Author: Mrs. Anjum Shahnawaz

  • PTCL registers eight-year high revenue growth

    PTCL registers eight-year high revenue growth

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), posted seven per cent growth in its revenues for the year 2021, which is eight-year high or the highest revenue growth since 2013.

    The revenue growth may be attributed to a robust commercial strategy which cements its market standing.

    According to a statement issued on Friday, the company announced its annual financial results for the year 2021 at its Board of Directors’ meeting on February 10, 2022.

    READ MORE: PTCL Group wins GDEIB award in five categories

    PTCL Group

    PTCL Group posted a revenue of Rs 138 billion in the year 2021 which is 6.3% higher as compared to 2020.

    PTCL continued its growth trajectory by posting 7% YoY revenue growth which is the highest since 2013.

    PTML (Ufone) also posted a revenue growth of 4.3% despite stiff competition in the market.

    U Bank continued its growth momentum and has achieved 8.4% growth in revenue.

    PTCL Group has posted a net profit of Rs 2.6 billion.

    READ MORE: PTCL registers 7.3% revenue growth for nine months

    PTCL:

    PTCL continued its strong performance throughout 2021. PTCL’s revenue of Rs 77 billion for the year 2021 is 7% higher than 2020, mainly driven by Broadband and Corporate & Wholesale business segments.

    PTCL registered highest Fixed broadband Sales and Net Adds in 2021 since 2015, which allowed PTCL to grow in the broadband business segment.

    PTCL is the fastest growing Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) operator with highest Net adds within FTTH market in 2021.

    The company has posted operating profit of Rs 4.2 billion, which is higher by 21% compared to 2020.

    Net profit of Rs 6.9 billion is higher by 14% as compared to last year.

    The company is continuously upgrading its existing infrastructure and network, besides expanding FTTH across the country to offer seamless connectivity for greater customer experience. Prompt deployment of FTTH and strong performance in Corporate and Wholesale segments are the cornerstone in PTCL’s topline growth, which along with focus on cost optimization program, has significantly increased the company’s profitability.

    READ MORE: PTCL, Dell to launch Azure Services in Pakistan

    PTCL Consumer Business:

    During 2021, the company’s Fixed Broadband business grew by 11.7% YoY, whereas PTCL IPTV segment also grew by 13% YoY. Within broadband business, PTCL Flash Fiber, the company’s groundbreaking FTTH service, showed a tremendous growth of 61.5%, whereas PTCL CharJi /Wireless Broadband Segment grew by 16.5%. Voice revenue stream has declined on account of lower voice traffic and continued conversion of customers to Over-The-Top (OTT) services.

    Business Services:

    Business services segment continued its momentum sustaining market leadership in IP Bandwidth, Cloud, Data Center, and other ICT services segments. PTCL’s Enterprise business grew by 10% as compared to last year, while Carrier and Wholesale business continued its growth momentum and achieved 9% overall revenue growth. Similarly, international business growth was recorded at 4%.

    Being the national telecom carrier and connectivity backbone in Pakistan, PTCL Group strives to provide innovative solutions to accelerate growth for a ‘Digital Pakistan’ through robust telecommunication infrastructure and a diverse portfolio of services with enhanced customer experience.

    PTML – Ufone:

    READ MORE: Ufone signs Rs21 billion agreement for 4G spectrum

    Ufone’s financial year 2021 ended on a high note despite challenging operating environment

    Ufone revenues grew by 4.3% as compared to 2020 mainly driven by growth in data services

    Ufone acquired additional 9 MHz 4G spectrum in the 1800 MHz Band in NGMS spectrum auction in September 2021, fulfilling its commitment to provide enhanced customer experience through quality services across Pakistan.

    Post spectrum auction, significant network modernization activity was carried out in Q4 2021 that has allowed Ufone to significantly improve its share of the 4G net adds within the industry.

    PTCL Group is playing a key role in supporting Universal Service Fund’s (USF) efforts for the development of telecommunication services in un-served and under-served areas of the country. This year, PTCL was awarded seven USF optical fiber projects for far flung areas of Punjab, KPK and Sindh provinces. Under these projects, PTCL will deploy a total of 4,690 KM optical fiber. Ufone was awarded five USF projects under the Broadband for Sustainable Development (BSD) umbrella during 2021 for the unserved and under-served areas of Baluchistan which involve deployment and network upgrade of 205 BTS sites.

    UBank:

    UBank, the microfinance and branchless banking subsidiary of PTCL, continued its growth trajectory and has achieved 8.4% growth in its revenue over last year by increasing its advances portfolio. The balance sheet footing of the bank crossed the Rs 100 billion mark as the bank diversified its funding streams and asset classes while ensuring positive bottom-line impact.

    Major strategic initiatives undertaken by the bank include venturing into the low-cost housing loans, international remittance, and the launch of Islamic Banking. The bank intends to invest in state-of-the-art technology to become a leading digital banking player. With the core mission of microfinance at its heart, the business model of the bank is evolving to capture new segments and customer classes to include more of Pakistan into the banking net and further its ambition of financial and social inclusion.

    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

    During 2021, PTCL ran the second cohort of its flagship internship program ‘Justuju’ for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in collaboration with ‘Network of Organizations Working with Persons with Disabilities, Pakistan’ (NOWPDP).

    PTCL provided internet connectivity to 11 campuses of the Pehli Kiran Schools Islamabad in an effort to support the Education Sector in Pakistan. PTCL Razakaar and the company’s employee volunteer force undertook a comprehensive clothes donation drive in partnership with Akhuwat Clothes Bank for deserving communities across Pakistan.

    Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) recognized the PTCL Razakaar Trust for its generous donation towards augmenting COVID-19 testing facilities of the center during the peak of the pandemic in 2020.

  • Fire incidents at two facilities of Service Industries

    Fire incidents at two facilities of Service Industries

    KARACHI: Service Industries Limited (PSX: SRVI) on Friday reported fire incidents at a factory located in Muridke and godowns in Lahore.

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Service Industries Limited stated: “A fire broke out at the factory premises of the company at Muridke on February 09, 2022 which was brought under control. It, however, has caused damage to the raw material store and some finished goods inventory. There has been no damage to the production facilities.

    “The insurance companies are assessing the extent of loss caused by the fire break out. Since the above assets are fully insured, the management does not foresee any significant impact on the profitability of the company.”

    The company reported another fire incident in Lahore.

    “Further, a fire incident has also occurred at one of the rented finished goods godowns of the company located at Multan Road, Lahore on February 10, 2022 which was also brought under control. It however has caused damage to the finished goods inventory.

    “The company’s finished goods inventories are fully insured and the loss is being assessed by insurance companies. Accordingly, the management does not foresee any significant impact on the profitability of the company.

  • Mobilink Microfinance Bank gets EFP membership

    Mobilink Microfinance Bank gets EFP membership

    Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) has become the first microfinance institution to secure membership of the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP).

    The EFP is also a member of the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and with its virtue an important constituent of the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations from Pakistan.

    The EFP membership was awarded to MMBL in recognition of its efforts to promote financial inclusion for all especially enabling individual entrepreneurs as well as small and medium industries in the country, particularly the ones led by women.

    READ MORE: Mobilink Bank retains top slot in microfinance industry

    The EFP, while notifying about the membership, applauded Mobilink Microfinance Bank’s tireless efforts in scripting Pakistan’s financial growth and recognized its role in revolutionizing the traditional banking system.

    It said the bank has led the way in empowering all segments of society, particularly women.

    Commenting on the achievement, Ghazanfar Azzam, President & CEO, MMBL said: “We are ecstatic to be the first microfinance bank in the country to become a member of EFP. The achievement comes as a validation of the bank’s extraordinary growth and innovation to lead the country’s microfinance industry while digitalizing its core processes, hence creating an environment conducive to economic growth.

    “MMBL, with its diverse portfolio, is not only committed to serving the financial needs of individuals and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) but is also focused on empowering women entrepreneurs through its flagship initiative, Women Inspirational Network (WIN). By becoming a member of EFP, we intend to continue with our leading role in the digital banking landscape and foster economic empowerment for all.”

    Also commenting on the development, Samiha Ali Zahid, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) MMBL, said: “MMBL is a market leader for women in finance and it is continuously striving to make Pakistan more inclusive, both digitally and financially.

    “We take great pride in being one of the primary pillars of Pakistan’s digital banking ecosystem, where we play a vigorous role in women empowerment; be it through initiatives on financial management or training the female borrowers. This membership is a testament to our passion for promoting women empowerment at all fronts.”

    Remarking on the occasion, the President of Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, Ismail Suttar said: “Employers’ Federation of Pakistan welcomes MMBL as our valued member as it upholds such integrity and values which are a major contributor in enhancing the image of Pakistan globally. To continuously work towards creating an environment that is progressive for women and encourage initiatives that not only benefit the economy but inspire the youth to have aspirations, MMBL has played a large role in facilitating aspects such as these.

    “Therefore, EFP takes a great sense of duty in showcasing the Government of Pakistan and the international stakeholders the relevance of such associations. In the times to come, we greatly look upon such entities to further promote the soft image of Pakistan, which our Federation also duly aims to acquire.”

    In the same context, and to highlight the success stories on women empowerment in Pakistan, EFP will be hosting an event at Pakistan Pavilion, Dubai Expo 2020 on 11th February 2022 with the theme “Women of Pakistan; Leading a Change”.

    For many years, MMBL has been facilitating SMEs and women by providing them micro-loans to engage in self-empowering projects, which enables them to generate income and substantiate their earnings. The EFP membership will further enhance MMBL’s role in bringing broad-based socio-economic enablement to individuals and communities nationwide. The bank will be completing 10 years of operations in Pakistan this year.

  • No promotion of IRS officers without asset declaration

    No promotion of IRS officers without asset declaration

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday issued last warning to BS-18 officers of Inland Revenue Service (IRS), who are in promotion zone, and said without asset declaration and performance evaluation reports (PERs) their names will not be considered for promotion.

    The FBR previously issued letter to the officers in the seniority list on December 15, 2021 for completion of their PERs and Declaration of Assets.

    READ MORE: FBR issues instructions for promotions to higher ranks

    The recent scrutiny of personal record of said officers revealed that majority of the officers have not yet submitted their PERs and Declaration of Assets for the period ending on June 30, 2021.

    The meeting of Departmental Selection Board (DSB) for promotion of Inland Revenue Service from BS-18 to BS-I9 is being planned by March 15, 2022 where cases of officer of IRS from seniority No.1 to seniority No.52 shall be considered for promotion by the Departmental Selection Board.

    All aforesaid BS-18 officers of IRS in the promotion zone are once again asked to ensure that their PERs and Declaration of Assets up to June 30, 2021 are submitted to the Board latest by February 28, 2022 positively.

    READ MORE: FBR notifies transfer, posting of BS-19 IRS officers

    Completion of PERs and submission of Declaration of Assets are the pre-requisites for promotion to selection grades under Civil Servants Promotion (BS-18 to BS-21) Rules, 2019.

    The Board is trying hard to ensure that all eligible officers be considered for promotion in the forthcoming DSB meeting. However, your cooperation in timely completion of service record is equally essential.

    READ MORE: FBR transfers Sardar Khwaja as Member Audit

    Any officer who fails to furnish the above documents by due date of February 28, 2022 will himself/herself be responsible for non-consideration/deferment/supersession, and no further reminder shall be issued in this regard.

    The Reporting/Countersigning Officer are also requested to immediately forward the PERs of the aforesaid officers to the Board (ERM Section) without any further delay.

  • FBR notifies transfer, posting of BS-19 IRS officers

    FBR notifies transfer, posting of BS-19 IRS officers

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday announced transfers and postings of BS-19 officers of Inland Revenue Service (IRS) with immediate effect and until further orders.

    The FBR notified transfers of following officers:

    01. Ashfaq Masood (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Secretary, PR Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad from the post of Additional Commissioner, IR Regional Tax Office, Peshawar.

    READ MORE: FBR transfers Sardar Khwaja as Member Audit

    02. Muhammad Asif (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, Addl. Directorate of Internal Audit (Inland Revenue), Peshawar from the post of Additional Director, Addl. Directorate of Internal Audit (Inland Revenue), Abbottabad.

    03. Muhammad Muti-ur-Rehman Mumtaz (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office, Lahore from the post of Additional Commissioner, Large Taxpayers Office, Lahore.

    READ MORE: FBR transfers BS-20 IRS officers in major reshuffle

    04. Asad Khan Luni (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) is currently posted as Secretary, (Admin Pool) Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad is now at the disposal of Project Director, Track & Trace, Islamabad.

    05. Muhammad Arif (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office II, Karachi from the post of Additional Commissioner, Commissioner Inland Revenue AEOI Zone, Karachi.

    06. Khurram Ali Qadri (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Large Taxpayers Office, Multan from the post of Additional Commissioner, Large Taxpayers Office, Lahore.

    READ MORE: FBR invites applications for 952 vacant posts in Pakistan Customs

    07. Ms. Saeeda Islam (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office, Multan from the post of Additional Commissioner, Large Taxpayers Office, Lahore.

    08. Muhammad Asif Rafique (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Secretary, (Revenue Budget) Inland Revenue Operations Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad from the post of Additional Commissioner, Regional Tax Office, Faisalabad.

    09. Muhammad Umer Yunus (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office, Faisalabad from the post of Additional Commissioner, Regional Tax Office, Sargodha.

    READ MORE: President Alvi rejects FBR plea in maladministration cases

    10.Bahader Sher Afridi (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office, Peshawar from the post of Additional Commissioner, Large Taxpayers Office, Islamabad.

    11. Ms. Ayesha Ranjha (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Corporate Tax Office, Lahore from the post of Additional Director, Directorate General of Training & Research (Inland Revenue), Lahore.

    12. Asad Aziz (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Secretary, (Income Tax) Information Technology (IT) Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad from the post of Secretary, (Revenue Budget) Inland Revenue Operations Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad.

    13. Rashid Javaid Rana (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Secretary, (HRM-IR) Admin/HR Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad from the post of Secretary, (FATE) Federal Board of Revenue (Hq), Islamabad.

    14. Ms. Sana Aslam Janjua (Inland Revenue Service/BS-19) has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, Corporate Tax Office, Lahore from the post of Additional Commissioner, Regional Tax Office, Lahore.

    The FBR said that the officers who are drawing performance allowance prior to issuance of this notification shall continue to draw this allowance on the new place of posting.

  • FBR announces sharp cut in sales tax on POL products

    FBR announces sharp cut in sales tax on POL products

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced sharp cut in sales tax on supply of petroleum products.

    The FBR on Thursday issued SRO 183(I)/2022 to reduce the sales tax against normal rate of 17 per cent.

    The revenue body previously issued SRO 88(I)/2022 dated January 18, 2022 to change the sales tax rates.

    READ MORE: FBR slashes sales tax rates on petrol, HSD

    According to the SRO 183(I)/2022, the sales tax rate on light diesel oil has been slashed to zero percent from previous 2.7 per cent.

    The sales tax rate on petrol has been reduced to 0.79 per cent from 2.5 per cent. Similarly, the sales tax on high speed diesel has been reduced to 3.17 per cent from 5.44 per cent.

    The sales tax rate on kerosene oil has been slashed to 5.30 per cent from 8.30 per cent.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s petrol price rises to record high at Rs147.83

    The federal government had deferred the increase in prices of petroleum products for next fortnight starting February 01, 2022. A statement issued by the Finance Division stated that the petroleum products were showing substantial increase in the international market and presently trading at highest level since 2014.

    The oil prices have witnessed an increase of 14.5 per cent just in January 2022 in the global market. The existing sales tax rate and Petroleum Levy on various petroleum products are much below the budgeted targets.

    READ MORE: Prices of all POL products increased to wish New Year

    The government is bearing the revenue loss of around Rs30 billion (fortnightly) on account of budgeted to existing petroleum levy and sales tax rates and Rs 260 billion annually due to reduced sales tax rate.

    Despite revenue losses due to rising petroleum prices globally, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has deferred the proposal by OGRA to increase up to Rs. 16.79/Litre in the petroleum product prices and desired that petroleum product prices shall remain the same from 1st February, 2022 as notified earlier on January 15, 2022 for providing maximum relief to the general public.

  • MCB Bank declares highest ever Rs52 bn profit before tax

    MCB Bank declares highest ever Rs52 bn profit before tax

    LAHORE: MCB Bank on Thursday announced the highest ever annual profit before tax at around 52 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021

    (more…)
  • Federal government announces 15% increase in salaries

    Federal government announces 15% increase in salaries

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday announced an increase of 15 per cent in salaries of employees from BS-1 to BS-19.

    A statement issued by the Finance Division, an arm of the Finance Ministry, said that the government had decided to give 15 per cent disparity allowance on running basic pay to less privileged employees from BS-1 to BS-19 with effect from March 01, 2022. The above package is also recommended to the provinces for adoption from their own funds.

    READ MORE: Withholding tax rates on salary income for 2021-2022

    Further, a summary for timescale promotion has been initiated by the Finance Division to mitigate the hardship being faced by employees stuck in the same grade for a long time.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s fiscal deficit contracts at 2.1% in 1HFY22

    The matter of upgradation of posts on the analogy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be decided based on the findings of the study being conducted by MS Wing of the Establishment Division by end April 2022.

    READ MORE: Employers to deduct tax on salary income

    Further, the merger of Adhoc Relief/Allowances into pay will be decided on report of pay and pension commission and will be merged in basic pay as per agreement.

    READ MORE: Tax on salary income of earlier year

  • List of goods export to Afghanistan in PKR, no E-form

    List of goods export to Afghanistan in PKR, no E-form

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has expanded the list of goods for export to Afghanistan and through Afghanistan to Central Asian Republics without requirement of E-form and against Pakistan Rupee (PKR).

    In this regard the ministry of commerce issued SRO176(I)/2022 dated February 04, 2022 to amend Export Policy Order 2020.

    READ MORE: Pakistan establishes Afghanistan relief fund

    As per the export policy order, export goods to Afghanistan and through Afghanistan to Central Asian Republics are allowed against Pakistan currency on filing of regular shipping bills without the requirement of E-form.

    READ MORE: Pakistan donates 50,000MT wheat to Afghanistan

    Prior to the amendment, the allowed goods are included: fruits; vegetables; dairy products; and meat. However, after the amendment more number of goods have been added to the list, which included: rice; fish and fish products; poultry, meat and products; sugar confectionary and bakery products; fruits, nuts and other edible parts of plants; oilcake and other solid residues; vegetable materials and vegetable waste; salt; cement; pharmaceuticals; matches; textile and textile articles; building stone; and surgical instruments.

    READ MORE: FBR rebuts currency smuggling to Afghanistan

    As per the Export Policy Order, 2021, the goods are not entitled to: zero rating of sales tax on taxable goods; rebate of central excise duty; and payment of drawback of customs duty.

    READ MORE: Index gains 346 points on better Afghanistan situation

  • Pakistan’s fiscal deficit contracts at 2.1% in 1HFY22

    Pakistan’s fiscal deficit contracts at 2.1% in 1HFY22

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fiscal deficit during the first half (July – December) of 2021/2022 has contracted at 2.1 per cent as compared with 2.5 per cent in the same half of the last fiscal year, the finance ministry said on Wednesday.

    The reduction in deficit mainly contraction in expenditure during the half.

    READ MORE: Pakistan, China discuss bilateral economic, trade ties

    The revenue to the GDP ratio fell to 6.2 per cent during the first half of the current fiscal year as compared with 7.4 per cent in the same half of the last fiscal year.

    The expenditure to the GDP ratio also declined to 8.2 per cent during the first half of the current fiscal year as compared with 9.9 per cent in the same half of the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: PM Imran invites Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan

    The GDP size during the first half of the current fiscal year has been measured at Rs63.978 trillion as compared with Rs45.567 trillion in the same half of the last fiscal year.

    According to the fiscal operation for first half (July – December) 2021/2022 released by the finance ministry, the total revenue was recorded at Rs3.95 trillion, out of which, the tax revenue was at Rs3.19 trillion and non-tax revenue was Rs764.93 billion.

    READ MORE: Prime Minister Imran kicks off visit to China

    Total expenditure during the first half of the current fiscal year has been recorded at Rs5.32 trillion. The current expenditure has been recorded at Rs4.67 trillion, out of which Rs520 billion was spend on defence. An amount of Rs571 billion was spent for development expenditure and net lending.

    To meet the budget deficit of Rs1.372 trillion, the government borrowed Rs 1.025 trillion from external sources and remaining Rs346 billion arranged from domestic sources.

    READ MORE: PM Imran terms exports, tax collection must for growth