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  • Hajj, Umrah: Saudi Arabia advises biometric confirmation locally

    Hajj, Umrah: Saudi Arabia advises biometric confirmation locally

    KARACHI: The ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has issued instructions for pilgrims in countries with Biometric enrollment centres for Hajj & Umrah must consider completing the mandatory biometric registration locally after obtaining Hajj or Umrah visa.

    The ministry said that registering biometric information before arriving at the entry ports of the Kingdom is recommended to save waiting time at the airports and to facilitate a smooth entrance to KSA.

    Reportedly, hundreds of visitors to the country were rejected recently an entry and sent back from the airport due to not following the correct visa procedures.

    To avoid such unfortunate incidents, pilgrims must apply the right category of visa through the travel agents registered with the country’s Hajj and Umrah Committees.

    It is important to note that the newly introduced tourist e-visa cannot be used to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj or Umrah. It only allows tourist to attend concerts and sporting events happening in the Kingdom.

    Without the right visa and documentations, pilgrims will encounter fines and/or deportation to the home country.

    Saudi officials said that is mandatory to provide biometric information to enter Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Pilgrims face a risk of deportation if proper visa procedures are not followed. Once entire visa formality is completed including enrollment of biometric information, pilgrims can travel with a peace of mind fully focusing on the holy journey ahead of them.

    It takes about 10 minutes to register biometrics at the local visa service center with a pre-booked appointment, whereas the time spent at the airport upon arrival may be longer depending on the long queues at the airports.

    Once the biometric collection is completed in the country of origin, pilgrims will only be required to clear customs and have their passports stamped at the immigration upon entering Saudi Arabia.

    Biometrics in the country of origin are only collected by the visa service center authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using a secure and quick process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.

    Biometric enrollment can be completed locally before travelling, or upon arrival at the King Abdulaziz International Airport or at the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

  • Prime Minister inaugurates 24X7 Torkham Terminal to boost Pak-Afghan trade

    Prime Minister inaugurates 24X7 Torkham Terminal to boost Pak-Afghan trade

    PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday inaugurated 24X7 crossing terminal at historic Torkham border which will help bolster bilateral trade Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    The prime minister cut the ribbon to formally inaugurate the Integrated Transit Trade Management System at Torkham border, completed at a cost costing Rs16 billion that would ease immigration facilities besides bolstering trade activities.

    The prime minister came all the way from Islamabad to Torkham border, located in Khyber Tribal district, reflecting his deep commitment to further improve trade ties and strength bilateral relations with brotherly country of Afghanistan.

    The prime minister was received by Governor Khyber Patkhunkhwa Shah Farman, Chief Minister Mahmooad Khan and other senior officials of the KP Government at the helipad.

    Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi, PM adviser on Establishment Arbab Shahzad also accompanied the Prime Minister.

    The opening of crossing terminal for provision of 24-hour service is a landmark decision of PTI-led Government that would immensely help accelerate pace of economic, industrial and agriculture development besides taking bilateral trade between the two countries to a new height.

    It would create enormous employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people, skilled labour and bring boom in transport sector, especially in Khyber Pakthunkhwa and erstwhile FATA.

    The landmark decision would make positive impact on industries, small and medium entrepreneurship (SMEs), investment and enhance imports and exports between the two countries for their mutual benefits.

  • Access to information made free for citizens

    Access to information made free for citizens

    In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and facilitating citizens’ access to information, the federal government has declared the first 10 pages of requested information under the Access to Information Act, 2017 to be provided free of cost.

    (more…)
  • Two highest taxpayers amongst 116 to be conferred with Pakistan Civil Awards on Independence Day

    Two highest taxpayers amongst 116 to be conferred with Pakistan Civil Awards on Independence Day

    ISLAMABAD: Two highest taxpayers are amongst those who will be awarded with ‘Pakistan Civil Awards’ on the occasion of Independence Day on August 14, 2019.

    A statement on Tuesday said that on the occasion of Independence Day, 14th August, 2019, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been pleased to confer the following ‘Pakistan Civil Awards’ on citizen of Pakistan as well as foreign nationals for showing excellence and courage in their respective fields.

    The investiture ceremony of these awards will take place on Pakistan Day, 23rd March, 2020, says a press release issued here by Cabinet Secretariat, Cabinet Division.

    I. HILAL-I-PAKISTAN

    1. Mr. Song Tao (China) Services to Pakistan

    2. Mr. Zhong Shan (China) Services to Pakistan

    3. H.E. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE) Services to Pakistan

    4. Sheila Jackson Lee (USA) Services to Pakistan

    II. HILAL-I-SHUJA’AT

    5. Dr. Abdul Qudous Saikh Shaheed (Sindh) Gallantry

    III. HILAL-I-IMTIAZ

    6. Ms. Zhao Baige (China) Services to Pakistan

    7. Mr. Khaliq Dad Khan (Punjab) Electronics

    8. Maj.(R) Azam Suleman Khan (Punjab) Public Service/National Security

    9. Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali (Punjab) Public Service

    IV. HILAL-I-QUAID-I-AZAM

    10. Senator Lindsey Graham (USA) Services to Pakistan

    V. SITARA-I-PAKISTAN

    11. Baroness Syeeda Hussain Warsi (UK) Services to Pakistan

    12. Ms. Geng Ying (China) Services to Pakistan

    13. H.E. Mr. Bakhtibek Shabarbayev (Kazakhstan) Services to Pakistan

    VI. SITARA-I-SHUJA’AT

    14. Malik Khadin Shaheed (South Waziristan) Gallantry

    15. Malik Fazal Ur Rehman Shaheed (South Waziristan) Gallantry

    16. Malik Gul Shamad Khan alias Matorkey Shaheed (North Waziristan) Gallantry

    17. Mian Shah Jehan Shaheed (KP) Gallantry

    18. Malik Muhammad Ayaz Shaheed (Bajaur Agency) Gallantry

    19. Dr. Mazhar Ul Haq Kakakhel (KP) Gallantry

    VII. SITARA-I-IMTIAZ

    20. Dr. Shahzad Nasim (Singapore) Services to Pakistan

    21. Dr. Zaid Ahmed Al-Muhaisen (Jordan) Services to Pakistan

    22. Prof. Javed Iqbal (Punjab) Services to Pakistan

    23. Dr. Asif Mahmood (USA) Services to Pakistan

    24. Mr. Najeeb Ullah Ghauri (USA) Services to Pakistan

    25. Dr. Pavel Bem (Czesh Repbulic) Services to Pakistan

    26. Dr. Selamic Kilic (Turkey) Services to Pakistan

    27. Dr. Berislav Gaso (Crotia) Services to Pakistan

    28. Mr. Zia Aftab (Punjab) Engineering(Electronics)

    29. Mr. Safdar Moavia (Punjab) Engineering(Mechanical)

    30. Mr. Rehan Majid (Sindh) Engineering(Mechanical/ Aerospace)

    31. Dr. Rizwan Hussain (Punjab) Science (Chemistry)

    32. Mr. Abdul Qayyum (Punjab) Engineering(Mechanical)

    33. Mr. Muhammad Ilyas (Punjab) Engineering(Mining)

    34. Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti (Punjab) Science (Physics, Nano-Science & Nanotechnology)

    35. Prof. Dr. Ayub Sabir (KP) Education

    36. Dr. Kamran Vasfy Academic Distinction (Medicine/Destist)

    37. Mr. Asrar Ahmad (Ibne Safi) (late) (Sindh) Literature

    38. Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (Sindh) Public Service

    39. Allam Razi Jafar Haqvi (Sindh) Public Service

    40. Mr. Muhammad Javed Afridi (KP) Public Service

    41. Mr. Ahmedullah Public Service (Highest Tax Payer)

    42. Mr. Rehan Hassan Public Service (Highest Tax Payer)

    43. Justice (R) Nasira Iqbal Public Service

    VIII. PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR PRIDE OF PERFORMANCE

    44. Syed Farman Hussain (KP) Science(Chemistry)

    45. Mr. Muhammad Haroon (KP) Engineering(Mining)

    46. Mr. Muhammad Farooq (Punjab) Science(Physics)

    47. Dr. Liaqat Ali (Punjab) Engineering(Nuclear)

    48. Dr. Shabana Waseem (Punjab) Science(Chemistry)

    49. Mr. Nisar Hussain Chughtai (Punjab) Engineering (Chemical)

    50. Dr. Muhammad Hammad Asghar (Punjab) Science (Physics)

    51. Mr. Jawaid Ahmad Siddiqui (Sindh) Engineering (Electronics)

    52. Mirza Rizwan Baig (Punjab) Science (Physics)

    53. Dr. Sara Qaiser (Punjab) Science(Chemistry)

    54. Mr. Javed Ahmed (Punjab) Engineering (Mechnical)

    55. Mr. Tahir Mahmood Hayat (Punjab) Engineering (Civil)

    56. Ms. Naseem Akhtar of Gujrat (Punjab) Arts(Embroidered complete Qura’an)

    57. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Qureshi (Sindh) Arts(Music)

    58. Mr. Fazal Abbas Jutt (Punjab) Arts(Singing)

    59. Mr. Ghulam Abbas (Punjab) Arts(Music)

    60. Mr. Waris Baig (Punjab) Arts(Singing)

    61. Saien Zahoor Ahmed (Punjab) Arts(Singing)

    62. Ms. Raheela Khanam alias Deeba Khanum (Punjab) Arts(Acting)

    63. Dr. Musarrat Hassan (Punjab) Arts(Painting)

    64. Ustad Khursheed Hussain (Sindh) Arts(Tabla Nawaz)

    65. Ustad Abu Muhammad Qawal (Sindh) Arts(Qawwali)

    66. Mr. Ghulam Mohiuddin (Punjab) Arts(Acting)

    67. Mr. Sahir Ali Bagga Arts(Singing)

    68. Mr. Hassan Sadpara (late) (Gilgit Baltistan) Sports(Mountaineer)

    69. Master Ayub Public Service

    IX. SITARA-I-QUAID-I-AZAM

    70. Ms. Lee Rhiannon (Australia) Services to Pakistan

    71. Mr. Karin Zoeter (Belgium) Services to Pakistan

    72. Ms. Yasmin Qureshi (UK) Services to Pakistan

    73. Mr. Rehman Chishti ((UK) Services to Pakistan

    74. Mr. Ali Sahin (Turkey) Services to Pakistan

    75. Mr. Muhammad Balta (Turkey) Services to Pakistan

    76. Lord Qurban Hussain (UK) Services to Pakistan

    77. Mr. Abdulla Saeed Al-Ghfeli (UAE) Services to Pakistan

    X. TAMGHA-I-SHUJA’AT

    78. Mr. Shah Gul Hayat (Gilgit Baltistan) Gallantry

    79. Mr. Muhammad Zakriya (Gilgit Baltistan) Gallantry

    80. Mr. Muhammad Asif Bhatti (Punjab) Gallantry

    81. Mr. Zahid Ullah (Punjab) Gallantry

    82. Mr. Muhammad Naveed Akhtar (Punjab) Gallantry

    83. Mr. Amjad Hussain (Punjab) Gallantry

    84. Rana Tariq Mahmood Chohan (Punjab) Gallantry

    85. Mr. Salah Ahmed (Balochistan) Gallantry

    86. Mr. Ahmed Raza (Punjab) Gallantry

    87. Mr. Saqib Hassan (Sindh) Gallantry

    88. Mr. Muhammad Tahir (KP) Gallantry

    XI. TAMGHA-I-IMTIAZ

    89. Mr. Khalid Mehboob (Punjab) Services to Pakistan

    90. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Sayed (Egypt) Services to Pakistan

    91. Dr. Faeza Imtiaz (Punjab) Science (Chemistry)

    92. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Zafar (Punjab) Science(Metallurgy/ Material)

    93. Mr. Mohsin Ali (KP) Engineering (Mechanical)

    94. Mr. Sajid Mahmood (Islamabad) Science(Metallurgy/ Material)

    95. Mr. Muhammad Farooq Mirza (Punjab) Engineering (Mechanical)

    96. Lt. Col. (R) Syed Taqi Ahmed (Punjab) Engineering (Electronics)

    97. Dr. Shahnaz Perveen (Sindh) Science(Chemistry)

    98. Mr. Yousaf Saleem Academic Distinction (Differently abled)

    99. Mr. Rizwan Beg Arts(Fashion Designer)

    100. Mr. Naeem Pasha (KP) Arts(Architect/Painting)

    101. Mr. Faqeero (Sindh) Arts(Sculpture)

    102. Ms. Kaeiser Beg (Punjab) Arts(Mosaics Work)

    103. Syed Zabeeb Masood Shah (Punjab) Arts(Na’at Khawani)

    104. Ms. Sanam Marvi (Sindh) Arts(Music)

    105. Ms. Fehmeda Riaz (late) Literature(Poetry)

    106. Malik Fida-ur-Rehman (Punjab) Journalism

    107. Mr. Muhammad Usman (late) Public Service

    108. Ms. Fariha Razak (late) (Sindh) Public Service

    109. Ms. Sabeen Shah (Sindh) Public Service

    110. Mr. Khalid Mahmood (Punjab) Public Service

    111. Mr. Ijaz Ahmad (Punjab) Public Service

    112. Prof. Dr. Syed Muhammad Tariq Rafi (Balochistan) Public Service (Education)

    113. Mr. Muhammad Akhtar Chaudhry (AJK) Public Service

    114. Dr. M. Salah-ud-Din Mengal (Balochistan) Social Services

    115. Mr. Kamran Lashari Public Service

    XII. TAMGHA-I-KHIDMAT

    116. Dr. Marian Jane Morrison (UK) Services to Pakistan

  • Eid-ul-Azha Mubarak

    Eid-ul-Azha Mubarak

    PkRevenue.com wishes Happy Eid-ul-Azha Mubarak to all valuable readers.

  • Pakistan cuts trade ties with India; notifications issued

    Pakistan cuts trade ties with India; notifications issued

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has completely cut trade ties with India as the ministry of commerce issued notification for banning import and exports with the neighboring country.

    The ministry of commerce on Friday issued SRO 927(I)/2019 and SRO 928(I)/2019 to impose ban on trade with India.

    Through SRO 927 (I)/2019, the ministry of commerce amended Import Policy Order, 2016 and included India in the list of countries having not trade links. Earlier, only one country i.e. Israel was on the list.

    With the amendment the goods of Indian or Israeli origin or imported from India or Israel are prohibited.

    Similarly, through SRO 928(I)2019, the ministry of commerce also restricted exports to India.

    The ban has been imposed on trade with India following decision taken at the National Security Committee (NSC) against atrocities of India on Kashmiri people.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday chaired meeting of the National Security Committee at Prime Minister’s Office.

    The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Interior Minister, Minister for Education, Minister for Human Rights, Minister for KA&GB, Law Minister, Adviser Finance, CJCSC, COAS, CAS, CNS, SAPM on Information, DG-ISI, DG-ISPR, Secretary Foreign Affairs and other senior officers.

    The Committee discussed situation arising out of unilateral and illegal actions by the Indian government, situation inside Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and along LOC.

    The Committee decided to take following actions:- 1. Downgrading of diplomatic relations with India. 2. Suspension of bilateral trade with India. 3. Review of bilateral arrangements. 4. Matter to be taken to the United Nations, including the Security Council. 5. Independence Day this 14 August to be observed in solidarity with brave Kashmiris and their just struggle for their right of self-determination. 15th August will be observed as Black Day.

    PM directed that all diplomatic channels be activated to expose brutal Indian racist regime, design and human rights violations. PM directed Armed Forces to continue vigilance.

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  • Imran Khan invites investors to benefit from Pakistan’s business opportunities

    Imran Khan invites investors to benefit from Pakistan’s business opportunities

    KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan has invited overseas businessmen and investors to benefit from the economic and business opportunities afforded by Pakistan’s strategic location and the connectivity to the broader region.

    He was talking to a group of prospective investors that led by Javaid Anwar, a leading Pakistani-American businessman, called on the prime minister at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC, reported by Radio Pakistan on Sunday.

    The investors appreciated improved security environment in Pakistan and identified areas of interest with regard to investment in key sectors including energy and tourism

    Javed Anwar is an effective member of Democratic party and also played a leading role in formation of Pakistan Congress Foundation caucus.

    Former Pakistan Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram and renowned businessman Shahal Khan also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Washington on Sunday.

    They discussed issues relating to trade and investment in Pakistan.

    The meeting was also attended by federal ministers Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Syed Ali Haider Zaidi. Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and Advisor on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh were also present, along with Sayed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari.

    Meanwhile, Texas based leading Pakistani businessman and high ranking influential member of the democratic party Tahir Javed also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at Embassy of Pakistan in Washington.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan is on three-day (July 21-23) visit to the United State. He will hold dialogues with US President Donald Trump on July 22, 2019.

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    Imran Khan begins three-day US visit

  • Imran Khan begins three-day US visit

    Imran Khan begins three-day US visit

    Prime Minister Imran Khan departed for his official visit to the United States on the morning of July 21, 2025, embarking on a three-day trip that will last until July 23. Traveling on a commercial flight, Imran Khan’s visit aims to strengthen the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the US, with key engagements in Washington.

    (more…)
  • ECC bans export of wheat to control domestic prices

    ECC bans export of wheat to control domestic prices

    ISLAMABAD: Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) on Wednesday decided to impose ban on export of wheat and related products in order to control prices in the local market.

    Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, chaired the meeting of the ECC.

    A report on the wheat situation in the country was presented in the ECC by Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

    It was briefed during the meeting that adequate stocks of wheat are available in the country to cater for the needs of the population.

    It was also highlighted that the procured quantity of wheat during this year is 33% less than the procured quantities of wheat during the corresponding periods of last year.

    “The recent hike in prices of wheat and wheat flour is also a point of concern. The ECC decided to impose a ban on export of wheat/wheat flour and also asked that a meeting of National Price Monitoring Committee may be convened to suggest measures to control the price hike trend of ‘Roti’ and other wheat products in the local market with the cooperation of the provincial governments,” said a statement.

    The ECC also approved National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) to fix the Dealer Transfer Price (DTP) of 50 kg imported Urea Bag at Rs.1800 which is Rs.166 less than the prevailing average market price of Sona Urea i.e. Rs.1966 per 50 kg bag.

    The difference in Urea import price and approved dealer transfer price for NFML dealers has been estimated at Rs.937.92 million; NFML has also been directed to ensure enforcement of this price through coordination with provincial governments.

    The ECC allowed PIA Corporation Limited to make a re-appropriation in its already approved budget of Rs.24 billion for the upgradation of in-flight entertainment (IFE) system of its fleet for 8 Boeing-777 aircrafts. The project will cost Rs.700 million.

    It was also briefed during the meeting that the measures will improve the occupancy of the airline to 80 per cent from the current level of 70 per cent.

    The ECC endorsed the decision of the Governing Council of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics to change the base of price statistics from 2007-08 to 2015-16.

    The new base 2015-16 of price statistics has the following features:

    Inclusion of rural market.

    Introduction of population weight based on recent Population Censes 2017.

    Computation of indices based on Weighted Geometric Mean.

    Introduction of consumption quintiles instead of income quintiles.

    Introduction of consumer weighted approach to compute gas prices for combined income group.

    Introduction of GST, other taxes Fuel Price Adjustment to compute electricity tariffs using consumer weighted approach.

    It was also decided that for the purpose of comparative analysis, the old series of 2007-08 will continue to be published for another year along with the new series of 2015-16.

    On the summary moved by Ministry of Commerce and Textile, it was decided that the scrap slag, ash and residues containing metals, arsenic or their compounds (containing mainly Aluminum under PCT 2620.4000) may be moved from Appendix-A (Banned Items) to Appendix-B (Restricted Items) of the Import Policy Order, 2016.

    However, in order to forestall the chances of import of hazardous waste, the import may be subject to the following conditions:

    (i) Importable only by industrial consumer having recycling facilities, subject to NOC from Ministry of Climate Change and duly certified by provincial Environmental Protection Agency (Federal EPA, in case of Islamabad Capital Territory).

    (ii) Provision of a pre-shipment Inspection Certificate and consent of Focal Point of Basel Convention from the country of export to the effect that the waste/scrap is non-hazardous as defined in the Basel Convention.

    (iii) The imported consignments of the registered recycling plants shall be cleared from seaport only.

    The ECC also considered and approved the notification of Minimum Indicative Prices (MIP) of tobacco for year 2019-20.

    As per section 8 of the Pakistan Tobacco Board Ordinance 1968, the MIP for different grades of various types of tobacco are to be notified by the Federal Government.

    The following prices were suggested for notification: S.No. TYPES OF TOBACCO MINIMUM INDICATIVE PRICE PER KG FOR 2019-20 CROP 1. FCV Tobacco (Plain) Rs.190.63 2. FCV Tobacco (Sub-Mountainous) Rs.218.77 3. WP Tobacco Rs.82.85 4. Burley Tobacco Rs.150.54 5. DAC Tobacco Rs.94.76.

    The ECC also allowed that new PCT codes, as created in the Pakistan Customs Tariff through the Finance Act, 2019, may also be incorporated in SRO 693(I)/2006 dated 01.07.2006 so that levy of additional customs duty collected on those parts of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) of engine capacities 1001cc to 1500cc and 1501cc to 1800cc which have been localized, may be appropriately accounted for under separate PCT codes.

    The report on National Poverty Graduation Programme of US $ 82.60 million was also submitted for compliance of the ECC by the Secretary, Economic Affairs Division.

    Among others, the meeting was attended by Minister for National Food Security & Research, Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan; Minister for Planning, Development& Reform, Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar, Minister for Privatization, Muhammadmian Soomro, Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Adviser to PM on Commerce, Textile, Industry & Production and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood; Adviser on Institutional Reforms and Austerity, Dr. Ishrat Hussain; SAPM on Petroleum, Nadeem Babar; Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Reza Baqir and Chairman, Board of Investment, Zubair Gilani.

  • Gold rate hits all time high at Rs82,000

    Gold rate hits all time high at Rs82,000

    KARACHI: The price of gold has reached to all time high at Rs82,000 per Tola in the local market, traders said on Thursday.

    The traders said that the price of one tola gold increased by Rs1700 to reach all time high of Rs82,000. One toal is measured at 1 kilogram is equal to 80 tola.

    The price of gold for 10 grams also increased by Rs1458 to reach at Rs70,302, according to Sarafa Bazar Karachi.

    The traders attributed the hike in price to increase in international price of bullion. In international market the gold increased by $24 to reach at $1420 per ounce.

    The traders said that in the local market people were investing in the gold due to strict monitoring of foreign currency and dull activity in stock market.