Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
DHA City Karachi has become the first privately owned housing project in Pakistan to receive regulatory approval for distributing and supplying electricity within its own boundaries after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) awarded the DHA Energy Supply Company (DESCO) a Distribution License and a Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) License for a period of 21 years.
The licenses cover DHA City Karachi, a master planned housing development located approximately 56 kilometers from Karachi on the M 9 Motorway in Malir District. The approval marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's power sector by allowing a private housing developer to operate as an electricity distributor under NEPRA's Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) framework.
DESCO is the first privately owned company in the country to receive both Distribution and SoLR licenses under the revised regulatory regime. These responsibilities have traditionally been carried out by former WAPDA distribution companies and K Electric.
According to the application submitted to NEPRA, DHA City Karachi currently has no direct connection to either the national electricity grid or K Electric's existing distribution network. To meet its initial electricity requirements, DESCO has reached an agreement to procure 6 megawatts of power from Lucky Cement Limited, the nearest available generation source. The electricity will be transmitted through K Electric's network before being supplied to residential, commercial and other consumers within DHA City Karachi.
The licensing process faced objections from the Central Power Purchasing Agency, Gujranwala Electric Power Company and K Electric. The organizations questioned DESCO's financial capacity, technical expertise and lack of operational experience as a newly established company.
After reviewing the case, NEPRA rejected the objections, stating that DESCO had fulfilled the necessary legal and regulatory requirements for obtaining the licenses. The regulator also clarified that the approval applies exclusively to electricity distribution and supply within DHA City Karachi and does not extend beyond the project's boundaries.
Although K Electric continues to hold Distribution and Supplier of Last Resort licenses for Karachi until June 2044, NEPRA noted that these licenses have been non exclusive since the end of K Electric's monopoly in 2023, allowing other qualified entities to operate under the regulatory framework.
NEPRA further directed that DESCO will only be permitted to charge electricity tariffs, connection fees and use of system charges that are approved by the regulator, ensuring consumer protection and regulatory oversight.
Addressing concerns about DESCO's financial strength, NEPRA acknowledged that the company has yet to commence commercial operations. However, it observed that DESCO is backed by DHA Karachi, a financially strong parent organization capable of providing financial support whenever required. The regulator added that it is common practice for newly incorporated companies to begin operations with minimum paid up capital and expand their financial base after starting commercial activities.
The authority expressed confidence that DESCO's financial position would improve once it begins electricity distribution and supply operations. It also emphasized that the company will be required to comply with all applicable technical, operational and regulatory standards, with specific compliance obligations incorporated into the terms and conditions of its Distribution License.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Construction has officially commenced on what is set to become Pakistan’s tallest building, with the foundation stone laid for the Burj Quaid project in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority. The landmark development will consist of twin 82 storey towers and is expected to establish a new benchmark for high rise construction and urban development in the country.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Administrator of DHA Karachi, the Administrator of DHA City, senior government officials, prominent builders, developers and representatives of the real estate sector. The project will be developed across six acres within the DHA Golf Club and is being positioned as one of the most ambitious real estate developments in Pakistan.
Project officials confirmed that all required approvals for the high rise towers have been obtained from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, clearing the way for construction to move forward.
Speaking at the ceremony, DHA City Administrator Brigadier Kashif Naeem described Burj Quaid as a landmark investment that would contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth while showcasing world class architecture and modern urban planning. He said the project is expected to transform the construction sector and stimulate commercial and residential activity across DHA and surrounding areas.
He also invited local and overseas investors to explore investment opportunities in DHA City, highlighting its secure environment, modern infrastructure and long term development potential for businesses and housing projects.
Officials said the project is expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, providing a significant boost to the local economy. They added that DHA City is also witnessing the development of major public welfare projects, including the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and a Dow Hospital, further enhancing the area's appeal as an integrated urban destination.
ABS Developers Chief Executive Officer Dr Subiel Akram said Burj Quaid reflects the company's commitment to supporting Pakistan's economic development through large scale real estate investment. He noted that the company has consistently completed previous projects ahead of schedule and currently serves more than 20,000 members.
According to the developers, Burj Quaid is designed to place Pakistan among the leading destinations for modern urban development by introducing internationally recognised standards in architecture, construction quality and mixed use real estate development.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Zong, one of Pakistan’s leading technology services companies, has partnered with WWF Pakistan and Integrated Waste Management Solution, ISPES, to organise a coastal clean-up drive at HawksBay, Karachi.
The activity was held at the conclusion of the global Plastic Free July campaign. The month long campaign encourages people and organisations to reduce unnecessary plastic use, protect natural environments and adopt responsible waste disposal practices.
Zong employees, volunteers and environmental advocates participated in the clean up drive. The participants collected plastic bottles, shopping bags, packaging materials and other waste from the HawksBay coastline.
According to Zong, the initiative was not limited to removing waste from the beach. It also aimed to raise public awareness about marine pollution and highlight the need for businesses, environmental organisations, government institutions and communities to work together.
Plastic waste left on beaches can harm marine animals, birds and coastal ecosystems. Plastic does not decompose easily and can break into smaller particles that may enter seawater and the natural food chain.
To ensure that the collected waste was handled responsibly, ISPES transported the materials to its waste management facility for systematic separation and processing.
Recyclable plastic waste was sent to the organisation’s upcycling facility. Upcycling is a process through which used or discarded materials are converted into new and useful products instead of being thrown away.
The process also supports the circular economy, an economic system in which materials and products are reused, repaired or converted into new resources rather than being sent directly to landfills.
Nabila Yazdani, Head of Strategy, Corporate Communications and Sustainability at Zong, said sustainable development requires innovation, strategic partnerships and meaningful community participation.
She said Zong’s partnership with WWF Pakistan and ISPES was promoting responsible waste management, supporting circular economy practices and encouraging collective action to protect Pakistan’s coastal and natural ecosystems.
The company said the complete waste management process ensured that the environmental impact of the campaign continued beyond the beach clean up itself. Recyclable waste was transformed into useful resources while the amount of waste sent to landfills was reduced.
Zong said it remains committed to reducing its environmental footprint, improving the efficient use of resources and introducing responsible environmental practices across its business operations.