s Saudi Arabia Real Estate Market Review Q2 2022 report.

In line with the national trend, all the major cities saw a fall in the number of residential transactions in the year to the second quarter, with the Kingdom’s capital leading the chart with over a 33 percent fall compared to a year earlier. Jeddah and Dammam followed suit with a drop of 6.2 percent and 3.4 percent respectively.

While Saudi Arabia’s economy has gone from strength to strength recently, analysts at CBRE said the Kingdom’s real estate market performance remains “fragmented” on a city and asset class level.

“Given the scale of the change that the Kingdom is undergoing across all asset classes, this is to be expected,” said Taimur Khan, head of research – MENA at CBRE.

However, he said their long-term outlook on Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector remains “optimistic,” despite some of the short-run challenges.

The CBRE report said visitation to the workplace in Saudi Arabia remains above its pre-pandemic baseline and now sits 19.3 percent above the baseline.

But, the capital city Riyadh continues to remain at the center of commercial activities, where demand continues to significantly outstrip supply, it said.

Riyadh has had limited new supply over the years, resulting in average rental prices and occupancy levels staying on the higher side. According to the CBRE report, Riyadh saw occupancy levels rising over the last quarter by 0.7 percentage points to reach 98.1 percent on average in the second quarter of 2022.

“Constrained supply levels have also continued to support growth in rental rates, where in the year to the second quarter of 2022, average Grade A and Grade B rents increased by 3.9 percent and 4.2 percent respectively,” the CBRE said in the report.

In Jeddah, with the Grade A segment of the market being landlord-favored, it said average rents have increased by 2.4 percent in the 12 months to June 2022.

Amid a massive push to develop the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors, Saudi Arabia saw all the key performance indicators of hotels improving in the second quarter, with the average occupancy rate in the year to date to June 2022 increasing by 19 percentage points.

This helped hotels improve their average daily rates, which increased by 13.5 percent, resulting in their revenue per available room seeing massive growth of  72.8 percent over the same period last year, according to the CBRE report.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Schools to welcome students for new academic year

In Jazan, education administrators said the region was all set to accept 162,583 students in stages to 1,320 public and private schools…reports Asian Lite News

Schools throughout Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome tens of thousands of students for the start of the new academic year.

With school gates due to open on Sunday, education officials have been busy planning for a smooth classroom return.

In the Eastern Province, 4 million textbooks have been delivered to 1,627 schools, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

And the region’s education department spokesman, Saeed Al-Bahes, said around 700 buses had been laid on for more than 50,000 students who had registered for school transport through the Noor system.

In Jazan, education administrators said the region was all set to accept 162,583 students in stages to 1,320 public and private schools.

Regional director general of education, Mallhi bin Hassan Aqdi, said employees in a range of departments had worked tirelessly to ensure school buildings and learning materials were ready and in place for the reopening.

Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr has been working closely with education chiefs in the region in preparing for back-to-school day.

During a visit to Al-Tomouh Primary School for Early Childhood, the prince met officials and administrative staff and was briefed on the school’s future plans and programs.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Saudi foundation prepares 200 students for US varsities

They also receive individual counseling sessions to plan for their academic development, and support to write their resumes…reports Asian Lite News

The King Abdulaziz and His Companions’ Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, also known as Mawhiba, has launched its second training workshop this year to prepare 200 secondary school students for admission to top US universities.

The seven-day workshop is part of Mawhiba’s Excellence Program to help outstanding students, of both genders, enroll at leading tertiary institutions in America. The students will receive career guidance counseling and intensive courses on academic writing.

Mawhiba’s Acting Secretary-General Dr. Amal Al-Hazzaa said the country’s leaders want to ensure that talented and skilled people are prepared to take up positions in various critical sectors of the economy.

“The leadership strongly believes the youth can overcome challenges and make the future. They can also enhance the Kingdom’s position among the countries of the developed world in various fields,” she said.

Al-Hazzaa urged students to continue working hard so that they can be excellent ambassadors for the country at the prestigious universities they will attend.

She stressed that the students would assist in transforming the nation into a knowledge society and achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

The Excellence Program lasts for one year, starting from the second semester of grade 11.

Al-Hazzaa said that 700 citizens have already completed the program.

“Some of these students have graduated from these universities and are now working in important positions locally and internationally. Some others are still receiving their education,” she said.

Students of the Excellence Program receive several benefits, the most important of which are intensive training workshops for the SAT examination, a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the US.

They also receive individual counseling sessions to plan for their academic development, and support to write their resumes.

The program also focuses on developing the students’ leadership and entrepreneurial skills. This includes advice on which projects to undertake so that they can stand out in the highly competitive application process, which normally sees hundreds of thousands of applicants from around the world.

The program was launched in 2015 with support provided virtually and in person.

ALSO READ-Saudi Arabia’s June fuel imports increase

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s June fuel imports increase

It is a slight change in the partnership, considering that the Kingdom purchased the low-priced fuel directly from Russia before the Ukraine conflict…reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia’s fuel oil imports in June surged 60 percent to 307,000 barrels per day compared to the same month last year to meet the increasing energy demand for air conditioning to quell the summer heat.

According to the global energy market analysis body Joint Organizations Data Initiative, this rise marks the highest year-on-year change since November 2020, when fuel oil imports rose by 94.5 percent to 354,000 bpd.

The northbound trend in fuel oil imports started in May when Saudi fuel imports increased 78.5 percent to 241,000 bpd from 135,000 bpd in April and further rose 27.4 percent in June.

Historically, the Kingdom’s fuel oil consumption usually doubles during the sweltering heat of the summer season since the oil is burned in the power generation of cooling systems. As a result, it has to import the commodity to satisfy the seasonal demand.

According to media and research reports, the Kingdom sourced 34.3 percent of its June imports from Egypt, 25.5 percent from the UAE and 21.1 percent from Estonia, besides procuring fuel oil from other countries.

It is a slight change in the partnership, considering that the Kingdom purchased the low-priced fuel directly from Russia before the Ukraine conflict.

In 2017, Saudi Arabian Oil Co. signed a memorandum of understanding with Litasco, the trading arm of Russia’s second-largest oil company Lukoil, to trade non-Saudi crude.

The deal entailed regular fuel oil cargoes delivered to the Kingdom until year-end.

The Kingdom’s fuel oil imports from Russia presently transit via Estonia’s Tallin Port. There is also a share of the oil imports that are shipped to Aramco’s storage facilities in Egypt’s Ain El-Sokhna and the hub of Fujairah in the UAE and then diverted to Saudi Arabia’s Dammam and Jeddah ports.

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-Top News Arab News Saudi Arabia

UN report says Arab region is the most unequal worldwide

Youth unemployment, which was 3.8 times higher than that of adult workers, had been the highest globally for the past 25 years…reports Asian Lite News

The Arab region is the most unequal worldwide, according to a new report from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, which warned there was a risk of a “breakdown in social cohesion” if inequalities were not addressed.

The report, called “Inequality in the Arab Region: A ticking time bomb,” said the region had registered some of the highest levels of income inequality globally.

In some countries, the top 10 percent of earners accounted for more than 60 percent of national income, compared with 52 percent globally, 55 percent in Latin America, and 36 percent in Europe.

Factors driving inequality included demographic dynamics, poor education, the digital divide, weak institutions, corruption and lack of transparency, data deficits, and unaffordable housing.

It said gender inequality had been systematically above the global average, with an estimated 179 years needed to close the gender gap compared with 142 years globally.

This gender gap was one of the highest worldwide in 2021 at 61 percent, compared with 67.7 percent globally.

Youth unemployment, which was 3.8 times higher than that of adult workers, had been the highest globally for the past 25 years.

Unemployment among certain groups, such as women and people with disabilities, was even higher than that of men and people without disabilities.

“Such factors, if left unaddressed, will deepen existing inequalities, hitting the poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest. These factors risk inflaming greater disaffection and alienation among Arab populations, resulting in a breakdown of social cohesion,” said UNESCWA executive secretary Rola Dashti.

“Despite this bleak picture, Arab populations are optimistic and hopeful. A survey conducted by ESCWA found that 52 percent of people in the region believe that equality exists, either fully or partially, while 47 percent believe that equality will increase in the next five years,” she said.

She proposed the establishment of a solidarity fund and a regional coalition to reconnect different population groups across the wealthiest and poorest segments of society to create opportunities.

The report said the pandemic had highlighted “deep and long-standing inequalities” across the region, hitting the poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest.

It pushed an additional 16 million people into poverty, increasing the number of poor in the region to over 116 million, almost a quarter of the population.

People in the informal sector, vulnerable workers, women, young people, less-educated workers, and those with disabilities suffered the most from job losses during the pandemic.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Wizz air launches exciting new routes in Saudi

Wizz Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Investment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…reports Asian Lite News

Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and most sustainable airline, is launching 20 exciting new routes from Bucharest, Budapest, Catania, Larnaca, Milan, Naples, Rome, Sofia, Tirana, Venice and Vienna to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airline introduces a new era of extended travel opportunities at ultra-low fares between Europe and the Kingdom to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s global connectivity.  Tickets for all routes are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from 54.99 €.*

The new routes will majorly enhance Wizz Air’s presence in the Kingdom that will boost the growing Saudi Arabian tourism sector and contribute to the Vision 2030 programme to triple the country’s passenger traffic by 2030. Just alone this expansion will bring over one million additional travellers to Saudi Arabia next year.

Jozsef Varadi, CEO of Wizz Air, said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting countries in the world for aviation portraying an eclectic mix of travel opportunities with unmissable destinations, countless exciting attractions, and a thriving cultural scene. Today’s announcement follows the Memorandum of Understanding we recently signed with the government enabling us to contribute to Saudi tourism’s growth and its entire ecosystem.  Not only does Wizz Air offer incredibly low fares to travellers given our operational efficiency, but we also fly one the youngest, most modern, and sustainable fleet of aircraft in the world. I see the Kingdom as a long-term strategic market for Wizz Air where we will continue to innovate and carry the flag of low cost flying for the benefit of Saudi residents and visitors as well as the country’s diversifying economy.”

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Today’s announcement of 20 new routes to Saudi is one of the largest such announcements anywhere in the world. It is a real first for Wizz Air and for Saudi, and opens a new and affordable gateway for visitors from Europe that will allow everyone to come and explore the world’s most exciting new destination. This is already an exceptional partnership and today is just the start.We are making it easier than ever to get to Saudi and are confident that increased travel options and competitiveness will expand consumer choice and drive down costs.”

Khalil Lamrabet, CEO of The Air Connectivity Program, said: “We are pleased to have been able to work with Wizz Air to grow its network to Saudi Arabia; the announced routes are a testament to the strong traffic potential that the Kingdom has to offer. We look forward to welcoming these new flights into the Kingdom’s expanding network and to working with Wizz Air to explore other route opportunities in Saudi Arabia.”

Mohammed Ahmed Almowkley, CEO of Matarat, said: “We at Matarat are working with our partners and airline companies to provide an attractive environment at Saudi airports for airlines and passengers to offer better choices with high-quality services, and this work is an extension to the previous announcement with Wizz Air to operate direct flights from King Fahd International Airport to three diverse international destinations. Matarat will continue on this path to achieve the National Aviation Strategy objectives which are part of the Saudi 2030 vision.”

Wizz Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Investment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The MoU is a Ministry of Tourism initiative, aimed to enhance the development of the Saudi Tourism Sector. It reflects a shared vision between the parties on the potential Wizz Air could bring to the Kingdom to stimulate tourist demand, thereby making a significant contribution to Saudi Arabia’s planned growth.

The easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the removal of PCR test requirements for vaccinated travellers has made travel simpler again, allowing for more spontaneous trips abroad.

For ultimate peace of mind during this uncertain time, passengers can book tickets with confidence, thanks to WIZZ Flex. With WIZZ Flex, passengers can cancel their flight up to three hours before departure without any fee and receive 100% of the fare immediately reimbursed in airline credit.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia

Saudi to get new cinema experience with muvi Cinemas

muvi Cinemas to open at Al Mishraq in Prince Mohammed Bin Salmon Nonprofit City

Appealing to 18,000 residents and many visitors of the City, the popular cinema brand will drive footfall to Al Mishraq, benefiting the surrounding retail shops…reports Asian Lite News

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City has signed an agreement with muvi Cinemas, Saudi Arabia’s homegrown cinema brand and the country’s largest theatre operator, to open a new cinema experience in the recently announced central zone of the City, Al Mishraq.

muvi Cinemas in Al Mishraq will offer eight screens, including a 500-seat Dolby cinema, a 100-seat muvi SUITES VIP cinema experience, and a 300-seat muvi boutique-themed cinema. There will be expansive lobby areas which can host corporate functions and gala events. A fresh and healthy eating café will cater to both cinema guests and the general public.

The agreement with muvi Cinemas reflects efforts to bring a wide range of entertainment and leisure experiences to the City, with the City supporting the aims of Saudi Vision 2030 to enrich the Kingdom’s entertainment industry. Appealing to 18,000 residents and many visitors of the City, the popular cinema brand will drive footfall to Al Mishraq, benefiting the surrounding retail shops.

Adon Quinn, CEO of muvi Cinemas, said: “We are extremely thrilled for muvi Cinemas to be selected as the cinema exhibitor at Al Mishraq.  As a homegrown company, leading the market share in both screen count and box office, it is a continuation of our expansion plans to offer our outstanding cinemas and experiences to capture the imagination of the nation. We are working hard to deliver a unique experience that supports such a prestigious and innovative development.”

David Henry, CEO of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, said: “The agreement to bring muvi’s new cinema to Al Mishraq aligns with our goal to provide unique experiences for the residents and visitors of the City. The cinema will provide an opportunity to showcase Saudi culture and visual art.”

For more information on leasing and partnerships, please contact the team at City@misk.org.sa

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City will be the first of its kind in the world and is located in Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, on an area spreading over ​​3.4 square kilometers.

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-Top News PAKISTAN Qatar

Qatar interested in leasing Pakistan’s airports

Qatar is going to invest in seaports, LNG plants, and solar power plants, reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has said that Qatar is “interested in leasing Pakistan’s airports”.

He was addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Friday.

Miftah said that Qatar is going to invest in seaports, LNG plants, and solar power plants, Samaa TV reported.

They are also interested in entering the Pakistan Stock Exchange, he said.

He denied media reports about handing over New York’s Roosevelt Hotel and Pakistan International Airline. He said these topics did not come under discussion.

His statement comes a day after Pak Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his maiden official visit to the Gulf kingdom since assuming office in April.

The minister said that the meeting of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) executive board is taking place on Monday which will approve the release of funds.

He claimed that Pakistan has already fulfilled all the pre-conditions for the disbursement of the loan tranche.

Miftah said that the Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) that came with the electricity bills of August was for the month of May. It increases the per unit price of electricity by Rs 7, he said.

He said that the government has talked to the IMF about this and decided not to collect FCA from consumers using less than 200 units of electricity. This would cost us almost Rs 21 billion, he added.

He also said that a committee has been constituted to consider reduction for the consumers using 200 to 300 units.

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