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Category: National

National news coverage from Pakistan including politics, economy, society, and major developments shaping events across the country.

  • Prime Minister Shehbaz wishes Hindu community on Diwali

    Prime Minister Shehbaz wishes Hindu community on Diwali

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday whished the Hindu community in the country on their festive occasion of Diwali.

    “Wishing the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on Diwali, the festival of lights,” the prime minister said in a tweet.

    The prime minister wished for Diwali to become a source of peace and happiness for all.

    Hindus across the globe and in Pakistan are celebrating the occasion of Diwali that celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil.

    The Constitution of Pakistan gives equal opportunities to minorities to freely practice their religion and celebrate their occasions.

  • Honda launches locally assembled HR-V in Pakistan

    Honda launches locally assembled HR-V in Pakistan

    LAHORE: Honda Pakistan today unveiled the locally assembled HR-V in Pakistan. The unveiling event took place in Lahore. The company introduced two variants of the car, VTi and VTi S.

    The price of the VTi variant is Rs5,999,000 and VTi S variant is launched with the price of Rs6,199,000. The booking price of both variants is Rs. 13 lacs, however the delivery status may differ on the time of bookings.

    HR-V variants are equipped with a 1.5Lnaturally aspirated engine carrying the capacity to produces 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque.

    READ MORE: Honda suspends car production in Pakistan

    The car comes with the CVT transmission and both of the variants have eco mode.

    The front face of the variants come with LED Auto headlights with LED DRLs. The front grille is painted with black color in VTi variant. However the color of front grille in VTI-S variant varies according to the color of body.

    The VTi variant offers 2 tone 17″ Alloy Rims and VTi-S variant comes with grey painted 17″ Alloy Rims.

    The interior of both vehicles have 4.2 TFT screen, multimedia steering, smart entry, push start, ambient lights, and front console light.

    The VTi variant offers 9″ multimedia against 9″ android/Apple car play multimedia in VTi-S variant.

    VTi-S variant offers additional feature including the wireless charger, rear USB port, auto dimming rear view mirror, sequential turn signals, and LED fog lights. The grey and red interior is optional in both variants.

    READ MORE: Honda Motor reveals 92% growth in production worldwide

  • Manufacturing Panadol on negative margins unsustainable: GSK Pakistan

    Manufacturing Panadol on negative margins unsustainable: GSK Pakistan

    GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan on Friday declared force majeure due to negative margins for manufacturing of Panadol tablets in the country.

    The company in a statement said we are one of the few multinational companies left operating in the country.

    However, due to the challenges stated above, manufacturing of the Panadol range on negative margins is unsustainable, and despite exhaustive efforts of the Company to mitigate this matter through dialogue, the situation is now beyond our control.

    “We are thus forced to declare force majeure regarding the production of Panadol Tablets, Panadol Extra Tablets and Children’s Panadol Liquid Range.”

    The company said this is further to our several letters to various government stakeholders regarding the critical issue of extraordinary and rapid increase in paracetamol (raw material) prices in Pakistan, and our appeals to the Federal Government to accord approvals for the adjustments to the selling price(s) of the captioned Panadol range of products, all of which are Paracetamol based.

    We had obtained the approval in the 50th Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), held on 12 January 2022 which were recommended by the DPC for the approval of the Cabinet. But, according to media reports, the same have been rejected after a prolonged delay by the latter without any intimation of reason(s) given to the Company.

    Also, although the company has received a routine Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) adjustment for the year 2022 from DRAP on 25 August 2022, the same is not commensurate with the debilitating increase in the prices of the raw material of Paracetamol.

    The Company has been an integral part of the pharmaceutical / industrial sector and has made substantial contributions to the economic growth and stability of Pakistan. We have created thousands of jobs, pay taxes, and save Pakistan foreign exchange through import substitution or earned for Pakistan as a result of the exports of its products.

    The Company is proud to supply reliable, efficacious and high-quality products with an established safety profile, which have become household names, with the captioned Panadol range being no exception. As a responsible corporate citizen, the Company holds the trust of its patients, consumers, healthcare practitioners, shareholders and all other stakeholders in the highest of regard. During the last twelve (12) months, the Company produced nearly 5,400 million tablets of Panadol 500mg and Panadol Extra to serve its customers, consumers and patients in need.

    The Company has played a critical, consumer / patient focused and responsible role during the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue fever crisis and floods across Pakistan, by ensuring continuous supplies of the Panadol range; this despite incurring heavy financial losses on the production of the said Panadol range due to an increase in the price of Paracetamol raw ingredients and in the absence of due approval by the Federal Government of the recommendation of the DPC / DRAP.

    We remain keen to meet you to resolve the situation – so that we can continue to deliver everyday healthcare to Pakistani people. We urge the Federal Government to take urgent action to rationalise the prices of the impacted Panadol range commensurate with the increase in the price of the impacted raw material and as recommended by the Drug Pricing Committee of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, so as to enable the Company to continue supporting the government to ensure an ongoing supply to all patients and consumers in need.

  • Today’s petroleum prices in Pakistan on Oct 21, 2022

    Today’s petroleum prices in Pakistan on Oct 21, 2022

    ISLAMABAD: The prices of petroleum prices in Pakistan as of October 21, 2022 is as follow:

    The rate of petrol is Rs224.80 per liter.

    The price of high speed diesel is Rs235.30 per liter.

    The rate of Kerosene oil is Rs191.83 per liter.

    The price of light diesel oil is Rs186.50 per liter.

    READ MORE: Pakistan keeps petroleum prices unchanged from October 16, 2022

    The federal government on Thursday October 20, 2022 hinted at downward revision of petroleum prices. However, the changes would be announced on October 31, 2022 for next fortnight.

    Previously, on October 15, 2022 the government decided to keep the prices of petroleum products unchanged for the fortnight starting from October 16, 2022.

    Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar in a statement said that Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had sent summary for increase in prices of petroleum products but the government had decided to maintain the prices at the level of October 01, 2022 and will be applicable till October 31, 2022.

    READ MORE: Pakistan sharply reduces petroleum prices from October 01, 2022

    Energy experts were believing that the government would announce a sharp reduction in petroleum prices for next fortnight starting from October 16, 2022 owing to massive gain in value of local currency and lower prices of oil in international markets.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had also hinted to reduce the oil prices significantly in order to stabilize the economy and ease the burden of high prices.

    READ MORE: Pakistan reviews petroleum prices on Sept 30, 2022 amid crash in global rates

    The previous government of PTI had kept both the petroleum levy and sales tax at zero in order to provide relief to the masses. The PTI government also provided a huge subsidy on prices of petroleum products in order to lower the rates and provide relief to the masses.

    However, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was removed through a vote of no-confidence motion on April 10, 2022. Since then the new coalition government led by PML-N increased the prices of petroleum products sharply on three different occasions.

    The present government in the budget estimated to collect Rs855 billion as petroleum levy during the fiscal year 2022/2023. As this fiscal year is starting from July 01, 2022, it is likely that the government will opt to impose the levy from this date.

    READ MORE: New petroleum prices in Pakistan effective from September 21, 2022

  • OPF provides employment prospects for returning migrants

    OPF provides employment prospects for returning migrants

    ISLAMABAD: For smooth integration and economic empowerment of returning migrants, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) organized a ceremony where returning migrants were presented toolkits in the trades of electrician, plumber, carpenter, motor cycle mechanic and mason as an In-Kind support to help them start sustained self-employment.

    The activity is part of OPF efforts to support returning migrants to make a new start in Pakistan and achieve a sustainable employment.

    OPF is implementing a program on economic reintegration of returnees in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Pakistan.

    It is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development Germany, (BMZ) and is part of BMZ support for voluntary return & sustainable reintegration.

    A Pakistani-German Facilitation & Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) has been established in OPF premises, Lahore with an advisory desk in OPF head office Islamabad. PGFRC is supporting and assisting returning migrants and the local population to have a sustainable source of income.

    The ceremony was attended by the Chief Guest, Syed Mustafa Haider, Director welfare OPF, trade specific toolkits were handed over to 80 returning migrants as an In-Kind Support. These migrants have also completed a comprehensive business development training from PGFRC.

    Dr. Mansoor Zaib Khan, Head of PGFRC, GIZ officials, members of Senate and National Assembly Standing Committees on Overseas Pakistanis & HRD, Members, OPF Board of Governors, senior government officials, representatives of international organizations and civil society representatives also attended the ceremony.

    Syed Mustafa Haider, Director welfare OPF said that today’s ceremony is a testament to the commitment of Government of Pakistan which considers overseas Pakistanis as its roaming ambassadors abroad and is actively engaged in resolving their reintegration issues in Pakistan. Ministry of OP&HRD, through OPF is working in a focused manner on this issue.

    Dr. Mansoor Zaib Khan, Head of PGFRC is informed that PGFRC is open to all Pakistani’s and all our services are free of charge. PGFRC is providing advice on training and skills development, technical and vocational training, advice on job market trends and opportunities, advice on finding a job in Pakistan, entrepreneurship and start-up support, psychosocial support, and information on the health system in Pakistan, information on living conditions and advice on getting microfinance and loans.

    He mentioned that more than 800 returning migrants in the trades of electrician, plumber, carpenter, and mason will benefit from this capacity building leading to In-Kind support intervention.

    Several Pakistanis migrate abroad to work, but at some point, in their lives, they return to Pakistan and struggle to re-establish themselves and make a respectable living. Furthermore, the COVID19 pandemic impacted Pakistanis living in other countries, resulting in huge layoffs and the return and repatriation of tens of thousands of migrants from their intended destinations. When they returned, these migrants are very concerned about their job prospects. In these trying times, the PGFRC is a ray of hope.

  • Preventing currency smuggling top priority: FBR Chairman

    Preventing currency smuggling top priority: FBR Chairman

    ISLAMABAD: Asim Ahmad, Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said that prevention of currency smuggling is top priority of Pakistan Customs.

    The FBR chairman identified top priority arrears of the government to combat smuggling of currency, vehicles, and goods. Besides, prevention of mis-invoicing was also one of the top priorities, he added.

    READ MORE: FBR collects Rs459 billion as sales tax on POL products in TY 2022

    Asim Ahmad, Chairman, addressed the inaugural session of the quarterly coordination and performance review conference held recently of the Regional Directors of the Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation-Customs; an important arm of the FBR.

    The Chairman made it very clear that the Directorate General, I&I-Customs, had the capacity and competence to come up to the expectations with respect to each of these priority areas.

    READ MORE: WHT share in direct taxes jumps to 67% despite omitting provisions

    He assured the Director General, Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, that all possible resources required to achieve the desired results will be provided by FBR.

    During the 12 hours long conference, each Regional Director gave a detailed presentation on the performance in the first quarter of FY 2022-23.

    It covered major challenges hindering achievement of organizational goals, methods of information gathering, gaps in human resource and logistics as well as suggestions for further improvement.

    READ MORE: Pakistan amends baggage rules; now $1,000 require declaration

    In his closing remarks, the Director General directed the Regional Directors to focus on mis-invoicing not only in imports but also in exports, mis-use of exemption regimes, variation in pattern of transit trade viz a viz national imports and improving vigil along the borders.

    He underscored the importance of improved liaison of the officers of Directorate General of I&I-Customs with national law enforcement agencies including Police, Rangers, FC, ANF, Provincial Excise Departments, other national intelligence agencies, and District Administration.

    READ MORE: PTBA raises objections to amendments proposed by FBR

    He also highlighted the need of coordination with the Chambers of Commerce and other trade bodies to have first-hand knowledge about their issues and grievances.

    The Director General further emphasized that meeting the targets and expectations of FBR and the Federal Government with respect to smuggling, money laundering, and mis-invoicing will lead to creation of an enabling environment in the country for economic growth and investment.

  • Pakistan keeps petroleum prices unchanged from October 16, 2022

    Pakistan keeps petroleum prices unchanged from October 16, 2022

    The government of Pakistan has decided to keep the prices of petroleum products unchanged for the fortnight starting from October 16, 2022.

    Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar in a statement said that Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had sent summary for increase in prices of petroleum products but the government had decided to maintain the prices at the level of October 01, 2022 and will be applicable till October 31, 2022.

    READ MORE: Pakistan sharply reduces petroleum prices from October 01, 2022

    Therefore the prices from October 16, 2022 shall be remained at the level of October 01, 2022. Previously, on September 30, 2022 following changes in petroleum prices were announced:

    The rate of petrol has been reduced by Rs12.63 per liter to Rs224.80 from Rs237.43.

    The price of high speed diesel has been cut by 12.13 per liter to Rs235.30 from Rs247.43.

    The rate of Kerosene oil has been slashed by Rs10.19 to Rs191.83 from Rs202.02.

    The price of light diesel oil has been reduced by Rs10.78 to Rs186.50 from Rs197.28.

    READ MORE: Pakistan reviews petroleum prices on Sept 30, 2022 amid crash in global rates

    Energy experts were believing that the government would announce a sharp reduction in petroleum prices for next fortnight starting from October 16, 2022 owing to massive gain in value of local currency and lower prices of oil in international markets.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had also hinted to reduce the oil prices significantly in order to stabilize the economy and ease the burden of high prices.

    The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) has recorded massive gain 13 sessions against the dollar.

    Furthermore, the benchmark US Brent oil also fell owing to fears of lower demand globally.

    The government has reduced the petroleum prices in the wake of massive decline in international oil prices.

    READ MORE: New petroleum prices in Pakistan effective from September 21, 2022

    The previous government of PTI had kept both the petroleum levy and sales tax at zero in order to provide relief to the masses. The PTI government also provided a huge subsidy on prices of petroleum products in order to lower the rates and provide relief to the masses.

    However, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was removed through a vote of no-confidence motion on April 10, 2022. Since then the new coalition government led by PML-N increased the prices of petroleum products sharply on three different occasions.

    READ MORE: New petroleum prices in Pakistan from September 01, 2022

    The present government in the budget estimated to collect Rs855 billion as petroleum levy during the fiscal year 2022/2023. As this fiscal year is starting from July 01, 2022, it is likely that the government will opt to impose the levy from this date.

  • FBR collects Rs459 billion as sales tax on POL products in TY 2022

    FBR collects Rs459 billion as sales tax on POL products in TY 2022

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a substantial growth in sales tax collection on the import of Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) products during the tax year 2022, reaching an impressive Rs459 billion.

    (more…)
  • Save The Children commits $50 million for flood response

    Save The Children commits $50 million for flood response

    KARACHI: Save The Children has committed to provide $50 million for rehabilitation of schools in flood hit areas in Sindh.

    Save the Children and provincial government planned to set up 600 Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs) because of damaged schools infrastructure across Sindh.

    The TLCs are provided in four districts of Dadu, Sanghar, Shikarpur and Khairpur with an aim to resume students’ educational activities stalled following the devastating floods. In order to ensure the smooth and effective relief and rehabilitation process, Save the Children has committed USD 50 million for the floods response 2022.

    In this regard, Save The Children has signed a Letter of Understanding with Sindh Government’s Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) and Legal Rights Forum (LRF) to establish 600 Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs) besides scaling up the response and support for flood affected children on immediate basis.

    To witness the development and ensure continuous support, Country Director Save the Children, M. Khurram Gondal, Global Humanitarian Director Save the Children, Gabriella Waaijman and Director Advocacy, Policy and Government Liaison, Usman Aslam visited temporary learning centers and children friendly spaces being managed in Dadu and also provided Food/ Non-Food Items, dignity kits and other necessary relief items to the flood affected communities in district Dadu.

     “We are ensuring resumption of students’ education despite the damage caused to the schools due to the recent flood,” Khurram Gondal said on the occasion.

    Gabriella Waaijman expressed deep sorrow and offered her condolences over the losses and expressed solidarity with Pakistani government. She said that Save the Children is putting in all resources and efforts so that students’ education activities are resumed to recover education loss as much as we can.

    The Sindh government has already declared Save the Children as its strategic partner for the Pakistan Flood Response 2022, following the permission by federal interior ministry to carry out humanitarian activities in all floods-affected districts of Pakistan, in coordination with NFRCC, NDMA, and respective PDMAs.

    Main objective of this partnership is to strengthen public private partnership for Education in Emergency in Sindh. All the three signatories will initially work together to respond to the education needs during the current flood emergency as a short term objective and work for the improvement of education in the province in the long term.

    They will also collaborate for development, implementation, assessment and oversight of the formal and non-formal education projects in the province, including establishment of TLCs in Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sanghar, Dadu and Khairpur and expansion in other flood affected districts.

  • Uber halts operation in major cities of Pakistan

    Uber halts operation in major cities of Pakistan

    KARACHI: Uber announced to halt operations in Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Islamabad. The subsidiary brand of Uber, Careem will continue to operate in these cities. The Uber services will be continued in Lahore.

    The press release issued by Uber stated that we have made the decision to no longer operate the Uber App in Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Islamabad as of October 11, 2022. Riders and driver partners may use the Careem app in these five cities.

    The Uber app will continue to be available in Lahore with new product launches to support earners during these difficult times.

    We will communicate with riders and driver partners who use the Uber app in Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Islamabad about how they can use the Careem app in their city.

    READ MORE: Careem customers donate Rs10.3 million

    When we acquired Careem, it was always our belief that the two companies could come together to complement each other’s strengths and better serve the region through tailored experiences.  

    We know this is a difficult time for the teams who have worked incredibly hard to build this business over the past few years.

    We greatly appreciate everyone’s contributions and our priority is to minimize the impact to our employees, drivers, riders, and Hero partners who use the Uber app during this change in Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan and Peshawar.

    READ MORE: SBP issues electronic money license to Careem Pay