Islamabad, August 17, 2023 – On Thursday, Prime Minister Awaar-ul-Haq Kakar unveiled a sixteen-member federal cabinet as part of the caretaker government setup.
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Cabinet okays Finance Supplementary Bill 2023; sales tax rate goes up to 18 per cent
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the Finance Supplementary Bill 2023 allowing increase in general sales tax to 18 per cent and additional taxes on luxury items as part of the reforms related to the International Monetary Fund’s Ninth Review.
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Cabinet approves expansion of advance meters installation
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, approved the expansion of the advanced meters project beyond Islamabad to address line losses in the power sector.
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Old currency notes can be exchanged till December 2022
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday approved the extension in exchanging old Pakistani currency notes.
The cabinet approved the extension of the period for the exchange of old Pakistani 10, 50, 100, and 1000 currency notes till 31st December 2022.
At the meeting, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr. Faisal Sultan gave a briefing on the preventive measures regarding the new type of Corona variant, Omicron.
The cabinet emphasized the need to increase vaccinations, maintain social distance, and wearing masks.
It was informed that at present 20 million people in Pakistan have not been vaccinated with the second dose of Corona Vaccine.
READ MORE: Cabinet renews aviation licenses of four airlines
The cabinet appealed to all such citizens to take the second dose as soon as possible to prevent the spread of COVID.
The meeting was also informed that Immunity increases 17-folds after the second dose of the vaccine.
The Prime Minister directed the Federal Ministers Asad Umar and Ms. Zubeida Jalal to visit Gwadar as soon as possible so that recommendations could be formulated for quick resolution of the problems of the people of Gwadar.
The meeting was briefed regarding the introduction of electronic voting machines and voting rights for overseas Pakistanis. The Cabinet welcomed the ECP’s decision to use an electronic voting machine in the local body elections in Islamabad. The Cabinet was given a detailed briefing on the schedule regarding delivery and use of electronic voting machines at all polling stations in the country and training of staff.
READ MORE: Pakistan abolishes visa fee for Afghans
The Cabinet expressed its firm resolve to hold the next elections through electronic voting machines after the implementation of laws regarding electronic voting machines and voting rights for overseas Pakistanis.
Advisor Finance presented a comparative review of the prices of essential commodities to the Federal Cabinet. The weekly inflation rate has come down by 0.07 per cent. Prices of Sugar, flour and household items have decreased. Collectively, prices of 09 items decreased. Prices of 23 items remained stable. The Cabinet was informed that apart from the prices of Banaspati Ghee and tea leaves in the region, prices of all other essential items are lower in Pakistan.
These items include flour, grams, dal mash, dal mung, tomato, onion, chicken, and petrol. Concerns were raised over higher prices of essential commodities in Sindh including flour, sugar, milk, ghee, and pulses.
The Cabinet approved the amendment in the bilateral air route between Pakistan and Tajikistan. This decision will reduce both air distance and travel costs.
The Cabinet allowed Kazakh Air Company (SCAT) to operate in Pakistan to start air travel between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. The decision will enable direct air travel between Pakistan and Kazakhstan and help boost bilateral trade.
READ MORE: Pandora papers: PM says returning taxpayers’ money
To promote trade between Pakistan and Central Asian countries, the Cabinet directed the Aviation Division to start work on finalizing air travel agreements with all Central Asian countries.
The Cabinet approved an amendment to the air travel agreement between Pakistan and Iraq. This decision will increase the number of commercial flights between Pakistan and Iraq.
The Cabinet was informed that there is no shortage of urea in the country at present. However, to ensure the supply of urea fertilizer for the Rabi crop in the country, the following approvals were given.
Sui Northern Gas Company will supply gas to urea plants by January 2022. Gas supply to Pak Arab and Fatima Fertilizer Plants will be ensured. The process of importing additional 50,000 tons of urea should be completed expeditiously. The cabinet was also informed that the price of urea per sack in Pakistan is about Rs. 1864 while in other countries it is being sold at Rs. 10,000 per sack.
The present government has taken huge and significant steps for the development of agriculture in the country and the welfare of farmers.
READ MORE: Prime Minister issues directives for reducing burden of indirect taxes
The Cabinet was given a detailed briefing on sugar production and sugar prices in the country. The Cabinet expressed satisfaction over the current stock and price of sugar. The Prime Minister directed that the strategic reserves of sugar be maintained so that prices remain stable. The Cabinet also approved the issuance of the recommendations of the report of the Special Committee on Sugar Sector Reforms for public opinion.
On the basis of humanitarian grounds, the process of obtaining Pakistani visas for Afghans has been further eased. After this decision, the security clearance required for obtaining a visa has been reduced from 30 days to 15 days.
It was also decided to further facilitate the registration process of international NGOs working for the welfare and assistance of the Afghan people.
This decision has been made on humanitarian grounds and to aid the people of Afghanistan.
The facility for Afghans immigrating to other countries through Pakistan has been extended for another 60 days. This facility includes travel by land and air routes.
It was also decided to make the process of obtaining a Pakistani visa easier for the officials of international NGOs working for the welfare of the Afghan people.
READ MORE: Authorities seal 192 illegal pumps selling smuggled petroleum products
This decision has been made on humanitarian grounds and for helping the people of Afghanistan. OGRA’s annual report for the year 2019-20 was presented to the Cabinet.
The report comprises recommendations regarding the performance of Pakistan’s petroleum industry, production, supply and demand, and improvement of the petroleum industry.
The Cabinet was informed that at present there is a 27-days stock of petrol and diesel. About 75 Exploration licenses generated revenue of Rs. 29 billion. Safety standards for LPG cylinders are being improved and a public awareness campaign is underway. 10 licenses were issued to LPG companies. An audit is being carried out to prevent gas theft. Action is being taken against those selling petrol at illegal petrol pumps and in plastic containers.
The Cabinet endorsed the decisions taken at the meeting of the Committee on Institutional Reforms held on November 24, 2021.
CCIR Decisions – Merger of National Research Institute for Fertility Care Karachi with National Institute of Population Studies, Islamabad.
The Cabinet ratified the decisions taken in the meeting of the Committee on Energy held on 02 December 2021.
CCOE Decision – Tariff Protection (Deemed Duty) for Refineries – Report by Implementation Committee for renegotiation with IPPs under 2002 Power Policy (Rs. 134 billion paid to IPPs) The Cabinet ratified the decisions taken at the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) held on December 10, 2021.
ECC decisions
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Policy 2021-25
Commercial Gas allocation from M/S United Energy Pakistan’s Fields.
The mechanism for Granting Concessionary Tariff to the eligible Consumers of Zero-Rated Industrial Consumers of Lahore and Sundar Industrial Estate and for prospective Industrial Estates.
Cabinet approved giving the additional charge of CEO, Central Power Purchasing Agency to Chief Financial Officer, CPPA.
Cabinet approved NDMA’s assistance to Afghanistan on humanitarian grounds. The government of Pakistan has already provided 200,000 tons of wheat under the World Food Program and has provided an additional 50,000 tons of wheat as aid to the Afghan people.
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Cabinet renews aviation licenses of four airlines
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet on Tuesday approved the renewal of aviation licenses of four airlines under the National Aviation Policy 2019.
Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the meeting of the federal cabinet in Islamabad.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Aviation, the Cabinet approved the renewal of aviation licenses of M/S SERENE AIR, M/S AIRBLUE, M/S PIACL and M/S PRINCELY JETS under the National Aviation Policy 2019.
Federal Minister Asad Omar briefed the Cabinet on the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron. The meeting was informed that the new variant originated in Africa. According to initial reports, the rate of spread is very high. The cabinet called for the implementation of COVID SOPs such as use of mask in public places, social distancing, and vaccinations for public safety.
The Cabinet was briefed regarding the introduction of an electronic voting machine and the empowerment of Overseas Pakistanis to vote. Federal Minister Shibli Faraz gave a briefing on procurement of Electronic Voting Machines, training of staff, responsibilities of concerned agencies, public awareness campaign and timely delivery. The cabinet expressed grave concerns over the release of a video of alleged vote-buying during the by-elections in N.A 133. The cabinet said such illegal actions were anti-democratic.
Keeping in view the transparency, the Cabinet directed the concerned departments to clarify about the audit report on the package for COVID-19.
Advisor for Finance presented a comparative review of the prices of essential commodities to the Federal Cabinet.
Weekly inflation fell to 0.67%. Prices of 5 Commodities have seen a reduction trend. The Cabinet was informed that apart from the prices of ghee and tea leaves in the region, prices of all other household items are lower in Pakistan.
These items include flour, grams, dal mash, dal mung, tomato, onion, chicken and petrol. The Cabinet was informed that the prices of flour, sugar, lentils and gram lentils in Sindh are much higher than other provinces. The Cabinet expressed grave concerns over the rising prices of essential commodities in Sindh.
Petroleum Division briefed the Cabinet on the vacancies of MD and CEO in the organizations under the division. The Cabinet was informed that at present 04 posts are vacant on which appointment process is in progress.
The Cabinet, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Aviation, approved the delimitation of high-rise buildings around airports under the Civil Aviation Authority Rules. The height limit of buildings in Islamabad Blue Area has been fixed at 1000 feet. The decision will also help prevent the rampant spread of urban boundaries, save vegetables and preserve agricultural land.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Commerce, the Cabinet allowed the staff stationed at the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran to import personal vehicles on repatriation under the Hardship Policy.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior, the Cabinet approved to increase the visa period from 120 days to 150 days for those coming to Pakistan from Tablighi Jamaat from abroad. The Cabinet also approved to grant 45 days Visa on Arrival for Tablighi Jamaat. Visas can be obtained through the online visa portal.
Cabinet approved procedure for appointment of EOBI (Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution) Chairman. This appointment will be carried out under the Competitive Process of Management Position Scale Policy 2020.
Cabinet on the recommendation of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis postponed approval to issue Overseas Employment Promoter Licenses. The Cabinet directed that a procedure be worked out within a week to review the work of these promoters. Special care should be taken that promoters should not be illegally charging extra money from those travelling abroad.
The Cabinet ratified the decisions taken at the meeting of the Committee on Institutional Reforms held on 12 November 2021. The meeting recommended the reorganization of the Pakistan Gems and Jewelery Development Company.
The Cabinet ratified the decisions taken at the meeting of the Committee on Energy held on 18 November 2021.
The Committee on Energy had recommended Gas Load Management Plan for Winter 2021-22 and setting up of Oil Depot at Kemari Karachi. Gas Load Management Plan for Winter 2021-22:-
Domestic gas will be reserved for domestic consumers only because of its low cost. The CNG sector will be closed from 01 December 2021 to 15 February 2022. Gas supply to IPPs and fertilizer factories will continue.
Gas supply to export sector industries will continue.
Power plants running on LNG will be provided 5 per cent additional gas.
Electricity prices have been reduced for domestic consumers in winter (Rs. 12.96 per kWh) to meet the gas shortage.
Gas saved from CNG, Cement and Captive Power will be used for domestic consumption.
A public awareness campaign is being launched to save gas.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Commerce, the Cabinet approved the import of MONTANIDE OIL from France for the treatment of Foot-and-Mouth disease in cattle in Punjab.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Cabinet approved setting up of a selection board for the appointment of Chairman ITNE and Chairman Press Council of Pakistan. The Selection Board for Chairman ITNE will consist of the Minister of Information, Secretary Information, Additional Secretary Information, Grade 21 Representatives of Establishment Division and Ministry of Law. The Selection Board for the Chairman Press Council of Pakistan will consist of the Minister of Information, Secretary Information, Additional Secretary Information, Representatives of Establishment Division and Ministry of Law.
Cabinet approved the appointment of Muhammad Saleem as Chairman Privatization Commission.
Federal Minister for Industries and Production gave a detailed briefing to the Cabinet on the current stock and prices of fertilizers in the country. The meeting was informed that this year the fertilizer companies released 53 per cent more fertilizer to the dealers in Sindh as compared to the previous year, due to which there was shortage of urea in Punjab and other areas and the price had gone up.
However, on the directions of the Prime Minister, measures were taken to reduce this disparity and against hoarders, which resulted in an average reduction of Rs. 400 per sack.
At present a sack of urea is available in Gujranwala for Rs. 1850. There is a surplus of 200,000 tons of fertilizer compared to the domestic demand. The Cabinet was informed that an online portal has been set up to monitor the supply of fertilizers through which the federal government, provinces and all district administrations can monitor the movement and stock of fertilizers.
Punjab has taken several steps since November 13 to curb the hoarding of fertilizers. Among them 347 FIRs, 244 arrests, 21111 inspections, 480 warehouse seals and fines of Rs 2.79 crore have been imposed.
In addition, control rooms have been set up in each district where complaints related to shortage of fertilizers, hoarding and profiteering can be lodged. Checkpoints have been set up at provincial borders to curb smuggling. Amendments are being made to the relevant laws against hoarding and profiteering in which informants will be rewarded in proportion to the confiscated property.
The Cabinet ratified the decisions taken at the meeting of the Economic Co-ordination Committee held on November 29, 2021. Approval to hold a special meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers in Pakistan. Approval of 50,000 tons of wheat aid to Afghanistan.
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Pakistan abolishes visa fee for Afghans
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet in a meeting on Tuesday has approved the abolition of visa fees for Pakistani visas for Afghans coming into Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the meeting of the federal cabinet.
The cabinet approved the inclusion of Afghan businessmen in the list of Pakistan Business Visas for their convenience.
It also approved in principle a code of conduct for issuing Pakistani visas to Afghans. The regulation will issue all visas online and will minimize the duration of the administrative process for obtaining a visa.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet offered Fateha for late Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. The Cabinet was briefed on the progress regarding introduction of electronic voting machines (EVM) and empowerment of Overseas Pakistanis to vote.
The cabinet directed to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi in a grand manner. The federal cabinet decided to have a look at the comparative prices of essential commodities in all its meetings.
The meeting approved the renewal of Charter License Class-II (Domestic) of M/s K2 AIRWAYS (Pvt.) Ltd. The Cabinet approved the issuance of Charter Licence Class-II (Domestic & International) for M/s AIR SIAL Ltd.
The Establishment Division briefed the Cabinet on the vacancies of CEOs and Managing Directors in various Ministries and state owned companies under their supervision. The Cabinet was informed that at present a total of 80 posts are vacant. Out of which 44 posts will be filled by following the due process, whereas posts in 18 institutions are being abolished. The Cabinet directed that the procedure of appointments should be completely transparent and merit-based.
The federal cabinet approved the reconstitution of PEMRA Council of Complaints Islamabad and approved the appointment of Syed Muhammad Ali Bukhari as its Chairman. The council will consist of 6 members, including three women members.
The Cabinet approved the establishment of a special riot police force to protect the lives and property of citizens of the federal capital Islamabad and to maintain law and order.
This decision has been taken keeping in view the increase in urban population of Islamabad, the sensitivity of the federal capital and the needs of police. The force will be equipped with the latest technology and equipment to help prevent crime. Force personnel will be trained according scientific standards.
The Cabinet approved the provision of Pakistan Online Visa facility for foreigners working on CPEC projects.
The Cabinet approved the criteria and regulations for admission on merit in government medical and dental colleges run by the federal government. Following this decision, 50 per cent marks will be given to the marks obtained in the entrance test and the remaining 50 per cent marks will be given to the marks obtained in the intermediate examinations.
The decisions taken at the meeting of the Economic Co-ordination Committee of the Cabinet on October 7, 2021 were partially ratified.
The Cabinet postponed the agenda of the decisions taken at the meeting of the Committee on Transport and Logistics on October 4, 2021. The Cabinet set up a sub-committee comprising Minister of Energy and Minister of Maritime Affairs to review the matter and re-submit it to the Cabinet.
The Cabinet approved the procedure for online verification of Power of Attorney documents for the convenience of overseas Pakistanis. The move will enable Pakistanis abroad to quickly verify legal documents, previously, it involved a lengthy waiting time.
The Cabinet approved the establishment of a Real Estate Regulatory Authority to regulate the sale and purchase of land under the Islamabad Real Estate (Regulations and Development) Act, 2020.
The Cabinet approved the establishment of Rehmat-ul-Ulameen Authority. The authority will include world-renowned Muslim scholars. The authority will conduct research on various aspects of Prophet’s life. The authority will propose a curriculum for the training of children in the light of teachings of Seerat-un-Nabi. The authority will also take steps to highlight true identity of Islam in the world. The authority will work to prevent the rise of sexual crimes, and will ensure tolerance in society.
The Cabinet appreciated and commended the Prime Minister’s initiative and reiterated the great commitment of all members of the Cabinet to participate in the promotion of this great cause.
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Pandora papers: PM says returning taxpayers’ money
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that taxpayers’ money should be returned to Pakistan from those whose names were revealed by the Pandora papers.
The prime minister has chaired a meeting of the federal cabinet.
The cabinet was informed that initially, the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission will meticulously review the record of all those Pakistanis which are named in Pandora Revelations and decide about legal proceedings according to the outcome of such investigations. “The taxpayers’ money should return to Pakistan,” the Prime Minister remarked.
The meeting was briefed on the introduction of electronic voting machines and giving voting rights to Overseas Pakistanis.
In this lieu the process of taking opposition on board is underway. Emphasizing the importance of EVMs the Prime Minister said that for the country’s greater good, the government wants to bring transparency in election process.
Effective awareness campaign should be launched to highlight the usefulness of electronic voting machines, he added.
SAPM for National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan gave a detailed briefing to the Cabinet on admission test in medical colleges. The meeting was told that the admission test is conducted to produce professionally competent doctors and dentists. High standards of medical education are necessary as doctors have to save human lives.
In this regard, a uniform entrance test at par with prevalent international best practices is set up which is marked with the help of modern technology. The purpose of the entrance test is to test the actual intelligence and not to merely pass the exam on the basis of the rote learning. Each student’s exam is different from the other so that the chances of copying are eliminated.
About 200,000 students take the medical admission test every year for 20 thousand seats. Due to lack of resources, it is not possible to arrange computers or laptops for 200000 students at the same time during admission tests. The pool of questions for the exam is made in accordance with the syllabus in which different questions are included in the questionnaire.
The Supreme Court has directed that medical entrance tests be conducted uniformly across the country. The cabinet agreed that Effective and transparent admission test system is of great importance and is necessary as these individuals, later on, have to save human lives by becoming doctors.
The cabinet allowed the MetLife-Alico company to move abroad its capital (received in lieu of its sale proceeding) in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan’s regulations.
The Cabinet approved a reduction in the punishment of prisoners on the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad-ul-Nabi. The Cabinet directed that Eid Milad-ul-Nabi (PBUH) be celebrated on a grand scale. Moreover, it was decided that the ten days from 3rd Rabi ul Awwal to 13th Rabi ul Awwal will be dedicated to Rehmat al Alameen (PBUH).
The Cabinet approved the appointment of experts in committee on drug research under Drug (Research) Rules, 1978. These experts posted hail from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These experts will help in research on medicines in Pakistan.
The Cabinet allowed the promotion of important and life saving drugs in light of the recommendations of the Drug Regulatory Authority.
In order to provide winter relief for domestic consumers and keeping in view the paucity of Natural gas, the Cabinet approved usage of electricity instead of gas on the recommendation of the Cabinet Committee on Energy. In addition to the above, the domestic electricity customers will also have the facility that if they use more units this winter than the previous year, they will be charged additional units at a lower price.
The decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee in the meeting held on 30 september 2021 were also ratified. The decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation in the Meeting of 30 September 2021 were also ratified.
The Cabinet directed all ministries to use E-Procurements System. All the tenders should be run in a completely transparent manner and the procurement process should eliminate corruption. The Cabinet directed to form a three members committee that will make a comprehensive assessment of electricity and construction contracts entered by the previous governments, especially road construction contracts and will present the report to the cabinet. The committee will comprise Federal Ministers Fawad Ahmed Chauhdary and Hammad Azhar.
The Cabinet approved submission of the recommended Code of Conduct by Census Advisory Committee to the Council of Common Interests for the Seventh Census.
The Census Rules contain the following recommendations:
-The census will be conducted in accordance with the Constitution and law.
-Adherence to the principles laid by United Nations for Census.
-Setting up of a census-specific unit and master plan.
-Updation of maps.
-Taking on board all Stake Holders.
-Questionnaire for census
– Conducting Pilot exercise for Census
– Census Awareness Campaign
-Training of Personnel
-Code for Data Collection
– Monitoring of Field Teams
-Security arrangements for field teams
– An after census Survey for verification
-Establishment of National Census Liaison Centre
Keeping in view the security reasons, the Cabinet approved the appointment of Security personnel for by-elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Cabinet approved the allotment of land in Islamabad for the construction of purpose-built buildings for Panahgahs.
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Highlights of Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet approved the Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 in its meeting held on February 09, 2021.
According the approved draft of the ordinance, the government is making certain amendments in: Customs Act, 1969; Sales Tax Act, 1990; Federal Excise Act, 2005; and Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
A major relief has been granted to holders of Roshan Digital Accounts (RDAs). The tax relief has been allowed:
— The exemption / concessions granted to non-residents holding Pakistan Origin Card (POC), National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) for encouraging foreign remittances
— Exemption to profit on debt income of RDAs
— If investment is made through RDAs
>> Reduction in tax rate from 15% to 10% on capital gain on disposal of shares in stock market— as final tax
>> Taxation of sale and purchase of immovable property @ 1% as final tax in lieu of capital gain tax
>> Reduction in tax rate from 20% to 10% on profit on debt from Naya Pakistan Certificates as final tax
— Waiver from filing of return to non-resident RDA holders and resultant investors in shares, Naya Pakistan Certificates and immovable property
— Placement of above non-residents on ATL to avoid higher taxation
— Exemption to Islamic Naya Pakistan Certificate Company Ltd
>> Corporate income tax
>> minimum tax on turn over
>> Withholding taxes
Other tax concessions granted under various heads, which included:
— Exemption from withholding tax u/s 153(1)(a) for whole of supply chain of locally manufactured Mobile Phone Devices
— Imposition of withholding tax on vehicles, if sold within 90 days of delivery – to discourage investors/ “on money” trend
— Extension of date of commencement of business for electricity transmission lines from 2018 to 2022 on recommendation of Cabinet Committee on CPEC – not even a single project / company qualified for exemption before change (Pak Matiari-Lahore Transmission Line Co.)
— Exemption from withholding tax u/s 153(1)(b) on services provided by National Telecommunication Company (NTC) –the tax constituted minimum tax hence great hardship
— Cotton Ginners –Tax liability to be equal to 1% of turnover as final tax. The tax regime existent upto 30-06-2019 proposed to be restored in line with 1994- agreement.
— Extension of applicability of super tax on banking companies from tax year 2022 onwards
— Withholding and turnover tax rates for dealers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers of fertilizer and fast moving consumer goods proposed to be reduced to 0.25%, provided they get themselves registered under Sales Tax Act, 1990 within 60 days— for promotion of documentation and equity
— Exemption from withholding tax on temporary imports by international athletes for SAF Games.
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Prime Minister issues directives for reducing burden of indirect taxes
ISLAMABAD: The government has started easing burden of indirect taxes to provide relief to the masses. In this regard Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued instructions to relevant ministries for preparing proposals.
Meeting of the Federal Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan at Islamabad on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister apprised the meeting that relevant ministries have been directed to present proposals for reducing the burden of indirect taxes, particularly on food items in order to provide relief to the masses.
The federal cabinet approved Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2021. These amendments are aimed at facilitating transaction under Digital Roshan Pakistan scheme.
It was apprised that $ 500 million have been transacted through Digital Roshan Pakistan scheme so far.
The Cabinet accorded approval for 3 months extension of Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA 2010). The existing agreement is due to expire on 11th February, 2021.
The Cabinet was also briefed about the measures taken to control smuggling at Pak-Iran and Pak-Afghanistan borders.
The Cabinet expressed serious concerns over the report, according to which Sindh Government released 32,000 tons of wheat that was a 6 years old stock and unfit for human consumption.
The Cabinet noted that Sindh did not release wheat timely for public need and did not share Wheat and Sugar stock position with the Federal Government which resulted in artificial price hike and issues of hoarding, on one hand, and wastage of available wheat stock that could have been utilized for public good.
The Cabinet was apprised about the updated status of actions taken pursuant to Sugar Enquiry Committee Report. It was informed that several sugar mills had approached courts of law and action is underway after completion of court proceedings. The Cabinet was also informed that NAB was looking into the issue of subsidies.
Chairman, Task Force on IT & Telecom briefed the Cabinet about progress made for development of IT and Telecom sector.
The Cabinet was updated on Vacant Positions of Heads / CEOs of Public Sector Organizations. It was informed that since 2018, 56 Heads / CEOs have been appointed to Public Sector Organizations in a merit based and transparent manner.
The meeting was informed that at present 86 posts of heads/CEOs were vacant. The Prime Minister expressed displeasure over the vacant positions and directed Secretary Establishment Division to furnish a report before the Cabinet citing reasons for delay in appointments.
The Cabinet was apprised about Metro Bus Project, Islamabad. Chairman NHA informed that infrastructure work has been completed and the project is ready to be handed over to CDA. Minister for Interior was tasked by the Cabinet to present a road-map for handing-over of the project from NHA to CDA and operationalization plan.
The Cabinet accorded approval for Mutual Legal Assistance requests from Non-Treaty Countries.
The Cabinet approved appointment of Chief Metropolitan Officer as Administrator, Metropolitan Corporation, Islamabad for 6 months or till the time new Local Government setup is in place, whichever is earlier.
The Cabinet approved establishment of 30 Additional Accountability Courts in implementation of Hon. Supreme Court’s orders. These courts are to be established in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Sukkur, Hyderabad and Quetta. The Prime Minister directed that first phase of establishment be completed on priority.
The Cabinet approved appointment of Masroor Khan as Chairman, Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
Cabinet ratified decisions taken in Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting held on 3rd & 8th February, 2021; and Cabinet Committee on Energy meeting held on 4th & 8th February, 2021.
The Cabinet was briefed on negotiations held with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). It was informed that the Government will benefit to the tune of Rs. 800 billion over a period of 20 years. It was apprised that the present Government is clearing a liability of approx. Rs. 400 billion after pre-audit. The Cabinet was apprised that a high level committee has been established comprising of two Hon. Supreme Court Judges and the Auditor to decide on the disputed amount of Rs. 57 billion claimed by IPPs. The Cabinet was informed that as a result of negotiations, the Government saved Rs. 32 billion against an adjudicated claim of Rs. 92 billion by IPPs. It was clarified that the Government has not surrendered any of its rights in the negotiations process. The Cabinet was informed that this process will result in a direct benefit of reduction in energy prices for the consumers. The Cabinet appreciated efforts of the Negotiations Committee.
The Prime Minister directed that unscheduled load shedding should not be practiced in any part of the country and directed Minister for Energy to conduct in-depth investigations for load-shedding occurring due to technical reasons.
The Cabinet accorded approval for exemption of PPRA regulations for import of 300,000 tons Wheat and 500,000 sugar.
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Authorities seal 192 illegal pumps selling smuggled petroleum products
ISLAMABAD: The customs authorities, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, have sealed approximately 192 illegal fuel stations selling smuggled petroleum products, the federal cabinet was informed on Tuesday.
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