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grants income tax PM SHEHBAZ LAUNCHES CASE MANAGEMENT Govt exemptions to ICC for Champions Trophy 2025 SYSTEM TO MODERNISE JUDICIARY Saturday, 22 February, 2025 I 23 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
INITIATIVE AIMS TO PROVIDE TRANSPARENT, EFFICIENT, AND SWIFT JUSTICE TO LITIGANTS
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
N a significant step towards modernising Pakistan’s judicial system, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the Case Assignment and Management System on Friday. This initiative aims to provide transparent, efficient, and swift justice to litigants across the country. Addressing the launch event here on Friday, the PM stressed that the system was long overdue, as citizens nationwide had been calling for more transparent and faster judicial processes. He expressed confidence that the new system would go a long way in addressing the grievances of the public, ensuring justice is delivered in a timely manner. PM Shehbaz highlighted the massive waste of resources over the years due to corruption, collusion, and a lack of modern technological solutions within the judicial system. He stressed the need for collective efforts to transform Pakistan and recover
the losses incurred in the past, which would eventually lead to future benefits for the country. Referring to his recent meeting with the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, the PM mentioned his request for speedy, merit-based decisions in pending cases. Earlier this week, the premier had visited CJP Afridi’s residence to discuss the agenda for the upcoming National Judicial Policymaking Committee (NJPMC) meeting. In his speech, PM Shehbaz also committed to recovering every penny owed to Pakistan, ensuring it would be used for the betterment of the nation’s people. He thanked all stakeholders, including international partners like the United Nations (UN) and Canada, for their support in designing and providing financial assistance for the development of the Case Assignment and Management System. Troels Vester, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), also spoke at the ceremony, expressing full support for the Pakistani government and the Ministry of Law and Justice
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 228 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
STRESSES THE NEED FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO TRANSFORM PAKISTAN
Govt to make economy cashless along with reforms in FBR: PM PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the government is taking steps to make the economy cashless along with reforms in the FBR. He was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Retail Business Council in Islamabad on Friday. Shehbaz Sharif directed the formation of a committee to address the issues of retailers, assuring that no additional tax burden will be put on those retailers who are already in the tax net. Shehbaz Sharif said steps are being taken on a priority basis to bring all the retailers who do not pay taxes into the tax net.
in introducing modern technology to enhance governance. He praised the leadership of PM
The Prime Minister mentioned that efforts are being intensified to curb smuggling under the guise of used goods. He urged local industries to adopt innovation and modern technology in order to enhance their exports and compete in the international market. The delegation commended the government for bringing economic stability. Describing government’s reforms as encouraging, the participants expressed the confidence that these will have far reaching impact on the economy. The delegation noted that bringing retailers into the tax net will enhance revenue. The delegation was appreciative of government’s efforts to address the issues of the retailers who are already part of the tax net.
Shehbaz for spearheading reforms aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s judicial system.
COAS visits Warminster, Larkhill Garrisons in UK RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, who is on a visit to the United Kingdom, visited Warminster and Larkhill Garrisons. The Army Chief was briefed on the modernization plan of British Army and Deep Recce Strike Brigade. Niche technologies including AI and uncrewed systems were also showcased by
the British Army during the visit. The Army Chief had a field visit to Warminster and Larkhill Garrisons at the invitation of General Roland Walker, Chief of General Staff of UK Army. “Niche technologies including AI and uncrewed systems were also showcased by the British Army during the visit,” the ISPR statement said. General Syed Asim Munir was in the UK to participate in
the 7th Regional Stabilization Conference at the esteemed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he will deliver the keynote address on “The Emerging World Order and Pakistan’s Future Outlook.” The Stabilization Conference serves as the premier platform for Army-to-Army dialogue between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, held annually to foster collaboration.
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NO TAXES OR DEDUCTIONS WILL BE APPLIED TO ICC OR ITS OFFICIALS’ REVENUES; PCB, PAKISTANI PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS WILL REMAIN SUBJECT TO INCOME TAX AND FED PROFIT
NEWS DESK
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet approved income tax exemptions for the International Cricket Council (ICC) in connection with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ongoing in Pakistan. According to a summary by the Revenue Division, these exemptions align with international best practices for hosting global sports events. The ECC met on Thursday under the chairmanship of Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division, Islamabad and was attended by Minister for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Chairman FBR, Chairman SECP, Federal Secretaries, and senior officers from concerned ministries and divisions. Under the standardised hosting rights agreement between ICC and Pakistan, no taxes or deductions will be applied to ICC revenues, its subsidiaries, associates, officials, and nonresident delegates. However, Pakistani residents, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), will remain subject to income tax on their earnings from the tournament. There will also be no exemptions from Sales Tax and Federal Excise Duty (FED). The tax exemption is not expected to result in a revenue loss, as it was a prerequisite for securing the tournament’s hosting rights. The committee deliberated on important economic matters and approved key decisions.