Category: National

Amnesty granted to government employees concealing service in passports

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved an amnesty for government employees, who concealed their government service in their passports.

Directorate General, Immigration & Passport (Headquarters) vide its letter No. 15/01/2019-Policy (Vol-III), dated 11-03-2019 has informed that Federal Cabinet vide Cabinet Division’s letter No. 096/CM/2019-D dated February 22, 2019 has approved proposed amnesty for Government Officers/Officials who obtained passports in private capacity being government employee in concealment of government service, as under:-

i. The government officers/officials, who obtained passport in concealment of profession, are advised to approach Passport Offices concerned, alongwith NOC and recommendations of their respective departments to get their passport data rectified and fresh passport issued, modifying profession as Government Service, within three months of issuance of this letter.

ii. The Government Officers/Officials who obtained passport before joining the Government service are advised to correct their data by applying a fresh passport and producing NOC from their parent departments, within three months of issuance of this letter.

iii. In addition to the prescribed passport fee, additional processing charges of Rs5000/- will be levied on defaulting Officers/Officials who obtained passports in private capacity being government servants.

iv. On expiry of given date/period of three months, the passports of defaulting officers/officials will be cancelled/blocked and legal action under the relevant Section of Passport Act 1974 shall be initiated against them by the departments concerned through FIA under intimation to this Directorate General.

March 19, 2019
If FBR not fixed, new tax authority will be created: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that reforming Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is priority of the government.

If the FBR fails to deliver then we will replace with a new tax authority, he said while addressing at the 11th All Pakistan Chambers President Conference.

He said that the reforms in the taxation system was need of the hour because without it the government would not able to meet its developmental expenditures.

The prime minister informed the business community that he was regularly discussing with Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood and Finance Minister Asad Umar on ways to boost revenue generation and making the FBR a business-friendly organization.

“But I should also tell you this: if we realise that the FBR cannot be fixed, we will create a new FBR,” he said.
Imran Khan said that the economy was facing challenging conditions and revenue generation was a must.

He also urged the nation to come into the tax net, adding that in return he would guarantee that their tax would not be misspent.

He assured the nation that each and every penny of Pakistanis’ tax collection will be spent with great caution, he said.
He said that the government will end all unnecessary expenses. He urged the business community to pursue people that it is impossible for any country to succeed without paying their taxes.

The prime minister said that it was shocking that only 72,000 taxpayers were declaring Rs200,000 or more monthly income out of 210 million people in Pakistan.

The prime minister assured the business community that his government will do all he can to facilitate them, indicating that “some more incentives are coming your way in the upcoming days”.

March 7, 2019
SBP directs for opening bank branches on Saturday to receive Hajj applications

KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday directed commercial banks to open branches on March 09 (Saturday) for collection of Hajj forms.

The SBP said that Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony, Government of Pakistan has extended the date for collection of Hajj applications by designated banks from March 7, 2019 to March 9, 2019.

Accordingly, the central bank directed banks including National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank, Allied Bank, Bank of Punjab, Bank Alfalah, Zarai Taraqiati Bank, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank, Bank Al-Habib, Habib

Metropolitan Bank, Meezan Bank, and Dubai Islamic Bank to open their designated branches on 9th March, 2019 (Saturday) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the purpose of collecting Hajj applications along with dues from the intending pilgrims of Hajj 2019.

March 7, 2019
SFA finds unhygienic, expired food items in Karachi

KARACHI: Sindh Food Authority (SFA) on Wednesday raided several shops of sweets and bakers and found unhygienic environment and expired food items.

The raids were undertaken in central district of Karachi. The authority inspected sweet shops, bakeries and marts at Block ‘M’ and ‘L’ of North Nazimabad.

The authority sealed three bakeries and sweet shops in North Nazimabad. Further a fine of Rs120,000 was imposed.
The SFA found deteriorated and unhygienic condition at a famous bakery. They found chemical at the bakery, which was strictly prohibited for human consumption. Further, they found insecticides and chemicals at the bakery.

Another nimco shop was raided and found deteriorated hygienic conditions.
The authority raided at a mart where they found expired ketchup, cold drinks, packed milk, pickles, sauces, tea etc.

The SFA imposed a fine of Rs10,000 on a famous pakwan centre in North Nazimabad. They found expired and prohibited edible oil in use at the centre.

The SFA warned shops to comply with standards within 15 days otherwise harsh action would be taken.

March 6, 2019
PM approves 20pc trade officers’ quota for overseas Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved quota of 20 percent for appointing overseas Pakistanis to the post of trade officers in Pakistan’s missions abroad.

The decision was taken during a meeting regarding reforms in posting of Trade Officers Abroad, a statement said on Tuesday.

It may be recalled that the prime minister had directed the ministry of commerce to revamp the entire system of postings of trade officers who are posted abroad to promote trade and commercial interests of the country.

The new policy approved by the prime minister focuses on transparent and merit-based selection of the trade officers, market diversification, involvement of Pakistani diaspora, rationalizing the expenditure, broad-based monitoring and performance evaluation and automation of the processes.

To effectively promote commercial interests of the country especially in the emerging markets and various regions across the globe, trade clusters have been focused in the new policy to ensure optimum utilization and maximum outreach of the trade officers.

The prime minister was informed that in order to ensure broad-based and real-time monitoring of the performance of the trade officers, the entire evaluation process has been made IT-based.

Secretary Commerce Mohammad Younus Dagha also briefed the prime minister about National Trade Data Analytics System which is being developed by the ministry.

The National Trade Data Analytics System with its comprehensive database of trade statistics, exporters/importers directory, product database and trade lead insight will help in better evaluation and promotion of trade interests of the country.

March 5, 2019
Rise in rate by 20pc benefits 388,684 pensioners

KARACHI: The recent increase of 20 percent is benefiting about 388,684 pensioners of Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI), said a statement on Monday.

The present government has honored its commitment of EOBI pension. Therefore, EOB Pension rate is now increased by 20 percent effective from September, 2018.

The total increase of Rs5 billion is shared by EOBI and the government which has paid its share of Rs2.4 billion to EOBI.
A total of 388,684 pensioners are benefited from this increase. The minimum pension now stands at Rs6,500/- whereas maximum pension is now Rs13,416 per month.

In order to keep the institution financially viable and to sustain the increase in EOBI pension rates the EOBI has requested to Employers Community to fulfill their legal and moral obligations for the coverage of their employees to pay EOBI contribution under current minimum wage of Rs.15,000/- i.e. an employer share of Rs.750/- per employee per month and an employee share of Rs.150/- per month.

The higher wages would result in higher Pension for registered employees.

As part of its responsibility in ease of Doing Business sprint-IV, EOBI with the co-operation of Board of Investment (BoI), Statement Bank of Pakistan and SECP has taken the initiative of On-line payment facility for its Contributors. Regd. Employers can generate payment vouchers and pay EOB Contribution by using internet banking from their offices without visiting bank branches.

For the facilitation of EOBI pensioners, EOBI has introduced Pension payments through ATMs since October 2016, Pensioners can draw their Pensions from any ATM without incurring “switch fee”. To ensure genuine payments, Pensioners are required to provide bi-annual proof of life through biometric verification.

EOBI is a pioneer Institution of the country which provides Pension through ATM Card.

March 5, 2019
SFA seals many breakfast eateries in Karachi

KARACHI: Sindh Food Authority (SFA)has sealed many breakfast eateries in different districts of Karachi on Sunday.
Director Operations, Sindh Food Authority Abrar and Deputy Director Imtiaz Abro along with his team inspected various big eateries.

Names are as under:

1) Master broast
2) Baithak peshawari
3) Dera
4) Handi Inn
5) New Dil pasand

The team found extreme unhygienic and poor condition of production and storage area. Besides high contamination of dairy products also found in products including meat, salads, pees, sweets, vegetables.

It is detected that temperature controlling devices were not installed and sanitary conditions were not satisfactory.
Further following issues were also found:

— No tracebility records were shown
— No pests management records were shown
— No medical certificates of food handlers
— open kitchen
— MSG(banned by supreme court) was found
— unknown food colours/essence were found
— Mislabelling

The authority imposed fine of Rs400,000 in total and sealed eateries temporary, including Master Broast, Dera and Baithak.

In district east, inspection was done at following breakfast eateries in Bahadurabad:
1) Tooso 2) Nashta point 3) Abbas hotel 4) Akram lassi
In Gulshan e Iqbal
1) Continental sweets & bakers 2) Asia pakwan

The issues were found at these eateries, included:
— Extremely poor hygiene.
— Sop’s were not followed.
— Cross contamination in food.
— Rancid oil.
— no medical certificates of food handlers
— incomplete traceability records

The authorities imposed fine of Rs210,000
The Sindh Food Authority has take action in District Central:

Inspection done at following breakfast eateries
1) Nasir Sweets, Dhamtal, United king, Dilpasand, Kamran Sweets, Madina Sweets, Chai Session and Mazaidar Pakwan Center.
The issues were found as:
— Extremely poor hygiene.
— SOP’s were not followed.
— Cross contamination in food.
— no medical certificates

Imposed fine of Rs40,000 in total and sealed Madina Sweets.

Total fine imposed in different districts of Karachi is Rs650,000. The authority has give 7 days of time period is given to these eateries for improvement and chalaan payment.

March 3, 2019
Petrol price increased to Rs92.88 per liter

ISLAMABAD: The government has increased the prices of petroleum products for the month of March 2019. The price of petrol has been increased to Rs92.88 per liter.

A statement on Thursday said that the government decided to change prices of petroleum products for the month of March 2019 as follows:

Ms 92 RON Petrol has been increased by Rs2.50 from Rs90.38 to Rs92.88.

The price of High Speed Diesel (HSD) has been increased by Rs4.75 from Rs106.68 to Rs111.43 4.75.

The price of Kerosene Oil (SKO) has been increased by Rs4 from Rs82.31 to Rs86.31

The price of Light Diesel Oil (LDO) has been increased by Rs2.50 from Rs75.03 to Rs77.53.

It may be added that based on international oil prices, increase of Rs. 4.71, Rs 9.44, Rs 8.06 and Rs 5.12 per litre in the price of MS (Petrol), HSD, Kerosene Oil and LDO respectively was worked out but the government decided not to pass on the full impact of price increase to the consumers and approved a reduced level of increase as indicated in the table above.

The new prices shall be applicable from 1st to 31st March 2019.

February 28, 2019
Power theft cases: 20,712 FIRs lodged; 1,909 arrested

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) has been informed that around 20,712 FIRs were registered and 1909 arrests were made in electricity theft cases.

Finance Minister Asad Umar chaired the meeting of CCoE on Wednesday.

The Power Division gave the meeting performance update on efficiency improvement and control of theft.

Regarding control of theft, CCoE was apprised that during the period from October 13, 2018 to February 22, 2019 as many as 20,712 FIRs were registered and 1909 arrests were made.

Detection bills charged amounted to Rs. 1,278.305 million while the amount of detection recovered was Rs 537.120 million.

The CCoE appreciated the Power Division’s effective drive for recoveries and theft control. The meeting also noted the progress shared by the Power Division on proposed plan/measures to bring down power sector losses.

The meeting was informed that total collection from November 2017 to January 2018 stood at Rs 203,953 million which rose to Rs. 243,642 million in the same period in FY 2018-19, showing net increase of Rs 39,689 million.

Improved recovery from consumers and decrease in losses significantly contributed to the enhanced collection, the meeting was informed.

The committee approved proposals from Power Division providing for all future Renewable Energy investments to be treated in line with the RE Policy 2019 that envisages a framework consistent with the current international market norms and greater consumer benefits.

The Power Division informed that draft RE Policy 2019 was currently in circulation for comments by stakeholders and would be presented to the CCoE as soon as such comments were finalized.

All those projects which have been granted LoS by AEDB, shall be permitted to proceed towards the achievement of their requisite milestones as per the RE Policy 2006.

However in those cases where more than a year has elapsed since determination of tariff by NEPRA, their tariff would have to be reviewed by NEPRA as per policy.

Petroleum Division apprised the CCoE about findings of the committee probing into the matter of inflated gas bills. It was also informed that report of audit being conducted in this matter will also be shared with the CCoE.

February 28, 2019
Pakistan to strongly respond Indian aggression, NSC decides

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday decided to strongly respond to Indian aggression, which violated the airspace.

In this regard a special meeting of the National Security Committee was held. The committee strongly rejected Indian claim of targeting an alleged terrorist camp near Balakot and said India has committed an “uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing.”

The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan here at the PM office, was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, COAS, CNS, CAS and other civil and military officials.

The Prime Minister also summoned a special meeting of the National Command Authority on Wednesday – February 27.

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed that elements of national power including the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan to remain prepared for all eventualities.

The meeting “strongly rejected Indian claim of targeting an alleged terrorist camp near Balakot and the claim of heavy casualties,” a statement from the PM House said.

“Once again Indian government has resorted to a self-serving, reckless and fictitious claim. This action has been done for domestic consumption, being in election environment, putting regional peace and stability at grave risk.”

The security forum said India has committed uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing.

The National Security Committee said the claimed area of strike was open for the world to see the facts on ground and agreed that the domestic and international media be taken to the impact site. The government also decided to requisition the joint session of Parliament to take all parties on board.

He also decided to engage with the global leadership to expose irresponsible Indian policy in the region.

The Prime Minister appreciated the timely and effective response of the Pakistan Air Force to repulse Indian attempt without any loss of life or property.

February 26, 2019