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Rs 50.00 | Vol XV No 29 I 36 Pages I Islamabad Edition
g JI EMIR WARNS TO EXTEND RAWALPINDI SAY TALKS WITH JI DELEGATION HELD IN A PLEASANT ATMOSPHERE, HOPING ISSUES WILL SIT-IN TO ACROSS COUNTRY IF BE RESOLVED IN NEXT ROUND ON MONDAY DEMANDS NOT ACCEPTED
PTI announces nationwide protest on August 5
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RAWALPINDI SALEEM JADOON
EDERAL Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Sunday said that a technical committee will review the demands put forth by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), saying the government will strive to resolve the issues amicably in the next round of talks. Speaking to media persons on Sunday after negotiation with a delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami delegation at Commissioner Office, Tarar said that the govern-
ment was making all-out efforts to provide relief to the masses and attract foreign investment to help generate more and more employment opportunities. “We talked to the JI delegation in a pleasant atmosphere, we all want that the inflation should be controlled so that the issue of unemployment can be addressed, electricity can be provided at a cheaper rates,” he said and informed that the technical committee would discuss the issues with the Jamaat-e-Islami and try to address them. The government’s negotiation team included Tarar, Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Maqam, senior
PM optimistic about new visa policy to boost tourism, trade activities
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) top leadership on Sunday announced the party will hold a nationwide protest against the government on August 5. Addressing a press conference, Omar Ayub stated that the behaviour towards their parliamentarians has been unacceptable, pointing out that their MNAs are being picked up by agencies and presented before anti-corruption bodies. He mentioned five intelligence agencies, explaining the uncertainty over which agency is responsible for these actions. Ayub emphasized that all their associates have been subjected to legal cases, which he attributes to the affidavits they submitted when joining PTI. Recalling Imran Khan’s warning, Ayub noted that the current regime aims to create conflict between the army and
PML-N leader Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Prime Minister’s Media Coordinator Badr Shahbaz. Attaullah Tarar said that the government was striving to convince the for-
PTI. He accused PML-N of attempting to pit the largest party against the army and stressed that immediate elections are the only solution to the political turmoil. Ayub further announced a meeting the next day where decisions regarding a sit-in at D-Chowk would be made. Asad Qaiser condemned the severe crackdown on their supporters, questioning the dignity of parliament if parliamentarians are humiliated in this manner. He urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of the forced resignations of 41 MNAs and called on his lawyers to approach the SC, questioning the governance of the country under such conditions. Qaiser announced that decisions regarding protests would be made in their meeting, with plans for large demonstrations across the country on August 5. STAFF REPORT
eign investors that cost of production was very low in Pakistan, so factories should be established here which would help end unemployment.
‘Fake News:’ FO rejects reports on Germany handing over consulate attack suspects
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed the hope that significant visa reforms introduced by the government will help in facilitating foreign investors, business community, and tourists. In a statement issued here on Sunday, he said that the step would help in promoting tourism, boost foreign investment, and increase trade activities in the country. Premier Shehbaz Sharif termed the initiative a highly positive development and said the government had approved visa-free entry for businessmen from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which will increase investment and business opportunities from these countries.
STAFF REPORT
The Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday denied authenticity in the report circulating on social media about Germany handing over of those involved in the attack on Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt. When asked whether the suspects involved in the vandalism were handed over to Pakistan, as being claimed in a report on social media, FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch termed the report a “fake news”. Dozens of miscreants had at-
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tacked the Pakistani consulate during a protest in Frankfurt on July 20. Following which, the German police had arrested two suspects. Reports indicated that German authorities had allowed Afghan nationals to hold a peaceful protest. However, the demonstration’s participants turned violent, lobbed stones at the consulate building, and removed the country’s flag, leading to heightened tensions. After arresting two Afghan nationals, German police had anticipated more arrests as they continued to identify additional protesters with the help of video footage.
A day after the incident, Pakistan condemned the attack by the gang of extremists on its consulate as well as the failure of the German authorities to protect the sanctity and security of the premises of its consular mission. Meanwhile, Pakistan had summoned Germany’s senior most diplomat to register a strong protest over the incident. The FO statement had said that the responsibility to protect the premises and ensure the security of diplomats falls under the host government under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963.
Azma blasts as KP requests PHC CJ to form judicial commission for May 9 probe CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
PESHAWAR/LAHORE STAFF REPORT
The Khyber Pakhunkhwa government, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Sunday wrote a letter to Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, requesting for the constitution of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 incident. Confirming the development, KP Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi, told to a private TV channel that: “The letter requesting the establishment of a judicial
commission was sent to the chief justice by the administration department.” Afridi said that that the PHC CJ will announce the names for the commission, with a judge from PHC to head it. On the other hand, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari criticized the KP government’s request for a judicial commission to the Peshawar High Court (PHC) over the May 9 incidents, calling it a failed attempt to hide under the judicial hammer and an admission of their crimes. Bukhari alleged that there is substan-
tial evidence, including videos, pictures, and audio, of the failed May 9 conspiracy. “The “instigator” has already admitted to the rebellion, with confirmation from Salman Akram Raja, the legal counsel of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan”, she claimed. She further noted that the identities of all the characters, facilitators, and masterminds behind the May 9 conspiracy are now clear. Bukhari used the metaphor, “When a jackal sees death, it runs towards the city,” implying that judicial commissions are typically formed
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for hidden and unresolved matters. The provincial information minister labelled the failed May 9 uprising as a “conspiracy against the country”, asserting that “no one can become a Che Guevara or Nelson Mandela by using the judiciary’s shoulder”. Bukhari condemned the KP government’s move to seek a judicial commission, equating it to an admission of guilt. Bukhari concluded by saying, “Alhamdulillah, our leader returned, his disqualification was overturned, and the people gave him their mandate”.
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
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Sri Lanka thrash India to claim first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
DAMBULLA AGENCIES
Sri Lanka defeated India by eight wickets to emerge victorious in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 final, claiming their first-ever title. In the final match in Dambulla, the Indian team set a target of 166 runs, scoring 165 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Sri Lanka chased down the target in 18.4 overs with just 2 wickets down. Harshitha Samarawickrama led the charge with an unbeaten 69, while Kavisha Dilhari supported her with an unbeaten 30. Captain Chamari Athapaththu played a brilliant inning, scoring 63 runs. India’s Deepti Sharma took one wicket. Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bat. Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 60, Richa Ghosh contributed 30, and Jemimah Rodrigues added 29 runs. On the bowling front, Kavisha Dilhari took two wickets for Sri Lanka, while Chamari Athapaththu, Sachini Nisansala, and Udeshika Prabodhani chipped in with one wicket each. Sri Lanka’s journey to the final included a victory over Pakistan in the semifinal, setting the stage for their historic win against India. Top performances by captain Chamari Athapaththu and Harshita Samarawickrama led Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory, clinching their first Women’s Asia Cup title.
Ex-finance czar to file petition against K-Electric, vows to fight for public rights KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Ex-Finance Minister and leader of the newly-formed Awam Pakistan Party, Miftah Ismail, announced on Sunday his plan to file a petition against K-Electric. Addressing a protest organized by his party, Ismail expressed his commitment to fighting for public rights and demanded the removal of taxes imposed on electricity. Ismail criticized the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for failing to deliver on its promise of providing 300 free units of electricity. He argued that if free electricity cannot be provided to the public, it should not be available to anyone. Ismail also pointed out a staggering 350% increase in electricity bills since 2015 and questioned whether salaries have risen proportionately. The former PML-N member condemned the imposition of taxes on electricity bills, noting that household consumers face a 24% tax, while commercial users are taxed at 37%. He accused the government of increasing its operational expenses by 24%, including higher expenditures for the Senate. Ismail proposed that suspending taxes for household consumers for four months would result in only a Rs50 billion loss, and reducing taxes could decrease electricity bills by 24%.
Pakistan begins reprofiling talks on Chinese power sector debt amid IMF reforms g
FINMIN SAYS GOVERNMENT IS TAKING ROBUST DECISIONS TO IMPROVE COUNTRY’S ECONOMY PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has launched discussions on reprofiling its debt to China’s power sector, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced at a press conference on Sunday. This move is part of broader negotiations involving structural reforms suggested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Aurangzeb clarified that the process involves reprofiling rather than restructuring, meaning that while the debt amount remains unchanged, the repayment period will be extended. Pakistan plans to address the reprofiling on a project-by-project basis and is considering appointing a local advisor in China to assist with the process. The ongoing discussions come as Pakistan engages with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and China to meet its financing needs under the IMF programme, which requires board-level approval. The IMF recently approved a $7 billion bailout for Pakistan but raised concerns about power theft and distribution losses exacerbating the sector’s debt. Aurangzeb also outlined the government’s broader economic strategies, including
reforms at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) aimed at increasing revenue collection. Weekly meetings chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are focused on reducing the burden on lower-income groups. The government has expressed gratitude to provincial
Chief Ministers for their support of tax reforms and hopes for new legislation to include the agricultural sector in the tax regime. To facilitate business and improve tax collection, the government has refunded Rs68 billion in claims and identified a tax
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Sunday said that the government has proposed its reform plans and energy vision to the National Energy Administration of China. Talking to a private news channel, the Minister mentioned discussions on the possibility of long-term cooperation among all stakeholders. Awais Leghari highlighted that one important aspect of these talks involved the reprofiling of debt amounting to $8.5 to $9 billion, which is expected to reduce electricity prices and increase electricity demand. He further stated that the finance min-
ister and other officials have engaged with Chinese bankers for potential investments in Pakistan’s power sector. Another key component of these reforms, he said, involves converting electricity generation plants from imported coal to local coal, which could significantly lower the cost per unit of electricity. He noted that four coal plants, including the government-owned Jamshoro plant, were being considered for conversion to local coal, aiming to reduce electricity costs from approximately Rs24 per unit to around Rs8 per unit. STAFF REPORT
Debt re-profiling, conversion to local coal to reduce power tariff significantly: Leghari
potential of Rs600 billion, with Rs1 billion already recovered. Efforts to address customs misclassification have revealed a potential tax value of Rs50 to 200 billion. Aurangzeb urged the media to campaign against under-taxed and untaxed enti-
ties and emphasized the simplification of tax processes to ease compliance for businesses and salaried individuals. The government is also considering rightsizing several ministries, with final decisions pending from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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1,320 MW Hub Power Plant, and the 1,320 MW Port Qasim Power Plant. These plants are known for their high electricity production costs. The Chinese delegation expressed strong support for the transition to local coal and outlined the steps needed to implement this change. Additionally, they committed to providing full backing for Pakistan’s Panda Bonds, enhancing the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Ongoing meetings between Pakistani and Chinese officials will focus on the conversion process and ensure successful reprofiling of the power plants.
China endorses switch to local coal for three major Pakistani power plants STAFF REPORT
China has given the green light for converting three major coal-fired power plants in Pakistan to use locally sourced coal instead of imported fuel, a move poised to cut down on energy costs. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Energy Minister Owais Leghari, who are currently on a visit to China, played a key role in securing this agreement. The power plants affected are the 1,320 MW Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, the