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PM, MALAYSIAN COUNTERPART AGREE TO REDOUBLE EFFORTS FOR GAZA CEASEFIRE Thursday, 20 June, 2024 I 13 Zil-Hajj, 1445
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Premier Shehbaz, Kazakh President reaffirm commitment to expand bilateral ties to its full potential
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed to redouble efforts for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as well as provision of essential aid to the innocent Palestinian brethren. On the occasion of Eidul Azha, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid greetings with Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the telephone. The prime minister conveyed his sincere wishes and prayers for the prosperity and progress of the fraternal people of Malaysia as well as for the Muslim Ummah, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release on Monday. While discussing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the prime minister appreciated Malaysia’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestinian cause, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Underscoring the close and cordial relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia, the prime minister expressed satisfaction on the upward trajectory of bilateral ties. The two sides agreed to further strengthen their relations which were marked by commonality of views on all issues of mutual interest. The two leaders reaffirmed their com-
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mitment to further broaden the historic ties between Pakistan and Malaysia in all areas of mutual interest, particularly in trade and investment. While recalling their recent warm and productive meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting in Riyadh in April 2024, as well as two telephone conversations in the last four months, the two leaders underscored the need for maintaining regular high-level exchanges.
Rs 50.00 | Vol XIV No 349 I 36 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Expresses satisfaction over upward trajector y of bilateral relations with Malaysia and Kazakhstan
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COAS visits Line of Control, celebrates Eid with soldiers
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In a telephonic call, PM Shehbaz, UAE president exchange Eid greetings ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan exchanged Eidul Azha greetings during a phonic call on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, both leaders expressed their wishes for the continuous development and prosperity of the people of Pakistan and the UAE. The prime minister thanked the UAE president for his ongoing support for Pakistan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the UAE. Reflecting on his highly productive visit to the UAE in
May 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to transforming the brotherly relations between the two countries into a sustainable and mutually beneficial strategic partnership focused on trade and investment. Highlighting the importance of regular high-level exchanges between the two nations, the prime minister invited the UAE president to visit Pakistan soon. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed accepted the invitation and expressed his willingness to undertake an official visit in the near future. Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact to further strengthen the fraternal and close relations between their countries. Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz also called the leaders of Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, and Tajikistan to extend Eidul Azha greetings.
KP CM restores electricity supply after entering grid station in DI Khan g
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
Asks lawmakers to follow suit as CM announces end to outages exceeding 12 hours in any area DERA ISMAIL KHAN saleeM jadoon
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin on Wednesday personally restored electricity supply after entering grid station, announcing an end to any loadshedding that exceeded 12 hours in any area of the province. According to a statement posted on the KP government’s X account, no area would suffer power outages for more than 12 hours now. The chief minister also directed all lawmakers to visit grid stations in their respective areas and ensure the implementation of the 12-hour loadshedding schedule. The chief minister was accompanied by Dera DPO Nasir Mahmood and DSP Adnan, as he visted DI Khan to resolve the ongoing issue of prolonged loadshedding. The visit came amid a dispute between the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments over electricity loadshedding. The Press Secretary to the KP’s Chief Minister later confirmed that CM Gandapur has fixed the schedule for loadshedding, stating that loadshedding will not exceed 12 hours in any area of the province from now on. He said that the KP CM had also called on all parliamentarians in the province to visit their respective grid stations to implement the 12-hour loadshedding schedule. Residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are currently facing 18 to 22 hour loadshedding. The federal government citing 'electricty theft' in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has committed to provide additional supply only in case of theft going down. Last month, Energy Minister Awais Leghari had termed revenue-based power cuts, i.e. suspension of power supply to areas with high pilferage and poor bill recovery, “a necessity”. He had explained that category 3 to 8 feeders — those with 20 to 80 per cent losses — were subjected to power cuts for 15-16 hours. “If we supply electricity from these feeders, the economy that is already struggling will collapse,” Leghari had said. PROTESTS ERUPT IN KP AGAINST OUTAGES DURING EID DAYS Protests erupted on the third day of Eidul Azha against long-hours unscheduled electricity loadshedding in major cities and towns of the province, with the PTI announcing plans to protest in the National Assembly and on the streets against the discriminatory electricity supply
Gandapur to Centre: Pay KP’s dues lest will back out of IMF deal PESHAWAR
staff report
to the province. Enraged citizens staged demonstrations in Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan, where the Grand Trunk Road was blocked, triggering severe traffic jams. Irate protesters raised slogans against unannounced power outages during Eid, causing problems for motorists and pedestrians alike. Former KP chief minister Pervez Khattak's car was also caught in a traffic snarl. Khattak urged protesters to exercise restraint. Meanwhile, PTI leader Asad Qaiser joined a protest against power loadshedding in Swabi. He criticised the federal government and announced plans to protest in the National Assembly and on the streets against the discriminatory electricity supply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Karak, women protesters demonstrated against unannounced power cuts, blocking Shagai Road to traffic. In a related development, MPA Fazal Elahi personally intervened, restoring power to 10 feeders at the Rehman Baba Grid Station. A video of this unconventional approach to power restoration went viral on social media. In response, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) decided to take action against MPA Fazal Elahi, Jameel and 45 others for disrupting the power distribution company's operations. Application for FIR against MPA Fazal, others moved Meanwhile, the SDO for the Rasheed Garhi Subdivision wrote a complaint to the Rehman Baba police station, seeking the registration of an FIR against MPA Fazal Elahi and his companions, citing losses totalling Rs2.64 million incurred by Pesco due to the incident. MPA Fazal allegedly entered Rehman Baba grid sta-
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday urged the federal government to pay the “dues and revenues” of the provincial government amounting to around Rs1,600 billion, threatening that the province would withdraw support to the federal government for securing IMF loan. “I first want my province’s money, otherwise, I will clearly tell the IMF that they take money in our name, tax our people”, CM Gandapur threatened while addressing a press conference on Wednesday. Addressing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Gandapur said the premier had called him and told him about the province’s support to secure a deal with the International Monetary Fund. “I first want my province’s money, otherwise, I will clearly tell the IMF that they take money in our name, tax our people.” He “warned” PM Shehbaz that the premier was “forcing [us] to shove your government aside” because of his behaviour and actions.
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tion and restored power to 10 feeders. MPA Fazal claimed that Pesco and the district administration had given a schedule for loadshedding, but they did not follow their own schedule and did unscheduled loadshedding, causing great inconvenience to the masses. He said he was forced to go to the grid station and restore the power supply. POWER CRISIS GETTING OUT OF CONTROL IN KP: GOVERNOR KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Wednesday that power crisis in the province was spinning out of control and he will talk to the federal government on the issue. He said it was the responsibility of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to resolve people’s problems as they have elected him their chief executive. The governor said there was an allied government in the country and issues would be resolved with negotiations and talks.
RAWALPINDI inp
Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir visited the Line of Control in the Haji Pir sector on Monday to celebrate Eid with the troops. According to ISPR, the COAS offered Eid prayers with officers and soldiers at the front line, praying for Pakistan’s peace and prosperity. Addressing the troops, the COAS commended their dedication, high morale, and commitment to defending the motherland. He said, “As soldiers, we take pride in celebrating such festivities away from our homes and loved ones while on duty, ensuring the security of our country and fellow citizens.” Discussing the indigenous freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people in IIOJK, the COAS reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance, aligned with relevant UN resolutions. He condemned India’s ongoing oppression and brutalities against Kashmiris, noting that post-election, India has been attempting to mask its aggression and victimisation of the Kashmiri people with false propaganda and provocations against Pakistan. He added that such tactics, including manufacturing false flag operations, have become a routine political tool of India. The COAS stated that Pakistan has always supported peace and stability in the region. However, any provocation or violation of Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty will be met with a swift and resolute response, with the full support of the nation. Earlier, upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Rawalpindi Corps commander.
China’s key CPC Minister Liu Jianchao arrives in Pakistan today ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) and member of the Communist Party’s Central Committee Mr Liu Jianchao is set to arrive Islamabad today on a three-day visit and would hold high level meetings with the Pakistani leadership. Mr Liu is visiting Pakistan from 2022 June 2024 on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Mr. Liu Jianchao is a senior CPC leader who has held top offices in China. Liu Jianchao heads the Communist Party’s diplomatic arm, the IDCPC, a body that promotes the party’s ideology and influence abroad. Mr. Liu’s appointment signals a departure from the abrasive “wolf warrior” diplomacy.
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Aurangzeb vows to expand tax net, cut exemptions KAMALIA profit
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the tax net to include more sectors while reducing tax exemptions. His comments followed the recent presentation of the federal budget for FY2024-25, which totals Rs18.9 trillion and aligns with IMF guidelines. The new budget aims for a 3.6% GDP growth and sets a challenging Rs13 trillion tax collection target. It also raises taxes on salaried individuals and eliminates many existing tax exemptions. Aurangzeb, during the budget presentation, emphasized the need to broaden the tax base to avoid overburdening current taxpayers.
Addressing a press conference in Kamalia, Aurangzeb highlighted the unsustainability of the current 9.5% tax-to-GDP ratio, advocating for an increase to 13%. He noted that effective taxation is essential for the functioning of public institutions like schools, universities, and hospitals. Aurangzeb outlined several strategies to achieve this goal, including imposing direct taxes in previously untaxed areas and cutting back on the Rs3.9 trillion in tax exemptions. He assured that key sectors such as health and agriculture would remain protected. The minister also revealed that around 32,000 retailers have been registered and will be taxed starting in July. “No sector can remain untaxed,” he stressed, underscoring the necessity of an equitable tax system.
Acknowledging enforcement challenges, Aurangzeb called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to enhance its efforts. He cited poor implementation of
the track and trace system as a major revenue loss factor and announced that consulting firm McKinsey has been collaborating with the FBR for the past month to improve digitalization and automation. This initiative aims to reduce human interaction, increase transparency, and minimize corruption. Aurangzeb also addressed the fear of harassment and frivolous notices that deter people from joining the tax net, sharing his personal experiences from the private sector to highlight the issue. In addition to tax reforms, the minister announced the upcoming privatization of the Karachi airport, expected by July or August, and plans to outsource other airports. He also mentioned the federal government’s intention to close ministries and depart-
ments that have been devolved to provincial authorities to reduce expenses and boost efficiency. The closure of the Pakistan Public Works Department, already announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is a significant step in this direction. Aurangzeb further detailed plans to privatize state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to alleviate the financial burden on the government and improve operational efficiency. He highlighted Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which has Rs622 billion in liabilities, as a prime candidate for privatization. These initiatives reflect the government’s strategy to enhance fiscal stability, expand the tax base, and streamline operations to support sustainable economic growth.