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Category: National

  • 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.

  • 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.