Author: Mrs. Anjum Shahnawaz

  • Rupee falls by 75 paisas against dollar on import demand

    Rupee falls by 75 paisas against dollar on import demand

    KARACHI: The Pak Rupee fell 75 paisas against US dollar on Friday owing to higher demand for import and corporate payments.

    The rupee ended Rs140.24 to the dollar from previous day’s closing of Rs139.49 in interbank foreign exchange market.

    The interbank foreign exchange market was initiated in the range of Rs139.75 and Rs140.00.

    The market recorded day high of Rs140.25 and low of Rs140.00 and closed at Rs140.24.

    Currency experts said that due to upcoming weekly holidays including holiday on account of Pakistan Day increased the demand for the greenback.

    They also said that the latest development related on new IMF loan also put pressure on local unit demand.

    In the open market the rupee fell even more significantly against the greenback.

    The buying and selling of dollar was recorded at Rs140.80/141.30 as compared with previous day’s closing of Rs139.70/140.20 in cash ready market.

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  • Currency notes have braille features for visually impaired persons: SBP

    Currency notes have braille features for visually impaired persons: SBP

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday said that it noticed visually impaired persons find it difficult to recognize and distinguish amongst different Pakistani currency notes.

    SBP, for the information of the general public and specifically visually impaired persons, reiterates that Pakistani currency notes have specific features to help the visually impaired persons to identify the genuineness of currency notes and to distinguish between different denominations.

    All currency notes of Rs.20 and above contain braille features on its front side that help to determine the denomination of a currency notes. For this purpose, raised dots and small horizontal lines are printed on the left bottom corner just above the banknote serial number.

    This feature makes banknote denominations easily distinguishable by rubbing the thumb against these raised features.

    The braille features in each denomination appear in this manner: Rs.20 has one line, Rs.50 two lines and Rs.100 has three lines while other higher denomination notes have dots as braille feature. Specifically, Rs.500 has one dot; Rs.1000 two dots, and Rs.5000 three dots.

    All braille features on currency notes of all denominations of Rs. 20 & above are printed through Intaglio process, due to which they appear raised and on the front side of the note only.

    Thus, a visually impaired person can easily infer the denomination of the banknotes by feeling the raised printing as well as its genuineness.

    All Pakistani currency notes have denomination-wise tiered sizing. Each currency note has the same width of 65 mm whereas lengthwise, each banknote is exactly 08 mm longer than the preceding denomination.

    Thus the highest denomination banknote of Rs.5000 is 48mm longer than the lowest denomination currency note of Rs.10.

    The incorporation of a number of strong security features including braille features in banknotes are aimed at facilitating general public. To create awareness about currency note features among the masses, SBP provided complete details on its website

    Moreover, it has launched Videos and a Smartphone application on security features of currency notes which provide information on security features of currency notes both in descriptive and pictorial forms.

    It may also be mentioned that 16 field offices of SBP-BSC spread across Pakistan, conduct awareness campaigns all over the country. These sessions are usually arranged in high traffic areas and involve in depth briefing on currency note features.

    To augment the awareness of banknote features, SBP has mandated the prominent display through posters containing security features in every commercial bank branch under instructions to guide customers of the currency note features, as required.

    The SBP BSC field offices are also arranging special awareness sessions tailored towards the needs of visually impaired persons. These sessions will be organized in collaboration with social welfare organizations/trusts that are dedicated to serving different factions of the general public, especially the visually impaired who are an invaluable part of the Pakistani society.

    SBP also urges general public to educate visually impaired persons about features of Pakistani currency notes wherever possible.

  • SRB suspends registration of ZY & Co. Bulk Terminals

    SRB suspends registration of ZY & Co. Bulk Terminals

    KARACHI: Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) has suspended the sales tax registration of M/s. Z.Y. & Co. Bulk Terminals (Private) Limited for defaulting payment and e-filing of monthly sales tax returns.

    The SRB said that the scrutiny of tax profile revealed that the company failed:

    — To make payment of Sindh sales tax on services pertaining to the tax period from December 2018 to February 2019.

    — to e-file the Sindh sales tax return in the time limitation and the manner for the aforesaid period.

    The SRB said that non-payment of SST and non-filing of SST returns within the time and manner prescribed under the law is contravention of Sindh Sales Tax Act, 2011 and the rules made thereunder.

    The SRB suspended the sales tax registration of the company with immediate effect. However, it directed the company that the suspension would be revoked if following remedial measures are taken:

    — To discharge all sales tax liability

    — To e-file the true and correct monthly Sindh sales tax returns for the said tax periods.

    In case of non-satisfactory response or failure to take remedial measures as suggested on or before April 04, 2019, the case would be further proceeded for cancellation the registration with the SRB.

  • FBR outlines sales tax amendments through second supplementary finance act

    FBR outlines sales tax amendments through second supplementary finance act

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has summarized amendments to sales tax regime through Finance Supplementary (Second Amendment) Act, 2019 and directed the officials of Inland Revenue to take necessary action for implementation.

    The FBR said that to liquidate huge amount claimed by taxpayers in refunds which have been accumulated over a long time, the government has decided to pay the same through sales tax refund bonds, which shall have a maturity period of three years.

    Simple profit at 10 percent per annum is also proposed to be paid. The claimants shall also be able to raise the much needed cash by selling these notes in the security market.

    A new Section 67A has been inserted in the Sales Tax Act, 1990 to include enabling provisions for payment of refunds in this manner and also to provide for regulatory mechanism relating to issuance, transfer, redemption and other related matters.

    The FBR said that in the Sixth Schedule, the exemption of sales tax already available in relation to plant, machinery and equipment required for power generation from renewable sources of energy has been guaranteed up to June 30, 2023, to provide for certainty and confidence to investors. Same protection has been ensured on the import side of the similar equipment as covered under the Sixth Schedule.

    The FBR said that keeping in view the difficulties being faced by cancer patients and also on the orders of the Supreme Court, items related to ostomy procedures for treatment of cancer patients, which were not expressly and exhaustively mentioned in Sixth Schedule to Sales Tax Act, 1990, have now been so covered by substituting Serial Number 117 and relating it to heading 99.25 in the First Schedule to the Customs Act.

    The FBR said that presently sales tax exemption on plant and machinery is available only to specified sectors. Others sectors have to pay sales tax on import of plant and machinery.

    This sales tax is adjustable against future output tax but such adjustment takes place after a long time when the industry starts selling its product. This serves as an impediment to investment by increasing initial costs.

    In order to encourage green field investment and industrialization, exemption from payment of sales tax on imported plant and machinery to be used for setting up new industry for production of taxable goods has been provided by amending Sixth Schedule to the Sales Tax Act, 1990, as imported by the persons registered on or after 1st July, 2019 through Sr No 150 in Table 1 of Sixth Schedule to the Sales Tax Act, 1990.

    The FBR said that the new rates on the import of cellular mobile phones have been introduced by substitution in the Ninth Schedule to the Sales Tax Act, 1990.

  • FBR explains FED on motor vehicles under Second Amendment Act

    FBR explains FED on motor vehicles under Second Amendment Act

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday explained the amendment of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on imported and locally manufactured vehicles through Finance Supplementary (Second Amendment) Act, 2019.

    The FBR said that Serial Number of Table 1 of the First Schedule to the FED Act, 2005 had been amended and duty of the imported motor vehicles of 1800 cc to 3000cc had been enhanced to 25 percent ad valorem.

    Further, a new Serial Number 55A has been inserted whereby rate of federal excise duty has been enhanced to 30 percent ad valorem on import of motor cars, SUVs and other motor vehicles of cylinder capacity of 3000cc of above (other than those vehicles as designed for the transport of 10 or more persons.

    The FBR said that federal excise duty on locally manufactured cars SUVs etc. of engine capacity exceeding 1700CC and above at 10 percent ad valorem had also been introduced.

  • Banks require to provide monthly report of foreign exchange transactions

    Banks require to provide monthly report of foreign exchange transactions

    KARACHI: Banks have been required to provide foreign exchange transactions in each currency to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on monthly basis.

    According to updated Foreign Exchange Manual – 2019, the SBP said that the banks should report to the central bank particulars of foreign exchange transactions effected by them i.e. all outward and inward remittances made whether through their accounts in foreign currencies or through the Rupee accounts of non-resident banks.

    For this purpose, Authorized Dealers should submit to the SBP-Banking Services Corporation a summarized statement of their transactions in each currency in which a position is maintained by them and also summary statement of transactions effected on the Rupee accounts of non-resident banks maintained with them for each month, reaching the respective area office of the Foreign Exchange Operations Department by the 5th of the following month from Head/Principal Offices of Authorized Dealers.

    The SBP said that reporting of transactions reports should be as follows:

     (i) EXPORTS

     a) Export bills drawn under irrevocable letters of credit.

    Transactions in respect of export bills negotiated by Authorized Dealers should be reported as purchases only at the time entries are made in the currency account duly supported by Schedule (A-1/A-2/A-3) and Forms ‘E’.

     b) Export bills drawn on collection basis.

    Sometimes Authorized Dealers also purchase export bills drawn on collection basis. Transactions relating to such export bills should be reported as an outright purchase against “Exports” in the summary statement after the transaction is put through the currency account on receipt of advice of realization of the export proceeds.

     (ii) OTHER RECEIPTS

    The procedure indicated in sub-paragraph (i) (a) above should also be followed with regard to D.Ds. and M. Ts. etc. In other words, purchases in respect of D.Ds. and M.Ts. etc. should be reported only when the transactions are put through the currency accounts.

     (iii) IMPORTS

     a) In case of import bills drawn under letters of credit, the foreign currency accounts of the Authorized Dealers are debited at the time of negotiation of documents by their foreign correspondents. Accordingly, sales on account of import bills drawn under confirmed and irrevocable letters of credit should be reported when the transaction is put through the currency account on receipt of import documents and not on the basis of retirement of bills by the importers.

     b) All sales on account of imports are required to be supported by the original copy of the Form ‘I’. In view of the time-lag between the date of receipt of the import bills and the date of their retirement by the importers, it may not be possible to submit original copy of Form ‘I’ duly signed by the importers. In such cases, Authorized Dealers should fill in the quadruplicate copy of the Form ‘I’ and submit it alongwith the relevant schedule and the summary statement. The original copy of the Form ‘I’ should be submitted after it has been signed by the importer, which will be at the time of retirement of the bill.

     c) Authorized Dealers will forward to the State Bank a monthly statement showing particulars of the Form ‘I’ originals of which have not been sent by them to the State Bank, giving reasons for their non-submission. These statements should reach the State Bank by the 5th of the following month and should bear running serial numbers.

     d) With regard to import bills received on collection basis, the transactions will be reported on Schedule E-2 supported by original Form ‘I’.

     (iv) OTHER PAYMENTS

     Transactions relating to D.Ds. and M.Ts. issued by the Authorized Dealers should also be reported only at the time entries are made in the currency accounts.

     Non-resident Rupee accounts of foreign banks and correspondents including barter accounts should also be reported by Authorized Dealers in the manner indicated in this para.

  • Mobile phones import down by 22.15 percent on mandatory registration

    Mobile phones import down by 22.15 percent on mandatory registration

    KARACHI: The import of mobile phones has declined by 22.15 percent in February 2019 following imposition of mandatory registration with regulatory authority, said Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Saturday.

    The import of cellular phones reduced to $54.32 million in February 2019 when compared with $69.78 million in the same month of the last year.

    It is pertinent to mention here that cell phone registered with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will be activated in the country.

    This mandatory requirement has stopped influx of all unregistered phones into the country and resulted in saving precious foreign exchange.

    The overall imports of cell phones during July – February 2018/2019 also showing decline of 9.11 percent to $478.13 million as compared with $526.03 million in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.

    Industry experts said that the rupee depreciation had discouraged the imports.

    They also said that in the latest mini-budget the measures taken by the government would further discourage import of luxury cell phones.

    The government revised upward the regime of duty and taxes for import of mobile phones into the country.

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  • Income Tax Ordinance 2001: offences and penalties

    Income Tax Ordinance 2001: offences and penalties

    KARACHI: Any person who commits any offence under provisions of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, he may be liable to penalty.

    According to updated Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 issued by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Section 182 explains the offenses and penalty under the Ordinance:

    01. Where any person fails to furnish a return of income as required under section 114 within the due date. Section 114 and 118

    — Such person shall pay a penalty equal to 0.1 percent of the tax payable in respect of that tax year for each day of default subject to a maximum penalty of 50 percent of the tax payable provided that if the penalty worked out as aforesaid is less than twenty thousand rupees or no tax is payable for that tax year such person shall pay a penalty of twenty thousand rupees:

    Explanation.— For the purposes of this entry, it is declared that the

    expression “tax payable” means tax chargeable on the taxable income on the basis of assessment made or treated to have been made under section 120, 121, 122 or 122C.

    01A.Where any person fails to furnish a statement as required under section 115, 165, or 165A, 165A or 165B within the due date. Sections 115, 165 and 165A, 165A and 165B

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of Rs.5000 if the person had already paid the tax collected or withheld by him within the due date for payment and the statement is filed within ninety days from the due date for filing the statement and, in all other cases, a penalty of Rs.2500 for each day of default from the due date subject to a minimum penalty of Rs. 10,000.

    01AA. Where any person fails to furnish wealth statement or wealth reconciliation statement. Sections 114, 115 and 116

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of “0.1 percent of the taxable income per week or Rs.20,000 whichever is higher.”

    01AAA. Where any person fails to furnish a foreign assets and income statement within the due date. Section 116A

    — Such persons shall pay a penalty of 2 percent of the foreign income or value of the foreign assets for each year of default.

    02. Any person who fails to issue cash memo or invoice or receipt when required under this Ordinance or the rules made thereunder. Section 174 and Chapter VII of the Income Tax Rules.

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of five thousand rupees or three per cent of the amount of the tax involved, whichever is higher.

    03. Any person who is required to apply for registration under this Ordinance but fails to make an application for registration. Section 181

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of five thousand rupees.

    04. Any person who fails to notify the changes of material nature in the particulars of registration. Section 181

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of five thousand rupees.

    05. Any person who fails to deposit the amount of tax due or any part thereof in the time or manner laid down under this Ordinance or rules made thereunder.

    Provided that if the person opts to pay the tax due on the basis of an order under section 129 on or before the due date given in the notice under sub-section (2) of section 137 issued in consequence of the said order, and does not file an appeal under section 131 the penalty payable shall be reduced by 50 percent. Section 137

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of five per cent of the amount of the tax in default.

    For the second default an additional penalty of 25 percent of the amount of tax in default.

    For the third and subsequent defaults an additional penalty of 50 percent of the amount of tax in default.

    06. Any person who repeats erroneous calculation in the return for more than one year whereby amount of tax less than the actual tax payable under this Ordinance is paid. Section 137

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of five thousand rupees or three per cent of the amount of the tax involved, whichever is higher.

    07.Any person who fails to maintain records required under this Ordinance or the rules made thereunder. Sections 174 and 108

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of ten thousand rupees or five per cent of the amount of tax on income whichever is higher.

    08. Where a taxpayer who, without any reasonable cause, in non-compliance with provisions of section 177—

    (a) fails to produce the record of documents on receipt of first notice.

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees;

    (b) fails to produce the record or documents on receipt of second notice;

    — such person shall pay a penalty of fifty thousand rupees; and

    (c) Fails to produce the record or documents on receipt of third notice.

    — such person shall pay a penalty of one hundred thousand rupees.

    09. Any person who fails to furnish the information required or to comply with any other term of the notice served under section 176 or 108.

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees for the first default and fifty thousand rupees for each subsequent default.

    10. Any person who –

    (a) makes a false or misleading statement to an Inland Revenue Authority either in writing or orally or electronically including a statement in an application, certificate, declaration, notification, return, objection or other document including books of accounts made, prepared, given, filed or furnished under this Ordinance;

    (b)furnishes or files a false or mis-leading information or document or statement to an Income Tax Authorityeither in writing or orallyor electronically;

    (c) omits from a statement made or information furnished to an Income Tax Authority any matter or thing without which the statementor the information is false or misleading in a material particular.

    Sections 114, 115, 116, 174, 176, 177 and general

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of twenty five thousand rupees or100 percent of the amount of tax shortfall whichever is higher:

    Provided that in case of an assessment order deemed under section 120, no penalty shall be imposed to the extent of the tax shortfall occurring as a result of the taxpayer taking a reasonably arguable position on the application of this Ordinance to the taxpayers’ position.

    11. Any person who denies or obstructs the access of the Commissioner or any officer authorized by the Commissioner to the premises, place, accounts, documents, computers or stocks. Sections 175 and 177

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of twenty five thousand rupees or one hundred per cent of the amount of tax involved, whichever, is higher.

    12. Where a person has concealed income or furnished inaccurate particulars of such income, including but not limited to the suppression of any income or amount chargeable to tax, the claiming of any deduction for any expenditure not actually incurred or any act referred to in sub-section (1) of section 111, in the course of any proceeding under this Ordinance before any Income Tax authority or the appellate tribunal. Sections 20, 111 and general

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of twenty five thousand rupees or an amount equal to the tax which the person sought to evade whichever is higher. However, no penalty shall be payable on mere disallowance of a claim of exemption from tax of any income or amount declared by a person or mere disallowance of any expenditure declared by a person to be deductible, unless it is proved that the person made the claim knowing it to be wrong.

    13. Any person who obstructs any Income Tax Authority in the performance of his official duties. Sections 209, 210 and general

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of twenty five thousand rupees.

    14. Any person who contravenes any of the provision of this Ordinance for which no penalty has, specifically, been provided in this section.

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of five thousand rupees or three per cent of the amount of tax involved, which-ever is higher.

    15. Any person who fails to collect or deduct tax as required under any provision of this Ordinance or fails to pay the tax collected or deducted as required under section 160. Sections 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 153A, 154, 155, 156, 156A, 156B, 158, 160, 231A, 231B, 233, 233A, 234, 234A, 235, 236, 236A.

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of twenty five thousand rupees or the 10 percent of the amount of tax which-ever is higher.

    16. Any person who fails to display his NTN at the place of business as required under this Ordinance or the rules made thereunder. Section 181C

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of five thousand rupees.

    17. Any reporting financial institution or reporting entity who fails to furnish information or country-by-country report to the Board as required under section 107, 108 or 165B within the due date.

    — Such reporting financial institution or reporting entity shall pay a penalty of two thousand rupees for each day of default subject to a minimum penalty of twenty five thousand rupees.

    18. Any person who fails to keep and maintain document and information required under section 108 or Income Tax Rules, 2002. Section 108

    — 1 percent of the value of transactions, the record of which is required to be maintained under section 108 and Income Tax Rules, 2002.

    19. Where any manufacturer of a motor vehicle accepts or processes any application for booking or purchase of a locally manufactured motor vehicle in violation of the provisions of clause (a) of section 227C

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of 5 percent of the value of the motor vehicle

    20. (i) Where any registering authority of Excise and Taxation Department accepts, processes or registers any application for registration of a locally manufactured motor vehicle or for the first registration of an imported vehicle in violation of the provisions of clause (a) of section 227C

    (ii) Where any authority responsible for registering, recording or attesting the transfer of immovable property accepts or processes the registration or attestation of such property in violation of the provisions of clause (b) of section 227C

    — Such person shall pay a penalty of 3 percent of the value of motor vehicle or immovable property.

    (2) The penalties specified under sub-section (1) shall be applied in a consistent manner and no penalty shall be payable unless an order in writing is passed by the Commissioner, Commissioner (Appeals) or the Appellate Tribunal after providing an opportunity of being heard to the person concerned:

    Provided that where the taxpayer admits his default he may voluntarily pay the amount of penalty due under this section.

    (3) Where a Commissioner (Appeals) or the Appellate Tribunal makes an order under sub-section (2), the Commissioner (Appeals) or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, shall immediately serve a copy of the order on the Commissioner and thereupon all the provision of this Ordinance relating to the recovery of penalty shall apply as if the order was made by the Commissioner.

  • Business community welcomes govt. resolve for eradicating corrupt FBR elements

    Business community welcomes govt. resolve for eradicating corrupt FBR elements

    KARACHI: The business community has welcomed firm resolve of the government for eradicating corrupt elements from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to boost trust level on tax collecting agency.

    President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Junaid Esmail Makda, while hailing Prime Minister’s remarks about reforming the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), said that the business and industrial community highly appreciates PM’s resolve to reform the FBR and also welcomes his warning to create a new tax collection authority if FBR fails to end harassment and corruption which was a good idea. Unabated corrections must continue at the FBR without any stoppage in order to make it taxpayers friendly.

    “Either in the existing or the new FBR, there is a dire need to create trust while corruption has to be completely eradicated by immediately expelling the corrupt FBR officials which would help in dealing with the trust deficit and encourage people to come forward to pay their taxes without any kind of fear of harassment”, he advised in a statement issued on Friday.

    He pointed out that massive corruption of up to Rs500 billion at FBR was claimed some two to three years ago by the then Ministers who assured to strictly deal with the same but unfortunately not a single step was taken against the element responsible for such a massive corruption.

    “It is heartening to see that the present government has given a clear warning to get rid of FBR if it fails to improve as they are also well-cognizant of the miseries being suffered by loyal taxpayers due to massive wrongdoings and unbridled corruption”, he added.

    He stressed that in order to achieve the desired objectives, the decision makers in Islamabad will have to take practical steps to end the harassment and arm-twisting tactics being used by FBR officials to gain personal benefits only while the honest officials must be promoted and brought forward at the helm of the affairs.

    Junaid Makda was of the opinion that the taxation laws also need to be reviewed in consultation with all the stakeholders as massive discretionary powers have been conferred to FBR officials even at the lower level which are being used as tool for arm-twisting and squeezing the existing taxpayers.

    The existing FBR and even any new FBR in future will not be able to generate the desired revenue and provide relief to loyal taxpayers until the government revisits all taxation laws and subsides the draconian discretionary powers.

    He also underscored the need to simplify the cumbersome taxation procedures so that maximum number of individuals could be encouraged to pay their taxes while the tax collection authority must be directed to strictly take action against tax evaders instead of overburdening and further squeezing the existing taxpayers.

    Appreciating Prime Minister’s positive response on Asset Declaration Scheme and the business community’s apprehensions over last Amnesty Scheme, he said that it was assured that all details of the individuals availing Amnesty Scheme 2018 will be kept confidential but it was not done and more and above, they were asked to submit a very complex and detailed wealth form which was later used by FBR and FIA to harass the beneficiaries of amnesty scheme so it must not be repeated in the new Asset Declaration Scheme which must ensure that the secrecy of beneficiaries’ data has to be maintained while the wealth form must also be simplified with limited details to encourage maximum number of individuals to declare their assets.

    As 97 percent of last year’s amnesty scheme was availed by Karachi-based individuals, the government will have to devise effective strategies so that individuals from every nook and corner of the country could avail this year’s Asset Declaration Scheme which would help in documenting the economy, encourage growth and bring thousands of individuals into the tax net, he added.

    While extending full support and cooperation to the government in improving the tax collection system, President KCCI hoped that the government would continue to keep reforms at the FBR on top of its agenda until a taxpayers friendly and trustworthy environment is created which is badly needed in order to make Pakistan self-reliant with zero dependence on foreign aids and loans.

  • KSE-100 index sheds 344 points

    KSE-100 index sheds 344 points

    KARACHI: The stock market remained in red zone on Friday owing to selling pressure and lost another 344 points on the last trading day of the week.

    The benchmark KSE-100 index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) was ended by 344 points to 38950 points from previous day’s closing of 39294 points.

    The analysts said that the recently approved finance bill by the parliament failed to uplift the sentiments of investors.

    The stock market was witnessing a continuous decline over the past few days owing to economic conditions of the country and discouraging profitability of corporate sector.