Author: Iqra Khan

A nationwide initiative has been launched by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to audit 437 dealers of urea and fertilizers regarding their income taxes.The FBR stated that the audit will guarantee that they pay the appropriate tax on their earnings. There have been 437 cases altogether that have received notices of audit. The current processes will soon come to an end.In addition to the aforementioned, the relevant Inland Revenue Field Formations have sent notices to all non-filers, FBR stated.

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The Finance Bill 2024, which proposes a tax hike on the salaried class, was overwhelmingly rejected by the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue on Monday.The Senate has recommended 128 items to the National Assembly for inclusion in the Finance Bill 2024, including nine public sector development projects (PSDP) for the upcoming fiscal year, following its evaluation of the report provided by the apex finance committee. The budget recommendations were given by Saleem Mandviwalla, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance. Out of the 128 proposals, 69 were related to the general budget for FY25; other recommendations included modifications…

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LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, during a meeting here on Monday, reviewed the services provided to citizens through “Maryam Ki Dastak” mobile application. The CM directed to further improve services under the programme besides granting approval to extend their number. She directed to increasing the number of services in Lahore to 40, and then to 65 by August 2024. The CM was briefed by PITB Chairman on “Maryam Ki Dastak” program’s extension plan. He apprised that from 14 August, “Maryam Ki Dastak” services would start in every division. Services of Police, Revenue, Municipalities, Excise, TMA, Development Authorities and other…

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Pakistan has called for keeping the U.N. Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) financially viable so as to enable the 31-member intergovernmental body meet the reconstruction and other needs of the countries emerging from conflict.“The peacebuilding architecture plays a critical role in the peace continuum,” Pakistani delegate Ansar Shah told a meeting on the commission’s 2025 Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture: “Through marshalling resources, advising on integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery, focusing attention on reconstruction and institution-building, laying the foundation for sustainable development, helping develop best practices, and ensuring predictable financing, it makes a real difference on ground,” Shah, a first…

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman Gates Foundation, Bill Gates on Monday visited National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC).Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt. General Inam Haider Malik gave a comprehensive briefing about NDMA and NEOC encompassing the pre and post-disaster mechanisms that are in place to predict and cope any disaster including both natural catastrophes and human-induced incidents. Prime Minister and Chairman Gates Foundation visited different sections of the NEOC whereby experts briefed them about the operations of the organization.Chairman Gates Foundation appreciated the state of the art facilities at NEOC and underscored the importance of predictions of…

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chair of Gates Foundation Bill Gates on Monday agreed to continue working together to not only eradicate polio, but to strengthen health systems across the provinces, and to ensure prosperity for all Pakistanis, especially women and girls. During a meeting at the PM House, the prime minister reiterated the firm commitment to eradicating polio as it remained the highest priority for the government and emphasized that all resources of the State shall be employed to provide security to our polio workers. “I will personally monitor national efforts until the crippling disease is wiped-out from…

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chairing a meeting here on Monday, reviewed the public schools reorganization program.The CM said that a target has been set to construct and rehabilitate 1,000 grounds of government schools in a period of six months. She directed to start weekly and monthly competitions in government schools. She directed a comprehensive mapping of schools to determine facilities and needs across Punjab. She called for a plan to regularize 14,000 AEOs (Assistant Education Officers) and SSEs (Secondary School Educators) in Punjab. The CM also approved the launch of the Green School Program, under which each student…

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The 30th Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) concluded on Sunday after a five-day run, attracting 1,600 exhibitors from 71 countries and regions to showcase 220,000 Chinese and international titles. Over 1,000 cultural events were held, with more than 2,100 copyright trade agreements or statements of intent reached.Billed as the world’s second-largest book fair, the BIBF would expand the channel for Chinese culture to reach a global audience and serve as a bridge for exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, CGTN reported. Chinese publishing houses showcased major titles that illustrate the nation’s development path, achievements and cultural heritage to international audiences.…

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Pakistan is gearing up to enter a new era in automotive technology following the announcement of a partnership between HUB Power Company Limited and BYD (Build Your Dreams), a Chinese auto magnate, which signifies the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into the Pakistani market. HUB Power Company Limited, through its subsidiary HUB Power Holdings Limited, has finalized plans to collaborate with BYD for local production of EVs.The news comes as the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is seeking to attract investment into the country to boost its forex reserves. The partnership includes arrangements for acquiring land and essential infrastructure…

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Chinese modern technologies are set to revolutionize Pakistan’s healthcare system through the ambitious China-Pakistan Health Corridor initiative. This collaborative effort aims to enhance medical infrastructure, improve patient care, and streamline health services across Pakistan,” said Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz, President of China Pakistan Medical Association (CPMA). Addressing the launching ceremony of the Medical Device Innovation Center of Lingang New Area and the International Cooperation and Exchange Conference on Medical Technology with the theme of “Promoting High-level Opening and Creating a Great Health Era” on Saturday in Liangang, Shanghai, he said that by integrating advanced technologies and expertise from China, the initiative…

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