Pkrevenue.com

Category: National

  • Import of live animals, birds banned on Coronavirus threat

    Import of live animals, birds banned on Coronavirus threat

    ISLAMABAD: The government has banned import of all types of live animals and birds with immediate effect in the wake of novel coronavirus.

    According to an official memo issued by the ministry of commerce to Quarantine Department a ban has been imposed on import of any zoonotic (animals and birds etc.) with immediate effect and until further orders.

    The memo said that on the recommendations of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MNHSR&C), the ministry of commerce has imposed a ban on the import of any zoonotic (animals and birds etc.) with immediate effect and until further orders.

    The MNHSR&C has informed that the origin of recent outbreak of Novel type of Corona Virus (2019-nCOV) has been threat to be zoonotic in nature, which may potentially undermine government efforts to prevent the spread of said disease in Pakistan.

  • Law passed for speedy transfer of immovable properties

    Law passed for speedy transfer of immovable properties

    ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday approved an important legislation to facilitate the speedy transfer of movable and immovable property of the deceased, to the legal heirs.

    Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Bill, 2020 is one of the key legislations, in Government’s legal reform agenda, to get the assent of both the National Assembly and the Senate.

    The purpose of this law is to provide for an efficacious and speedy mechanism for issuance of letters of Administration and Succession Certificates.

    One of the problems faced by the legal heirs of the deceased is the transfer of immovable and movable property even in the cases where no ‘factual controversy’ i.e. any objection by legal heirs or dispute regarding the identity of legal heirs exists.

    Law Ministry has devised a mechanism to establish Succession Facilitation Units in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for the issuance of Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates within 15 days of initiation of application by the legal heir/heirs of the deceased.

    The initiative would enable NADRA to use biometric authentication to issue Succession Certificates and Letters of Administration for the first time in Pakistan.

    Before this law, it took 2 to 7 years to get a simple Letter of Administration or Succession Certificate by the courts. Previously all the legal heirs had to be present in the courts in Pakistan, now even if legal heirs are not present in Pakistan, the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates will be issued.

    This will save a lot of expense and time and will release onerous burden on the courts.

  • Coronavirus outbreak: declaration made mandatory on international arrival

    Coronavirus outbreak: declaration made mandatory on international arrival

    ISLAMABAD: The government has made mandatory for all passengers entering Pakistan to submit health declaration. The decision has been taken in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, as statement said on Saturday.

    All passengers entering Pakistan As per the instruction from Ministry of Health, all passengers entering Pakistan will be required to submit a Health Declaration form which will include contact details and brief travel history.

    The submission of those completed form will be necessary for entering Pakistan.

    Health Declaration Card will be distributed amongst all the passengers in plane.

    In accordance with the instructions of the Government of Pakistan and in view of Novel Coronavirus outbreak, all passengers are advised to fill up the form and handover to Health Staff in the International Arrival Lounge.

    Non-Compliance shall result in denial of entry to the country.

    The form contains demographic information of passenger, travel history and health status like issue of fever, cough and shortness of breath. This form is made for easiness of public.

  • Petroleum prices kept unchanged

    Petroleum prices kept unchanged

    ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to keep the prices of petroleum products unchanged for the month of February 2020.

    A statement said on Friday that the government decided to keep POL prices at the level of prices applied for January 2020.

    For the month of January 2020 the prices were increased as:

    The price of kerosene (SKO) has been increased by Rs3.10 per liter to Rs99.45 to from Rs96.35.

    The price of petrol has been increased by Rs2.61 per liter to Rs116.60 from Rs113.99.

    The rate of High Speed Diesel (HSD) has been increased by Rs2.25 per liter to Rs127.26 from Rs125.01.

    The price of Light Diesel Oil (LDO) has been increased by Rs2.08 to Rs84.51 from Rs82.43.

  • Pakistan suspends flight operation with China on coronavirus threat

    Pakistan suspends flight operation with China on coronavirus threat

    KARACHI: Pakistan has suspended direct flight operation to China in wake of coronavirus threat. The direct flight operation will remain suspend till February 02, 2020, said a notification issued by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

    The notification said: “all direct flight operations between Pakistan and China are to be stalled on immediate basis, initially till 2nd February, 2020, subject to subsequent review.”

    The CAA intimated about the government decision to Air China Pakistan and China Southern Airlines.

    Major airlines of the world have already suspended some flights to China because of the coronavirus outbreak. The airlines that have already suspended flight operations are included: Lufthansan, Air Tanzania, American Airlines, British Airways, FinnAir, Air Canada etc.

    The some of the airlines have suspended flights due to massive drop in demand.

    BBC reported that death toll from the coronavirus outbreak had rise to 170. It reported quoting Chinese health authorities that there were 7,711 confirmed cases in the country as of January 29, 2020.

  • 46 essential consumer items out of 51 register price hike in one year; prices go up to 116.82%

    46 essential consumer items out of 51 register price hike in one year; prices go up to 116.82%

    ISLAMABAD: About 46 essential consumer items out of 51 have registered increase in prices during past one year showing the inflationary pressure on the masses.

    The inflation data based on Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) for the week ended January 01, 2020.

    The PBS calculates the weekly SPI with base 2015-16=100 covering 17 urban centres and 51 essential items for all expenditure groups/quintiles and combined.

    The following is the comparison of price increase for the period between January 23, 2020 and January 24, 2019:

    01. Onions: 116.82 percent

    02. Potatoes: 111.15 percent

    03. Pulse Moong (Washed): 88.52 percent

    04. Garlic (Lehsun) 1 Kg: 65.43 percent

    05. Tomatoes: 56.91 percent

    06. Pulse Mash (Washed): 50.9 percent

    07. Gur (Average Quality): 43.26 percent

    08. Chicken Farm Broiler (Live): 41.73 percent

    09. Cigarettes Capstan 20’S Packet: 36.81 percent

    10. Sugar Refined: 31.95 percent

    11. Long Cloth 57″ Gul Ahmed/Al Karam: 31.3 percent

    12. Pulse Gram: 30.2 percent

    13. Lawn Printed Gul Ahmed/Al Karam: 28.52 percent

    14. Petrol Super: 27.88 percent

    15. Vegetable Ghee DALDA/HABIB or Other superior Quality 1 kg Pouch: 24.87 percent

    16. Pulse Masoor (Washed): 22.92 percent

    17. Wheat Flour Bag 20 Kg: 21.16 percent

    18. Cooked Beef at Average Hotel: 20.26 percent

    19. Hi-Speed Diesel: 19.18 percent

    20. LPG 11.67 kg Cylinder: 18.87 percent

    21. Cooking Oil DALDA or Other Similar Brand (SN), 5 Litre Tin: 17.98 percent

    22. Vegetable Ghee DALDA/HABIB 2.5 kg Tin: 16.8 percent

    23. Tea Prepared Ordinary: 16.6 percent

    24. Shirting (Average Quality): 16.46 percent

    25. Powdered Milk NIDO 390 gm Polybag: 16.29 percent

    26. Cooked Daal at Average Hotel: 16.27 percent

    27. Bananas (Kela) Local: 15.51 percent

    28. Mustard Oil (Average Quality): 15.38 percent

    29. Sufi Washing Soap: 14.61 percent

    30. Bread plain (Small Size): 12.39 percent

    31. Georgette (Average Quality): 11.85 percent

    32. Rice IRRI-6/9 (Sindh/Punjab): 11.38 percent

    33. Toilet Soap LIFEBUOY 115 gm: 11.14 percent

    34. Eggs Hen (Farm): 10.4 percent

    35. Mutton (Average Quality): 10.3 percent

    36. Tea Lipton Yellow Label 190 gm Packet: 10.29 percent

    37. Electricity Charges for Q1: 10.26 percent

    38. Beef with Bone (Average Quality): 9.79 percent

    39. Milk fresh (Un-boiled): 9.19 percent

    40. Match Box: 8.47 percent

    41. Energy Saver Philips 14 Watt: 8.37 percent

    42. Firewood Whole 40 Kg: 7.08 percent

    43. Rice Basmati Broken (Average Quality) 1 Kg: 6.6 percent

    44. Curd (Dahi) Loose: 6.49 percent

    45. Chilies Powder NATIONAL 200 gm Packet: 3.98 percent

    46. Salt Powdered (NATIONAL/SHAN) 800 gm Packet: 0.91 percent

    47. Gents Sandal Bata: 0 percent

    48. Gents Sponge Chappal Bata: 0 percent

    49. Ladies Sandal Bata: 0 percent

    50. Gas Charges upto 3.3719 MMBTU: 0 percent

    51. Telephone Call Charges: 0 percent

  • Pakistan takes preemptive measures against Corona virus

    Pakistan takes preemptive measures against Corona virus

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken preemptive measures to deal with the situation in wake of Corona virus cases in China.

    Dr. Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health, reviewed the situation while chairing a high level meeting participated by heads of federal hospitals and health institutions.

    He directed to expedite the establishment of a robust surveillance system at all ports of entry before February 8, 2020 with quarantined areas.

    SAPM monitored the situation in the Emergency Operations Centre established in the Ministry of National Health, Services, Regulations & Coordination.

    He directed that a dedicated Helpline be established by next week for provision of information on the disease to the general public and health-care providers.

    He reviewed measures taken by major hospitals to receive possible cases of Corona virus emphasized that all necessary arrangements be made to receive patients of the disease.

    SAPM also stressed to accelerate the steps required for public awareness and education related to the symptoms of the disease, preparedness level, mitigation and response in case of any emergency.

    Special information stalls should be established in arrival areas of airports for information of travelers.

    Dr. Zafar Mirza directed that Thermo Guns be made available to screen passengers in addition to Thermo scanners. SAPM further directed that National Institute of Health should act as a hub where all information should be updated.

    The meeting was informed that there are at present 890 reported cases of Corona virus with 26 deaths.

    In addition to a beefed up surveillance mechanism and public awareness, all Provincial Chief Ministers are being advocated to notify a focal person to coordinate with point of entry staff and manage suspected cases of coronavirus infection.

    NDMA is also taken on board to support in case of any emergency, the meeting was informed.

  • Sindh governor visits USC outlets to check availability of essential items

    Sindh governor visits USC outlets to check availability of essential items

    KARACHI: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Wednesday paid surprise visit to outlets of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to check the availability of essential items under Prime Minister Relief Package.

    The Sindh governor visited the stores on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Chairman USC Zulqarnain was also with him during visits of various outlets in the city.

    The governor visited USC outlet at Gulshan e Iqbal to witness the sale of 12,000 bags of wheat flour to the masses.

    While talking to media, the governor said that hype was created regarding wheat shortage. He said that the situation was not as serious as was portrayed by various quarters.

    He said that PASCO warehouses had storage of 300,000 tons of wheat. In order to supply this stock the transport of NLC could be used, he added.

    He said that it was an artificial shortage and the government was ensuring the availability of the commodity.

    Ismail said that the prime minister was on attending World Economic Forum at Davos but he was worried about such situation.

    He said that the government had ensured availability of 10-kg wheat flour bag at Rs400 as against this bag was available at Rs600 in the open market.

    USC Chairman said that under PM Package other items such as ghee, pulses, sugar etc were also available at subsidized prices. The government has released a fund of Rs7 billion for the subsidized items, he added.

  • Committee constituted to probe wheat crisis

    Committee constituted to probe wheat crisis

    KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan has constituted a high-level committee to probe wheat/flour crisis and fix responsibility.

    Taking strict notice of the recent wheat/flour related controversy, Prime Minister Imran Khan has constituted a high-level committee to identify and fix responsibility, if any, on any individual/officer/organization, including any purported benefit to a private party, besides suggesting a way forward for future course of action, a statement said on Wednesday.

    The committee comprises of Director General Federal Investigation Authority, as its convener, representative of Intelligence Bureau not below BS-20/21 and Director General Anti Corruption Punjab, as its members.

    The Convener may co-opt any other member(s). According to directions issued by PM Office, the inquiry report shall, inter alia, include identification of causes; circumstances leading to the wheat/flour related controversy; assessment/projection of future stock leading to allowing export of wheat/wheat products and subsequent imposition of ban on exports; management of wheat stocks, within Federal Government and provinces, and coordination with provinces, and any other issue, deemed appropriate, related to the wheat/flour related controversy.

    The inquiry shall be completed and the report is to be submitted to the Prime Minister within a fortnight (06th February 2020).

  • ECC allows import of 300,000 tons wheat

    ECC allows import of 300,000 tons wheat

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Monday allowed 300,000 tons of wheat to ensure sufficient supply of the commodity and reducing prices in the domestic market.

    A meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Monday allowed import of 0.3 million tons of wheat to decrease the local wheat price and meet the domestic requirement.

    Under the decision, the wheat would be imported by the private sector by withdrawing regulatory duty to the extent of the approved quantity.

    The ECC further decided that the wheat to be imported under the ECC decision would be allowed in the country until March 31, 2020 to ensure that the local wheat to be available from the start of April was picked up at the right price from the market.

    The ECC also issued instruction for the immediate release of stocks held by the PASSCO and the provincial departments.

    Besides the import of wheat, the ECC approved a proposal by the Ministry of Industries and Production to reduce the GIDC on gas consumed by the fertilizer manufacturers from Rs 405 to Rs 5 per bag so that this benefit could be passed on to the farmers.

    ECC also allowed the raising of Rs 200 billion on the request of Ministry of Energy (Power Division) from the Islamic Banks as fresh facility through Power Holding Limited by way of issuance of Pakistan Energy Sukuk-II against assets of the DISCOs/GENCOs as collateral through open competitive bidding to procure financing in a fair and transparent manner.

    The amount will be utilized for the purpose of the funding the repayment liabilities of the DISCOs.

    ECC approved the proposed mechanism by the Ministry of Finance for the grant of Sovereign guarantees. All requests for government guarantees are to be accompanied by request for guarantee by the governing body of PSE’s.

    Further

    • Every request must be reviewed and endorsed by the concerned Administrative Ministry/Department of the relevant entity.

    • Audited Financial statements of previous year prior to issuance of guarantee is mandatory for evaluation of guarantee request

    • Business plan including an explanation of the business model and financial projections for at least 5 years;

    • A note explaining the following;

    1. Whether its need for guarantee is short term or long term.

    2. Business model followed by the entity since inception or over the last 5 years, whichever is less

    3. Financial as well as non-financial performance of the entity since its inception or over the last five years, whichever is less

    4. Request, along with justification, for the type and amount of guarantee needed by the entity and the timelines over which it is required The Finance Division shall evaluate the request internally and finalize its recommendations with the approval of the Finance Secretary.

    ECC also approved the report on proposed exemption of 5% sales tax on cotton seed cake.

    It was briefed to the ECC that in case the exemption of sales tax on Cotton Seed Cake cannot be introduced during CFY 2019-2020, the same can be considered for inclusion in the Finance Bill of 2020-2021.

    The approval of Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs. 96.652 million of National Book Foundation in favor of Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training was also granted by ECC.

    Technical Supplementary Grant amounting to Rs 15 million for centralized procurement of ICT infrastructure to ensure e-readiness of Federal Government for implementation of E-Governance program was also approved.

    ECC granted approval to the request of the Ministry of Interior for the Technical Supplementary Grant amounting to Rs458 million for payment of subsistence allowance to Personnel of Civil Armed Forces deployed in UN Peacekeeping Missions.