Pkrevenue.com

Category: National

  • Pakistan allows Indian wheat, medicine to Afghanistan

    Pakistan allows Indian wheat, medicine to Afghanistan

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has granted approval for transportation of 50,000 metric tons of wheat and medicine from India to Afghanistan, citing the goodwill and exceptional humanitarian gesture.

    The transportation of wheat and life-saving medicine was allowed from India via the Wagah Border, a statement said on Wednesday.

    SBP relaxes conditions for Afghan Transit Trade

    “As a goodwill gesture towards the brotherly Afghan people, the government of Pakistan has decided to allow the transportation of 50,000 Metric Tonnes of wheat and life-saving medicines from India to Afghanistan via Wagah Border on an exceptional basis for humanitarian purposes,” the Foreign Office said.

    The FO said the decision of the government of Pakistan was formally conveyed to the Charge d’ Affaires of India, here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

    Pakistan allows Afghan transit trade through Wagah from July 15
  • Pakistan, China sign protocol for onion quarantine

    Pakistan, China sign protocol for onion quarantine

    ISLAMABAD: A protocol was signed on Tuesday between Pakistani and Chinese authorities for inspection and quarantine requirements for onion export from Pakistan to China.

    (more…)
  • SBP for close liaison to fight cyber-attacks, online frauds

    SBP for close liaison to fight cyber-attacks, online frauds

    KARACHI: Dr. Reza Baqir, governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Saturday held talks with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and banks to fight money laundering, cyber attacks, and online bank frauds.

    Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Reza Baqir, chaired a meeting today with Director General FIA Sanaullah Abbasi to strengthen and coordinate efforts of SBP, banks and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to fight money laundering, cyber-attacks and online frauds. The meeting was also attended by the Presidents of Banks and senior officers of FIA and SBP.

    Governor SBP emphasized the need for close cooperation amongst banks, SBP, and FIA so those white-collar crimes are expeditiously investigated and fraudsters are apprehended and prosecuted.

    SBP has taken several measures in the recent past to strengthen its work on Anti-money Laundering (AML) as well as taken regulatory and supervisory measures to improve banks’ controls to prevent digital and social engineering frauds.

    In addition to better controls at the level of Financial Institutions and enhanced customers awareness, effective investigation and prosecution of criminals is needed to substantially reduce incidences of money laundering, digital frauds and cyber-attacks.

    FIA team offered support in strengthening cyber security at banks and suggested banks carry out an Information Security (IS) audit of their systems. Welcoming the suggestion SBP informed that as per existing regulations banks are required to regularly carry out their information system audit and penetration testing, however, it would be reemphasized to the industry through PBA.

    The meeting identified key follow-up areas and associated timelines for strengthening cooperation between SBP, FIA, and banks in these areas.

    President Alvi orders two banks to pay victims of fraud
  • PM Imran directs facilitating Chinese industrialists

    PM Imran directs facilitating Chinese industrialists

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday directed the authorities to ensure all facilities on a priority basis to Chinese industrialists, who are ready to start operation in the country.

    In a meeting with Chinese businessmen, the prime minister said the country will support Chinese businesses in Pakistan on a priority basis and are grateful to them for their keen interest in accelerating their investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

    The Chinese business delegation led by Chen Yan from Challenge Fashion (Pvt) Ltd.

    During the meeting, the prime minister was told that Chinese businessmen are almost ready to start operations in the glass, ceramics and information technology sectors.

    The prime minister said that Pakistan and China were connected not only in the past or present but would remain united through their future generations too.

    “We appreciate the valuable relationship of the peoples of the two countries,” he added.

    It is worth mentioning that OPPO, one of the leading tech manufacturers in the world, is going to establish a local mobile manufacturing unit and a research and development centre in Pakistan.

    It would not only save a lot of foreign exchange reserves on the import of smartphones annually but would also create employment opportunities for our tech graduates.

    The meeting was also attended by Energy Minister Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, SAPM on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill, SAPM on CPEC Affairs Khalid Mansoor and Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong along with senior officers concerned.

    In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Nong Rong said that he was very happy as since the prime minister’s previous meeting with the Chinese businessmen on September 13, a lot of issues had been resolved and great progress had been achieved.

    He said that the Chinese entrepreneurs were encouraged and hoping great progress after this meeting.

    “We will send more positive information to China to encourage more Chinese businessmen to make decision to invest in Pakistan,” he commented.

    A Chinese entrepreneur representing OPPO, said that the company had already been present in Pakistan for more than seven years and had made around $150 million investment in the country.

    He said like other companies, for OPPO too, it was a very good environment in Pakistan to continue to invest there and the interaction with the prime minister helped the swift resolution of the issues.

    He thanked the prime minister for helping the Chinese businessmen by extending facilitation to them.

    “If anybody comes to me and ask should they invest in Pakistan, I will say yes,” he remarked.

    PM Imran launches automation of power of attorney
  • Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok

    Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has lifted the ban imposed on the services of TikTok, an online social platform, according to a statement issued on Friday.

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that it had restored the services of TikTok on the assurance of the platform to control immoral/indecent content.

    Subsequent to the imposition of the ban on July 20, 2021, the PTA remained in communications with the TikTok management.

    As a result of continuous engagement, senior management of the platform assured PTA of its commitment to take necessary measures to control unlawful content in accordance with local laws and societal norms.

    The company also assured that the users who are continuously involved in uploading unlawful content will be blocked from using the platform.

    Keeping in view the assurances, the authority has decided to lift the ban on TikTok forthwith.

    The PTA will continue to monitor the platform in order to ensure that unlawful content contrary to Pakistan’s law and societal values is not disseminated.

    TikTok blocked in Pakistan due to immoral content
  • SPI inflation of essential items climbs up by 18.34%

    SPI inflation of essential items climbs up by 18.34%

    KARACHI: The inflation based on Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) has increased by 18.34 per cent for the week ended November 18, 2021 over the same week a year ago, according to data issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) issued on Friday.

    The year on year trend depicts increase of 18.34 per cent, LPG (76.12 per cent), Electricity for Q1 (75.32 per cent), Vegetable Ghee 1 Kg (56.94 per cent), Cooking Oil 5 litre (56.28), Mustard Oil (55.42 per cent), Vegetable Ghee 2.5 Kg (52.94 per cent), Petrol (44.35 per cent), Diesel (40.21 per cent), Washing Soap (37.70 per cent) and Chilies Powdered (34.18 per cent).

    Major decrease in prices observed in Onions (38.61 per cent), Pulse Moong (28.80 per cent), Potatoes (26.55 per cent), Tomatoes (6.34 per cent) and Sugar (3.51 per cent).

    The SPI for the current week ended on November 18, 2021 recorded an increase of 1.07 per cent. Increase in the  prices of Chicken (8.26 per cent), Cooking Oil 5 litre (4.72 per cent), Bananas (4.18 per cent), Washing Soap (3.94 per cent), Vegetable Ghee 2.5 kg (3.15 per cent), Vegetable Ghee 1 kg (2.38 per cent), Rice Irri (1.76 per cent), Pulse Moong (1.62 per cent), Eggs (1.52 per cent), Fire Wood (1.24 per cent) and Tea Prepared (1.21 per cent), was observed with joint impact of (0.78 per cent) into the overall SPI for combined group of (1.07 per cent).

    On the other hand, decrease observed in the prices of Tomatoes (5.77 per cent), Sugar (4.25 per cent), Onions (2.14 per cent), Gur (1.48 per cent), Potatoes (1.36 per cent), Pulse Masoor (0.43 per cent), Garlic (0.13 per cent), Wheat Flour & LPG (0.08 per cent) each and Pulse Gram (0.02 per cent).

    During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 27 (52.94 per cent) items increased 10 (19.61 per cent) items decreased and 14 (27.45 per cent) items remained stable.

    Inflation of essential items rises by 17.37% YoY
  • TPL Properties, Bahria sign MoU for tourist beach resorts

    TPL Properties, Bahria sign MoU for tourist beach resorts

    KARACHI: TPL Properties (TPLP) and Bahria Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of tourist beach resorts.

    TPL Properties said it signed the MoU with Bahria Foundation, according to a communication received to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday.

    The company said that it had signed a MoU with Bahria Foundation, a trust established and existing under the Endowment Act, 1890 and engaged in industrial, commercial and development activities in Pakistan.

    As per the MoU, Bahria Foundation shall collaborate with TPLP to utilize the expertise of TPLP to design, develop, construct and market real estate, including potential tourist beach resorts.

    Bahria Town investors fear their life-time savings at stake
  • Pakistan, Iran barter trade to start in a month

    Pakistan, Iran barter trade to start in a month

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have reached an agreement and barter trade between the two countries will start in a month, a top official said on Thursday.

    This was stated by the Commerce Secretary before the Standing Committee on Commerce of the Senate.

    To the question of Senator Fida Mohammad, the Commerce Secretary apprised the Standing Committee on Commerce, which met here at Parliament House on Thursday under the Chairmanship of Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, that being on the grey list had not any negative concussion on Pakistan’s exports.

    Due to the lack of banking channels with Iran, there exist some issues in trading with Tehran. The barter trade issue with Iran has been resolved, he informed.

    An agreement has been reached with Iran regarding barter trade, he added further. He said that barter trade with Iran would start in a month.

    Commerce Adviser, Razzaq Dawood briefed the Committee on GSP Plus status( Generalised Scheme of Preferences). He noted that Pakistan’s exports to Europe have reached 9 billion dollars.

    The Commerce Adviser informed the committee that the European Union (EU) was assuaged with Pakistan’s implementation of the GSP Plus terms.

    Pakistan had kowtowed with most of the 27 conventions. He underlined that Pakistan had already addressed issues like eradication of Child Labour, Freedom of Speech, Rights of journalists, Rights of Women, and others as per assigned indicators.

    He asserted that the EU asked for expanding the range of exports to European markets but exports to the EU have not inflated as they should have because of weaknesses of our exporters.

    While responding to a question asked by the Chairman Committee, Abdul Razzaq Dawood remarked that under GSP Plus, 66 per cent of Pakistan’s tariff lines were on zero duties. EU exports increased by 47 per cent, he said, adding that trade with the EU is in Pakistan’s interest.

    For maximum participation of all members and inclusive discussion, the detailed deliberation on GSP plus status and briefing by the Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute (PCSI) were recessed for the next meeting.

    The Commerce Adviser also lauded the role of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce in passing the (Geographical Indications) GI Act.

    Apart from Senator Fida Mohammad, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, the commerce Adviser Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Secretary Commerce, Additional Secretary Commerce, and officials from Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute attended the meeting.

    Pakistan, Iran discuss promoting agriculture cooperation
  • PM Imran launches automation of power of attorney

    PM Imran launches automation of power of attorney

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday launched the automation of power of attorney for overseas Pakistanis at a ceremony held at Prime Minister House.

    The Prime Minister said that it was a historic day for overseas Pakistanis as the digitalization of Power of Attorney will facilitate around 75,000 overseas Pakistanis annually.

    While stressing the need for digitalization, he said that technology helps in the simplification of procedures and the government was taking all possible measures for digitalization of various sectors.

    The issuance of the Succession Certificate by NADRA was also a step in this direction. The Prime Minister added that Overseas Pakistanis were an asset to the country.

    They were the largest source of foreign remittances and their services must be recognized. The Prime Minister stressed that Overseas Pakistanis needed to be facilitated by all possible means.

    Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, and Chairman NADRA Muhammad Tariq Malik were also present.

    The Foreign Minister, in his remarks on the occasion, congratulated the teams of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as NADRA for making the project a success.

    He highlighted that this project involved extensive legislative and technological work and was completed in a very short span of time.

    Qureshi reiterated that the government attached utmost importance to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis under the guidance of the prime minister.

    He stated that the welfare of the Pakistani community was one of the major functions of our Missions abroad along with economic diplomacy.

    During the ceremony, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NADRA, under which NADRA will provide 24/7 uninterrupted online services for attestation of Power of Attorney.

    Automation of attestation of Power of Attorney has been a longstanding demand of the Overseas Pakistanis and will facilitate those who have to travel long distances from different cities and far-off places to the Missions.

    This automated system will reduce costs and minimize hassle by providing attestation services at the doorsteps.

    The automation of Power of Attorney has been initially launched as a pilot project in ten Pakistan Missions/Sub-Missions in the United States and the United Kingdom and will be replicated shortly at all Pakistan Missions Abroad.

  • Documentary on ‘Buddhist heritage of Pakistan’ launched

    Documentary on ‘Buddhist heritage of Pakistan’ launched

    ‘Gandhara’ is a documentary jointly produced by the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited with the support of and in coordination with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

    It takes the viewers on a visual journey along the Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites of Pakistan.

    The documentary will be launched on Tuesday at Temple Trees by His Excellency, Prime Mahinda Rajapaksa, in the presence of Venerable Buddhist monks, Cabinet and State Ministers, MPs, ambassadors of Buddhist countries, as well as business, tourism and media fraternity of Sri Lanka.

    One of the Tooth Relics of the Lord Buddha, discovered from the Gandhara region is preserved at Taxila Museum in Pakistan.

    It is the region where the Gandhara Buddhist civilization reached its pinnacle of glory from 1st century AD to the 7th century AD.

    The first anthropomorphic statue of Lord Buddha was created in the region now called Pakistan. Also known for one of the the world’s oldest Buddhist University, Thakshashila, Taxila in Pakistan is home to some of the most sacred Buddhist artifacts found during archeological excavations around the 12th century.

    A sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, gifted by the government of Sri Lanka to the government of Pakistan, also grows in the gardens of Taxila Museum.

    In order to present this heritage to the Buddhist world in general and Sri Lanka in particular, the idea of “Gandhara: The Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan” was conceived.

    Launched with the blessings of the Prime Minister and Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, His Excellency, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Imran Khan, this documentary will open up new avenues in religious tourism as well as strengthening cultural and people to people ties between the brotherly countries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

    With special permission from the Government of Pakistan, both local and foreign technicians including Director, Mateen Saherai & Production Controller Sajjad Mohommad (Gateway To Production, England) from England have contributed to this film.

    The film is based on a screenplay that explores the historical ruins and artifacts captured in a realistic way while also exploring background historical information.

    Ven. Agrahera Kassapa Thero is the Senior Adviser to the entire project. The concept and script has been prepared by the Project Consultant Director, Vidyajothi Prof. Nimal Silva. The film is co-produced by Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited, known for producing, marketing, distribution and exhibition of international films.

    The sound and movie editing is done by local artists. Ms. Kaushalya Wickramasinghe, the Chairperson of Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited mentioned that the film is expected to be screened in local cinemas as well as on local TV channels and abroad in collaboration with international organizations.

    Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tanvir Ahmed said that “Gandhara” was conceptualized with the aim of bringing the peoples of Sri Lanka and Pakistan together through their shared history and heritage.

    Venerable Dr Kirindey Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple while fondly recalling his visit to the Holy Buddhist Trail in Pakistan organized by the High Commission of Pakistan, gave his blessings for the success of the documentary and closer relations between the two countries.

    ‘Gandhara’ is a documentary jointly produced by the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited with the support of and in coordination with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

    It takes the viewers on a visual journey along the Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites of Pakistan.

    The documentary will be launched on Tuesday at Temple Trees by His Excellency, Prime Mahinda Rajapaksa, in the presence of Venerable Buddhist monks, Cabinet and State Ministers, MPs, ambassadors of Buddhist countries, as well as business, tourism and media fraternity of Sri Lanka.

    One of the Tooth Relics of the Lord Buddha, discovered from the Gandhara region is preserved at Taxila Museum in Pakistan.

    It is the region where the Gandhara Buddhist civilization reached its pinnacle of glory from 1st century AD to the 7th century AD.

    The first anthropomorphic statue of Lord Buddha was created in the region now called Pakistan. Also known for one of the the world’s oldest Buddhist University, Thakshashila, Taxila in Pakistan is home to some of the most sacred Buddhist artifacts found during archeological excavations around the 12th century.

    A sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, gifted by the government of Sri Lanka to the government of Pakistan, also grows in the gardens of Taxila Museum.

    In order to present this heritage to the Buddhist world in general and Sri Lanka in particular, the idea of “Gandhara: The Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan” was conceived.

    Launched with the blessings of the Prime Minister and Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, His Excellency, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Imran Khan, this documentary will open up new avenues in religious tourism as well as strengthening cultural and people to people ties between the brotherly countries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

    With special permission from the Government of Pakistan, both local and foreign technicians including Director, Mateen Saherai & Production Controller Sajjad Mohommad (Gateway To Production, England) from England have contributed to this film.

    The film is based on a screenplay that explores the historical ruins and artifacts captured in a realistic way while also exploring background historical information.

    Ven. Agrahera Kassapa Thero is the Senior Adviser to the entire project. The concept and script has been prepared by the Project Consultant Director, Vidyajothi Prof. Nimal Silva. The film is co-produced by Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited, known for producing, marketing, distribution and exhibition of international films.

    The sound and movie editing is done by local artists. Ms. Kaushalya Wickramasinghe, the Chairperson of Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited mentioned that the film is expected to be screened in local cinemas as well as on local TV channels and abroad in collaboration with international organizations.

    Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tanvir Ahmed said that “Gandhara” was conceptualized with the aim of bringing the peoples of Sri Lanka and Pakistan together through their shared history and heritage.

    Venerable Dr Kirindey Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple while fondly recalling his visit to the Holy Buddhist Trail in Pakistan organized by the High Commission of Pakistan, gave his blessings for the success of the documentary and closer relations between the two countries.