Aleem announces significant developments for motorway expansion

Mon, 29 Apr 2024, 9:36 PM

ISLAMABAD, April 29 (APP):Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan on Monday announced the significant developments for the motorway expansion from Mansehra to Gilgit, Babu Sar top and Skardu region.

He made the announcement while addressing the 14th passing-out ceremony of 289 police officers at the NHMP Training College in Sheikhupura.

The ceremony was attended by Federal Secretary of Communication Ali Sher Mehsud, IG Salman Chaudhry, Additional IG Ali Saber Kayani, Commandant DIG Syed Hashmat Kamal, patrol officers, and their families, said a press release issued here.

The minister highlighted plans to deploy Motorway Police to Gwadar and Karakoram areas, emphasizing the institution’s integrity and its role in fostering integrity within the community.

He underlined the importance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in driving prosperity for Pakistan and reiterated commitments to enhance institutions, ensure quality selection process, and provide comprehensive training

to officers.

The minister announced an additional one-month extension for training completion and salary increments for officers.

IG Motorway Police Salman Chaudhry commended the role of Motorway Police despite resource limitations and praised Commandant College Syed Hashmat Kamal for their training initiatives.

Commandant Training College DIG Syed Hashmat Kamal expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized focus on personality development alongside professional training.

At the ceremony, Patrol Officer Faisal Mehmood Khan received the All-Round First position, Honor Cap Yasmin Nawaz secured the second position, Patrol Officer Kamran Shabir received the best academics award, and Aneesul Islam clinched the best fire award. Patrol Officers Farqan Ali and Tahira Noor Sabri were also recognized for best parade, while Taj Nabi was honored with the best discipline award.

Aleem Khan paid tribute to the martyrs during the event, laying wreath in their memory.

Senate adopts Special Committee’s 4 recommendations about Money Bill

NNPS Desk

Mon, 29 Apr 2024, 9:30 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): The Senate on Monday adopted four recommendations of the Special Committee related to Money Bill, the Tax Laws (Amendment), Bill, 2024.

Convener Special Committee Farooq Hamid Naek presented the committee’s report in the House.

After through discussion on the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the committee unanimously recommended amendments in clause 2, in sub-clause (e), after the word “law”, the words “or a mixed question of law and fact’, shall be inserted; in clause 3, in sub-clause (e), after the word “law”, the words “or mixed question of law and fact, shall be inserted.

In Clause 4,- (a) in sub-clause (f), in section 132,- (i) in sub-section (1), for the second proviso, the following shall be substituted, namely:- “provided further that where an appeal is not decided within the aforesaid period, the Appellate Tribunal may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, condone the delay for an aggregate period of thirty days.”; in sub-section (2), in clause (b), for the word “should” the word “if” shall be substituted; and (iii) in sub-section (3), for the words “ to the aforesaid hearing schedule by the taxpayer and the commissioner” the expression “by the taxpayer and the Commissioner, to the hearing schedule as prescribed,” shall be substituted.

The committee also recommended amendments In sub-clause (g), in section 133,- (i) in sub-section (2), after the word “law”, the words “or a mixed question of law and fact”, shall be inserted;
(ii) in sub-section (3), after the word “law” the words “or a mixed question of law and fact”, shall be inserted;
(iii) in sub-section (4), for the expression “ a Special Bench, constituted”, the expression “ Special Bench or the Special Benches, as the case may be, to be constituted by the Chief Justice, as deemed necessary”, shall be substituted; and (iv) in sub-section (7), after the word “law”, the words “or a mixed question of law and fact”, shall be inserted.

Briefing the House, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said the bill contained some amendments to tax laws. It would help streamline the legislative process related to the taxes cases pending in the tribunals, he added.

He said all the three political parties including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had representation in the Special Committee.

He said small cases related to the tax would be decided by the Commissioner while big cases would be directly referred to Tax Tribunal.

As per the new amendment, he added, the time lines for deciding of the tax cases would be fixed and in case of more time reasons for delay would have to be recorded.

The minister said neither new tax was being imposed through the Money Bill, rather the revenue collection process was being streamlined.

The recommendations will be forwarded to the National Assembly which will decide about their incorporation into the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Balighur Rehman condoles with Saira Afzal Tarar

Ali Ali

Mon, 29 Apr 2024, 9:15 PM

LAHORE, Apr 29 (APP):Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman on Monday visited the residence of Member National Assembly (MNA) Saira Afzal Tarar at her ancestral village and extended condolences to her on the death of her father, Senior Politician Afzal Hussain Tarar.

Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman offered Fatiha and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the highest ranks in Jannah to the departed soul.

He also prayed to give courage and sustenance to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.

The Governor Punjab said the services of Azfal Tarar (late) for the country and the party will always be remembered.

FESCO issues shutdown program

Ali Ali

Mon, 29 Apr 2024, 9:11 PM

FAISALABAD, Apr 29 (APP):Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has issued shutdown program for Tuesday due to necessary repair, maintenance and expansion of electricity lines.

According to the program issued by the company, power supply from D-Ground feeder linked with 220-KV Jaranwala Road grid station, Barkat Pura feeder connected with 132-KV S-Road grid station, Awan Wala feeder attached with 132-KV Khannuana grid station, Mian Chowk feeder originating from 132-KV GIS grid station, PC-II and Jhang Bazaar feeders linked with 132-KV Factory Area grid station, Dhandra and Ali Housing feeders attached with 132-KV Jhang Road grid station, Niamoana feeder connected with 132-KV Sammundri Road grid station, al-Barkat feeder originating from 220-KV Sammundri Road grid station, al-Fareed and al-Khaliq feeders linked with 132-KV Thikriwala grid station, Islam Pura feeder attached with 132-KV Mureedwala grid station, University Town, FDA City, Abu Bakar Block, Samana, Millat Town, Rasool Pur, Jaguar, Kalash, Zafar Fabrics and Super feeders connected with 132-KV Chiniot Road grid station, Rail Bazaar feeder originating from 132-KV Faisalabad City (GIS) grid station, Akbar Abad feeder linked with 132-KV Allied grid station, Abu Bakar Block feeder attached with 132-KV Gokhuwal grid station, Quran Academy Road, Raza Town-I/Chak No.204 feeders connected with 132-KV SPS grid station, Katchery Road and Canal Road feeders originating from 132-KV Jaranwala grid station, Lundianwala feeder linked with 132-KV Lundianwala grid station, Ali Abad and Maddoana feeders attached with 132-KV Satiana grid station, Akbar, Lal Kothi, Nazir Shaheed, Makkoana, Sultan Alasto, Jaranwala Road, Kararwala, Borstal Jail, Gulab, S-II and Edan Valley feeders connected with 132-KV Scarp colony grid station, Barnala and Kamal Pur feeders originating from 132-KV Chak Jhumra grid station, F-5 feeder linked with 132-KV Bandala grid station, Khurarianwala City feeder attached with 132-KV Khurarianwala grid station, Faisalabad, Lahore Road, Aasiyan, Rajoa, Sakhi Abdul Wahhab, Hinduana, Chenab Nagar, Jhumra Road/Raza, City, Muazzam Shah, Badshahi Masjid, DHQ, Beeranwala, Usman Abad and Muslim Bazaar feeders connected with 132-KV Chiniot grid station, Khannuana feeder originating from 132-KV Bhowana grid station, Langar Makhdoom feeder linked with 132-KV Lalian grid station, new Ahmad Nagar feeder attached with 132-KV Chenab Nagar grid station, Barana feeder connected with 132-KV Barana grid station, Johar Colony feeder originating from 132-KV Nishatabad grid station will remain suspended from 8 a.m. to 12 noon while Noor Shaheed, Langar Makhdoom, Jabbana, Lalian City and Owais Qarni feeders linked with 132-KV Lalian grid station will observe shutdown from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday (April 30).

Similarly, electricity supply from Ghazi Abad, Ashraf Abad, Chenab Steel, Mughal Pura, Misaq-ul-Mall, Rehmat Abad, Sheikhupura Road, Chenab Limited, Yousuf Abad, Mannanwala, Johar colony and 500-KV Gatti feeders attached with 132-KV Nishatabad new grid station, Nishat Mill-I and Hajwairi Park feeders connected with 132-KV Tariq Abad grid station, Iqbal Rice Mills, Dawar, Shah Burhan, Jani Shah, Jhok Milliya, Jhang Road, Rajoa, WASA Tube Well, Abdullah Fiber and Faisalabad Road feeders originating from 132-KV Chiniot grid station, Sitara Sapna and Lasani feeders linked with 132-KV Industrial Estate grid station, Depot Bazaar feeder attached with 132-KV Old Thermal grid station and Jhumra Road feeder connected with 132-KV SPS grid station will remain suspended from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. whereas Chunni Rehan, Sangra, Wallah and Riaz Abad feeders originating from 132-KV Lalian grid station will observe load shedding from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 30.

Meanwhile, power supply from Abdullah Shaheed, Ahmad Nagar and Kanwanwala feeders linked with 132-KV Lalian grid station will remain suspended from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. while Bungalow and Khawaja Habib Ullah feeders attached with 132-KV Mamonkanjan grid station will observe shutdown from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

Likewise, all feeders connected with 132-KV Sitara Chemical grid station will also remain suspended from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 30, 2024.

UAE Ambassador calls on Shaza Fatima

Ali Ali

Mon, 29 Apr 2024, 9:07 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP):Ambassador of UAE to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi called on Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja here on Monday.

Matters of mutual interest and relating to IT & Telecom sector, digitalization, cybersecurity and innovation were discussed in the meeting, said a news release.

The two sides agreed to increase cooperation in the field of IT & Telecom.

The meeting was also attended by Member IT Syed Junaid Imam and DG International Coordination Syed Jawwad Ali Sherazi.

Amir Muqam calls for performance over politics, criticizes opposition tactics

Ali Ali

Mon, 29 Apr 2024, 9:04 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP):Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Engr. Amir Muqam on Monday emphasized the need for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government to focus on performance instead of engaging in negative politics and manipulating public sentiments.

Speaking here in the National Assembly, he urged the Opposition to adopt a constructive approach rather than disrupting proceedings with confrontational tactics.

He criticized the KP provincial government’s failure and its stubborn attitude to fill 11 vacant seats in the Senate, stressing the importance of ensuring adequate representation for province in the House of Federation (Senate).

The minister lamented the underperformance of the KP province compared to Punjab and Sindh, calling for a learning curve from their development models.

About the blames of the KP Chief Minister on the federal government over resource allocation, he highlighted the equitable distribution through the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

The minister questioned the chief minister’s insistence on federal funds, emphasizing adherence to established financial mechanisms.

Regarding opposition politics, Amir Muqam denounced the tendency for selective acceptance of court decisions and criticized the tendency to incite unrest while shunning accountability.

He recounted personal experiences of legal challenges and emphasized the importance of facing legal proceedings with fortitude.

Amir Muqam revealed that he had personally faced 23 cases, along with his spouse and son facing their own legal challenges.

Despite enduring mental distress during his son’s imprisonment and the closure of their businesses, he emphasized the importance of facing legal cases with resilience instead of resorting to empty slogans.

Reflecting on the conduct of former Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in the face of legal decisions, Amir Muqam commended his commitment to peace and tranquility.

Despite adverse court rulings, Sharif refrained from inciting agitation and consistently advocated for the welfare of the people.

He stated that individuals previously involved in attacking Parliament and Pakistan Television, stirring unrest, were now discussing similar disruptive actions.

However, he affirmed that such actions would not be tolerated this time, emphasizing the rule of law.

The minister also cited damages to the Malakand toll plaza, a school in Dir, and other critical locations on May 9 and asserted that the public was aware of the true perpetrators behind these incidents.

He stated that an individual was currently facing in around 100 genuine cases and he should confront them directly, rather than resorting to misleading the nation through mere slogans.

Reflecting on former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, Amir Muqam acknowledged developmental initiatives in the KP province and emphasized the need for consistent adherence to constitutional principles and legal norms.

The minister said that he faced seven terrorist attacks, resulting in the martyrdom of 52 individuals.

He highlighted that even JUIP and its senior leadership, including Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, were not spared from such acts of terrorism. Stressing the gravity of the situation, he emphasized the need for sincerity towards KP province amidst the ongoing terrorism threats.

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of consistency between words and actions, advocating for adherence to the law without succumbing to double standards.

Jazz closes Rs. 15b Sukuk to advance its 4G for all digital agenda

Ali Ali

Mon, 29 Apr 2024, 8:57 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP):Pakistan’s leading digital operator, Jazz, announces the successful closure of its Rs 15 billion Sukuk, marking the first ever and largest short term unsecured Sukuk by a telecom operator in Pakistan.

This will pave way to an entirely new funding avenue for Jazz to fund its 4G for all digital ambitions said a news release.

With a 30-year track record in Pakistan and investments exceeding USD 10.6 billion, Jazz represents one of the country’s largest investors, leading the cellular industry with a 45% revenue market share, while serving over 71.5 million subscribers.

With the successful closure of this initiative, Jazz management expresses gratitude to its valued investors for their confidence in the digital operator and its capacity to generate value for investors, customers, and society at large.

This Sukuk issue will also contribute to the increased utilization of Shariah-compliant financial instruments in Pakistan’s capital markets.