Islamabad, Sep 2: The Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2024–25 allocation for the National Highways Authority (NHA) was cut by the government just two months into the fiscal year, from Rs. 180.284 billion to Rs. 161.264 billion, or about 12 percent, out of concern that it would impede or delay project execution and lead to cost escalation. The funding for current programs was cut from Rs. 167.8 billion to Rs. 149.280 billion, while the funding for new programs was cut from Rs. 12.484 billion to Rs. 11.984 billion. For the building of the 30-6 kilometer, 6-lane, split, walled Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway,…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Sep 2: A historic directive from Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr. Asif Jah, directing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to censure the officers who used coercive measures (bank attachment recovery) while the appeal was pending before the first appellate forum, has been confirmed by President Asif Ali Zardari. Usman Iqbal Aujla, a taxpayer from Gujranwala, had filed a complaint against FBR personnel for mishandling his money and taking it out of his bank accounts without following the proper legal procedures. The complaint was made through advocate Waheed Shahbaz Butt. Following an extensive investigation and in-depth hearings before Advisor…
Islamabad, Sep 2: The first two months of 2024–25 had a shortfall in tax collection for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Rs. 98 billion, with net collection of Rs. 1,456 billion compared to the target of Rs. 1,554 billion for the same time. The FBR reported on Sunday that it has received gross receipts for the months of July and August 2024 totaling Rs. 1,588 billion. In order to help the exporters with their liquidity issues, refunds totaling Rs. 132 billion—a 44% increase over previous year—were given to them in addition to the Rs. 1,456 billion in net…
Islamabad, Sep 1: Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmed receives a salary of Rs. 4 million a month, which is significantly (60 percent) more than that of his predecessor, Dr. Reza Baqir, who was paid Rs. 2.5 million. This week, the National Assembly was notified that the current governor of the central bank gets paid at least Rs. 1.5 million more than the governor who preceded him. The total package offered by Jameel Ahmed includes some nice extras like maintenance and furnishing, rental allowance, two cars with free 600 gallons of gas each, and the choice…
Islamabad, Sep 1: LAHORE: According to ARY News, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has taken severe measures against its staff members who were implicated in power theft. According to information, up to 101 workers have lost their jobs in the last six months due to allegations that they stole electricity. A LESCO representative stated that thus far, ten employees have been placed under custody, while numerous others have had their employment terminated due to serious accusations against them. Furthermore, a few workers have experienced layoffs and had their yearly raises revoked. The Punjab Energy Department said on April 7…
Islamabad, Sep 1: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has come under fire from the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) for continuously authorizing new imports of high-speed diesel (HSD) in spite of the nation’s already excessive stock levels. The agricultural season and the impending maintenance outage of Pakistan’s largest refinery are among the baseless and careless arguments put up by OGRA, according to a recent statement from OCAC. Refinery maintenance schedules, according to the Council, are carefully planned, and stock levels are carefully considered to ensure that supply needs are met during shutdowns. Nevertheless, given that the nation has…
Islamabad, Sep 1: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has pledged to provide low-income households their own home. Founder and Chairman of Akhuwat Dr. Amjad Saqib called on Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. CM Maryam commended the social services of Akhuwat under the leadership of Dr. Amjad Saqib. Dr. Saqib lauded the Punjab CM’s efforts in providing relief in electricity bills and the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” program. Maryam Nawaz declared that the goal of the administration was to enable low-income households throughout the province to realize their ambition of owning a property. The ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ program, she said,…
Islamabad, Sep 1: For September 2024, the price of 11.8-kilogram domestic cylinders would increase by Rs. 82.5 due to an increase in the price of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) of Rs. 6.99 per kg. The regulator said on Saturday that the consumer price of LPG for September will be Rs. 243.99 per kg. Customers will pay Rs. 2,879.1 for an 11.8-kilogram residential cylinder in September 2024 as opposed to Rs. 2,796.5 in August. It is important to note that Saudi Aramco-CP and the US dollar exchange rate have an impact on…
Islamabad, Sep 1: Bangladesh started the third day of the Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh trailing behind Pakistan’s 274 points from the first innings. Bangladesh struggled to establish a solid base against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack early in their innings. After 11 overs, Bangladesh is 27/6 with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das at the crease. The bowlers from Pakistan have been unrelenting, and Bangladesh’s batting order is struggling significantly. Bangladesh’s surviving batters have an extremely difficult task ahead of them after losing four wickets already. As the day wears on, all eyes will be on Bangladesh’s middle…
Islamabad, Sep 1: According to an advice released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), monsoon rains will persist throughout Pakistan from September 2 to September 5. The authorities have issued warnings about urban and low-lying areas flooding. The monsoon rain system is predicted to impact several areas during this time, with moderate rainfall most likely in northeastern Punjab, according to the National Emergencies Operations Centre. In Pothohar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, there will likely be light rain. Light to heavy rainfall is possible in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in the Malakand and Hazara divisions; Balochistani areas, such as…
