President SCCI, RTO Peshawar discuss reforms in tax sector

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:50 PM

PESHAWAR, Jan 19 (APP): President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Fuad Ishaq and Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office Peshawar Zafar Iqbal have agreed to hold an open forum at the Chamber level aiming to resolve the problems of the business community at their doorstep.

According to the details, an important meeting between SCCI President Fuad Ishaq and Chief Commissioner RTO Peshawar Zafar Iqbal held at the Regional Tax office, said a press release issued here on Friday.
The meeting was attended by SCCI Senior Vice President Sanaullah Khan, Vice President Ijaz Khan Afridi, Commissioner Inland Revenue RTO Peshawar Dr Syed Farooq Jamil and Additional Commissioner Audit RTO Peshawar Fazli Malik.

During the meeting, the participants thoroughly discussed reforms in the tax system, reduction in tax rates and holding of an open forum at the Chamber level for immediate resolution of taxpayers’ problems.

On this occasion, the SCCI chief expressed his satisfaction with the tax officers for facilitating the business community.
Fuad Ishaq made several suggestions regarding reforms in the tax system, simplifying the tax system and solving the problems faced by the taxpayers, on which the Chief Commissioner Regional Tax Office Peshawar Zafar Iqbal and other senior officers fully agreed.

The Chamber president emphasized that the government and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) should take effective measures to widen the existing tax base and simplify the tax system. He demanded for provision of facilities and relief to the business community and implementation of business-friendly policies.

Fuad Ishaq said that the business community is facing difficulties in the present situation and stressed that serious measures should be taken to solve their problems.

Later, Chief Commissioner RTO Peshawar Zafar Iqbal while talking about the recommendations presented by the SCCI chief Fuad Ishaq and other members of the delegation, assured that the RTO Peshawar will take all possible steps to solve the problems of the business community.

Probationer assistant commissioners meet CM

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Ali Ali

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:42 PM

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LAHORE, Jan 19 (APP):Probationer assistant commissioners of the 50th common training programme at the Civil Service Academy called on caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi at his office on Friday.

Speaking to the delegation, the CM emphasised the importance of prioritizing public welfare at all government offices. He urged the probationers to adopt a courteous and compassionate attitude towards the public during interactions. He stressed the significance of avoiding misconduct, highlighting that excellent public handling leads to a positive reputation and a successful career. He encouraged officers to maintain positive relationships with everyone and fulfill their duties without succumbing to any pressure. Achieving progress is inherent in delivering the best public services, he added.

The CM advised the assistant commissioners not to be hesitant to gain experience through exchanges in remote areas. He underscored the essential role of women in the services, stating that inclusion of female officers in the civil service is a positive step towards the future. Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman also addressed the probationary ACs.

Provincial Minister Mansoor Qadir, additional chief secretary, chairman P&D, SMBR, secretary services, commissioner Lahore and others were present.

PESCO notifies power suspension for Peshawar, Mardan, Chakdara

By

Ali Ali

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:37 PM

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PESHAWAR, Jan 19 (APP):Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) on Friday notified that due to maintenance work power supply will remain suspended from Jamrud grid station on January 21 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Consequently, it said consumers of PIC, Hayatabad 1,2, 3, 4, 5, Health Care Hospital, Health Excellence, Northwest Hospital, Kidney Center, RMI, Kacha Garhi, Karkhano, Gul Abad, P.I.C, Hayatabad Surgical, Peshawar General, Foundation Hospital, Wood, Northern Bottling, Industrial Estate, Express 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, PHA, Omrak, Olympia, Industrial Estate, Mohmand Steel, Al Hafiz, Frontier Tech Wood, PPI 1,2, Mica Steel, Alhaj, BSF, Olympia 2 and Gulabad feeders will face inconvenience.

The power Supply will remain suspended from Peshawar University Grid Station on January 23, 25 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. resultantly, consumers of University Campus, Canal Town, Malakandher, Engineering, Regi, Taj Abad, Taj Abad 2, Agriculture, Mera Achini, HMC, Ring Road, Danish Abad, Ghrib Abad, Rahatabad 1, CMB and Abdara feeders will face inconvenience.

The power supply will also remain suspended from Rehman Baba Grid Station on January 22, 24, 29 and 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. resultantly, consumers of Kachori, Shalozai, Safdar Abad, Khanmust, New Hazar Khwani, Surizai, Phandu Baba, Urmar 2, Hazar Khwani, Yakatoot, New Chairman Daftar, Jameel Colony, Ring Road, Beri Bagh, Rashid Ghari, Surizai, Akhon Abad, Ring Road 2, SIDB feeders will face inconvenience.

The power supply will remain suspended from Kohat Road Grid Station on January 22, 24, 29 and 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. resultantly, consumers of PAF Express, Kohat Road, Wazir Bagh, Sonehri Masjid, Bana Mari, Civil Quarter, Nothia, Murshad Abad, Abasin, Old Deh Bahadar, Deh Bhadar, Wazir Abad, Ameen ColonyJ Bara, Nodhya Payan, Murshid Ababad, Dora Road, Nodiya Bahadar, Lundi Arbab 1, 2, 3, Sheikh Muhamadi, Pishtakhara, Swati Gate, Gulbarg, Scheme Chowk, Chairman Daftar feeders will face inconvenience.

The power supply will remain suspended from Peshawar City Grid Station on January 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. resultantly, consumers of Sikandar Abad, Zaryab Colony, Phandu Road, City Home, Bana Mari, Urmar, Islamabad, Faqir Abad, Sheikh Abad, Molvi G, Nishtarabad, NHA feeders will face inconvenience.

The power supply will also remain suspended from Mardan Grid Station on January 23, 24 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. resultantly, consumers of Shah Dandh, Rural, Zandai, Ghari Daudzai, Col Jawad Khan, Laksin Tobacco Factory, Tawas, Babinai, Ahmad Abad, Rural 1 feeders will face inconvenience.

The power supply will remain suspended from Chakdara Grid Station on January 22 and 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. resultantly, consumers of 132 KV Chakdara, Swat, Khwaza Khela, Madyan, Shangla, Timergara, Wari and Matta grid connected feeders will face inconvenience.

Jilani speaks with Iranian FM; expresses Pakistan’s readiness to work with Iran based on trust

By

Ali Ali

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:31 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Friday spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Underscoring the close brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, the foreign minister expressed Pakistan’s desire to work with Iran based on spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.

He stressed that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty must underpin the cooperation.

The two foreign ministers agreed that working level cooperation and close coordination on counter-terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened.

They also agreed to de-escalate the situation.

The return of ambassadors of the two countries to their respective capitals was also discussed.

This is the second telephonic interaction between the two foreign ministers this week, as earlier Jilani had received a call from his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday after Iran had violated Pakistan’s airspace.

FM Jilani also underscored the need for closer cooperation on security issues.

PSX turns to bullish trend, gains 79 points

By

Ali Ali

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:28 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):The 100-index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) turned around to bullish trend on Friday, gaining 79.83 points, a positive change of 0.13 percent, closing at 63,282.23 points against 63,202.40 points the previous trading day.

A total of 287,310,860 shares valuing Rs.9.320 billion were traded during the day as compared to 445,797,697 shares valuing Rs.14.236 billion the last day.

Some 339 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 160 of them recorded gains and 158 sustained losses, whereas the share prices of 21 remained unchanged.

The three top-trading companies were K-Electric Ltd with 49,814,334 shares at Rs.5.54 per share, PIAC(A) with 43,353,500 shares at Rs.12.04 per share and PTCL with 14,161,766 shares at Rs.13.83 per share.

Mari Petroleum Company Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs.26.19 per share price, closing at Rs.2,375.37, whereas the runner-up was Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited with a Rs.15.35 rise in its per share price to Rs.274.59.

Sapphire Fibres Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs.63.14 per share closing at Rs.1,600.00, followed by Bata Pakistan Limited with Rs.35.06 decline to close at Rs.1,705.05.

Saad optimistic of leading Pakistan to glory in U19 WC

By

Ali Ali

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:25 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):Pakistan skipper Saad Baig, was hopeful of leading his team to glory in the U19 World Cup at South Africa.

Saad has led Pakistan U19 in 17 One-Day matches where the team ended up winning 10 games.

Saad Baig, who hails from Karachi, started his career at Customs Cricket Academy in Karachi and was part of their touring party on the trip to India. He received a lot of support from his parents and straightaway impressed in the PCB’s Under-13 Regional Tournament 2018-19 where he scored 128 runs and bagged four dismissals behind the stumps.

He was the leading run-scorer in the National U16 One-Day Tournament 2019-20, accumulating 206 runs in four games.

Saad had a stellar run in the year 2022 where he was the second leading run-scorer in the National U19 One-Day Cup, pouched eight catches and stumped one batter. He was rewarded with a call-up to Pakistan U19 for the home series against Bangladesh U19 and was appointed captain of the team.

“My father used to play cricket and he took me to the academy. My first breakthrough was an U15 tour to India where I did very well with the bat and gloves. It gave me a lot of confidence to excel at all age group levels. I believe if you are exposed to quality cricket at the club level and good coaches, then you can kickstart a great career. My alma mater, St Paul’s High School, has also played a great role where my coach Sir Lenny used to train me even in summer breaks,” he told PCB Digital.

Saad brings stability to the middle-order and has shown the ability to bat for longer periods while also churning runs at a healthy rate. He stitched an unbeaten 125-run partnership with Azan Awais in a successful chase against India U19 in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2024. Behind the stumps, Saad has a trusted pair of hands which provides confidence to all bowlers. His decision-making is deemed sound as he commands respect from his teammates.

Saad would be hoping to contribute to Pakistan’s success by being on top of his game in all three facets – batting, leadership and wicket-keeping.

Saad was aware of Pakistan’s 17-year-long U19 World Cup trophy drought and looks excited to bring back the trophy home. “I’m glad the PCB has trusted me with the leadership role of a very talented bunch of players,” he said. “The journey so far has been very good and I want to continue making fine memories. My next goal is to win the U19 World Cup for Pakistan as I know it’s been a long time since we lifted that trophy in 2006.”

Minister sets ambitious goals for Pakistan’s economic self-reliance

By

Ali Ali

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:19 PM

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LAHORE, Jan 19 (APP):Federal Caretaker Minister for Commerce, Industries and Investment Dr. Ejaz Gohar expressed confidence in the government’s efforts to steer the country’s economy towards self-reliance.

Addressing the 3-day 3rd Engineering and Healthcare Show organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at the Expo Centre here on Friday, Gohar outlined key strategies for sustained economic progress.

The minister emphasized the need for the upcoming elected government to uphold the current administration’s pace and policies, particularly focusing on achieving a formidable 100 billion dollar export target within the next ten years. Gohar stressed that the primary focus should be on increasing exports, and to facilitate this, the government is introducing export-friendly facilities.

Identifying economic challenges as Pakistan’s major issue, Gohar underscored the importance of increasing exports tenfold and strengthening various sectors, particularly textiles, agriculture, and the power sector. He revealed that despite IMF conditions, Pakistan managed to increase exports by 50 per cent in the past five months, when July 2023 export volumes was 2 billion dollars.

Highlighting efforts to boost the exports, Gohar announced a subsidized rate of 9 cents per unit of electricity for all industries. He affirmed the government’s commitment to fortifying textiles, agriculture, and other sectors crucial for economic growth. The minister noted a monthly increase of one billion dollars in exports over the past three months, and with revised tariffs, he anticipated a doubling of the country’s export figures.

During his visit to various stalls at the Expo, Minister Gohar engaged with representatives from different companies who briefed him on their manufacturing processes. Gohar concluded his address by expressing optimism about Pakistan’s promising economic direction and hoped that successors would continue on this journey towards making the nation an Islamic economic power.

ISSI welcomes Italian think-tank’s president

By

NNPS Desk

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:19 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP): The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a fruitful in-house session with President of the Centre for International Studies (CeSI), Italy, Andrea Margelleti.

The meeting brought together key representatives from both organizations, including ISSI Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, the CSP director and research team, and members of the Italian mission in Pakistan.

The exchange of views covered key global and regional developments of mutual interest.

There was a particular focus on Pakistan-Italy relations, which both sides acknowledged as robust and enduring in nature.

They expressed gratification that the bilateral relationship was steadily expanding across a broad spectrum.

In the global and regional arena, the two sides discussed Ukraine and the security issues in Europe; developments in the Asia-Pacific; situation in the Middle East since October 7, 2023; regional stability in South Asia; post-August 2021 Afghanistan; and recent developments in West Asia.

“These in-depth exchanges underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to actively promote and contribute to mutual understanding on issues related to global peace and stability. The dialogue reflected a shared recognition of the intricate interconnections between regional and international dynamics, underscoring the importance of cooperative efforts in fostering a more secure and harmonious global environment,” the press release said.

The session concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Centre for International Studies.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, on behalf of ISSI, and Andrea Margelleti, representing CeSI, signed the MoU, reaffirming their commitment to deeper collaboration between the two think-tanks on various research initiatives and academic endeavors in the future.

ECP directs security officials to respect rights and maintain safety

By

Ali Ali

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:16 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19 (APP):Security officials must facilitate voters, follow election laws, prioritize safety, cooperate with officials, observers, and media, respect voter rights, and avoid unnecessary interference, says the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

A code of conduct has been issued for security personnel affiliated with Law Enforcement Agencies, excluding the Armed Forces and Civil Armed Forces (who have a separate code of conduct). This code applies to those deployed for election duty during the General Elections 2024.

According to the code, security personnel should execute their responsibilities within the legal framework and within the prescribed mandate of law enforcement agencies. Their role is to support the Election Commission of Pakistan in ensuring free, fair, transparent, and peaceful General Elections-2024.

This involves deploying security personnel at all polling stations, maintaining a secure environment for law and order, safeguarding printing presses during ballot paper production, and ensuring security during the transportation of ballot papers from printing presses to the offices of Returning Officers.

Provide security for the transportation of polling bags from Returning Officers’ offices to polling stations and for election material from polling stations to RO offices after polling and counting. This includes ensuring security during tabulation, provisional result announcements, and result consolidation by Returning Officers.

Security officials should adhere to Article 220 of the Constitution of Pakistan and Section 5, along with Section 193 of the Election Act, 2017. Gazetted officers must exercise powers delegated through an Election Commission notification under Section 193. Cooperate with District Returning Officers, Returning Officers, and Presiding Officers as mandated by Section 83(4) of the Elections Act, 2017.

Support the Presiding Officer in carrying out lawful duties, ensuring order at the polling station. Remain impartial and neutral during the entire election process, refraining from favoring any political party or candidate. Provide full cooperation to the Presiding Officer to maintain order and ensure uninterrupted voting at the polling station

Maintain politeness and impeccable behavior with voters and polling staff, adhering firmly and justly to the law. Assist in guiding individuals outside the polling station during confusion or untoward situations.

Ensure a peaceful and safe environment, preventing intimidation or hindrance to voters. Conduct thorough frisking/checks to prevent the entry of any weapons, explosives, or undesirable items, including mobile phones, that could disrupt the polling process.

Security personnel are required to facilitate proper queuing for all voters, with prioritized assistance for the elderly, transgender individuals, pregnant women, women with infants, and voters with disabilities. Concentrate exclusively on ensuring a peaceful and transparent polling process outside the polling station, following the Presiding Officer’s directions. Note that each contesting candidate is allowed one polling agent at each booth, with only one agent per candidate permitted to observe the counting and tabulation process.

Polling agents observing the counting process can legally obtain copies of Form-45 and Form-46 from the Presiding Officer. Additionally, observers present during counting may also receive these copies. Provide security to the Returning Officer’s office until result consolidation is complete, ensuring the safe storage of polling bags and materials in the Commission’s strong room.

Adhere to election laws, fostering public trust through a safe environment and law enforcement. Be aware that District Returning Officers/Returning Officers can visit polling stations anytime. Allow accredited observers and media, permitting cameras for footage except in screened-off compartments to maintain ballot secrecy.

Security personnel must refrain from requesting voters to produce identification (“Perchees”). They should not prevent any eligible voter from entering the polling station, recognizing the inviolable right to cast their vote at the assigned polling station.

Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Jamal Shah cutting ribbon to inaugurate calligraphic exhibition titled “Mashq-e-Ishq” by Gen. (R) Humayun Khan Bangash at PNCA

By

Zia Ur Rehman

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Fri, 19 Jan 2024, 7:03 PM

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APP50-190124 ISLAMABAD: January 19 - Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Jamal Shah cutting ribbon to inaugurate calligraphic exhibition titled "Mashq-e-Ishq" by Gen. (R) Humayun Khan Bangash at PNCA. APP/SMR/TZD

APP51-190124
ISLAMABAD: January 19 – Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Jamal Shah addressing during opening ceremony of the calligraphic exhibition titled “Mashq-e-Ishq” by Gen.(R) Humayun Khan Bangash at PNCA. APP/SMR/TZD