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ICT admin action against illegal cattle markets; 10 dismantles, arrests 9

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 3 (APP):The Islamabad’s district administration has intensified its action against the illegal cattle sale points and 10 unauthorized markets have been dismantled while 9 people were arrested as the buying and selling of sacrificial animals picks up in the federal capital ahead of Eid.
In this regard, teams led by assistant commissioners (ACs) conducted raids in various zones, shutting down several unauthorized cattle markets. The operation is aimed at maintaining order in the city and ensuring that cattle trading takes place only in approved locations, said the spokesman of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration here.
Assistant Commissioner City, Mahaen Hassan, visited the cattle market in Sangjhani to assess the situation on the ground. The visit was part of a broader inspection effort to monitor market conditions and check for violations.
On GT Road, authorities dismantled five illegal cattle sale points. During the operation, five individuals involved in setting up the markets were arrested and taken into custody.
Further action was taken in Sector G-12, where AC City supervised the removal of four unapproved markets. Four individuals were detained and handed over to the local police station for legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Nilore, Muhammad Ali, led an operation at Sanam Chowk where another illegal cattle market was removed.
In response to the growing number of unauthorized setups, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad has directed all assistant commissioners to patrol their respective areas. The DC has instructed that such markets be shut down immediately wherever they are found.
The administration has also been ordered to register cases against individuals involved in setting up illegal markets and to carry out arrests where necessary.
Officials said that the purpose of the crackdown is to prevent traffic congestion, ensure public safety, and maintain hygiene standards ahead of Eid. Designated cattle markets have been set up with proper arrangements, and authorities are urging citizens to use only approved locations for buying animals.
The district administration is also monitoring designated markets to ensure compliance with regulations related to health, cleanliness, and pricing.
Operations are expected to continue in the coming days as more sacrificial animals arrive in the city. The administration has said it will not allow any unauthorized cattle trade within urban limits and will take strict action against violators.
Authorities are appealing to the public to cooperate with the district administration and purchase animals from official sale points only. The administration has assured that necessary facilities and security will be provided at designated markets.

Jazz, Engro finalize landmark tower deal to power Pakistan’s digital future

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 03 (APP):Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator, has announced the successful completion of its strategic infrastructure partnership with Engro Corporation Limited (“Engro Corp”), marking one of the largest private-sector infrastructure transactions in the country’s digital evolution.
Under this landmark agreement, Jazz’s telecommunications infrastructure assets—housed under Deodar (Private) Limited—have been vested into Engro Connect, a subsidiary of Engro Corp. Jazz will continue to lease Deodar’s extensive infrastructure to deliver nationwide mobile voice and data services under a long-term partnership said a news release.
Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, said: “As we pivot to a digital-first future, this milestone enables us to remain asset-light while doubling down on what we do best—delivering impactful, tech-driven solutions for Pakistan’s evolving needs. It accelerates our transformation into a full-fledged ServiceCo, with a portfolio spanning fintech, cloud, entertainment, and digital health. We are grateful to the Government of Pakistan and regulatory bodies for their timely support, and we look forward to working with Engro Corp to build the infrastructure powering Pakistan’s digital future.”
The partnership reflects Jazz and Engro’s shared commitment to enhancing infrastructure efficiency, promoting digital enablement, and supporting Pakistan’s long-term digital ambitions. The agreement, first announced on December 5, 2024, has now received all necessary regulatory approvals—including from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), and Islamabad High Court—ushering in a new era of commercial and strategic synergy between two of the country’s leading organizations.

Experts call for sector-specific interventions to make tariff policy a success

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 3 (APP):As tariff debates take center stage globally following a shift in the US administration, experts at a seminar called for sector-specific interventions to make Pakistan’s new tariff policy a success.
The seminar titled “Winners and Losers: Making Sense of Pakistan’s New Tariff Policy”, was organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), said a press release issued here on Tuesday.
Muhammad Ashfaq, the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, who unveiled details of the upcoming National Tariff Policy 2025–30, said tariff rationalization is now essential to stimulate exports, enhance manufacturing, and generate employment.
“Pakistani imports are twice its exports. Unless we align our tariff structure with trade realities, circular debt and revenue shortfalls will continue to undermine our growth,” he said, adding that new tariff policy that originally shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic and 2022 floods, aims to gradually reduce import duties across the board. The responsibility for customs tariffs has also officially shifted from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to the Ministry of Commerce, which now oversees the National Tariff Board, a structural change designed to bring policy coherence, he added.
Ashfaq projected that by 2029-30, federal tax revenue could reach Rs2.1 trillion, driven by increased sales tax collections and a rise in indirect taxation. He noted that while the import bill may rise initially, exports are expected to surge, along with job creation, i.e. one million new jobs during the policy’s implementation phase.
“Pakistan has also opened negotiations with the US Administration to review tariffs on its exports. Though the US is not pressing hard on trade barriers, its concern over trade surpluses makes tariff rationalization a mutual interest. No changes to Pakistan’s tariff policy are anticipated after the conclusion of bilateral talks,” he said.
SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, in his opening remarks, opined that the topic, once a technical concern, has become a “household name,” which reflects its growing importance both globally and domestically.
For Pakistan, he said, the debate is particularly pressing as the country prepares its federal budget under the supervision of not one, but two International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes.
“Pakistan needs to understand the reality of tariffs, the expectations of global partners, and the nation’s own economic needs,” Dr. Suleri emphasized.
He added that it was not the first time Pakistan has faced external economic pressures while preparing its budget; a similar situation occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the then government was not bound by formal commitments. This time, the stakes are higher, he said.
“The situation has changed significantly,” said Dr Suleri and added that “Under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) and other related programmes, Pakistan is now obligated to meet specific conditions, adding a layer of complexity to the upcoming budget.”
He noted that several pertinent questions, ranging from the sustainability of Pakistan’s current trade policies to the long-term impact of tariff reforms on economic growth and foreign investment, are being raised.
Usman Khan, Team and Investment Lead at REMITT Pakistan, urged caution, highlighting the historical pitfalls in Pakistan’s policy execution. “Tariff rationalization alone won’t unlock growth. Factors like climate vulnerability, export competitiveness, and sectoral integration must be addressed.”
Lauding the performance of IT sector, he said despite limited support, it has shown export growth. However, he pointed out that productivity remains a challenge, referencing Vietnam where exports rose without a corresponding increase in labour productivity.
Ali Khizar, a senior journalist, raised his concerns over the overall tax burden. “With General Sales Tax, Federal Excise Duty, and Income Tax already at the peak levels, can we truly reduce customs duties without worsening the fiscal stress?” He also noted the potential inflationary effects of currency depreciation and the challenge of sustaining foreign exchange reserves.
Dr Irfan Ahmad Chatha, Director  CLD at SDPI,  stressed the need for simplification of regulatory procedures and inter-ministerial coordination to minimize disruption and unlock long-term gains.

Engro delegation meets SAPM Haroon; polymer, chemical industry issues discuss

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 03 (APP):A delegation from Engro Polymer and Chemicals Limited on Tuesday met with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan and discussed pressing issues affecting the industry.
The discussions centered around regulatory duties, tariff policies, protection of the local industry, and the impacts these factors have on the sector’s overall health, said a news release.
During the meeting, Engro Polymer highlighted several challenges, including high electricity prices, costly raw materials, increased PVC imports, and the ongoing tariff war.
To address these concerns and support domestic manufacturers, the delegation requested the imposition of a regulatory duty of 5 to 10 percent on PVC imports.
Haroon Akhtar Khan acknowledged the difficulties faced by local industries, affirming his awareness that the sector is already under significant strain.
He assured the delegation that the government is committed to preventing any decline within the industrial landscape.
 Highlighting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, he emphasized the importance of boosting productivity across Pakistan’s industries.
However, he stressed the need for a comprehensive and detailed report explaining the rationale behind seeking protection for the industry.
 He further directed the Engro Polymer that, in collaboration with the Engineering Development Board, a cost disadvantage analysis be prepared.
This report should also include an assessment of the volume-related losses currently impacting the industry, providing a clear picture of the challenges to be addressed.

Road accident claims four lives, injures two in Afghanistan’s Jawzjan

By
NNPS Desk
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KABUL, June 3 (Xinhua/APP): Four travelers have been confirmed dead and two others sustained injuries in a road mishap that happened in northern Afghanistan’s Jawzjan province on Tuesday, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported.

The deadly mishap took place in the Khanaqa district when a car collided with another vehicle, leaving four commuters dead on the spot and two others injured, the state-owned media outlet added.

This is the third road accident in northern Afghanistan over the past two days. In the previous twin accidents, which occurred in Baghlan province, three women were killed and 13 others sustained injuries.

China’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday box office revenue hits 400 mln yuan

By
NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua/APP): As of 12:47 p.m. on Monday, China’s box office revenue for the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday had surpassed 400 million yuan (about 55.67 million U.S. dollars), a significant increase compared to the same period last year, according to box office tracker Maoyan.

The summer blockbuster “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” the eighth installment in the long-running Hollywood action franchise, leads the holiday box office chart. As of 12:47 p.m., the film had grossed about 165.31 million yuan during the holiday period.

As this year’s Dragon Boat Festival coincides with the International Children’s Day, the holiday lineup features a variety of family-friendly animated films that have captivated audiences nationwide.

The second to fourth spots of the holiday box office chart were dominated by animated films, including Japanese animated film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Art World Tales,” domestic animated adventure “Endless Journey of Love,” and Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch.”

The Dragon Boat Festival — also known as the Duanwu Festival — falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it was celebrated on May 31, and the holiday continues from May 31 to June 2.

Inadequate pricing mechanism of sacrificial animals irritates buyers

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Jun 03 (APP): With just three days left before Eidul Azha, buyers in KP are expressing growing frustration over the unchecked pricing of sacrificial animals.
In the absence of a formal price regulation mechanism, cattle traders are reportedly charging exorbitant rates, leaving consumers with little choice but to pay inflated prices in order to fulfill their religious obligation of Qurbani on this Eidul Azha.
Local cattle markets, including those at Lala Kala, Firdus, Pachagai, and Charsadda Road, are witnessing a surge in animal prices which are far beyond the reach of many middle- and low-income families.
 Buyers report that oxen and cows are being sold between Rs300,000 and Rs250,000, while buffaloes range from Rs275,000 to Rs250,000. Even lean goats are priced steeply between Rs100,000 and Rs80,000—nearly a 50% hike compared to last year.
Fayaz Khan, a retired government employee who traveled from Nowshera, voiced his frustration after failing to find an affordable ox despite spending an entire day at Lala Kala market.
He said there must be a proper price control mechanism, adding the government cannot stand unaccountable for this situation.
In addition to high animal prices, buyers are burdened by extra costs such as market entry fees ranging from Rs600 to Rs1,000 per animal. Despite these charges, cattle markets reportedly lack basic facilities such as lighting, waste disposal, cleanliness, and parking which are further adding to public dissatisfaction.
Contractors managing these markets are being criticized for failing to provide adequate services, despite collecting hefty fees from both traders and consumers.
 Buyers say the poor management and infrastructure at these temporary markets are unacceptable given the financial pressures already weighing on the public.
Meanwhile, traders attribute the price hikes to a combination of factors including high transportation costs, fodder prices, and contractor fees.
 Ebrahim Khan, a livestock dealer from Nowshera, said that rising costs and the threat of cattle smuggling are driving up prices. “If the government takes serious steps to curb smuggling and reduce transport taxes, rates might come down,” he suggested.
Ali Kiyani, a livestock trader who transported cattle from Rawalpindi to Peshawar, acknowledged that the city’s location near erstwhileFata and Afghanistan makes it a more profitable market. “I brought 30 truckloads of animals and sold them all within a few days. Prices are higher here, and demand is strong,” he said.
Officials from the KP Livestock and Dairy Development Department estimate that over 200,000 animals are slaughtered across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during Eidul Azha. They noted that 60 to 75 percent of sacrificial animals are sourced from Punjab and Sindh, given local supply limitations.
To discourage profiteering and smuggling, several checkpoints have been established on routes leading into KP including FATA. Authorities are urging both traders and buyers to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in markets, especially in the lead-up to the Eid celebrations.
As the festival nears, public demand for price regulation and improved market management is growing louder, with citizens calling on the PTI-led provincial government and district administrations to intervene and protect consumers from exploitation.

UAF preparing recommendations for agri policies

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
FAISALABAD, Jun 03 (APP): The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) is preparing recommendations for agricultural policies by keeping needs of the farming community and society in view so as to confront challenges, increase productivity and ensure profitable agriculture.
UAF spokesman said here on Tuesday, the UAF had launched a four-week capacity building workshop on agricultural policy to help develop the next generation of agricultural policy researchers and practitioners in Pakistan at the Centre for Advanced Studies (CAS).
He said the key areas of the policy included water policy and governance, highlighting
integration of scientific knowledge with policy decisions; the political economy of agricultural and food systems, examining how market dynamics and institutions shape policy choices; communication strategies to influence policy outcomes and strengthen public engagement; and techniques for evaluating policy alternatives and anticipating real-world challenges during implementation.
The program is led by Dr Muhammad Ejaz Qureshi Senior Academic at The Australian National University in collaboration with UAF faculty including Prof Dr Muhammad Asif Kamran under the patronage of UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zulfiqar Ali and PHEC Chairman Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.
He said that the program would help in enhancing analytical, communication, and leadership capabilities in agricultural policy research; strengthen policy design and implementation skills; improve the quality of research proposals and competitive grants aligned with national development agendas; promote strategic communication through policy briefs and evidence-based storytelling; encourage an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to agricultural policy reform.
The first week laid a strong foundation through a combination of orientation activities, technical lectures, and interactive sessions. Second week focused on the practical aspects of policy development and implementation.
The training is being run by the financial and technical support from USDA’s Endowment Fund Secretariat; Pak Korea Nutrition Centre (PKNC); Australian Centre for international Agriculture Research (ACIAR) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization through funded research project on ‘Climate resilient and adaptive water allocation in Pakistan ’, he added.

PBSA Chairman meets IPC Secretary Sports

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 03 (APP): The Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) Chairman, Alamgir A. Shaikh, met the Secretary Sports, Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani here at Pakistan Sports Board.
Secretary Sports IPC assured all support to snooker sports /& Snooker federation, said a press release.
Alamgir A Shaikh requested the Secretary Sports IPC for the release of Annual and Special grant of the Pakistan Snooker Federation.
The Secretary Sports IPC assured the chairman that the above matter would be placed for consideration in the meeting of the Pakistan Sports Board, for approval and release of grants sooner rather than later.
Shaikh thanked the Secretary Sports IPC for giving his precious time and positive response about the above said requests.
The chairman also met DG PSB, Yasir Pirzada at his office and discussed the pending issues and problems faced by PBS, the DG PSB, heard the chairman about the issues faced by association/federation and assure to resolve these. The Chairman was very optimistic about the outcome of the above said meeting.

Rupee sheds 14 paisa against US Dollar

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jun 3 (APP): The Rupee on Tuesday depreciated by 14 paisa against the US Dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs 282.11 against the previous day’s closing of Rs 281.97.

However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs 283.5 and Rs 284.4, respectively.

The price of the Euro increased by 06 paisa to close at Rs 322.12 against the last day’s closing of Rs 322.06, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese yen remained unchanged and closed at Rs1.97, whereas a decrease of Rs 0.60 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which was traded at Rs 381.42 as compared to the last day’s closing of Rs 382.02.

The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal increased by 04 and 06 paisa to close at Rs 76.81 and Rs 75.20, respectively.

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