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FTO orders advisors to address complaints within 60 days

By
Waseem Iqbal
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LAHORE, Aug 04 (APP):Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr Asif Mahmood Jah has directed all advisors nationwide to address complaints of aggrieved taxpayers within 60 days of their filing.
Speaking here on Sunday to an awareness session with various sectors of business community, he said the direction aims to ensure prompt and efficient handling of grievances, providing timely relief to taxpayers. The directive underscores the government’s commitment to delivering justice at the doorstep of aggrieved taxpayers, enhancing trust and transparency in the tax administration system.
By setting a strict 60-day deadline, he said it will expedite the process, preventing unnecessary delays that could burden taxpayers and undermine their confidence. This measure is part of broader efforts to streamline tax-related procedures, making the system more responsive and accessible. The emphasis on quick redress reflects a recognition of the challenges taxpayers face and a commitment to addressing their concerns with urgency and fairness.
Dr Waqar Ch Arain Advisor to FTO speaking on the occasion said that FTO always attached great importance to business community who are backbone of national economy and contribute significantly towards development and prosperity. He added FTO  secretariat is one call away and any aggrieved tax payers can contact  nearest regional office and file genuine complaint which is processed instantly without loss of time. He said  on the other hand FTO has already held categorically on several occasions that all payable taxes must be paid timely to help run the affairs of the state smoothly.
Later FTO Dr Asif Mahmood Jah responded to volley of questions by the participants.
Prominent among them were Mian Faiz Bukhsh,CEO IT Professionals, Dr Muhammad Nauman Faizi, Mohsin Ali Mughal Architect,Ahmad Waqar Ch ,Azmat Javed Rehmat,Muslim Khan Buneri and Hussain Aamir Jafri.

Thundershower predicted in Karachi

By
NNPS Desk
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KARACHI, Aug 04 (APP): The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Sunday predicted rain-windstorm or thundershower in most parts of the Sindh province during the next 24 hours.

The thundershower is forecast for Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Khairpur, Kashmore, Qamber Shahdadkot, Dadu, Ghotki, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Umarkot, Matiari, Naushahro Feroze, Jamshoro, Thatta, Badin, Padaidan, Sajawal, Karachi and Hyderabad.

However, heavy rainfalls may also occur in Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore and Khairpur during the period.

Rain forecast for Bahawalpur

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
Rain
BAHAWALPUR, Aug 04 (APP):The local Met Office has forecast a partly cloudy to cloudy weather with chances of rain for Bahawalpur for next 24 hours.
The highest maximum temperature 30 centigrade and the lowest minimum 25 centigrade were recorded during last 24 hours.
The partly cloudy to cloudy weather with chances of rain has also been forecast for rest of the region.

Minister reviews arrangements for rainwater drainage

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
SIALKOT, Aug 04 (APP):Provincial Minister for Local Government Punjab Mian Zeeshan Rafique conducted an on-site review of the rainwater drainage arrangements in Sialkot.
He was accompanied by Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) and the Deputy Commissioner. The inspection covered various areas including Railway Road, Dara Araian, Abbott Road, Church Road, Kutchehry Road, and Allama Iqbal Chowk.
During the visit, Mian Zeeshan Rafique, alongside DC Muhammad Zulqarnain and MPAs Muhammad Manshaullah Butt, Faisal Ikram Chaudhary, and Chaudhry Naveed Ashraf, assessed the operations of the Solid Waste Management Company (SWMC) Sialkot in handling rainwater drainage.
The minister highlighted that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was closely monitoring the rainwater drainage operations across districts throughout the monsoon season. He noted that as per the chief minister’s directives, municipal corporations, district councils, and divisional headquarters had established emergency rain camps under WASA’s supervision. These camps are equipped with sanitation staff and machinery, ensuring that drainage operations commence promptly with the onset of rain. This proactive approach has significantly reduced the duration of rainwater accumulation in low-lying areas, allowing for drainage within a few hours.
The DC reported that the district emergency control rooms operate 24/7. He noted that the solid waste management company continues to clean drains throughout the monsoon season, with all disposal stations fully operational and equipped with standby generators. On August 4, from 12:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the city experienced 58mm rainfall, during which sanitation personnel were actively deployed. Similar vigilance is maintained across other tehsils in the Sialkot district.
The deputy commissioner further informed that rivers and rainwater drains in Sialkot were under continuous monitoring. Residents in flood-prone areas are kept informed, and all necessary measures have been implemented to address any potential emergencies.
Regarding river flow measurements, the recorded figures were as follows: Chenab River upstream at Marala Headworks, 86,839 cusecs; Jammu Tawi, 6,038 cusecs; Manawar Tawi, 1,225 cusecs; Nullah Daik, 660 cusecs; Nullah Aik, 499 cusecs, Nullah Pulkho, 713 cusecs; and Nullah Bhed, 260 cusecs.

Art is a powerful medium to influence people, says VC RWU

By
Waseem Iqbal
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PAC
RAWALPINDI, Aug 04 (APP):Punjab Arts Council (PAC) in collaboration with Rawalpindi Women University (RWU) organized an art exhibition.
Vice Chancellor, RWU, Dr. Anila Kamal was the chief guest at the exhibition. Director Arts Council, Sajjad Hussain and renowned curator Dr. Arjumand Faisal also attended the exhibition as special guests.
In her address, Dr. Anila Kamal said that each painting is unique and holds hundreds of emotions within it. Art is a very powerful medium to convey messages and influence people, she added.
The VC Women University while appreciating the artistic works said that she had a great opportunity to witness creative artistical thoughts. “Using colors effectively, the artist has adorned the canvas with their thoughts and ideas through the beauty of art in a distinctive manner”, she said.
Director of the Arts Council, Sajjad Hussain said that encompassing various themes in one exhibition is also an art.
“The Arts Council has always provided a platform for the youth to showcase their work to the world”, he said adding that the government’s initiatives for the welfare of art and artists in Punjab were exemplary. Curator Dr. Arjumand Faisal on occasion remarked that colors do not need a language; they speak for themselves.
Artists always play a positive role in society, she said adding that there is a need to encourage the younger generation towards art along with traditional education.
Letters of appreciation were distributed among the participants at the end of the exhibition. A large number of people from the twin cities attended the exhibition

PR police pay tribute to martyrs on Police Martyrs’ Day

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
LAHORE, Aug 04 (APP):The Pakistan Railways Police on Sunday paid tribute to its martyrs on the Police Martyrs’ Day.
According to a spokesman, 36 officers and personnel of the Railways Police have laid down their lives for the country.
Special ceremonies were held across the eight divisions of the Railways Police to commemorate the day. A group of PR Police officers presented a salute to the martyrs, a minute of silence was observed, and prayers were offered.
During the ceremonies, cheques were distributed and bouquets were presented to the families of the martyrs. To facilitate their attendance, pick and drop services were provided from their homes to the headquarters.
Railways Police officers also laid wreaths on the graves of the martyrs, offered prayers, and lit candles in their memory.
The spokesman highlighted that August 4 is a significant day to pay tribute to police officers and personnel. “The martyrs of the Railways Police have written a history of bravery and courage with their blood,” he said, adding that their eternal sacrifices will always be remembered.

Speaker KP assembly pays tribute on Police Martyrs’ Day

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
PESHAWAR, Aug 04 (APP):Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Salim Swati on Sunday emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by police martyrs.
In a message on the eve of Police Martyrs Day, he stated, “The purpose of observing this day is to remind ourselves that we can never forget the sacrifices of our martyrs.”
Swati highlighted the expanded role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, noting that since the merger of FATA, the police has been responsible for duties on the borders as well.
He said, “The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police has taken on the additional responsibility of safeguarding the borders following the FATA merger.”
The Speaker also extended heartfelt tributes to the families of police martyrs, acknowledging their enduring sacrifice and commitment. “We pay our respects to the families of our police martyrs,” Swati added.

Media urged to raise awareness about ending child labour

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP):The International Labor Organization (ILO) is committed to eliminate child labour, to provide safe and healthy childhood to children across the world, said ILO official Munawar Sultana here Sunday.
She said while much progress has been made in reducing child labour over the years, recent years have seen global trends reverse and now more than ever it is important to join forces to accelerate action towards ending child labour in all its forms.
She said that all stakeholders and media should create an awareness to eliminate the child labour across the country on social media platforms.

SNGPL disconnects twelve metres over violations

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
LODHRAN, Aug 04 (APP):Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Task Force here on Sunday raided at various places and disconnected twelve meters including a commercial on various violations.
According to details, a metre of a consumer was installed out of the service area which caused loss to the department in line with leakage on which his metre was disconnected.
Likewise, three meters were found to be suspicious of Seal Tampering on which the metres were disconnected and sent to the laboratory for further legal action.
The metres of seven consumers were also found on the meter counter tampering and the glasses were broken due to which the gas consumption was not being registered correctly and the company was suffering losses in terms of UFG on which their meters were also disconnected and sent to the laboratory.  Besides this a domestic consumer was found using his meter for commercial purposes on which his metre was disconnected and further departmental action was recommended.
Similarly, eight consumers who were involved in the crime of supplying gas to more than one house had their extensions removed.

Female environmental journalists cohort formed to highlight women suffering in wake of climate disasters

By
NNPS Desk
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0

PESHAWAR, Aug 04 (APP): A cohort of 25 female environmental journalists selected from across the country was formed to focus on climate change reporting and to highlight problems faced by women folk in the wake of climate induced disasters.

The cohort was jointly formed by Climate Action Center and Green Media Initiatives, a non-governmental organization dedicated to training journalists on environmental and climate change issues, says a press release issued here.

The cohort will serve as a platform for female journalists to work on climate change, where their voices could become a powerful force reaching policymakers, ensuring that women have a central role in climate change prevention policies,” said Shabina Faraz, CEO of Green Media Initiatives.

Director of the Climate Action Center, Yasir Hussain shared his thoughts on the occasion, noting that he has been working for launching of Female Media Cohort for Climate Change environmental protection for the last three decades.

In early 90s, environmental news was scarce because it wasn’t considered a specialized beat; only one or two stories would get coverage, comments Yasir. He explained that during those times, they would send daily news in the form of a newsletter to international media via email, as it was challenging to disseminate news back then.

Welcoming formation of female cohort, Dr. Yasmeen Farooqui, Dean School of Media Sciences at Alama Iqbal University stated that having more women involved in reporting will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the environment.

She also announced holding of a workshop on digital media for female journalists at national level in near future. Senior journalist Kamal Siddiqui praised the formation of the Female Cohort for Climate Change, calling it a welcome initiative.

He highlighted that Pakistani issues are underreported and often not covered at all, including environmental issues and related changes. Kamal Siddiqui pointed out that environmental degradation in Pakistan affects women the most and therefore, women should report on these issues as they can gather information more effectively.

Along with newspapers, there is now a need for digital media, and more importantly, these news stories should be highlighted on social media. Farahnaz Zahidi Moazzam, the Pakistan editor of the international organization Dialogue Earth, emphasized importance of investigative journalism.

She stated that obtaining data or statistics is a significant challenge for investigative journalists. Clearly, without credible data, it is impossible to demonstrate the accuracy of the impacts of climate change.

She also mentioned that a good understanding of both science and technology is essential for better reporting on climate change. Moreover, more women should come forward, as they tend to view issues from a deeper and different perspective.

Manzah Siddiqui, a renowned vlogger stressed the need for comprehensive investigative reporting on climate change. Rafi-ul-Haq, an environmental expert, emphasized the importance of female reporters in environmental reporting and highlighted the need for accurate data.

He provided numerous examples to illustrate the challenges Pakistan will face regarding climate change in the future, stressing that active media is essential to address these challenges, and this hope rests with the women of cohort. The event saw a large number of female journalists in attendance, who collectively committed to working together on climate change and environmental issues.

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