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  • Pakistan offers COVID relief support to India

    Pakistan offers COVID relief support to India

    KARACHI: Pakistan on Saturday offered relief support India to provide medical equipment for prevention of coronavirus.

    Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Quershi in a tweet said that as a gesture of solidarity with people of India in the wake of the current wave of COVID-19, “Pakistan has officially offered relief and support to Indian including ventilators, Bi PAP, digital X ray machines, PPEs & other related items.”

    “We believe in a policy of humanity first,” he added.

    In addition to this the ministry of foreign affairs Pakistan also stated in a tweet that the concerned authorities of Pakistan and India can work out modalities for quick delivery of the relief items. “They can also explore possible ways of further cooperation to mitigate the challenges posed by the pandemic,” it added.

  • FBR issues preventive measures for stage-III coronavirus

    FBR issues preventive measures for stage-III coronavirus

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday issued preventive measures for stage-III coronavirus pandemic.

    The FBR directed all the officers of the headquarters and field formations (BS-17 to BS-21) to restrict the working strength of their offices to only one clerical / ministerial staff and one Naib Qasid on weekly/fortnightly rotation basis with effect from March 16, 2021.

    The FBR further said that employees having symptoms of COVID-19 must immediately get themselves tested for the same and in case tested positive, they must immediately quarantine / isolate themselves at homes for fourteen (14) days. “During this period, their entry to concerned offices shall be banned.”

    COVID-19 positive employees shall get themselves tested at the end of fourteen (14) days quarantine/isolation period and only in case of negative results, shall resume their official duties.

    In order to avoid physical contact with door handles and to keep the rooms/offices properly ventilated and well-lit, it is also advised that all offices doors/windows be kept open.

  • Pakistan starts coronavirus vaccination

    Pakistan starts coronavirus vaccination

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday launched the vaccination against the coronavirus. The vaccination will be initially for health workers.

    The prime minister advised the people to strictly adhere to the SOPs to stop its spread.

    He said the vaccination would be judiciously distributed across all the provinces. He was appreciative of China for providing the 0.5 million doses of vaccine.

    Earlier, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Asad Umar said that the COVID-19 vaccination drive in the federal capital will start Tuesday in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    In his tweet, the minister who is also Chairman National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) for Corona said the Corona vaccination campaign in all the provincial capitals would start from February 3, 2021.

    Umar added that the front line health workers would receive the doses of vaccine on priority.

    On Monday, Pakistan received first batch of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine Sinopharm.

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Faisal Sultan received the consignment of 500,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine as a special Pakistan Air Force (PAF) plane with the first tranche of Sinopharm vaccine landed here.

  • SBP extends validity measures to mitigate coronavirus pandemic

    SBP extends validity measures to mitigate coronavirus pandemic

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has extended the validity of measures up to June 30, 2021 to mitigate coronavirus pandemic related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/ Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT), a statement said on Thursday.

    The SBP invited the attention towards BPRD Circular Letters No. 32 & 33 of 2020 and AC&MFD Circular Letters No.3 & 6 of 2020 whereby measures like utilization of NADRA Verisys in place of Biometric Verification were prescribed to limit the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

    Keeping in view the intensity and ongoing impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, it has been decided to further extend the validity of measures stipulated in above referred Circular Letters from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

    Additionally, Microfinance Banks (MFBs) shall resume biometric verification, prescribed vide AC&MFD Circular Letter No. 06 of 2020 with revised timelines of July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021 for customers assigned medium and normal priorities, respectively.

    Further, as mandated in BPRD Circular No. 06 of 2016, Authorized Financial Institutions may defer the requirement for visits of compliance officers to newly acquired agents within first quarter of their acquisition, till June 30, 2021. However, compliance officers shall visit all these newly acquired agents within the next quarter ending September 30, 2021.

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  • FBR exempts sales tax on medical goods for COVID prevention, treatment

    FBR exempts sales tax on medical goods for COVID prevention, treatment

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday exempted whole of sales tax on import of medical instruments and equipments for prevention and treatment of COVID pandemic.

    (more…)
  • FBR cuts staff strength to half on coronavirus resurgence

    FBR cuts staff strength to half on coronavirus resurgence

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Monday directed all the tax offices to cut the staff (BS-1 to BS-15) by 50 percent with immediate effect in the wake of resurgence of coronavirus.

    In a circular issued by the FBR, stated that due to resurgence of COVID-19 and keeping in view the NCOC decision, the directions/instructions to reduce the staff strength (BS-1 to BS-15) by 50 percent is required to be implemented with immediate effect.

    “It is once again advised to reduce the staff strength within the available human resource limit (BS-1 to BS-15) by 50 percent on fortnightly rotation basis with effect from November 24, 2020, and to strictly follow all other instructions issued vide FBR Circular dated November 11, 2020.”

    The competent authority has desired that instructions/orders in this regard must be issued by respective Members/Chiefs FBR (HQ) immediately and copy of the same must be shared by 12:00pm on Tuesday November 24, 2020.

    Earlier, the FBR issued detailed SOPs for all the field offices for strictly compliance, which included:

    i. FBR (HQ) and all its field formations are advised to reduce the staff strength (BS-1 to BS-15) by 50 percent on fortnightly rotation basis with effect as per the following plan:

    a. Anyone suffering from flue and fever may remain off but to be available in respective stations and on cell phone.

    b. All Members / Chiefs FBR (HQ) and heads of all field formations are advised to decide about rotation of their offices, prepare the list (duty/off) of officials (BS-1 to BS-15).

    ii. Any employee who has symptoms of COVID-19 i.e. fever, cough, shortness of breath should get himself/herself tested immediately and report to the Admin Wing of FBR (HQ) of Headquarters of their respective field formations to be allowed to stay isolated till he/she is tested negative.

    iii. The employees are also directed to wear face masks during office hours, avoid hand-shakes, hugs and maintain social distance as per standard SOPs.

    iv. Employees above 50 years of age may be allowed to work from their homes except those employees whose presence is unavoidable for smooth functioning of the official business. Heads of all field formations area advised to take decision in this regard, accordingly. Field offices are further advised to allow female staff (mother of children) to work from their homes.

    v. it is advised that all those employees who are suffering from flu, fever or carrying medical history of frequent chest infections, asthma, cardiac related problems or any other major disease shall be allowed to work from their homes. Moreover, reception staff will monitor everyone who enters office premises with the help of infrared thermal thermometers.

  • Duty exempted on import of medical equipments for prevention, treatment of COVID

    Duty exempted on import of medical equipments for prevention, treatment of COVID

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Monday exempted customs duty, regulatory duty and additional customs duty on import of medical instruments and equipments for prevention and treatment of COVID pandemic.

    The FBR issued SRO 1251(I)/2020 dated November 23, 2020 to exempt whole of customs duty, regulatory duty and additional customs duty on import of around 61 items. The exemption has been granted on import of such goods with effect from October 04, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

    Following goods are exempted from customs duty, regulatory duty and additional customs duty:

    01. Real-time PCR system (standard 96-well plate and 0.2ml tubes format, 5 channel)

    02. Biosafety cabinet

    03. Auto Clave 50 liter capacity

    04. Multi channel pipette (0.5 – 10 ul)

    05. Single channel pipette

    06. Multi channel pipette 20-200 ml

    07. Vacuum fold

    08. Micro Centrifuge (Non-refrigerated, Rotor capacity 12X 1.5/2.0ml vessles, 2XPCR strip, Max. Speed: 12, 100 x g (13,400 rpm)

    09. PCR cabinet (HEPA filter system, UV and white light)

    10. Real-time PCR kit for the detection of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

    11. Viral RNA Extraction Kit and machine (Automatic Extractor)

    12. VTM (Viral Transport Medium)

    13. Dr Oligo Synthesizer

    14. Refrigrator/freezer (-20C)

    15. Vortex Machine

    16. Refrigerated Centrifuge Machine (Rotor capacity 1.5ml x 24, max. speed 14000 rpm)

    17. UPS (6 KVA)

    18. Tyvek Suits

    19. N-95

    20. Biohazard bags (18 liters)

    21. PAPR (Powdered Air Purifying respirators)

    22. Multimode ventilator with air compressor

    23. Vital sign monitor with 21BP and ETco2 two Temp.

    24. ICU motorized patient bed with side cabinet and over bed table

    25. Syringe infusion pump

    26. Infusion pump

    27. Electric suction machine

    28. Defibrillator

    29. X-Ray Mobile Machine

    30. Simple Nebulizer

    31. Ultrasound machine

    32. Noninvasive BIPAP

    33. ECG Machine

    34. Pulse Oximeters

    35. Ripple Mattress

    36. Blood gas analyzer

    37. AMBU Bag

    38. Nitrile Gloves

    39. Latex Gloves

    40. Goggles

    41. Face Shields

    42. Gum Boots

    43. Mackintosh bed sheets

    44. Surgical Masks

    45. Air Ways

    46. Diaflow

    47. Disposable Nebulizer Mask Kit

    48. ECG Electrodes

    49. ETT Tube (Endotracheal Tubes) All sizes

    50. Humidifier Disposable Flexible

    51. IV Cannula all sizes

    52. IV Chambers

    53. Oxygen Recovery Kit

    54. Padded Sheets

    55. Stomach Tube

    56. Stylet for Endotracheal Tube

    57. Suction Tube control valve

    58. Tracheostomy Tube 7, 7.5, 8

    59. Ventilator Circuit

    60. Ventury Masks

    61. Disposable shoes over (water proof)

  • ECC approves $150 million for COVID vaccine purchase

    ECC approves $150 million for COVID vaccine purchase

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Friday approved an amount of $150 million for the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet here at Islamabad.

    Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar, Minister for Economic Affairs Khusro Bakhtiar, Adviser to the PM on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Ishrat Hussain, SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar and SAPM on Revenue Dr. Waqar Masood, also participated in the meeting.

    The ECC evaluated a proposal submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination and approved, in principle, the provision of technical supplementary grant of $150 million for the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Ministry of Health briefed the ECC that this shall be the first phase of procurement and the amount of vaccine will suffice for the most vulnerable 5 percent of the population i.e. the health workers and the population above the age of 65 years; around 10 million people would be provided a vaccine cover under the above arrangement.

    The ECC further directed the Ministry of National Health Services to discuss the proposal with WB and other donors in coordination with Economic Affairs Division so that they could assist in providing financial facility for the procurement of the vaccine during the first phase and for the procurement of additional quantities in future as needed.

    The forum also directed the Ministry of NHS to draw a holistic proposal regarding the pricing and risk mitigation mechanism for the procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine for provision on a wider scale, in consultation with the relevant stake holders.

    The ECC approved the request of the Economic Affairs Division to proceed with the formal request for availing the G-20 Debt Relief for the extended period i.e January-June 2021; approval of the Federal Cabinet would be required for signing of the bilateral debt service suspension agreements.

    The ECC also approved two technical supplementary grants for “Initiating the Process of Retrenchment of Pakistan Steel Mills Employees (PSM)” for an amount of Rs.19.656 billion and “Prime Minister’s Special Package to Implement SKILLS FOR ALL Strategy as Catalyst for TVET Sector Development in Pakistan for Rs. 500 million.

    Another Rs. 689.3 million were also approved as budget re-appropriation for National Information Technology Board (NITB) for fulfilling its various requirements during the meeting. ECC also approved the proposal by the Ministry of Energy/ Petroleum Division for the allocation of 2.25 MMCFD gas from Umair -1 to M/s OGDCL for sale to M/s Engro at a mutually agreed and negotiated price, under a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement subject to initiation of Field Development Plan and Development and Production Lease.

    The ECC was also briefed on the status of wheat import through Trade Corporation of Pakistan. Ministry of National Food Security and Research briefed the forum on the provision of additional 340,000 MT of Wheat, a tender was floated on 11-10-2020; the bids were opened on 18-10-2020 and lowest bid was accepted. The total quantity to be imported is now 2.248 MMT.

  • LTO Karachi takes measures to contain resurgence of coronavirus

    LTO Karachi takes measures to contain resurgence of coronavirus

    KARACHI: Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) Karachi has taken measures to contain the resurgence of coronavirus. In this regard, an advisory has been issued for the staff of LTO Karachi with directives of strict implementation.

    Badaruddin Ahmed Qureshi, Chief Commissioner, LTO Karachi directed all divisions including audit, enforcement and legal of the tax office in order to contain the spread and resurgence of coronavirus.

    The following advisory has been issued:

    01. No one shall enter into the premises of offices without wearing a mask.

    02. Social distancing of at least six feet must be maintained by all officers and staff.

    03. Temperature of every person will be monitored at the entrance with thermal guns.

    04. A person having flue, cough, shortness of breath and body pain shall not be allowed to enter in the premises of office.

    05. The office is declared as no smoking zone.

    06. Unauthorized persons shall not be allowed to visit offices unnecessarily and without any reason.

    07. All symptomatic and suspected employees must be identified and reported to the Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Office.

    08. Any officer/official found violating any instruction contained in this SOPs shall be liable for action in accordance with applicable law and rules accordingly.

    09. All officers/officials/visitors should wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer properly and regularly. Hand sanitizer should be available at all time on the wall-mounted spray machines and in the washrooms/lavatories.

    10. The administrative officer shall ensure the provisions of thermal guns at the entrance of office for screening of body temperature of officer/officials/visitors.

    11. Administrative officer shall ensure effective disinfection of all office at regular intervals.

    12. Lifts/elevators installed in the field offices shall be used as less possible and lift operators shall be provided with antiseptic sprays and swabs to clean the buttons/knobs regularly.

    13. In order to avoid physical contact with door handle/knobs, it is advised that all office door be kept open and room window be kept open also to ensure ventilation.

    14. The CCIR Office will ensure the provision of sufficient number of face masks to all commissioner for onward distribution among the officer/officials.

  • FBR extends utilization period of input goods under export schemes

    FBR extends utilization period of input goods under export schemes

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the utilization period of input goods under export facilitation schemes up to February 28, 2021 for all three schemes that are Manufacturing Bond, Export Oriented Units and Export Processing Zones, a statement said on Wednesday.

    A FBR spokesman said that this measure would ensure that the feared losses of these exporters due to Covid-19 Pandemic wherein orders were either cancelled or delayed shall be addressed.

    Pakistan Customs (FBR) is committed to achieve the vision of Prime Minister for exporter’s facilitation and addressing their genuine hardships on a proactive basis at their doorsteps.

    Such steps shall boost exports and will result in trade facilitation by ensuring competitiveness of our exported goods in international markets.