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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
First batch of Honda cars exported, gaps persist
Listen to article Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd has exported 38 units of its 1.2L Honda City to Japan, marking a symbolic entry into international markets. However, the company cautioned that high input costs and lack of clear, export-supportive government policies remain major barriers to large-scale exports. During its analyst briefing on Wednesday, the company stated that while discussions with authorities are ongoing, Pakistan is at a disadvantage compared to regional competitors like Thailand and Indonesia. These countries offer more conducive environments for automotive exports, making it difficult for Pakistan to compete effectively in the global automotive market. Despite this, Honda reported a 42% year-on-year increase in topline revenue, reaching Rs78 billion in MY25. The company now aims to expand beyond local markets, laying the groundwork for sustained export momentum. According to AKD Securities, Honda Atlas exported 38 units of the 1.2L City model to Japan during MY25. Though the volume is small, Honda's management said the milestone establishes a foundation for entering high-value export markets. Arif Habib Limited (AHL), in its analyst note, cited the company's export push as a key growth lever amidst domestic competition and evolving policy frameworks. The company reported that it has achieved localisation levels of 74% for City, 64% for Civic, and 61% for the HR-V hybrid. The company posted a MY25 profit after tax of Rs2.7 billion (EPS: Rs18.97), up 16% year-on-year, supported by tax incentives that kept the effective tax rate at 17.27%. Industry expert Mashood Ali Khan highlighted the pressing need for consistent and clear government policies to unlock the full export potential of Pakistan's automotive sector. Currently, 20 to 25 parts manufacturers export to Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, he said, adding, "However, for a real jump in exports, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Honda, Suzuki, and Toyota involvement is essential. Every major OEM in Pakistan has shown intent over the past years, but require policy support to scale up." Chairman of the All Pakistan Motor Dealers Association (APMDA), HM Shahzad, criticised recent automotive export claims, arguing that without meaningful localisation, Pakistan lacks the foundation to become a competitive automotive exporter. "Today's policies are not export-friendly. There's a gap between the government's stated ambition to enhance exports and the actual policy framework. The existing rebate systems, designed more for the textile sector, are not suited for automotive exporters," Khan explained. He called for a fully automated, GD (Goods Declaration)-based rebate system offering immediate incentives, such as tax-free CKD kits in exchange for exported units. "If one car is exported, allow duty-free import of one CKD kit automatically," he proposed. "This plus-minus system would boost exporter confidence and eliminate delays." He also noted that Pakistan, as a right-hand drive (RHD) production base, holds strong export potential. "There are over 50 RHD markets globally. With Japanese OEMs present and Chinese automakers entering the space, the opportunity is real — but we must act now." He warned that missing export windows due to bureaucratic delays or unclear incentives could cost Pakistan dearly, as global demand windows close quickly in the competitive auto landscape.
Hans India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
NICE Road toll hike sparks public anger across capital
Bengaluru: The beginning of July has brought with it an unwelcome hike for thousands of commuters in Bengaluru as toll charges on the NICE Road (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises) have been increased yet again. The revised toll rates came into effect on Monday and have already sparked a wave of criticism from motorists, particularly from the middle and lower income groups who use the route regularly. Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), the private entity that manages the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC), issued a public notification stating that the new toll rates were implemented as per the Karnataka Government's toll concession agreement and in accordance with PWD 40 CRM 2008 guidelines. The company stated that the hike was part of a routine annual revision. However, citizens say the move is poorly timed and adds a significant financial burden amid rising living costs. The revision affects eight major toll plazas under NICE's control, including busy junctions such as Hosur Road, Bannerghatta Road, Kanakapura Road, Mysuru Road, Tumakuru Road and the Cloverleaf Junction. The new toll rates show an average hike of 10 to 15 percent across various categories of vehicles. In a rare move for Indian expressways, even two-wheelers are being charged—leading to increased discontent among daily commuters. For instance, cars travelling along the Tumakuru Road will now pay Rs233, up from the previous Rs215, while buses using the same stretch are charged Rs650, an increase from Rs570. Two-wheeler users, who were already paying Rs70 on some stretches, now face a revised rate of Rs78. Similar hikes have been recorded across the other toll plazas, with no exemptions announced. The hike has not gone down well with the public. Several motorists took to social media and local media outlets to vent their frustration, accusing the authorities and the toll operator of exploiting commuters. Many also questioned the justification for the steep increase, pointing to inconsistent road maintenance and traffic congestion on NICE Road despite the high toll rates. 'Every year the prices go up, but the condition of the roads remains the same or even worse in some parts. Where is this money going?' asked Santhosh R., a daily commuter who uses the Kanakapura Road stretch. Transport experts have also expressed concerns about the timing and transparency of the hike. With fuel prices remaining high, property tax hikes recently announced, and overall inflation climbing, the toll increase has added one more pressure point to Bengaluru's already expensive urban lifestyle. The sudden announcement—without any advance notice or public consultation—has further angered many commuters who are now urging the state government to step in. Opposition parties and citizen forums have started raising questions over the lack of oversight and accountability in toll revisions, especially when such infrastructure is widely used by the public on a daily basis. Meanwhile, with transporters and logistics operators also impacted, ripple effects are expected on the cost of goods and transport services across the region. Whether the government will intervene or allow the toll hike to stand under existing contractual obligations is yet to be seen. But for now, the pinch of the new toll rates is being sharply felt across Bengaluru's roads
Express Tribune
30-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Sindh's largest mental health hospital struggles
The proper functioning of Sindh's largest mental health care facility, which even serves patients from South Punjab and Balochistan, remains handicapped due to shortage of doctors and staff. Some other funding woes of Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, aka Giddu hospital in Hyderabad, also surfaced during the recent visit of the Sindh Human Rights Commission's Chairman Iqbal Ahmed Detho. Although the Sindh government has earmarked Rs651 million for the hospital, including Rs377 component for salaries and allowances of employees, the 500-beded hospital is confronted with severe staff shortage. "There are 12 operational wards but we are coping with a crisis of not being able to run the facility 24/7," a senior officer, who requested anonymity, told The Express Tribune. According to him, there are six posts of psychiatrists but five of them are vacant. Likewise, the sanctioned strength of the lower staff is 225 but 92 of these posts are also vacant. On the day of the visit on June 26 some 313 out of the 500 beds were occupied, according to Medical Superintendent Dr Nisar Ahmed Soho. The recently built ward number five with its 200 beds is expected to see its inauguration in August. "Even if it is inaugurated, how can we run it with the staff scarcity," the officer said. The budget 2025-26 has set aside slightly over Rs90 million for the institute's medicines and Rs78 million for patients' meals. But both the allocations, according to the hospital's officers, fall short of their actual expenditures. "Last year we received around Rs65 million for medicines and about Rs30 million from that amount was spent on epilepsy medicines alone," the source claimed, pointing out that the health condition technically fell under the domain of neurology and not mental health services. "Yet we have to provide services to thousands of epilepsy patients because it has been the norm for decades." The provincial government provides Rs270 per meal per patient with an annual allocation of Rs78 million for the upcoming fiscal. However, the institute needs Rs147.825 million for a three-time meal per year in view of the 500 beds, notwithstanding the addition of 200 more beds. The substance abuse in the society is increasing alarmingly but the institute's 50-bed narcotics rehab ward is also not fully functional, reportedly. A doctor, who also wanted to remain anonymous, claimed that in view of the cases requiring admission for rehab, the ward's capacity is too low. The infrastructure repair and maintenance works have also become a bane for the administration. The facility is dependent on the Provincial Buildings Department for such works. In March this year, the MS wrote separate letters to the department for repair works in washrooms and to fix leakage in the water tank. "... this office is unable to carry out any work without funds. When the funds are available the work will be carried out," the department's executive engineer replied to the MS, repeating the same excuse in both his correspondences. Referring to these issues, the SHRC's Chairman underscored that institutional coordination is indispensable "to mitigate vulnerabilities faced by individuals with mental illnesses". Detho suggested that a committee should be formed to address the persistent gaps.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
Cash, jewellery worth over Rs9L stolen from 2 bungalows in Nashik
Nashik: Two bungalows on Mahalaxmi Temple Road were burgled in the early hours of Friday, with cash and jewellery amounting to over Rs9.3 lakh reported stolen. The Upnagar police station has registered a case under sections 331 (housebreaking) and 305 (theft) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanahita (BNS). According to the police, unidentified individuals broke into the two adjacent, unoccupied bungalows sometime between 12:01am and 6am on Friday. From one bungalow, thieves made off with Rs40,000 in cash and gold and silver jewellery valued at Rs8.1 lakh. The second bungalow reported stolen articles worth Rs78,000. The thefts came to light when an acquaintance of one of the owners noticed the open main doors of the bungalows. He then informed one of the owners, leading to the registration of the police complaint. "We will check the CCTV footage in and around the area to determine if any movement of the burglars was spotted," a police officer said. House break-ins and thefts are a concern in Nashik city, considering that over 200 cases are registered every year, while the detection rate is less than 30 per cent. The police have been constantly appealing to the people to deploy security guards and install CCTV cameras in their respective areas. This can help in detecting the criminals, and the cameras also act as a deterrent for such offences.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nagpur continues to lead Maha in rooftop solar push
Nagpur: Nagpur district continues to solidify its position as Maharashtra's top performer in rooftop solar energy adoption under Prime Minister's Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme. With a robust daily performance and increasing citizen participation, the district is setting a powerful example in the state's transition to renewable energy. On Sunday (June 15), the district added 124 new rooftop solar systems, injecting an additional 452.44 kilowatts of clean energy into the grid. With this, the district's cumulative tally of rooftop solar units reached 33,641, translating into a total installed capacity of 132.35 megawatts. These numbers place Nagpur well ahead of other districts in the state. In comparison, Jalgaon reached 15,868 installations, while Pune follows closely with 15,632. However, their combined total still falls short of Nagpur's figures. Several other districts under MSEDCL's Nagpur zone have made encouraging progress in rooftop solar deployment. Amravati reached 12,331 installations, followed by Wardha 6,376, Buldhana 6,232, Akola 6,130, and Chandrapur 5,616. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like It might kill off the whole industry': What's at stake as US-China tariff war hits SE Asia CNA Read More Undo Yavatmal registered 4,998 units, Bhandara has 3,591, Washim 2,562, Gondia 2,511, while Gadchiroli, which is more remote and forested, saw 1,141 installations. Wardha stood out on June 15 with its own notable daily achievement — 70 installations in a day, adding 241.7 kilowatts solar power to the grid, reflecting the district's growing enthusiasm for renewable energy. Officials from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) credit the success to efficient planning, extensive public awareness campaigns, and a streamlined installation process. These efforts have helped residents understand the benefits of solar power, particularly lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Under the scheme, MSEDCL has reported over 2.12 lakh rooftop solar installations till June 15, contributing total 812.76 megawatts to the state's renewable energy pool. Nagpur alone accounts for more than 16% of this capacity — an indication of the district's proactive participation. The Surya Ghar scheme offers significant incentives to encourage its adoption. The central govt provides subsidies based on system capacity: Rs30,000 for 1 kilowatt, Rs60,000 for 2 kilowatts, and up to Rs78,000 for 3 kilowatts. The maximum subsidy available is Rs78,000. Additionally, MSEDCL provides a free net meter post-installation, further reducing entry barriers for consumers. Authorities are optimistic that this momentum will continue. With increasing demand and awareness, Nagpur is poised to remain a flag-bearer for clean energy in Maharashtra, playing a vital role in both state and national renewable energy goals.
