ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz
Sharif Friday announced a Voluntary Tax Filing Scheme for the traders and said it would help increase revenues and take the country forward on path of progress and development.

Addressing a large gathering here at the Prime
Minister’s Office to launch the Voluntary Tax Filing Scheme by
the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), he said the scheme would prove as a new positive era of close collaboration between FBR and trading community.
The Prime Minister lauded the resolution of a long-
standing dispute between the government and the different
trade bodies over the issue of taxation and said all the
stakeholders who played a part in the matter, deserved
appreciation.
He said the congenial atmosphere developed would help
take the country forward on the path of progress and
prosperity.
He said good government-trader ties would help end
poverty, counter terrorism, create employment and bring peace across the country, particularly in the country’s nerve centre of Karachi.
He said his government took head-on the major challenges
when it took over in 2013 and added that various sectors
resultantly witnessed a sea change.
He said there was a need to make progress in all areas
may it be the shortage of electricity and natural gas, road
infrastructure, poor economy, terrorism, or relations with
India and Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Sharif said his government believed in
addressing the issues with a spirit of tolerance,
understanding and statesmanship, so as to help take the
country forward on the path of development.
He said a nation which addresses all issues with
consensus, can achieve the most difficult of tasks.

The Prime Minister said his government believed that
taxes need to be brought down to a level, where the trading
community feel comfortable and encouraged to play their part in national development.
Prime Minister Sharif said his government believed in
addressing all issues with transparency and cited the example of setting of three new power plants that would cost only Rs 60 billion, against their stipulated cost of Rs 100 billion.
He said he was proud that the national exchequer managed
to save precious Rs 40 billion that would be spent on other
development projects. He said a number of power projects
were being setup that would help the country meet its energy shortage.
The prime minister also directed the Chairman FBR to
direct his staff to ensure that no person was pressurised
unjustifiably and the taxpayers are treated with respect to
encourage the people pay their taxes.

He said he was pleased to announce the tax amnesty
scheme for the trading community on the first day of 2016 and urged all to play their part in nation building.

The representatives of traders community presented a
gold medal to the Prime Minister for taking personal interest
in amicably resolving the issue of taxation between the
government and traders.

RAWALPINDI, Jan 1 (APP): Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Friday visited Turbat, Talar and Gawadar and reviewed progress of projects being constructed by Army Engineers as part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
COAS was briefed in detail about the law and order situation in Balochistan particularly in Makran division and progress on the ongoing development projects, said an ISPR press release issued here.

He was told that overall security situation in Makran division had improved, and graph of militancy had declined considerably. COAS paid rich tributes to Shuhada of Army, other Law enforcement agencies and civilians who laid down their lives for security and development of the area.

He expressed satisfaction over steps being taken for restoration of peace in Makran Division and directed all concerned to take stringent security measures for the security of engineers and labourers, particularly for Chinese nationals working on Gwadar Port and other projects.

While highlighting the importance of under construction projects linked with the CPEC and Gawadar Port, COAS said all possible measures in coordination with civil government would be taken to make Gwadar a safe city for local and foreign investors.

He said these projects will transform the lives of people of Pakistan particularly Balochistan and bring prosperity to the region. COAS appreciated army troops engaged in
various development works particularly FWO for their untiring efforts and sacrifices in construction of a vast road network across the length and breadth of Balochistan, against all odds, at an amazing pace.
Interacting with local elders, COAS also paid rich tributes to the proud and valiant people of Balochistan and thanked them for their unconditional cooperation and support for development projects, assuring them that they will be best served by these projects.  COAS emphasized that the potential of Balochistan as a regional hub for trade in goods
and energy will only be realized with a whole of nation approach for its security and development.
Commending Army, FC and other Law Enforcement Agencies for extra ordinary efforts for security, COAS said completion of these projects is directly linked with  law and order situation of the Province and vowed that the armed forces will take all necessary actions to help bring back normalcy.

ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid on Friday said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s National Health Programme was a gift for the country’s poor living below poverty line.
Addressing a joint press conference along with Minister of State for Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar here he said that 2015 was year of political stability and the government launched several public welfare projects, including National Health Insurance Scheme, upgradation of public sector schools scheme and a modern public transport system.
He said that in 2014 some elements tried to
create political anarchy, but the government foiled the conspiracy by showing extreme patience and tolerance and
consequently political stability was restored  in the country, economy was put on revival path and law and order improved.
He said that due to effective steps of the government,  ailing economy was revived, long neglected social sector was paid attention, efforts were started to improve relations with the regional countries to ensure peace and stability. He said that in the new year more political stability would come to Pakistan, economy would take off, and peace in
the region would bring prosperity for all.
He said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in its manifesto before 2013 general election had promised that with the collaboration of private sector better health facilities would be introduced and medicines would be provided at concessional rates. However he said the government had
done more in the National Health Programme than what was promised in the manifesto.
He said that in the party manifesto it was promised that Rs 150,000 insurance cover would be given per family but now the amount had been doubled  and Rs 300,000 medical cover was being given to each family in the selected districts. Moreover, he said it was promised that medicines
would be provided on concessional rates but now free of charge medicines would be provided under the National Health Programme.
Wishing happy new year to entire nation he prayed may 2016 prove as the year of peace and happiness for all Pakistanis and the entire world.
In 2015 the government took several initiatives in the social sector including health and education, he said adding that those who do not have resources for medical treatment would benefit  from the scheme.
Elaborating the government steps in social sector, he said that the Prime Minister also announced upgradation of public sector schools in federal capital territory. Moreover he said that the government introduced a respectable mode of communication for the residents of the twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, through which they could go to
schools, universities, offices, businesses, hospitals etc.
The newly launched transport system, he said, could be compared to luxury cars as far as facilities were concerned.
He said that during 2015,the federal government launched several mega projects, completion of which would help improve living standard of the people.
He said that without electricity, gas and a modern network of motorways and highways, the country could not make progress, and the government was focusing on these areas.
When the national income would increase, the life standard of the people would increase, he said adding that it was philosophy of the PML-N government and vision of the Prime Minister.
To a question about printing of the pictures of Prime Minister on the banners of newly launched National Health Programme, he said that it was not being done for personal publicity of the Prime Minister, rather it was done so that the institutions should realize importance of the project.

ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP): Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Friday directed National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to computerize Pakistani visa process and its pervious record.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, he further directed the NADRA authorities to continue process of developing Data Bank of international NGOs and continue updating process.
He said that this process would help facilitate registered INGOs and make their working easy.
The meeting, attended by Chairman NADRA and senior officers of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Minister of Interior, reviewed various issues including SOPs for deportee from different countries, registration on INGOs process,
Computerized Visa regime and evolving mechanism for regarding Police and FIA offices for showing good performance.
The minister directed the officials to finalize the SOPs regarding deportee by keeping in view their nature.
The meeting also revived in detail the steps taken to make NACTA effective.
The minister directed FIA to continue its operation against human smugglers and was briefed about legal process taken against arrested human traffickers.
The minister also directed the officials to prepare a comprehensive policy and mechanism so as to give cash reward to those performing outstanding duties. He said that those officers showing good performance would be encouraged through rewards.

ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited the residence of former speaker National Assembly Gohar Ayub Khan to condole demise of his wife Zeb Gohar.
The Prime Minister offered fateha and prayed to Allah Almighty to shower his blessings on the departed soul.

RAWALPINDI, Jan 1 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS)  General Raheel Sharif on Friday confirmed death sentences awarded to nine hardcore terrorists, who were guilty of committing heinous offences.
According to ISPR, the convicts were found involved in henious terror acts including attack on Parade Lane Mosque Rawalpindi, Inter Services Intelligence Headquarters Multan, attacks on Law Enforcement Agencies, kidnapping and killing civilians in Lahore.
These convicts were tried by military courts.
The details of each case is as:
The convict Muhammad Ghauri, son of Javed Iqbal was an active member of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and in-charge media cell of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
He was involved in an attack on Parade Lane Mosque, Rawalpindi, which resulted in death of 38 persons and injuries to 57 others.
He admitted his offences before the Magistrate and trial
court.He was tried on four charges and awarded death sentence.
Abdul Qayyum, son of Ameer Muhammad was an active member of Harkat ul Jehad-e-Islam, Punjab.He was involved in attack on Inter Services Intelligence Headquarters, Multan, which resulted in death of 7 individuals besides injuring 72 others.
He admitted his offences before the Magistrate and trial
court.He was tried on seven charges and awarded death sentence.
Muhammad Imran, son of Abdul Manan was an active member of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. He was involved in terrorists acts and attacking Law Enforcement Agencies which caused death/injuries to civilians and soldiers.
He admitted his offences before the Magistrate and trial
court.He was tried on four charges and awarded death sentence.
Aksan Mehboob, son of Asghar Ali was an active member of Al-Qaida.He was involved in attacking the Law Enforcement Agencies by using fire arms which resulted in death and injuries to soldiers.
He admitted his offences before the Magistrate and trial
court.He was tried on four charges and awarded death sentence.
Adbul Rauf Gujjar, son of Rehmat Ali, Muhammad Hashim, son of Muhammad Abdullah, Sulaman, son of Boneer, Shafqat Farooqi, son of Malik Liaqat Ali and Muhammad Farhan, son of Muhammad Rafique were active member of Sepah-e-Sahaba.
All five were involved in killing of civilians at Lahore.
While accused Rauf Gujjar was punished for target killing of
four civilians identified as Syed Shakir Ali Rizvi, Syed Waqar
Haider, Syed Arshad Ali and Ghulam Mustafa as well as causing injuries to Abdul Sattar Tahir and Anwar Hussain at Lahore.
Other accused Hashim and Farhan were involved in murder of Ghulam Mustafa and injuring Anwar Hussain. The both convicts admitted their offences before the Magistrate.
Convict Rauf Gujjar was tried on eight charges whereas
convicts Hashim, Suleman, Shafqat and Farhan were tried on four charges each and all have been awarded death sentence.

ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday directed Pakistan’s mission to the United Nations to project a positive and soft image of Pakistan, that was endeavouring for regional and international peace.
Talking to Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations (UN), who called on him here at the PM House, he appreciated the able representation of Pakistan at the UN.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said the Mission’s responsibility in strengthening Pakistan’s role and contribution to the United Nations in the months ahead will be important.
“We should effectively utilize our presence in the UN to project a positive and soft image of Pakistan.”
He said Pakistan needs to be shown as “a progressive democratic state, committed to the well being and prosperity of its people, and to the regional and international peace and security.”
Dr Maleeha Lodhi briefed the Prime Minister on the endeavours of the Mission for protecting and promoting Pakistan’s interests.
The Permanent Representative informed the Prime Minister that the international community supports Pakistan’s successful counter-terrorism efforts.