Author: Web Desk

Tax Refunds to Exporters in Three Days: Finance Minister In a recent press conference, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that tax refunds will now be processed and refunded to exporters within three days. He also mentioned that the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) has been reduced and ministers are not receiving salaries. The minister expressed gratitude towards 42,000 new retailers for registering and informed that they will be taxed starting July 1st. He emphasized the importance of tax compliance and stated measures have been taken to ensure non-filers are encouraged to file their taxes. Highlighting the significance of IMF programme…

Saudi Arabia Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Lebanon has issued a statement urging all Saudi citizens to immediately leave the country due to increasing tensions in the region. The embassy is closely monitoring the situation in southern Lebanon and reiterating its travel ban to Lebanon. Saudi citizens currently in Lebanon are advised to contact the embassy in case of emergencies and to leave the country as soon as possible. The embassy’s priority is the safety and security of all citizens amidst the escalating conflicts. Meanwhile, fighting between Israeli…

President Asif Ali Zardari recently signed off on the Finance Bill 2024, officially approving the federal budget for 2024-25. The signed copy of the bill will now be sent to Parliament for further review. Scheduled to take effect from July 1, the new federal budget has been a topic of much debate and controversy. Despite opposition protests and a walkout during the National Assembly session where the budget was approved, there were significant changes made. One notable change includes an increase in tax rates for international air travel tickets. Passengers flying in economy and economy plus classes will now have…

The Punjab Assembly Condemns US Resolution on Pakistan’s Elections as a ‘Jewish Conspiracy’ The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution terming the recent US House of Representatives’ resolution on Pakistan’s February 8 general elections as a ‘Jewish Conspiracy’. The resolution, tabled by Ahsan Raza Khan, highlighted interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs and attempts to create chaos in the country. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to democratic values and demanded US Congress’s support in causes like Palestine and Kashmir. In response to the US resolution, the National Assembly also condemned the interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The US House Resolution HR 901 called…

Exciting Developments in Pakistan’s Infrastructure: ECNEC Approves New Projects The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) recently gave the green light to several important projects, including the revised PC-I of the New Gwadar International Airport set to be operational by 2024. Chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the meeting approved a total of 19 projects out of 21 agenda items, with a focus on flood reconstruction in Balochistan and Sindh. The forum also allocated significant amounts for projects like the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project, Green Line BRTS in Karachi,…

Luxurious Murree: A Transformational Journey Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif recently helmed a monumental five-hour meeting to unveil the Murree development plan. The meeting witnessed the green light for an array of projects, including beautification, transport enhancements, and construction ventures, with a particular focus on preserving the city’s natural beauty. Key highlights of the meeting included the approval of the Rawalpindi to Murree Tourist glass train project and the decision to engage an international consultant for its execution. Plans were set in motion to remove obstructive high-rise hotel buildings, restore old names of historical sites,…

US Ambassador and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Discuss Bilateral Relations Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with United States Ambassador Donald Blome to discuss the latest developments in Pak-US bilateral relations. The meeting focused on ways to enhance and strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Recently, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution urging Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution received overwhelming support, with 98% of House members voting in its favor. It called on Islamabad to respect fundamental rights such as due process, freedom of press,…

NA Approves Increase in Salaries and Travel Allowances for Pakistan Lawmakers in Budget 2024-25 The National Assembly (NA) has passed an amendment in the Budget 2024-25 to raise the salaries and travel allowances of Pakistan lawmakers, despite opposition protests. The amendment, proposed by PPP leader Abdul Qadir Patel, was approved, increasing travel allowance from Rs10 to Rs25 per kilometre and allowing the carryover of unused airline tickets. The number of annual travel vouchers has also been increased to 30. The Finance Bill 2024-25 brings these changes through an amendment to the Salary and Allowances Act, giving the finance committee of…

Sindh Police & Ministry of Home Affairs Target 42 Most Wanted Robbers in Hyderabad Range Sindh Police, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs, has unveiled a list of 42 highly dangerous robbers operating within the Hyderabad range. This announcement follows a recent crackdown on criminal activities in the Sukkur range. To combat these threats, a substantial bounty has been set, amounting to billions, for the capture of these criminals, whether alive or deceased. The list showcases the distribution of these robbers across different districts, with 12 in Jamshoro, 18 in Matiari, 11 in Dadu, and one in Tando…

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif Slams PTI for Opposing Operation Azm-e-Istehkam Khawaja Muhammad Asif criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its opposition to Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, accusing the party of indirectly supporting the outlawed terrorist group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Asif emphasized the importance of national unity in fighting terrorism and protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty. During his speech in the National Assembly, Asif highlighted the threats posed by terrorists operating from Afghan territories and warned the federal government would take measures to defend its citizens. He also mentioned that some opposition members had ties with the Taliban, facilitating the return of thousands of TTP…