Author: none@none.com (Kalbe Ali)

During a conference in Islamabad, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani emphasized that the government should focus on its regulatory role and leave business operations to the private sector. With over 70 presidents of chambers of commerce and industry in attendance, the discussion centered around improving economic indicators and political stability for a better business environment. Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders to address economic challenges, especially with China’s interest in enhancing the CPEC. Minister Qaisar Sheikh highlighted the potential of the blue economy for development, while business leaders stressed the importance of government partnership and…

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has raised concerns regarding the excessive powers given to the tax body, fearing it will hinder business activities. FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh stated that rather than empowering the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) further, the government should focus on addressing the lack of trust in the tax body by the public and business community. During a post-budget news conference, Sheikh criticized the budget for 2024-25, labeling it as unfriendly to businesses and predicting that new measures will discourage exports and local business operations. He emphasized the negative impact of…

Exciting news from the Prime Minister’s Office as a high-level committee has been formed to draft a transition plan for the dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD). Led by the Minister for Housing and Works, the committee aims to present its recommendations shortly after Eidul Azha. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to abolish the PWD due to poor performance and corruption has led to the formation of this committee. They will develop strategies for dismantling the department, managing public projects efficiently, maintaining assets, and outlining the future of PWD employees. While this move aligns with the government’s…

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) recently held a meeting where they strongly condemned the culture of mob vigilantism in Pakistan. Led by the new head, Dr Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naimi, the council discussed the recent incident in Sargodha where an angry mob attacked Christian families over alleged desecration of the Holy Quran. While acknowledging the desecration of the Holy Quran, the CII called for severe punishment for both sides involved in the violence. They reiterated their recommendation for the establishment of special courts to try such cases promptly. Dr Naimi emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law…

Boosting Smartphone Assembly in Pakistan: A Call for Government Action In a recent development, mobile manufacturers in Pakistan have urged the government to implement favorable policies that would support large-scale assembly of smartphones and subsequently boost exports. The Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) emphasized the significance of a conducive tariff structure that would incentivize local assembly over the import of finished products. The current taxation system heavily favors imported finished products, imposing high duties on parts and raw materials used for local assembly. This disparity hinders the localization of key components and limits the growth of the ‘Make in…

The PTI leadership accused the government of using fascist tactics against the party, predicting the collapse of ‘the system’ soon. They expressed concerns about Imran Khan’s safety in prison after the party’s central secretariat was demolished by the CDA. Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned the invasion, stating that the sanctity of the party’s office was violated. The persecution of PTI was seen as a diversion from ‘Dubai Leaks,’ but the party filed a petition against the CDA’s actions. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub vowed to continue the struggle for true democracy. The PML-N defended CDA’s actions, citing compliance with the…

Trade Ties between Pakistan and India Remain Suspended Since 2019 Since 2019, trade ties between Pakistan and India have remained suspended due to heavy duties imposed by New Delhi on imports from Pakistan after the Pulwama attack. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the impact of the Pulwama attack, which occurred on Feb 14, 2019, resulting in the loss of 40 personnel in Indian-occupied Kashmir. India’s decision to impose a 200 per cent duty on imports from Pakistan, suspend the Kashmir bus service, and halt trade across the Line of Control has further strained the relationship between the two countries. Mr.…