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  • Experts suggest wheat import to discourage hoarding

    Experts suggest wheat import to discourage hoarding

    KARACHI: The government should allow the import of wheat in order to discourage hoarding and check price hikes in the local market, commodity experts said on Saturday.

    The prices of wheat flour witnessed a sharp increase during past couple of days.

    Interestingly, the wheat crop in the last season was surplus yet there is a sharp increase in the prices of wheat flour.

    The latest prices of wheat shot in between Rs55 and Rs58 for one kilogram. Whereas, after making to wheat flour the prices are in between Rs68 and Rs70 in the local market.

    Commodity expert Shamsul Islam Khan said that wheat prices were on the lower side in international markets.

    At present wheat is $215 per ton in the international market. In case of import of the commodity after including all costs the price of imported wheat in the local wheat would be around Rs40 per kilogram.

    The expert said it was surprising for a country having surplus wheat crop but still facing significant price hike.

    It is only due to hoarding by profiteers.

    The provincial governments are blamed for this hoarding because they had failed to buy surplus stock of wheat.

    The shortest possible solution for discourage hoarding, the expert said, the country should import the commodity.

  • Immigration delays seven international flights at Lahore airport

    Immigration delays seven international flights at Lahore airport

    KARACHI: At least seven international flights on Saturday witnessed delays at Lahore airport due to shortage of staff at immigration counter.

    Sources said that international passengers faced problems due to delay in clearance at immigration counters. The sources said that the delays caused due to shortage of staff at the counters.

    Long queues of passengers were seen at the immigration counters. The clearance at the immigration counters resulted in delays for many hours in scheduled flights included five national carriers and two other foreign airlines.

    These flights were scheduled to carry around 1500 passengers from Lahore airport.

    The sources said security checks also caused further delay in these scheduled flights.

    These delays resulted around 12 flights altogether at the airport for take off during 11:00 AM to 1:00PM.

    PIA spokesman commented that the passengers had faced difficulties due to delays in security checks. However, the spokesman said that all possible facilities had been provided to the passengers.

  • PIA stops persons travelling on fake Canadian visas

    PIA stops persons travelling on fake Canadian visas

    KARACHI: The task force of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Friday intercepted two passengers from Canada-bound flight following discovery of travelling on fake electronic visa.

    The PIA taskforce at Lahore Airport took timely action and denied the passengers travelling through national carrier to Canada. The passengers later handed over to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further legal process.

    According to details, when these two passengers reached PIA counter for boarding pass for their journey to Toronto, Canada, the taskforce examined the electronic visa presented by them.

    The examination revealed that those visas were fake. A PIA spokesman said that the timely action prevented huge monetary penalty on the national flag carrier.

    The spokesman said that in case those visas found fake at Canadian soil then huge penal amount had to be borne by the PIA.

    The FIA will further investigate the fake visa scam to find out persons involved in such crime.

  • USC officials warned of removal from service for selling subsidized items in open market

    USC officials warned of removal from service for selling subsidized items in open market

    KARACHI: Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has warned officials of removal from services in case of indulgence in selling subsidized items under the Prime Minister Relief Package in the open market.

    In this regard an official memorandum circulated by USC Regional Office Karachi (North) on Thursday directed the officials including Area Managers, Warehouse Incharges and Store Incharges directing them to discharge their duty in optimum facilitation to poor masses as envisaged under the Prime Minister Relief Package.

    The government released around Rs6 billion for the provision of lower prices for five main commodities including rice, sugar, pulses, edible ghee, and wheat flour. The package has been aimed at providing relief to ease inflationary pressure for a lower-income segment of society.

    Muhammad Javed Khan, Regional Manager, USC Karachi Region (North) in the office memo directed the official to avoid indulgence in selling subsidized items in the open market.

    “In case any violation is reported the organization will launch an investigation against officials involved,” the notification said. The officials have also been directed to avoid the bulk sale of subsidized items in order to cater a maximum number of people, it added.

    The regional manager warned that any official found involved in unethical practice would be punished, which would include a harsh penalty of removal from service.

    The regional manager also warned the officials to avoid purchasing goods from open markets for sale in their outlets. “In case any local purchase detected then concern store in charge, staff and area manager will be responsible,” it added.

    The north region issued guidelines for the officials to ensure transparency in their routine business, which included:

    — Record of sale should be maintained.

    — Avoid displaying demurrage and expired stuff.

    — No overprice will be tolerated. All items should be sold at price fixed by the USC.

    — Store timings should be observed.

    — Ensure maximum facilitation to customers.

  • Worst weather halts flight operation at Skardu Airport

    Worst weather halts flight operation at Skardu Airport

    KARACHI: Worst weather conditions have halted flight operations at the world’s highest airports i.e. Skardu Airport, a statement said on Wednesday.

    Worst weather conditions at Skardu Airport, one of the world’s heighest airports, has halted flight operations.

    Skardu Airport is located at 7500 feet high and is considered one of the tallest airports in the world.

    Skardu Airport is also known as Lifeline Airport.

    Skardu Airport has experienced heavy snow fall from Sunday to Wednesday.

    More then 18 inch snow has been accumulated at airfield during the period.

    Snow removal work from car parking area, access road, runway and maneuvering area started on Tuesday at 09.00 hours Pakistan Standard Time (PST) with all available resources including one snow plough machine (Babcat) and 3 tractors.

    4000 feet of runway from threshold runway 14 has been cleared till Wednesday.

    Runway 14/32 is still blocked due to snow. Local administration is also helping Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in this regard.

  • Measures to ensure transparency in PM relief package

    Measures to ensure transparency in PM relief package

    KARACHI: Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has taken all measures to ensure transparency in provision of subsidized items under the Prime Minister Relief Package, a top official said.

    “Our investigation teams are working across the country to prevent any misuse of the package,” said Zulfiqar Rahat, Zonal Manager, Sindh in a media briefing.

    He said that general public in case identifying any misuse can complaint at the numbers displayed at all the USC outlets across the country.

    The zonal manager said that in the era of social media every person has direct access to the prime minister and the managing director of the USC to make any complaint.

    The zonal manager said that the investigation teams of USC Headquarters Islamabad and zonal teams simultaneously conducting surprise visits at the stores.

    He said that five basic commodities have been provided under the relief package, included: pulses, rice, edible ghee, sugar and wheat flour (Atta).

    On the occasion, Javed Khan, Regional Manager, North said that the corporation had ensured sufficient availability of subsidized items at the stores.

    The regional manager said that the government had granted Rs6 billion for sales of subsidized items through the utility stores.

    He said that a huge demand of those items was expected due to huge gap in prices of subsidized items as compared with the local market.

    Therefore, the region had ensured the sufficient stock at its warehouses as well as at its stores, he added.

    The regional manager also took the media to visit a store which was flooded with subsidized items.

  • Sindh launches action against illegal construction

    Sindh launches action against illegal construction

    KARACHI: The Sindh government has directed authorities to initiate stern action against builders involved in the construction of illegal construction of buildings.

    A meeting presided over by Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah was held at his office on Monday.

    The meeting reviewed the incidents of buildings that recently collapsed in Karachi and Sukkur. Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shalwani told that people get the NOC for constructing ground plus one but later build five stories illegally.

    Zaffar Abbas, Director General, Sindh Building Control Authority, informed that the building, which collapsed in Karachi’s Timber Market area was declared dangerous but the residents were not prepared to vacate it.

    Director-General told that currently there were 382 dangerous buildings in the old city area for which the public had been informed through advertisements.

    Chief Secretary directed the DG, SBCA to submit a detailed report about 382 buildings declared dangerous and also initiate action under the law against illegal builders.

    The Chief Secretary constituted a committee headed by Commissioner Karachi for preparing rehabilitation plans for the residents of dangerous buildings.

    The provincial government would establish Sindh Urban and Regional Master Plan Authority 2020 and the draft of the proposed Authority had been sent to the law department for vetting. Soon after the vetting, the draft of the plan would be submitted to the cabinet and the provincial assembly for approval and legislation.

    The officials of local government and planning & development departments gave a detailed presentation on the proposed plan.

    The meeting was informed that legislation is required to establish Sindh Urban and Regional Master Plan Authority separately from Sindh Building Control Authority.

    Chief Secretary directed the Secretary Local Government Roshan Ali Sheikh to submit the Draft Plan to the Cabinet without further delay.

  • Birds hit two PIA aircraft

    Birds hit two PIA aircraft

    KARACHI: At least two aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were damaged in bird-strike incidents which were took place at Karachi Airport, a spokesman said on Monday.

    “Today two aircraft were hit by birds once again. Both incidents took place at the Karachi airport,” PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan said.

    The spokesman said that flight number PK301 was damaged on the nose and other flight number PK311 on its wing flap by the bird strike.

    “These strikes not only pose life threatening danger for passengers but also cause financial losses,” the spokesman added.

    The national flag carrier appealed several times for appropriate actions to be taken to remove presence of birds around the airport.

    The spokesperson said that the PIA had contacted Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in this regard, along with running a special social media campaign to raise awareness on the issue.

    “Unfortunately, no substantial action has so far been taken,” the spokesperson said and urged everyone to join the airline in addressing the issue as it concerns everyone.

  • Text of National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019

    Text of National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019

    ISLAMABAD: A presidential ordinance has been promulgated to restrict National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to take action against matters of tax evasion and an act of government officials done in good faith.

    Following is the text of the amended ordinance

    ===================================================================

    BILL

         further to amend the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999

         WHEREAS it is expedient further to amend the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 (No. XVIII of 1999), for the purposes hereinafter appearing.

    It is hereby enacted as follows: –

    1. Short title and commencement – This Act may be called the National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019.

    (2)  It shall come into force at once.

    1. Amendment of section 4, Ordinance XVIII 1999 – In the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 (No.XVIII of 1999), the current section 4 shall be substituted with the following provisions namely: –

    “4.  Application

    (1) This Ordinance extends to the whole of Pakistan.

    (2)  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Ordinance, except for the persons, transactions and matters specified in sub-Section (3) of this Section, the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all persons, including those persons who are or have been in the service of Pakistan, wherever they may be.

    (3)  The persons, transactions and matters to which the provisions of this Ordinance shall not apply will be as follows: –

    • transactions and matters pertaining to Federal or Provincial taxation, duties, levies or imposts, by whatever name called;

    Explanation

    • All pending inquiries and investigations which relate to matters pertaining to this clause (a) sub-Section (3) of Section 4 shall stand transferred to the respective authorities or departments which administer the relevant laws of taxation, levies or imposts in question by whatever name called;
    • All pending trials which relate to matters pertaining to this clause (a) sub-Section (3) of Section 4 shall stand transferred from the relevant Accountability Courts to the criminal Courts which deal with offences, if any, under the respective laws pertaining to taxations, levies or imposts in question by whatever name called;

    (b)  any private person or matter or transaction in relation to such private person, unless such private persons is alleged to: –

    • have given or offered to give or attempted to give any gratification, other than legal remuneration, or valuable thing or pecuniary advantage to a public officer holder in terms of clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) of Section 9(a) and there is corroborative evidence that the public office holder has materially benefitted by gaining any monetary benefit or asset disproportionate to his known sources of income or which cannot be reasonably accounted, from such private person; or
    • is directly or indirectly connected with the holder of public office as his dependent or benamidar;

    Explanation

    • However, this clause (b) of sub-Section (3) of Section 4 shall not apply in case of an offence falling under clauses (ix), (x) and (xi) of Section 9(a) and clause (xii) of Section 9(a) to the extent that it applies to clauses (ix), (x) and (xi) of Section 9(a).

    (c)  unless a holder of public office has materially benefitted by gaining any monetary benefit or asset disproportionate to his known sources of income or which cannot be reasonably accounted for by the holder of public and there is evidence to corroborate such material benefit, NAB shall not take cognizance of any offence under this Ordinance involving a procedural lapse including any offence specified in clause (vi) of Section 9(a);

    (d)  unless a holder of public office has materially benefitted by gaining any monetary benefit or asset disproportionate to his known sources of income or which cannot be reasonably accounted for, and there is evidence to corroborate such material benefit, NAB shall not take cognizance of any offence involving the rendition of an incorrect act, decision, advice, opinion or report;

    (e)  the valuation of immovable properties, for the purposes of assessing as to whether a holder of public office has assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, shall be reckoned either according to the actual price shown on the relevant title documents or the applicable rate prescribed by the District Collector or the Federal Board of Revenue, which is higher. No evidence contrary to the later shall be admissible.

    1. Amendment of Section 5, Ordinance XVIII 1999 – In the current Section 5 “Definitions” of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 (No.XVIII of 1999), after the definition of “PERSON” in clause (o) the following heading will be added namely: –

    “PRIVATE PERSON” shall mean any person other than the holder of public office.”

    1. In the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 (No. XVIII of 1999), after clause (vi) of sub-section (a) of Section 9, Ordinance XVIII of 1999 the following proviso shall be added, namely: –

    “Provided that an act done in good faith and in discharge of duties and performance of official function shall not, unless there is corroborative evidence of accumulation by the public office holder of any monetary benefit or asset which is disproportionate to the known sources of income or which cannot be reasonably accounted for, constitute an offence under this clause.”

    1. In the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 (No. XVIII of 1999), after clause (vii) of sub-section (a) of Section 9, Ordinance XVIII of 1999 the following proviso shall be added, namely: –

    “Provided that an act done in good faith and in discharge of duties and performance of official function shall not, unless there is corroborative evidence of accumulation by the public office holder of any monetary benefit or asset which is disproportionate to the known sources of income or which cannot be reasonably accounted for, constitute an offence under this clause.”

    PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN

  • CCP imposes penalty of Rs75 million on flour mills association for anti-competitive activities

    CCP imposes penalty of Rs75 million on flour mills association for anti-competitive activities

    ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has imposed a penalty of Rs75 million on Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) for providing a platform to share commercially sensitive information and fixing the quantities of production of wheat flour.

    The commission took the notice on reports suggesting unusual price hike of wheat flour or wheat atta across Pakistan and carried out raids on PFMA premises.

    “The enquiry in the matter concluded that PFMA is providing a platform to its members for settling of prices of wheat flour to avoid any form of competition which is in violation of the laws.”

    After hearing the parties, the CCP’s bench comprising of the Chairperson Ms. Vadiyya Khalil and Members Dr. Muhammad Saleem and Dr. Shahzad Ansar passed the order.

    The commission observed that under Article 38 of the Constitution the State is responsible to ensure the provisions of food and basic necessities at fair prices along with social and economic benefits to its citizens.

    Accordingly, Provincial Food Departments set a maximum cap of the wheat flour price under the Foodstuffs (Control) Act, 1958; as wheat is Pakistan’s dietary staple and used by consumers belonging to all socio-economic groups.

    The wheat flour currently contributes 72 percent of Pakistan’s daily caloric intake with per capita wheat consumption of around 124 kilograms per year, one of the highest in the world.

    The commission observed that having a maximum cap in the essential food item benefits the consumer to bargain for a lower price and prevents retailers from overcharging consumers. This also enables retailers to discount the product in order to increase their sale.

    “PFMA in complete derogation of the aforesaid objective, deliberately fixed the rates of wheat flour by conducting meetings and discussing the prices as well as the quantities to be produced and supplied by flour mills in violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act.”

    The CCP also observed that discussion, deliberation and decision regarding purely business concerns like current and future pricing, production and marketing are anti-competitive and should be avoided at all costs by the association.