President Dr Arif Alvi has provided relief to 6 different victims of bank fraud by upholding the decisions of the Banking Mohtasib ordering private banks to refund a collective sum of over Rs 827,000 to the accountholders.
The President rejected 05 different representations of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and 01 representation of Meezan Bank Limited against the decisions of Banking Mohtasib directing them to make good the loss of the victims of bank fraud by crediting the lost money to their individual bank accounts.
As per the details of the cases, Muhammad Pervaiz Khan, Kashif Latif, Naimat Ali, Intezar Ahmed, Ms Asia Manzoor, and Mohsin Shabbir (the complainants) had been maintaining their individual bank accounts with HBL.
They received calls from unknown numbers and the callers posed as bank officials and asked them to share their personal credentials which they did. The callers managed to defraud Pervaiz Khan of Rs 333,300, Latif of Rs 140,000, Naimat of Rs 137,489, Intezar of Rs 119,848, Ms Asia of Rs 78,780 and Shabbir of Rs 20,108 by fraudulently transferring funds from their bank accounts.
Afterward, they received alerts about hefty amounts being withdrawn from their bank accounts. The complainants approached the bank to get their defrauded amounts refunded, however, they were not given any relief.
Later, the complainants approached the Banking Mohtasib individually to seek redressal of their complaints. The Banking Mohtasib in its decision wrote that the bank had activated fund transfer service i.e., IB/EFT channel by default without informing the complainants and had not divulged the pros and cons of the “fund transfer” facility in terms of Section 30 of Payment System and Electronic Fund Transfer Act-2007.
It noted that since the facility was unsolicited, therefore, any financial loss in this regard cannot be categorized as “customer liability”.
It further observed that had IB/EFT channel not been made operational by the bank, the complainants could have avoided the financial loss.
The Banking Mohtasib held that the bank could not produce any evidence to the effect that it had complied with the provisions of law, rules and regulations and ordered the bank to refund the defrauded money to the complainants.
Subsequently, the banks filed representations with the Honorable President against the decisions of the Mohtasib.
The President in his decision observed that the banks were given ample opportunity to defend and controvert the claims of the complainants, however, they failed to provide any justification to upset the orders of the Mohtasib.
“The Banks failed to discharge their duty and the legal responsibility cast upon them under the law”, the President noted while rejecting the appeals as being devoid of any merit.
ISLAMABAD: The government Tuesday decided to keep the prices of petroleum products unchanged for the next fortnight till December 15, 2021.
A notification said that the prices of petroleum products will be the same as notified on November 15, 2021.
Petrol would be sold at Rs145.82 per liter; High-Speed Diesel at Rs142.62 per liter; kerosene oil at Rs116.53 per liter and light diesel oil at Rs114.07 per liter, according to a press statement issued by the finance ministry here.
Tarin was addressing a virtual meeting of the Pay and Pension Commission.
The Commission is headed by Zafar Ahmed Khan and is composed of senior professionals from public and private sectors as well as serving Federal and Provincial Secretaries, AJK and GB and other senior officers of the governments also attended the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, the Adviser underscored that current model for pay and pension is not sustainable and there is a need to rationalize the salaries, allowances, perks etc. on the basis of performance and quality work.
The performance of the employees may be assessed on the basis of setting targets and KPIs and simultaneously best performers may be compensated with rewards.
The Adviser stressed for removal of anomalies in basic pay structure and suggested a uniform basic pay structure for all the organizations. He suggested for the adoption of internationally accepted practices in the matter of pensions.
Tarin emphasized that there is a need to work out ranges for linking compensation with performance. This will ensure meritocracy in the recruitment and result in improved service delivery in the public sector.
The Adviser further extended his full support and cooperation to the Commission.
Chairman, Pay and Pension Commission thanked Adviser to the PM on Finance and Revenue for his keen interest and ownership of the work of the Pay and Pension Commission. He assured that the Commission will do its best to come up to the expectations of the Government and would present an actionable set of recommendations to the Government for rationalizing the pays of the public servants.
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) – Pakistan’s apex revenue collecting agency – has collected over Rs2.31 trillion during the first five months (July – November) of the fiscal year 2021/2022.
According to provisional statistics released by the FBR on Tuesday, the net revenue collection is at Rs2.314 trillion during the first five months, which is Rs298 billion higher than the target of Rs2.016 trillion for the period.
This represents a growth of about 36.5 per cent over the collection of Rs. 1.695 trillion during the same period last year.
While chasing the target of Rs 408 billion fixed for the month of November 2021, the net collection for the month realized Rs. 470 billion, which is Rs 62 billion in excess of the assigned monthly target, representing an increase of 35.2 per cent over Rs 348 billion collected in November 2020.
These figures would further improve before the close of the day and after book adjustments have been taken into account, the FBR said.
On the other hand, the gross collections increased from Rs. 1,783 billion during July-November, 2020 to Rs. 2,437 billion in current Financial Year, showing an increase of 36.7 per cent.
The amount of refunds disbursed was Rs 123 billion during July- November 2021 compared to Rs. 88 billion paid last year, showing an increase of 40.5 per cent.
It is pertinent to mention that after collecting over Rs. 4.7 trillion and exceeding its assigned revenue targets set for tax year 2020-21, FBR has successfully maintained the momentum set in July, 2021.
Its tax collection posted historic high growth in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. During the first four months (July-October), FBR has far surpassed its revenue target by Rs 233 billion.
This spectacular performance in the first five months of the current financial year clearly shows that FBR is well on its way to achieving the assigned target of Rs. 5.829 trillion for the year despite the daunting challenges, compelling constraints posed by the corona pandemic, and sporadic tax cuts announced by the government as relief and price stabilization measures.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Aviation, the Cabinet approved the renewal of aviation licenses of M/S SERENE AIR, M/S AIRBLUE, M/S PIACL and M/S PRINCELY JETS under the National Aviation Policy 2019.
Federal Minister Asad Omar briefed the Cabinet on the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron. The meeting was informed that the new variant originated in Africa. According to initial reports, the rate of spread is very high. The cabinet called for the implementation of COVID SOPs such as use of mask in public places, social distancing, and vaccinations for public safety.
The Cabinet was briefed regarding the introduction of an electronic voting machine and the empowerment of Overseas Pakistanis to vote. Federal Minister Shibli Faraz gave a briefing on procurement of Electronic Voting Machines, training of staff, responsibilities of concerned agencies, public awareness campaign and timely delivery. The cabinet expressed grave concerns over the release of a video of alleged vote-buying during the by-elections in N.A 133. The cabinet said such illegal actions were anti-democratic.
Keeping in view the transparency, the Cabinet directed the concerned departments to clarify about the audit report on the package for COVID-19.
Advisor for Finance presented a comparative review of the prices of essential commodities to the Federal Cabinet.
Weekly inflation fell to 0.67%. Prices of 5 Commodities have seen a reduction trend. The Cabinet was informed that apart from the prices of ghee and tea leaves in the region, prices of all other household items are lower in Pakistan.
These items include flour, grams, dal mash, dal mung, tomato, onion, chicken and petrol. The Cabinet was informed that the prices of flour, sugar, lentils and gram lentils in Sindh are much higher than other provinces. The Cabinet expressed grave concerns over the rising prices of essential commodities in Sindh.
Petroleum Division briefed the Cabinet on the vacancies of MD and CEO in the organizations under the division. The Cabinet was informed that at present 04 posts are vacant on which appointment process is in progress.
The Cabinet, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Aviation, approved the delimitation of high-rise buildings around airports under the Civil Aviation Authority Rules. The height limit of buildings in Islamabad Blue Area has been fixed at 1000 feet. The decision will also help prevent the rampant spread of urban boundaries, save vegetables and preserve agricultural land.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Commerce, the Cabinet allowed the staff stationed at the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran to import personal vehicles on repatriation under the Hardship Policy.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior, the Cabinet approved to increase the visa period from 120 days to 150 days for those coming to Pakistan from Tablighi Jamaat from abroad. The Cabinet also approved to grant 45 days Visa on Arrival for Tablighi Jamaat. Visas can be obtained through the online visa portal.
Cabinet approved procedure for appointment of EOBI (Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution) Chairman. This appointment will be carried out under the Competitive Process of Management Position Scale Policy 2020.
Cabinet on the recommendation of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis postponed approval to issue Overseas Employment Promoter Licenses. The Cabinet directed that a procedure be worked out within a week to review the work of these promoters. Special care should be taken that promoters should not be illegally charging extra money from those travelling abroad.
The Cabinet ratified the decisions taken at the meeting of the Committee on Institutional Reforms held on 12 November 2021. The meeting recommended the reorganization of the Pakistan Gems and Jewelery Development Company.
The Cabinet ratified the decisions taken at the meeting of the Committee on Energy held on 18 November 2021.
The Committee on Energy had recommended Gas Load Management Plan for Winter 2021-22 and setting up of Oil Depot at Kemari Karachi. Gas Load Management Plan for Winter 2021-22:-
Domestic gas will be reserved for domestic consumers only because of its low cost. The CNG sector will be closed from 01 December 2021 to 15 February 2022. Gas supply to IPPs and fertilizer factories will continue.
Gas supply to export sector industries will continue.
Power plants running on LNG will be provided 5 per cent additional gas.
Electricity prices have been reduced for domestic consumers in winter (Rs. 12.96 per kWh) to meet the gas shortage.
Gas saved from CNG, Cement and Captive Power will be used for domestic consumption.
A public awareness campaign is being launched to save gas.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Commerce, the Cabinet approved the import of MONTANIDE OIL from France for the treatment of Foot-and-Mouth disease in cattle in Punjab.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Cabinet approved setting up of a selection board for the appointment of Chairman ITNE and Chairman Press Council of Pakistan. The Selection Board for Chairman ITNE will consist of the Minister of Information, Secretary Information, Additional Secretary Information, Grade 21 Representatives of Establishment Division and Ministry of Law. The Selection Board for the Chairman Press Council of Pakistan will consist of the Minister of Information, Secretary Information, Additional Secretary Information, Representatives of Establishment Division and Ministry of Law.
Cabinet approved the appointment of Muhammad Saleem as Chairman Privatization Commission.
Federal Minister for Industries and Production gave a detailed briefing to the Cabinet on the current stock and prices of fertilizers in the country. The meeting was informed that this year the fertilizer companies released 53 per cent more fertilizer to the dealers in Sindh as compared to the previous year, due to which there was shortage of urea in Punjab and other areas and the price had gone up.
However, on the directions of the Prime Minister, measures were taken to reduce this disparity and against hoarders, which resulted in an average reduction of Rs. 400 per sack.
At present a sack of urea is available in Gujranwala for Rs. 1850. There is a surplus of 200,000 tons of fertilizer compared to the domestic demand. The Cabinet was informed that an online portal has been set up to monitor the supply of fertilizers through which the federal government, provinces and all district administrations can monitor the movement and stock of fertilizers.
Punjab has taken several steps since November 13 to curb the hoarding of fertilizers. Among them 347 FIRs, 244 arrests, 21111 inspections, 480 warehouse seals and fines of Rs 2.79 crore have been imposed.
In addition, control rooms have been set up in each district where complaints related to shortage of fertilizers, hoarding and profiteering can be lodged. Checkpoints have been set up at provincial borders to curb smuggling. Amendments are being made to the relevant laws against hoarding and profiteering in which informants will be rewarded in proportion to the confiscated property.
The Cabinet ratified the decisions taken at the meeting of the Economic Co-ordination Committee held on November 29, 2021. Approval to hold a special meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers in Pakistan. Approval of 50,000 tons of wheat aid to Afghanistan.
KARACHI: Shares at Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a decline of 258 points on Tuesday amid hefty volumes. The benchmark KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed at 45,072 points as against the previous day’s closing of 45,330 points.
Analysts at Arif Habib Limited said that on the MSCI rebalancing day, the KSE-100 index witnessed a volatile session as it made a dicey move of more than 1,000 points, making a close above 45,000 points benchmark.
The E&P sector stayed in the limelight as the government is considering a scheme to reduce the stock of the circular debt by declaring dividends for the shareholders of energy sector companies.
In the last two trading hours, Institutional investors accumulated across the board as it was the last opportunity to catch foreign selling spree due to the transition from emerging to frontier market. Mainboard stocks witnessed hefty volumes today.
Sectors contributing to the performance include Commercial Banks (-160 points), Fertilizer (-78 points), Inv. Banks (-18.3 points), FMCG (-16.2 points) and Textile Composite (-12.8 points).
Volumes increased from 268.2 million shares to 411.5 million shares (+53.4 per cent DoD). Traded value increased by 219.4 per cent to reach US$ 198.2 million as against US$ 52.0 million.
Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes include HBL, FNEL, UBL, TRG and MCB.
ISLAMABAD: The headline inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased by 11.5 per cent on a Year-on-Year (YoY) basis in November 2021, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said on Tuesday.
Samba Bank Limited shared a communication with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) that the SBP had granted approval to SNB and its advisor, due diligence team, to undertake the due diligence of Samba Bank Limited with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Samba Bank previously on September 21, 2021 communicated to the PSX that SNB, as the immediate parent company of Samba Bank Limited had notified: “SNB is considering all its strategic options in relations to its shareholding in Samba Pakistan Limited, including potential mergers, acquisitions, divestment and/or restructuring (the strategic review).
“Any decision relating to the strategic review shall be subject to internal approvals and may be subject to regulatory approvals as well as execution of the definitive agreement.”
It may be mentioned that SNB is the successor entity of Samba Financial Group, pursuant to a merger process in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and regulatory formalities for the formal recording of Saudi National Bank as the successor entity in Pakistan is under process.
Samba Bank through a letter on October 05, 2021 made further disclosure to the stock exchange that the board of directors of SNB had approved the following actions in respect of Samba Bank Limited:
— To commence and orderly well managed divestment of Samba Bank Limited – Pakistan.
— To appoint an advisor to assist with the process, which has been done by SNB;
— to advise Samba Bank Limited on engagement with the regulators in Pakistan for the process, as necessary;
— To revert to the Board of Directors of SNB, before commencing a process of due diligence based on the receipt of Non-Binding offers and feedback from the market in the evaluation of this option.
KARACHI, November 30, 2021 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released the official exchange rates for November 30, 2021, providing customers and businesses with crucial information on currency values.
