ISLAMABAD: The president of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi and the president of Iran Seyed Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday discussed bilateral trade and economy.
(more…)Author: Mrs. Anjum Shahnawaz
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Three-year jail for defaulting sales tax payment
A special judge may award imprisonment up to three years to a person who defaulted sales tax payment despite an opportunity from the tax authorities to pay the amount under Section 3, Section 6, Section 7 and Section 48 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990.
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Tarin launches first professional clearing member
KARACHI: Shaukat Tarin, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, on Friday inaugurated the first Professional Clearing Member (PCM) at CDC House, Karachi.
Speaking at the occasion, Shaukat Tarin said: “It is the top priority of our Government to facilitate businesses and improve ease of doing business environment.
“This initiative of Professional Clearing Member (PCM) is a very significant and timely initiative by SECP and very well executed by CDC. It is very important for our Capital market that we introduce such novel concepts which will bring more transparency and efficiency in our market.
“CDC has won the trust and confidence of the investors, Regulator and all stakeholders in the market with its efforts of market development and investor facilitation.
“The new PCM regime has been successfully implemented after the introduction of the relevant regulatory framework by SECP and capital market infrastructure entities, leading to the launch of EClear Services Limited (ESL) by i.e. CDC, PSX, NCCPL and Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company, with CDC playing the lead role of the project manager.”
Speaking at the occasion, the SECP Chairman, Aamir Khan said that “The PCM regime shall address two longstanding issues: risk of custody defaults by transferring custody to the PCM, and expanding the retail investor base by empowering small brokers.”
Tariq Rafi, member of CDC’s Board of Directors, welcomed Tarin and others guests after which Chairman CDC Moin Fudda addressed the audience. CEO CDC Badiuddin Akber presented a brief presentation to the audience explaining the working and benefits of the Professional Clearing Member.
He mentioned: “The solution will provide investors with a completely new and digital experience of Pakistan’s capital market while giving them the confidence of asset protection by a reliable and independent third party service provider.”
The event was well attended by Capital market representatives including Chairperson PSX – Dr. Shamshad Akhtar and CEO PSX – Farrukh Khan.
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Dollar closes at Rs175.46; hits intraday record high
KARACHI: The US dollar hit all-time high at Rs176.50 during intraday trading on Friday but later reversed to close at Rs175.46 in the interbank foreign exchange market.
The Pak Rupee (PKR) closed at Rs175.46 to the dollar as against the previous day’s closing of Rs174.98 in the interbank foreign exchange market.
Currency experts said that the rupee remained under pressure due to the outflow of the foreign currency in the shape of external debt repayment.
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $766 million to $22.774 billion due a week. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country’s foreign exchange reserves were at $22.774 billion by week ended November 19, 2021 as compared with $23.55 billion by the week ended November 12, 2021.
They further said that the large imports are a major threat to the rupee stability. The import bill registered 65 per cent growth to $25.1 billion during first four months of the current fiscal year as compared with $15.17 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.
The Pak Rupee hit the all-time low of Rs175.73 to the dollar on November 12, 2021 in the interbank foreign exchange market.
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Petroleum dealers call off strike on successful talks
ISLAMABAD: The talks between the government and Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association ended in a success which has led to the strike being called off.
“The talks between the government and petroleum dealers association have led to the strike being called off,” Hammad Azhar, Minister of Energy said in a Tweet on Thursday night.
Earlier, the petroleum dealers association observed a shutdown strike on Thursday for raising profit margin on sale of petroleum products.
Most of the fuel pumps were remained closed during the day. Even those pumps owned by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) which announced to open their outlets, were also closed for the shortage of stock.
The energy minister in his Tweet said that the government will notify 0.99 paisa increase in their margins after due approval from the cabinet as per the existing summary. “After six months we will move to % (per cent) system up to 4.4 per cent margin,” he added.
Earlier, PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan said petroleum dealers had been in a difficult position due to the high cost of business and low margins. He said that the government guarantees a margin of only 2 per cent on sales of fuel oil in the face of rising electricity tariffs.
“We demand the government to cancel our petrol pumps licenses,” he said, adding that nearly 50 per cent of the petrol pumps will close down permanently with license cancellation as no one will reapply for acquisition.
“Immediate increase on ex-depot price in dealers’ margin for HSD and MS without burdening common people and without increasing prices of petroleum products, absorbing dealers’ margin increase by reducing Sales Tax and PDL,” he demanded.
A day earlier, Gas & Oil Pakistan Company Limited (GO), with the largest retail outlet network of 1,000 outlets in the private sector and the largest network of company-owned, company-operated (COCO) outlets in Pakistan assured the customers that all its outlets would remain open and continue to function normally.
“GO remains firm in its commitment to fulfilling the fueling needs of the nation come what may,” the company said in a tweet.
Shell Pakistan also announced to open its outlet to serve the nation. “Shell Pakistan announces that they will not participate in the strike on November 25, 2021,” according to the company. All the company-operated retail stations will be opened to serve the customers, it added.
Hascol, another OMC, assured that all its owned and company-operated (COCO) stations, including all service stations on the M2 Lahore-Islamabad Motorway will remain open and ready to serve them as per routine.
Pakistan State Oil (PSO) also showed its commitment that all COCO stations will remain open nationwide and continue to function normally. “PSO is committed to serving the nation during such challenging time,” it said.
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Saudi Arabia allows direct entry from Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has allowed direct entry from Pakistan with effect from December 01, 2021, according to a report.
The nationals of Pakistan are now eligible for direct entry without spending 14-day quarantine in a third country.
According to Saudi Press Agency report quoting an official source at the ministry of interior, the directive will come into force from next Wednesday, December 01, 2021.
Saudi Arabia along with Pakistan also allowed direct entry from Indonesia, India, and Egypt. Brazil and Vietnam are the other countries that are included in the new list of countries allowed direct entry into the Kingdom.
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PM Imran launches incentive program for remittances
KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday launched an incentive program for overseas Pakistanis sending remittance to their homeland.
The incentive program namely Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP) offered jointly by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Ministry of Finance and financial institutions.
SDRP is an innovative program designed to incentivize Pakistani workers abroad to send remittances to Pakistan through banks and exchange companies and earn reward points.
These reward points could then be used to avail of different benefits offered by partner organizations. SDRP can be accessed conveniently from anywhere in the world through a mobile application.
In his address as the Chief Guest, the Prime Minister thanked the overseas Pakistanis for posing confidence in the bright future of their homeland by sending record high remittances of over $29 billion in the last fiscal year 2020/2021 and continuing the trend in FY22.
The Prime Minister noted that his Government has always encouraged and appreciated the efforts of Overseas Pakistanis through various initiatives and programs.
He especially mentioned the incentives like making remittances transfer free of cost, providing free airtime for remittances received through mobile wallets and covering the marketing cost of remittance service providers.
The Prime Minister congratulated the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Ministry of Finance (MoF), financial institutions, participating public sector entities (PSEs) and all other stakeholders as without their efforts the launch of this remittance incentive program would not have been possible.
He termed the launch of SDRP as a tribute to the Pakistani workers abroad who have been contributing in the development of the country by sending their hard-earned money back to Pakistan.
He also appreciated the concept of giving incentives through a digital application for sending remittances via official channels.
Governor SBP, Dr. Reza Baqir in his welcome address expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for his continuous interest and guidance in developing ways to facilitate the Overseas Pakistanis and workers abroad.
Dr. Baqir elaborated that SohniDharti Remittance Program is another outcome of the PM’s vision. Referring to earlier initiatives, he said that Roshan Digital Account and the Naya PakistanCertificates have been huge successes and the PM’s support has played an instrumental role in it.
Adding further, he said that another initiative like the Mera Pakistan MeraGhar scheme providing low-cost housing finance for first-time homeowners is another example where the PM’s vision and support have led to a significant takeoff of housing finance in the country, which had otherwise been negligible.
Dr. Reza Baqirsaid that he was delighted and privileged to announce the launch of SDRP, which is an excellent combined effort of the Government of Pakistan, SBP, financial institutions and other organizations.
Divulging the details, he disclosed that all home remittances sent from anywhere in the world through legal channels are eligible for inclusion in the SDRP. Besides, funds received in Roshan Digital Accounts which are consumed locally through conversion, and thus become non-repatriable, also qualify for inclusion in the program.
The Governor termed the launch of SDRP another step towards digitalization and financial inclusion that would play a significant role in the digital onboarding of Overseas Pakistanis and their beneficiaries in Pakistan. The mobile application of SDRPis available at both Google android and Apple IOS platforms. He took the opportunity to appreciate the participating banks, PSEsand other stakeholders in this regard as it was due to their hard work that this initiative finally saw the light of the day.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Mr. Shaukat Tareen congratulated SBP, PSEs and other relevant stakeholders for implementing the SDRP as a technology-based solution. He observed that the establishment of Pakistan Remittance Initiative in 2009 was a decision that has worked quite effectively to integrate country’s financial institutions with the ones abroad to help the Pakistani diaspora in sending remittance to their families in Pakistan in a very efficient and cost-effective manner.
Under the SDRP, if an individual sends remittance to the limit of USD10,000 or equivalent in one fiscal year, then he/she will be awarded one percent as a reward and allotted a green card category. Similarly, for remittances sent by an individual between USD10,000 and USD30,000 or equivalent, the remitter would be given 1.25 percent as reward and classified into gold card category. Lastly, for remittances of more than USD30,000 or equivalent, he/she will be awarded 1.5 percent as reward and allotted a platinum card category.
The reward points can be redeemed by remitters and their beneficiaries for availing free of cost services from eight (08) participating PSEs at the moment. The services offered include international tickets by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the provision to pay for extra luggage on international flights of PIA.
Along with this, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has allowed Overseas Pakistanis to pay duty on import of mobile phone and vehicles. The National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) will provide services related to the renewal of CNIC/NICOP and along with this, they can renew their passports without any hassle. Overseas Pakistanis can avail life insurance premium payment through state life insurance services and a facility to pay schools’ fee of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation schools.
Moreover, overseas Pakistanis will be able to make purchases through a network of utility stores across the country. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will provide preferential services to overseas Pakistanis under the umbrella of this program by installing separate counters and provide priority clearance whereas Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will ensure the placement of standees and banners for the promotion of this initiative.
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FPCCI demands consultations on planned mini-budget
KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Thursday demanded the government of consultations with stakeholders on the planned mini-budget.
FPCCI President Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo in a statement expressed his deep concerns over the approach of the government for not taking the apex business, industry, and trade body of Pakistan into the consultative process over mini-budget; and, what will it entail!
This effectively keeps all the stakeholders out of the loop, he added.
FPCCI President said that there are strong rumors that the government will also facilitate only the selected vested interests in the planned mini-budget next week. If all measures demanded by IMF are implemented, the people of Pakistan and the SMEs will have to endure an enormous burden of Rs. 800 billion, he added.
The FPCCI chief, referring to the announcement made by Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, said that there is no way the current state of the economy can withstand an additional burden of Rs. 350 billion in taxes and the economy will collapse; and, the government would have to take the stakeholders into the consultative process to rekindle the process of economic growth after much damage.
Maggo said that the Finance Minister should immediately start the consultative process with FPCCI over the planned mini-budget. FPCCI has always kept the doors of the apex representative trade body of Pakistan open; but, the government has never paid any heed to the mutually-beneficial proposals we have put forward, he added.
The FPCCI chief said that the apex body had sent proposals on taxation reforms and broadening of the tax base, way back in February 2021; instead, the government has incompetently and insensitively has embarked on the path of tax pyramiding.
He reiterated that no more taxes can be extracted from the existing taxpayers. We should reach out to alternative multilateral financing sources and friendly countries for bilateral financing, he added.
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OMCs shun petroleum dealers strike, to open outlets
ISLAMABAD: Leading Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have announced to open their outlets across the country on November 25, 2021, in order to ensure facilitating consumers.
A shutdown strike has been called by the Petroleum Dealers Association on November 25, 2021.
Gas & Oil Pakistan Company Limited (GO), with the largest retail outlet network of 1,000 outlets in the private sector and the largest network of company-owned, company operated (COCO) outlets in Pakistan assured the customers that all its outlets would remain open and continue to function normally.
“GO remains firm in its commitment to fulfilling the fueling needs of the nation come what may,” the company said in a tweet.
Shell Pakistan also announced to open its outlet to serve the nation. “Shell Pakistan announces that they will not participate in the strike on November 25, 2021,” according to the company. All the company-operated retail stations will be opened to serve the customers, it added.
Hascol, another OMC, assured that all its owned and company-operated (COCO) stations, including all service stations on the M2 Lahore-Islamabad Motorway will remain open and ready to serve them as per routine.
Pakistan State Oil (PSO) also showed its commitment that all COCO stations will remain open nationwide and continue to function normally. “PSO is committed to serving the nation during such challenging time,” it said.
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Powers, delegation of powers by Inland Revenue officials
Section 31 and Section 32 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 have defined the powers of Inland Revenue officials and delegation of powers by the officials.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued the Sales Tax Act, 1990 updated up to June 30, 2021. The Act incorporated amendments brought through Finance Act, 2021.
Following is the text of section 31 and Section 32 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990:
31. Powers.– An officer of Inland Revenue appointed under section 30 shall exercise such powers and discharge such duties as are conferred or imposed on him under this Act; and he shall also be competent to exercise all powers and discharge all duties conferred or imposed upon any officer subordinate to him:
Provided that, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the rules, the Board may, by general or special order, impose such limitations or conditions on the exercise of such powers and discharge of such duties as it deems fit.
32. Delegation of powers.– (1) The Board or the Chief Commissioner, with the approval of the Board, may, by order and subject to such limitations or conditions as may be specified therein, empower by name or designation –
(a) any Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue or Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue to exercise any of the powers of a Commissioner Inland Revenue under this Act; and
(b) any Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue or Assistant Commissioner Inland Revenue to exercise any of the powers of an Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue under this Act;
(c) any Assistant Commissioner Inland Revenue to exercise any of the powers of a Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue under this Act; and
(d) any other officer of Inland Revenue to exercise any of the powers of an Assistant Commissioner Inland Revenue under this Act.
(2) Omitted
(3) The officer to whom any powers are delegated under this section shall not further delegate such powers.
(Disclaimer: The text of above section is only for information. Team PkRevenue.com makes all efforts to provide the correct version of the text. However, the team PkRevenue.com is not responsible for any error or omission.)