Heavy tax on large-scale manufacturing sector affects exports: Pasha

Mon, 17 Nov 2025, 10:40 PM

LAHORE, Nov 17 (APP): Former federal finance minister Dr. Hafiz A. Pasha said on Monday that huge taxes, around 60 percent of the total collection, on large-scale manufacturing sector is affecting exports.

He was talking to business community here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) where the LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, EC member Firdous Nasar, former EC member Mian Muhammad Nawaz were also present.

Dr. Pasha noted that Pakistan has several sectors with high income potential, such as agriculture, yet the tax revenue from these sectors remains minimal. Only one percent of landowners possess 22 percent of the best agricultural land but the revenue collected from the agriculture sector is negligible, citing that tax revenues of just Rs 4 billion have been estimated from this sector which is very low compared to Rs 4,500 billion from the manufacturing sector.

He added that today, investment in the large-scale manufacturing sector is much lower than it was 25 years ago. The biggest concern is that the depreciating capital stock is not being replenished, which hampers the sustainable growth of the sector.

LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that economic potential has not been utilized properly. China and India followed the economic model of the 1960s and achieved growth, while Pakistan fell behind.

He highlighted that the country has yet to establish SME zone, while developed countries have relied on SMEs as the backbone of their growth. Every year, millions of young graduates enter the market but remain unemployed. Providing them with skills and sending them abroad could significantly increase remittances, he suggested.

Dr. Pasha said that export sector and large-scale manufacturing are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, whereas real estate – a non-productive sector – continues to attract the highest investment. He added that revenue collection from property is just 0.2 percent, twelve times lower than that from the industrial sector.

He said that Pakistan currently has 2.1 million unemployed youth, 2.6 million children out of school, and 22 percent of the workforce without employment. Additionally, only six percent of bank credit is available for three million small units, while the 80 percent is provided to the public sector by banks.

Quran Khawani held for late SI Nosherwan Adil

Asif Jalal

Mon, 17 Nov 2025, 10:38 PM

RAWALPINDI, Nov 17 (APP):Quran Khawani (recitation) was held at the Sadiqabad Police Station for the late Sub-Inspector Nosherwan Adil, a Rawalpindi Police spokesman said on Monday.

Superintendent of Police Rawal Saad Arshad, Station House Officer (SHO) Sadiqabad, and other officers and personnel attended the event.

SI Adil had been suffering from dengue and passed away at a hospital during treatment a few days ago. Special prayers were offered for the departed officer, other martyrs of the police department, and the welfare of the nation.

SP Saad Arshad described Sub-Inspector Adil as a highly diligent and capable officer whose services to the Rawalpindi Police were invaluable. “We stand with the bereaved family in this moment of grief,” he said.

Zindigi hosts Global Advisory Board to boost Pakistan’s fintech growth

Asif Jalal

Mon, 17 Nov 2025, 10:36 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Zindigi, by JS Bank, Pakistan’s leading digital financial services platform, hosted the inaugural visit of its Global Advisory Board, marking a major step in strengthening international collaboration and shaping the future of fintech in Pakistan.

The Advisory Board, comprising of global leaders from banking, technology, and venture capital, convened at the Zindigi Headquarters in Islamabad for a series of high-level engagements with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

The delegation of the Zindigi Advisory Board included Alex Malitsky, Director at TD Securities (UK); Diego Garcia, CTO of Multiply Sales (Spain); Duygu Gozeler Porchet, Managing Partner at Gaia Impact Ventures (UK); Anna Saville, Senior Legal Consultant at Linklaters LLP (UK); Kathleen Dolan, Director at Accenture Private Equity (USA); Wajahat Ahmed, Senior Manager at HSBC (UK); and Wolfram Haller, Senior Manager at Siemens Energy (Germany) amongst others.

During the visit, the Board engaged with Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, and visited the Safe City Project in Islamabad to explore the intersection of security, data, and digital infrastructure. A key highlight was a dedicated session with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan’s central body driving reforms and foreign investment across emerging sectors.

“Zindigi’s mission is to connect global expertise with local ambition,” said Noman Azhar, Chief Officer, Zindigi. “This engagement with international leaders demonstrates Pakistan’s readiness to take its place as a fintech hub, where innovation, inclusion, and investment come together to power the digital economy.”

Pakistan’s fintech sector is at a pivotal point in its history, driven by a rapidly digitising population, a strong mobile penetration base, and a supportive regulatory environment. With over 250 million people, Pakistan offers a fertile ground for fintech innovation, from payments and micro-lending to digital savings, wealth management, and embedded finance.

Through its Global Advisory Board, Zindigi aims to leverage international best practices in AI-driven financial inclusion, digital banking infrastructure, and sustainable fintech partnerships to create an ecosystem that empowers users and unlocks new avenues for the digital economy.

Tri-Series trophy unveiled

Asif Jalal

Mon, 17 Nov 2025, 10:34 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): The trophy for the upcoming tri-nation T20 cricket series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe was formally unveiled here on Monday.

According to details, Skippers including Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza jointly unveiled the trophy during a special ceremony.

The three captains also posed for commemorative photographs and expressed their determination ahead of the series.

The tri-nation T20 series will begin Tuesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan will face Zimbabwe in the opening match.

As per schedule, each team will feature in four matches, with the top two sides qualifying for the final scheduled on Saturday, November 29.

Series schedule (all matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium): November 18– Pakistan v Zimbabwe; November 20– Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe; November 22– Pakistan v Sri Lanka; November 23– Pakistan v Zimbabwe; November 25– Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe; November 27– Pakistan v Sri Lanka; November 29– Final.

Gilani congratulates newly elected AJK PM Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore

Asif Jalal

Mon, 17 Nov 2025, 10:32 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday congratulated the newly elected Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, on assuming office and extended his best wishes for his tenure.

In his message, Gilani said Rathore’s election is a positive development for the people of AJK, marking an important step toward prosperity, development and improved governance in the region.

He described Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as an experienced, calm and capable political leader whose contributions in politics and public service are highly commendable.

Gilani expressed confidence that the new AJK Prime Minister will use his vision and experience to address public issues, strengthen institutions and promote regional development and stability.

The Chairman Senate said he hopes Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore will lead a new era focused on public welfare, development and economic uplift, ultimately helping pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity in the region. He also wished the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir a bright and prosperous future.

Farmers plough fields using oxen to prepare for wheat crop, following traditional farming methods

Khuram Maryam

Mon, 17 Nov 2025, 10:30 PM

APP24-171125 FAISALABAD: November 17 – Farmers plough fields using oxen to prepare for wheat crop, following traditional farming methods. APP/TWR/MAF/TZD/SSH

A vendor serves steaming hot chicken corn soup to customers as the winter chill boosts demand for warming street foods across the city

Khuram Maryam

Mon, 17 Nov 2025, 10:30 PM

APP15-171125 LAHORE: November 17 – A vendor serves steaming hot chicken corn soup to customers as the winter chill boosts demand for warming street foods across the city. APP/AHF/MAF/TZD/SSH

Gilani expresses deep condolences on passing of former MNA Mazhar Ali Khan

Asif Jalal

Mon, 17 Nov 2025, 10:29 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Monday expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former National Assembly member Mazhar Ali Khan, highlighting his dedicated service to democratic values and public welfare.

In his condolence statement, Gilani described Mazhar Ali Khan as a principled, respected, and people-oriented parliamentarian who played a constructive and active role in promoting parliamentary traditions and serving the public.

He said the late leader’s contributions will always be remembered and that the country has lost a sincere political figure whose absence will be felt for a long time.

Gilani extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, praying to Allah Almighty to grant the deceased forgiveness, elevate his status in Jannat-ul-Firdaus, and bless the family with patience and strength.