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Category: National

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

  • How to change personal details for filing income tax return

    How to change personal details for filing income tax return

    Many taxpayers are worried about changing their personal details in the registration information with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

    The information is key to file income tax return. Any wrong information may lead to serious problem in future.

    READ MORE: KTBA recommends changes in IRIS for calculating deemed income on properties

    However, those taxpayers who are registered with the FBR and want to change their personal details they must read the entire article.

    According to the FBR, a person can change registration information recorded for filing Income Tax Return in three (3) possible ways.

    Changing information through Iris, a person can change/update information by logging into Iris.

    READ MORE: KTBA demands suspending further tax due to practical issues

    Following information can be updated by the person through Registration Form 181 (filed for modification) Income Tax: Mobile number; Email; Personal/Residential Address; Business Address; Addition of Business Branches; Legal Representative u/s 87 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001; Bank Account.

    Changing information through FBR helpline, a person can also change or update information through FBR helpline via phone or email.

    READ MORE: FBR gets 3.38 million active taxpayers by August 28, 2022

    Following information can be updated through the helpline: Name; Date of Birth; Gender; Disability Status; Senior Citizen Status; Changing Information by visiting Regional Tax Office (RTO).

    For changes in registration regarding the following issues, the person will have to visit their relevant RTO: Discontinuance of business; Jurisdiction for Income Tax Return assessment; Deregistration; Updating CNIC number; Updating Pakistan Origin Card (POC).

    A person will have to take relevant documents to RTO in order to successfully change details regarding Income Tax Registration.

  • Pakistani fintech enables individuals to donate flood victims

    Pakistani fintech enables individuals to donate flood victims

    KARACHI: ABHI, a Pakistani fintech company, along with its clients, employees, users, and investors is channeling donations using its robust platform to support the bigger cause by partnering up with leading NGOs like JDC, Al-Khidmat, and Saylani who are at the forefront and are actively providing relief to flood victims on the ground.

    For the first time ever in Pakistan, employed individuals who are ABHI users can empower families that have been affected by floods, by donating from their earned but unpaid salary directly from the mobile app within 30 seconds through ABHI Dost – this feature enables them to transfer the donation money directly to JDC, Al-Khidmat, or Saylani’s bank account.

    In this time of urgent need, ABHI is determined to give its generous support to afflicted families and communities as they struggle to sustain themselves and rebuild their lives. With the help of the gathered donations, our partner NGOs will provide emergency support like shelter, household supplies, and food items to the ones in need.

    ABHI is here to support its fellow Pakistani brothers and sisters in these tough times. Donate, to financially empower people nationwide.

  • KE adjusts electricity bills under FCA relief package

    KE adjusts electricity bills under FCA relief package

    KARACHI: K-Electric, the power distribution utility for Karachi, has started providing relief under package to waive Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA), which was announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    According to a statement issued by the power utility on Tuesday, following PM’s Announcement of FCA’s relief package for the month of June, 1.8 million eligible electricity consumers across KE serviced territory in Karachi and adjoining regions are receiving benefit and being delivered adjusted bills for August at their doorsteps with extended due dates.

    READ MORE: Date extension demanded for electricity bills payment

    The announcement of June’s FCA relief has come in two parts, it was first announced for Non-ToU Residential Consumers having electricity consumption up to 200 units in June, and later it was extended to the same category of consumers with power consumption up to 300 units in June following the announcement by the Government of Pakistan.

    While the revised bills for August are being delivered to the consumers on their premises, it is also important to note that all those eligible consumers who have already paid their non-revised August bills will receive adjusted bills for the month of September.

    READ MORE: Power tariff hike termed disaster for industries

    Commenting on the matter, Spokesperson K-Electric said, “We are taking every possible measure to pass on the benefit to the qualifying consumers in line with the announcement made by the Honorable Prime Minister.

    Following the announcement of the relief package, our customer care centers operated for extended hours and remained open during the weekends for consumers’ convenience.

    However, to further ease the procedure for their benefit, we are also delivering the bills to consumers’ doorsteps so that they do not have to visit our centers physically. KE Customers may also download their bills via KE WhatsApp Service, KE Live App and from the company’s website.”

    While reiterating the eligibility criteria of the relief package, the Spokesperson further said, “June FCA’s relief applies only to Non-ToU residential consumers who have a power consumption equal to or less than 300 units.

    READ MORE: Pakistan petroleum sales slump by 24% in 2MFY23

    All the remaining electricity consumers, such as ToU residential consumers, Non-ToU residential consumers having power consumption exceeding 300 units, commercial, and industrial consumers do not qualify for the relief, and thus, are requested to timely pay their bills to avoid late payment surcharge.”

    “Our customer care platforms, including our call center 118, 8119 SMS service, and social media channels are also available 24/7 to answer any query from our consumers in this regard,” the Spokesperson further added.

    K-Electric (KE) is a public listed company incorporated in Pakistan in 1913 as KESC. Privatized in 2005 KE is the only vertically integrated utility in Pakistan supplying electricity within a 6500 km square territory including Karachi and its adjoining areas.

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

    The majority shares (66.4 per cent) of the company are listed in the PSX owned by KES Power, a consortium of investors including Aljomaih Power Limited of Saudi Arabia, National Industries Group (Holding), Kuwait, and the Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF). The Government of Pakistan is also a minority shareholder (24.36 per cent) in the company.

  • President Alvi directs State Life Insurance to pay compensation

    President Alvi directs State Life Insurance to pay compensation

    ISLAMABAD: The President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi has directed State Life Insurance Corporation to pay compensation to family of policy holders.

    While rejecting four similar representations preferred by State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLICP) against the decisions of the Wafaqi Mohtasib, President Dr Arif Alvi has directed SLICP to pay Rs 1.78 million to the family members of the policyholders, a statement said on Tuesday.

    READ MORE: President Alvi rejects Habib Bank plea, orders to pay victims

    He said that by denying rightful dues to the claimants SLICP has committed maladministration.

     The President disregarded the arguments of SLICP and said that SLICP had failed to prove the existence of alleged pre-insurance ailments with irrefutable evidence at the time of approving the life insurance policies to deceased policyholders.

    The President said that while filing appeals, the SLICP did not factor in the reports of its own Field Officers who had declared the insured persons as completely healthy.

    READ MORE: HBL ordered to compensate bank fraud victim

    He further observed that the denial of life insurance claims without irrefutable evidence was highly unjustified and reflected maladministration on the part of the SLICP.

    The President held that in all four cases, no clinical investigation or diagnostic assessment had been produced by SLICP to corroborate that the deceased policyholders were in fact patients of different diseases.

    READ MORE: FBR directed to bring entire sugar supply chain into tax net

    He rejected all four representations and directed SLICP to report compliance to the Mohtasib within 30 days. As per details, the complainants (Mst Irshad Bibi, Mst Samreen Aasima, Muahammad Awais and Muhammad Ismail) had approached SLICP for the payment of the sum assured as per the insurance policies.

    SLICP refused to pay the claims by alleging that the deceased policyholders had pre-insurance ailments, such as TB, Cystic Bronchiectasis, kidney disease or lung disease, which they wilfully kept secret at the time of obtaining the policies.

    READ MORE: President Alvi directs bank to refund unfair recovery

    Feeling aggrieved, the complainants separately approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib to seek compensation, which passed the orders in their favour. Later, SLICP filed representations against the decisions of the Mohtasib with the President, which were also rejected.

  • Gang busted engaged in illegal SIMs activation

    Gang busted engaged in illegal SIMs activation

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) carried out a successful raid at three different locations in Peshawar against illegal activation of SIMs on Afghan passports, tampering in Afghan passports an issuance of SIMs on fake visas.

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  • Date extension demanded for electricity bills payment

    Date extension demanded for electricity bills payment

    Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday demanded the authorities to extend the last date for payment of electricity bills across Pakistan as in the ongoing extraordinary situation, neither the business and industrial community nor the poor masses were in a position to pay their bills.

    Keeping in view the hardships being faced by the citizens and business and industrial community of Pakistan due to massive flashfloods, KCCI President Muhammad Idrees has appealed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to issue directives for extension of last date for payment of electricity bills for entire Pakistan as in the ongoing extraordinary situation, neither the business and industrial community nor the poor masses were in a position to pay their bills.

    READ MORE: Power tariff hike termed disaster for industries

    In a letter sent to Prime Minister, President KCCI further requested to refrain DISCOs from charging FAC whereas the controversial Fixed Charges which are neither in favor of the industry nor the economy must also be withdrawn as soon as possible which would be widely welcomed by the entire business & industrial community of Pakistan.

    He pointed out that as the entire country is suffering badly because of massive flashfloods triggered by this year’s torrential rainfalls of Monsson Season, the business & industrial community across Pakistan is facing severe liquidity crunch as all the receivables have been pending due to ongoing extraordinary situation wherein the entire Pakistan remains totally sunk.

    READ MORE: Industry slams finance ministry for blocking letter of credit

    “Keeping in view the hardships being faced by the citizens and the business & Industrial community, some leniency would have been exhibited but unfortunately, this was not witnessed at any stage and regardless of taking the ground realities into consideration, electricity tariffs for all DISCOs and KE have been raised by more than 100 percent which are totally unabsorbable for the industries and unaffordable for the poor masses,” he noted.

    “Secondly, the issue of exorbitant Fuel Adjustment Charges (FAC) and Fixed Charges also stand unresolved which, we firmly believe, need to be reviewed and withdrawn at the earliest as these are neither in favor of the industries nor the economy,” he added.

    READ MORE: Clearance of banned cars, phones allowed on 100% surcharge

    He hoped that Prime Minister would instantly consider KCCI’s request and accordingly instruct relevant Ministry/ departments to provide relief otherwise, many industries, which are already at the verge of collapse, would close down forever which would trigger massive unemployment, chaos and other economic issues.

    READ MORE: Pakistan lifts ban on import of cars, phones, luxury items

  • MIPD organizes teaching, learning excellence awards ceremony

    MIPD organizes teaching, learning excellence awards ceremony

    ISLAMABAD: Millennium Institute of Professional Development (MIPD) has organized Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards Ceremony 2022, a statement said on Saturday.

    The MIPC in collaboration Department of International Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessments at The Millennium Education group organized the ceremony to honour, award, and appreciate teachers for their excellent teaching performance and significant contribution towards enhancing the quality of teaching and learning nationwide.

    The Millennium Education Group places great emphasis on reflective teaching, improving learning experiences, and cultivating effective practices. It is all about providing world class learning opportunities to the teachers. It aims to provide the teachers with a platform to express themselves not only as educators, but also to discover the hidden potential in each one of them that leads to the discovery of their ultimate identity.

    Teaching & Learning Excellence Awards 2022 were presented for securing distinctions in Foundation courses, MIP, and for being star teachers in Pearson Edexcel iPrimary and Cambridge Check Point Examinations. Awards were also distributed among Programme leaders for Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning CICTL, and Cambridge International Certificate for teaching with Digital Technology CICTDT.

    The ceremony was concluded with the distribution of TMUC Service Excellence Awards. The ceremony was graced by Prof. Quintin McKellar CBE, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

    Chief Guest, Prof. Quintin McKellar CBE, heightened the multifarious responsibility of teachers in an era of interconnected dimensions and emphasized that flexibility, opportunity, and community are the basic components for excellence in education. He appreciated the dedication and commitment of The Millennium Education Group, their leadership, management, as well as the professionalism of teachers who are nurturing the future of Pakistan. He concluded his address and quoted, “The future of Pakistan is indeed in safe hands.”

    While addressing the occasion, Dr. Faisal Mushtaq TI, Founder & CEO The Millennium Education Group, congratulated the awardees and celebrated their endeavours for achieving outstanding results within their disciplines which reflects their commitment to an ongoing, clearly articulated, shared process of continued enhancement.

    The highlight of the ceremony was signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, and The Millennium Education Group, Pakistan. This partnership will serve as a gateway to higher education and will open new vistas to excellence in teaching and learning.

  • KATI sends 2nd batch of relief goods for flood victims

    KATI sends 2nd batch of relief goods for flood victims

    KARACHI: Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has send second batch of relief goods for flood victims of Sindh and Balochsitan.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, KATI President Salman Aslam said that nine trucks of relief goods are being sent to the victims of Sindh and Balochistan.

    READ MORE: Suzuki donates 10 million yens for Pakistan flood victims

    The relief items include flour, rice, pulses, oil, dry food items, mosquito nets, pillow, water cooler, slippers, soap, toffees and biscuits for children.

    On this occasion, KITE Limited CEO Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Maheen Salman, Vice President Farrukh Qandhari, Member Aid Committee Junaid Naqi, Sindh Council Member Moazzam Qureshi and others were present.

    Salman Aslam said that earlier he had taken the first batch to Balochistan under his leadership, in which relief goods worth millions of rupees had been dispatched, and the second batch is carrying goods worth more than Rs10 million.

    READ MORE: SBP bars banks from taking service charges on flood donations

    Three trucks will be sent to Balochistan, remaining 6 trucks will be sent to Khairpur, Dadu, Sukkur and other areas of Sindh.

    President KATI said that we are determined to deliver aid to more than 20,000 families by the end of this month, while the aid supplies for 7,000 families has been completed.

    He said that the cooperation of Rangers is with us in this activity, and the relief goods dispatched within Sindh and Balochistan under the supervision of Rangers which will be distributed at the designated points of KATI.

    READ MORE: Complaints against banks for refusing flood donations

    Salman Aslam said that there was a meeting with Commissioner Karachi Iqbal Memon in which he told that there are more than 500 IDPs in Korangi, our effort is to take care of 16,000 IDPs came to Karachi so far.

    He said that after the immediate aid, we are trying to take steps to bring their lives back to normal.

    On this occasion, Zubair Chhaya, CEO of KITE Limited, said that I am grateful to the members of KATI, including Patron-in-Chief SM Muneer, President Salman Aslam, Commissioner Karachi Iqbal Memon, People’s Party Korangi President Moazzam Qureshi, who are taking timely action, established a 7-member relief committee and sent the first aid supplies from the business sector.

    READ MORE: SBP issues IBAN list for donations to PM flood relief fund

    He said that I appreciate KATI President Salman Aslam for coming to help the flood victims and taking part in the relief activities. He said that I appeal to the business community and all citizens to actively participate in the initiative taken by KATI and donate generously to help our brothers and sisters who have been badly affected by the floods.

  • SBP bars banks from taking service charges on flood donations

    SBP bars banks from taking service charges on flood donations

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday barred commercial banks from taking service charges on donations under PM Flood Relief Fund 2022.

    Earlier, the central bank on August 24 regarding the Prime Minister Relief fund, 2022 and advised the bank to collect funds for helping our fellow citizens devasted by ongoing rains and floods across the country.

    The SBP said it has been decided that all issuing and acquiring banks/microfinance banks/payment schemes operating in Pakistan shall not charge any transaction related charges like Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF), Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), Merchant ID Fee, Scheme Fee, Inter Bank Fund Transfer (IBFT) Fee, or any other payment related fee that may be applicable on transactions made for donations / payments to Prime Minister Relief Fund 2022.

    READ MORE: Complaints against banks for refusing flood donations

    The issuing and acquiring banks/microfinance banks/payment schemes are advised to meticulously comply with these instructions.

    According to instructions issued on August 24, the SBP stated that with a view to raise awareness among the potential donors and facilitate them in contributing to the PM’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, banks are advised to undertake following measures on immediate priority and submit compliance by August 30, 2022:

    a) Banks shall prominently display banners at all their branches bearing the description “DONATIONS TO THE PRIME MINISTER’S (PM) FLOOD RELIEF FUND ARE ACCEPTED HERE”.

    b) Banks shall highlight the IBAN of the Fund at their websites and ATMs screens enabling their clients to donate to the fund digitally.

    READ MORE: SBP issues IBAN list for donations to PM flood relief fund

    c) Banks shall also send SMS alerts to all their clients informing them about the establishment of the Prime Minister Flood Relief Fund and its IBAN.

    d) To facilitate the walk-in customers in making cash deposits in the fund “pre-printed deposit slips” shall be available at the banks’ counters.

    e) The banks offering Roshan Digital Account (RDA) shall make the “PM Flood Relief Fund” available on their Roshan Samaji Khidmat page/portal enabling RDA holders to contribute to the Fund in hassle free manner. The donations received through RDA shall be transmitted to SBP along with donations received through other sources on a daily-basis through RTGS as advised earlier.

    The Banks are also encouraged to advertise the PM Flood Relief Fund through their social media pages including their webpages, Facebook pages, twitter accounts etc. to create maximum awareness about the fund and the mechanism to make the donations in the fund.

    The banks shall ensure that their branch staff has full awareness and understanding of establishment of the fund and the mechanism to collect the donations in the fund account.

  • Pakistan estimates flood devastation to cost $10 billion

    Pakistan estimates flood devastation to cost $10 billion

    ISLAMABAD: The torrential rains and flash floods across Pakistan have inflicted an estimated loss of $10 billion to the national economy.

    Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail on Thursday said the current devastation of flood in Pakistan is estimated to cost $10 billion.

    READ MORE: Pakistan allows tax exemption on tomato, onion imports

    During flood, railway lines, roads, bridges, grid stations, power lines and houses etc. were badly damaged, which has to be rehabilitated, the minister added.

    The minister said that the United Nation has made a commitment of $160 million and USAID has announced the provision of 30 million dollars.

    Miftah added that in addition to this, friendly countries including the United Kingdom, European countries, Australia and Arab countries has provided financial support and also delivered aid materials.

    READ MORE: FBR announces tax exemptions for flood relief operation

    He said that rehabilitation is a long process which Pakistan will try to complete with the help of its own resources and friendly countries.

    The Minister said that the devastating magnitude of the flood was very high and it is a big challenge for us which “we will try our best to tackle.”

    In response to a question, he said that the federal and provincial governments are helping the flood victims and adding that the central government is disbursing money, for which a woman in every house is being given an amount of up to Rs 2500.

    He said that this amount will be disbursed to 4.2 million women across the country.

    READ MORE: Complaints against banks for refusing flood donations

    Miftah said that the federal and provincial governments and National Disaster Management Authority are currently busy helping the flood victims and the government is delivering food packets, mosquito nets, tents and medicines to the flood affected areas.

    He said that there is no shortage of food, but there is a shortage of onions and tomatoes.

    He said that “we are importing tomatoes and onions by reducing the import duty.”

    The Minister said that apart from this, several million tons of wheat are being imported and the duties on it are being reduced and are being ordered at subsidy rates.

    He said that the goods which will have shortages will be imported so that there is no shortage of essential goods.

    READ MORE: US provides Rs6.65 billion for Pakistan flood relief

    He said that this is a very challenging situation, crops have been damaged due to flood in Sindh province.

    Miftah said that cotton crops have been damaged up to 30% in Sindh province and sugarcane crop has been damaged up to 20 per cent.

    He said that wheat will be sown in the next two months and water draining out is a big challenge but it will be resolved so that the farmers can sow their crops.

    In response to a question, he said that the government is considering giving incentives to farmers and banks will relax the loans of farmers so that they can cover their losses.