Friday, August 22, 2025
Home Blog Page 51

SECP, PBC affirm ongoing collaboration for business facilitation and regulatory reforms

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), led by Chairperson Akif Saeed, held a meeting with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) to review recent reforms and discuss future initiatives for strengthening Pakistan’s corporate sector and capital markets.
The engagement reaffirmed SECP’s vision of aligning regulatory measures with the evolving needs of the business community and underscored PBC’s role as a key stakeholder, said a press release issued by the SECP on Tuesday.
The SECP outlined major reforms to encourage corporatization, including the complete digitalization of company incorporation and reduced compliance requirements. These measures facilitated a record of over 35,000 new company registrations in 2024–25.
Initiatives such as the Financial Institutions Portal, Electronic Mortgage Register, and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) registry were highlighted for enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Under its capital market reform agenda, key achievements included the listing of Government Debt Securities on the PSX, a streamlined IPO regime, and new frameworks for online-only, Shariah-compliant, and agri-commodity futures brokers.
Furthermore, frameworks for digital NBFCs, mutual funds, and a Digital Distribution Platform are expected to catalyze expanded access to finance.
Chairperson SECP appreciated PBC’s active collaboration in advancing the sustainability agenda, including its support for the ESG Sustain Portal and its role as a key partner in gender-inclusive reforms, particularly for the Family-Friendly Awards under the Prime Minister’s Directive.
He emphasized the need to promote reporting under the ESG Disclosure Guidelines and to strengthen capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders.
Javed Kureishi, CEO of PBC, acknowledged the SECP’s proactive efforts to promote ease of doing business and foster a conducive business environment. PBC members also appreciated the SECP’s consultative approach on the CSR Bill, emphasizing that CSR should remain voluntary, align with ESG principles, and be supported by reforms and enhanced transparency in existing mechanisms.
Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration on areas of mutual interest, with quarterly coordination meetings to be held for this purpose. They reaffirmed their commitments to a continued dialogue on key regulatory and market reforms to ensure balanced regulation and business facilitation.

CM issues high alert for civic agencies amid monsoon rains

By
Asif Jalal
-
0

 KARACHI, Aug 19 (APP): Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered all relevant agencies to remain on high alert as heavy monsoon rains continue to affect the region.
Expressing profound sorrow over reports of fatalities during the rains, the CM emphasized the urgent need for strict monitoring of drains and nullahs to mitigate urban flooding.
To ensure a prompt response, Shah directed that all necessary machinery and personnel be kept on standby for the swift disposal of rainwater. He specifically instructed the Mayor of Karachi to confirm that the equipment is operational, and staff are mobilized for immediate action.
Considering the severe weather conditions, the public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of maintaining coordination among the district administration, police, and municipal bodies at all times.
Additionally, Shah has instructed the traffic police to remain vigilant in low-lying and high-traffic areas, guiding the public during the inclement weather. Citizens are urged to keep a safe distance from electric poles and fragile infrastructure to ensure their safety.
To keep the public informed about the evolving weather situation, the monitoring system has been enhanced, as reported by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

Ahsan reviews preparations for CPEC’s upcoming JCC meeting, PM’s expected visit to Beijing

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal Tuesday chaired a meeting to review preparations for the forthcoming session of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as the Prime Minister’s expected visit to Beijing.

The minister emphasized that the future of CPEC must be anchored in quality rather than quantity, noting that only carefully selected, high-impact projects will be advanced to ensure sustainability and to strengthen Pakistan’s institutional capacity, a news release said.

Reflecting on his recent visit to China, he informed that, on behalf of the Prime Minister, he extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit Islamabad in 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

He further noted that the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit would mark the formal launch of CPEC Phase-II, with both sides expected to set clear priorities and agree on tangible, measurable outcomes.

Underscoring the imperative to expand Pakistan’s trade and export footprint in China, the minister directed that unnecessary delays in visa processing be addressed on priority so that genuine businesspersons were facilitated smoothly and without hurdles.

He also instructed the preparation of an outcome-focused plan to diversify exports, strengthen industrial linkages, and maximize benefits from enhanced market access under CPEC cooperation.

On human resource development, Professor Ahsan Iqbal underlined the importance of fully utilizing the 10,000 training opportunities offered by China across multiple sectors.

He directed that a transparent framework be instituted to ensure that the right people receive the right training, aligned with institutional needs, so that Pakistan derived durable capacity-building and organizational gains.

The meeting reviewed progress in priority areas, including the Multan–Sukkur Motorway, IT graduate training initiatives,
computational infrastructure for artificial intelligence, industrial relocation and industrial parks, mining, special economic zones, and agriculture. The minister instructed that data-driven studies be undertaken on China’s industrial relocation trends and that Chinese market segments matching Pakistan’s export strengths be mapped comprehensively.

He observed that China imported goods worth over US$2 trillion annually and stressed that Pakistan must strategically aim to capture at least US$30–50 billion of this trade through targeted competitiveness and sectoral readiness.

He further directed that an outcome-oriented study be completed to identify high-potential sectors and products for export to China, with the objective of creating an exportable surplus, attracting sustained investment, and strengthening the balance of payments over the medium term.

He reiterated the need for policy continuity and institutional reforms to realize long-term CPEC gains, and affirmed close engagement with the private sector, academia, and research institutions in industrial cooperation, technology, agriculture, energy, and human resource development.

The meeting concluded with instructions to all stakeholders to finalize actionable deliverables ahead of the JCC session and the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing.

The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives would coordinate with relevant departments to ensure robust preparation and effective outcomes.

Muqam hands over huge consignments of relief goods for Swat floods’ victims

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
SWAT, Aug 19 (APP):Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam here Tuesday handed over huge consignments of relief goods sent by the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to the relevant authorities for its distribution among flood victims of Swat.
Muqam met with flood victims and assured allout support and assistance from the Federal Government.
He said that rehabilitation of floods affected population in KP was a big challenge, expressing the hope that federal and provincial governments with the support of the nation will successfully handle it quickly.
Engr Amir Muqam said that politics on floods situation should be avoided, and that we irrespective of political affiliations need to work hard to help address suffering of the affectees.
He said that Malankand division was largely affected by the natural calamity.
Engr Amir Muqam lauded the spirit of communities, NGOs and philanthropists for their generosity and assistance in this hour of needs.
He said that floods have badly damaged agriculture, peach and apple orchards and communication infrastructure in Shangla, Buner, Swat and relief to affected farmers would be provided.
Amir Muqam noted that shopkeepers and traders were also suffered after goods were washed away.
He said that the government’s top priority was to rescue the stranded people, shift the injured to hospitals and provide relief and assistance till the rehabilitation of the last victim.
Engr Amir Muqam said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was personally monitoring rescue and relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and huge consignments of relief goods were being dispatched to the flood affected areas.

NDMA issues alert as torrential rains threaten Punjab, KP, Balochistan in next 12–24 hours

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides across multiple regions over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the advisory, torrential downpours are expected in northern Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
Moderate to heavy showers are forecast in Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Chiniot, while intermittent rain is likely in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. Localized waterlogging may occur in low-lying areas.
Southern and central Punjab districts—Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan—are also expected to receive rainfall, with risks of flash flooding and stream overflow.
In northern regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—particularly Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, Bajaur, and Mohmand—heavy rain may trigger landslides and soil erosion. Local administrations are monitoring vulnerable zones and have advised precautionary measures.
Several districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Qilla Saifullah, Loralai, Mastung, Noshki, and Barkhan, are likely to experience heavy rainfall. Torrential showers are also forecast in Sibi, Dera Bugti, Sui, Kharan, Khuzdar, Kalat, Awaran, Turbat, Washuk, Hingol, and Gadani. The NDMA cautioned that flash floods may affect low-lying and urban areas, while landslides remain a threat in hilly terrain.
Traffic disruption is anticipated along the Karakoram Highway and adjoining routes, including Tor Ghar, Battagram, Shangla, Lower Kohistan, and Hunza roads, due to possible landslides and blockages.
The NDMA has directed provincial and district administrations, PDMAs, rescue services, and law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of personnel and equipment for immediate response.

ANF recover big drug haul worth millions of rupees

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
RAWALPINDI, Aug 19 (APP):The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in a major operation recovered a big haul of drugs worth millions of rupees from a burnt car near the Bahtar Interchange, Attock on the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway.
ANF recover big drug haul worth millions of rupees
More than 166 kilograms of charas and 21 kg of opium were recovered from the car, an ANF spokesman said on Tuesday.
He said the ANF had received a tip-off about the said vehicle laden with drugs and set up a tight blockade on the motorway to foil the smuggling attempt.
As the vehicle did not reach the toll plaza concerned, the ANF personnel conducted surveillance of the vehicle on the motorway and found it burnt near the Bahtar Interchange.
The accused fled the scene leaving the vehicle and the drugs behind.
The vehicle caught fire possibly due to a short circuit, the spokesman said.

NLP hosts panel discussion in connection with Independence Day celebrations

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): National Library of Pakistan (NLP) Tuesday organized a panel discussion titled “Salute to Guardians of the Nation” in connection with the Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq celebrations.
The event aimed to pay tribute to the armed forces, national heroes, and guardians of Pakistan who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the sovereignty, security, and cultural identity of the nation.
Distinguished scholars, defense analysts, historians, and literary figures participated in the panel discussion. They highlighted the significance of freedom, the sacrifices of national heroes, and the role of institutions in protecting the country’s ideological and geographical boundaries.
Speakers emphasized the importance of national unity, patriotism, and cultural heritage in preserving the legacy of independence and ensuring a prosperous future for coming generations.
The session was attended by researchers, academicians, students, and general visitors, who actively engaged in the interactive discussion.
Director General of the National Library of Pakistan, Rana Yasir Arafat, expressed gratitude for the valuable contributions of the panelists and highlighted the Library’s role as a national knowledge hub, promoting intellectual dialogue, patriotism, literature, history, and cultural events.
DG NLP also underscored the true value of Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq, reminding the audience of the great sacrifices made for freedom.
He extended heartfelt thanks to the esteemed speakers and the enthusiastic audience for making the session impactful and memorable.

ECC approves uniform application of fuel charges adjustment

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal of the Power Division for the uniform application of fuel charges adjustment across the country.

The ECC met under the chairmanship of the Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, to deliberate on important economic and development matters, said a press release.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Maik, Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Industries & Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, federal secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries and government departments.

The ECC considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs regarding the arrest of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) ships in South Africa due to alleged claims of M/s Coniston against Pakistan Steel Mills Limited.

After deliberations, the ECC directed the Finance Division to reimburse Rs 330.526 million to PNSC through a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) as per an earlier ECC decision taken in 2017, while further instructing the Ministry of Industries & Production to expedite the finalization and settlement of the arbitration case in court and report back within three months on the progress achieved in resolving this matter on priority basis.

On another agenda item, the ECC approved the term sheet jointly prepared by relevant stakeholders including NEECA, SBP and banks, based on the Draft Tripartite Agreement for the launch of the Prime Minister’s Fan Replacement Programme. To kick start the programme, the ECC also approved a TSG of Rs 2 billion in favour of NEECA.

The ECC approved a TSG of Rs 250 million for the National Security Division for its Strategic Policy Planning Cell, with the decision that the remaining amount would be released in a phased manner subject to contextualization and rationalization of expenditures in consultation with the Finance Division.

The committee further accorded in-principle approval to a proposal submitted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regarding federal assistance for the affectees of recent monsoon rains and approved a relief package of Rs 5.8 billion, directing the Finance Division to immediately release Rs 4 billion to mitigate the sufferings of the affected people.

On a proposal from the Finance Division regarding the subsidy for RAAST QR Code based person-to-merchant payments, the ECC approved an allocation of Rs 3.5 billion through TSG for the current financial year with provision for continuation for three years, aimed at accelerating digital adoption and promoting the digital economy.

The ECC further decided that the State Bank of Pakistan would notify the scheme immediately and submit a comprehensive evaluation report to the ECC on the operational effectiveness of the MDR subsidy scheme by the close of the fiscal year.

The committee also considered and approved a summary submitted by the Industries & Production Division pertaining to the New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025-30. The Committee commended the Division for preparing a comprehensive and forward-looking policy aligned with international best practices and recognized its potential to steer the country’s transition towards electric vehicles.

The meeting was further briefed on the risk coverage scheme for small farmers and underserved areas which is designed to provide coverage to subsistence farmers in Punjab and Sindh as well as all farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in view of their low share in current agricultural credit disbursements. The scheme is expected to add more than 750,000 new borrowers to the formal credit system over the next three years.

The ECC reviewed the overall gas sector and supply situation in the country and directed the Ministry of Petroleum to take effective measures to control losses in the sector and ensure operational efficiency.

Law Ministry notifies 39 anti-rape crisis cells in Balochistan

By
Asif Jalal
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The Ministry of Law & Justice has notified the establishment of Thirty Nine (39) Anti-Rape Crisis Cells (ARCCs) in Balochistan.
Establishment of ARCCs in Balochistan shall help in alleviating the plight of victims of sexual violence, as they provide the safe environment of a hospital for victims to report an offence, register an FIR, and access medico-legal services, all under one roof.

PFA cracks down on unsafe meat in Chiniot

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
CHINIOT, Aug 19 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority Chiniot on Tuesday has arrested a gang involved in the illegal trade of unsafe meat in Chiniot.
Deputy Director Operations Dr. Muhammad Qasim Raza, leading the Food Safety Team, recovered 200 kg of extremely unsafe meat from a sick animal, which was subsequently destroyed in a sewer near the bypass.
A case has been registered against the accused for engaging in the illegal business of counterfeiting. The accused was found to be without necessary records, and a veterinary specialist team inspected the meat, declaring it unsafe for consumption.
This operation is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and protect public health.
1...505152...28,714Page 51 of 28,714

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan