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Sunday, 16 March, 2025 I 15 Ramazan, 1446
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 250 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
PM CONFIDENT OF RESOLVING RS400B TAX CASES, STRESSES ECONOMIC REFORMS SHEHBAZ HIGHLIGHTS GOVERNANCE, FISCAL IMPROVEMENTS, AND INVESTMENT POTENTIAL
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TERMS SOES FINANCIAL LIABILITIES, NOTING THAT THEIR ACCUMULATED LOSSES HAD REACHED RS850 BILLION
government stabilised the economy. He credited his cabinet and government officials for key achievements, in-
cluding a reduction in inflation and policy rates, an increase in foreign remittances, higher foreign investment, and
stronger foreign exchange reserves. Sharif emphasised the need to transition from economic stabilisation to long-term growth under the “Uraan Pakistan” programme. He projected that with consistent policies, Pakistan’s economy could reach $1 trillion by 2035. He also acknowledged financial support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, noting that Riyadh recently extended a $1.2 billion oil facility while Abu Dhabi rolled over $2 billion in financial assistance. He credited the army chief for playing a crucial role in securing international financial commitments and facilitating economic recovery. Despite ongoing economic challenges, the prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan was on a path toward stability and long-term prosperity.
LAHORE
meaningful reduction in the rates of electricity, he added. The prime minister said that a package was being prepared under a comprehensive and effective strategy for decrease in rates of electricity, adding details of the package were being finalized. He said the big package was being prepared to give relief to people in the rates of electricity due to the difference after change in oil prices in the international markets and other measures. The package regarding reduction in electricity rates would be announced in
the next few weeks. He said he after taking over government, he had pledged to give priority to provide relief to the people. He expressed determination to provide relief to the people by reducing electricity rates in the next few weeks while give them other facilities as well. He said the relief would not only bring down electricity rates but would have an overall effect on inflation and would decrease it further. The prime minister himself would inform the nation about the relief measure.
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MONITORING DESK
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed optimism about resolving Rs400 billion worth of pending tax cases, citing a recent Sindh High Court ruling that provided the government with Rs23 billion in relief. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, he outlined key economic and governance reforms introduced over the past year. He highlighted Pakistan’s transition to e-governance, digitalisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and an increase in foreign exchange reserves from $4 billion to $12 billion. However, he termed state-owned enterprises (SOEs) as financial liabilities, noting that their accumulated losses had reached Rs850 billion. He stressed the urgent need to overhaul these entities to improve efficiency and reduce the financial drain on the economy. Sharif linked Pakistan’s economic revival to eradicating terrorism, arguing that security improvements would attract investment and restore the country’s global standing. He took pride in what he described as unprecedented institutional alignment, with all state institutions working toward national progress. He underscored the importance of increasing revenue, securing investment, and reducing reliance on loans to ensure a sustainable economic future. Reflecting on the government’s economic management, the prime minister recalled that Pakistan was on the verge of financial collapse when his administration took office, facing a potential default. However, through decisive measures, the
PM to announce ‘package’ for substantial decrease in electricity rates STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to provide big relief to the people by substantially bringing down rates of electricity while maintaining prices of petroleum products at the previous level. In a statement on Saturday, he said the government decided to transfer the complete financial benefit in the rate of electricity while keeping prices of petroleum at the past rates. This measure was among all the other steps which would result in a
Wild poliovirus type 1 detected in environmental samples from 12 cities ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage samples of 12 cities. According to officials, 15 environmental (sewage) samples were collected from 14 districts between February 17 and February 26 and were tested at the NIH lab during the past week. The samples from Multan, Bahawalpur, Lahore, DG Khan, Kasur, Dera Bugti, Lasbela, Quetta, Sibi, South Waziristan Lower, Charsadda and Swabi were tested positive while samples from DI Khan, South Waziristan Lower and North Waziristan tested negative for poliovirus. They said that Pakistan’s polio surveillance is among the world’s best, with the largest and most sensitive detection system. They said that the program has expanded its environmental surveillance sites from 65 in 2021 to 127 in 2025. Its efficiency in detecting poliovirus in sewage and cases ensures no transmission goes unnoticed, even in remote areas. The Programme is implementing a rigorous vaccination schedule to protect children from paralytic polio and interrupt virus transmission. Due to high-quality campaigns since September 2024, polio cases nationwide have declined. In February, a nationwide polio campaign vaccinated over 45 million children, alongside fIPV-OPV campaigns held in Karachi and Quetta blocks. The second phase of the fIPV-OPV campaign is currently underway in Karachi and will continue until March 16 across 59 union councils. Additionally, a targeted vaccination drive in 104 union councils bordering Afghanistan or having Afghan refugee populations was conducted in the last week of February, reaching over 0.67 million children to reduce the risk of cross-border and internal virus transmission.
Govt announces Rs5.2m each, jobs for families of Jaffer Express attack victims ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Saturday announced Rs2.5 million compensation each to heirs of two Pakistan Railways employees who embraced martyrdom during terrorist attack on Jaffar Express. Addressing a Press conference at Railways Headquarters in Lahore, Hanif Abbasi promised to provide employment to children of both martyred employees. Hanif Abbasi said that he held a detailed meeting with InspectorGeneral of Railways Police who have excellent service track. The Federal Railways Minister said that all outstanding issues of Railways police will be resolved on phase-wise. Hanif Abbasi said that newly appointed personnel of Pakistan Railways police will get the same grade as per scales of Punjab police. He said that some foreign elements involved in terrorism incidents in Pakistan and Afghanistan soil is being used for this purpose. He said that unfortunately some of our people felicitating them. He also said that our enemy imposed a
Lashkar-i-Islam founder succumbs to injuries from blast: Police PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
Founder of the outlawed Lashkar-i-Islam, Mufti Munir Shakir succumbed to his injuries he sustained in a blast in Peshawar on Saturday. According to a statement from the Peshawar Police spokesperson, the blast took place outside a mosque in the precincts of Urmur Police Station. “Initially Mufti Shakir was injured on his left foot in the blast along with three others, identified as Khushal, Abid and Syed Nabi”, the spokesperson said. Following the blast, the police personnel along with the bomb disposal unit and Counter-Terrorism Department reached the scene and collected evidence, the statement said. Mohammad Asim, the spokesman for the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), confirmed to the media that Mufti Shakir who was brought to LRH in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries.” Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Health Ehtesham Ali in a statement said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the development. Lashkar-i-Islam — a Bara-based militant organisation in Khyber tribal region led by Mangal Bagh — was banned in 2008. A local cleric in Bara, Mufti Shakir formed the Lashkar-i-Islam in December 2004 after Sipah and Malikdinkhel tribesmen announced their full allegiance to him. However, the cleric was expelled from Bar Qambarkhel area after only six months owing to his extremist views and differences with Haji Namdar, another militant commander of the area. Both Mufti Shakir and Pir Saifur Rehman were forced to leave Bara after a jirga of local elders gave a consensus verdict following bloody clashes between the supporters of the two in early 2005. Mangal Bagh, a bus driver-turned-militant was elevated to the position of amir (chief) of Lashkar-i-Islam in May 2005. Pakistani security forces demolished the house of Haji Rabat and destroyed the FM radio station set up in a mosque after they started the first military operation against Lashkar-i-Islam in mid-2005.
PM Shehbaz to depart for three-day visit to Saudi Arabia next week ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
war on us after dividing us in Punjabis, Pakhtoon, and Baloch. Federal Minister for Railways paid glowing tributes to personnel of law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) who foiled terrorist attack on Jaffar Express. He said that some foreign countries are worried about ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and they are using all available resources to create hurdles in the smooth completion of this game-changer project. Hanif Abbasi said that “we
have to think that why terrorism return back to our country”. He went on to saying that if the terrorist fled to Afghanistan then we have to respond them even in that country. He said that United Nations (UN), China and America also condemned Jaffar Express incident. Hanif Abbasi said that Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) brigade is using language against Pakistan. We did not use any abusive language against any state institutions despite serving jail term.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to depart for a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia next week, accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Deputy Prime Minister, key federal ministers, and senior officials. During the visit, he will hold discussions with Saudi officials on enhancing trade and economic cooperation, promoting investment, and strengthening bilateral ties. A meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also scheduled. The Pakistani delegation will express its full support for Saudi Arabia’s regional integrity and domestic sovereignty. The visit will also feature talks on Saudi investments in various sectors and the situation in Gaza. This trip aims to bolster the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on mutual cooperation and regional stability.
Nine terrorist neutralized, two soldiers martyred in two KP IBOs RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Two soldiers were martyred and nine terrorists were neutralized in fire exchange with security forces during two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the military’s media wing. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the engagements occurred on Friday and Saturday. In the first, security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in KP’s Mohmand district during which seven terrorists were “sent to hell” after troops “effectively engaged” them at their location, it said. However, the ISPR added that Havildar Muhammad Zahid, 37, of Malakand district and Sepoy Aftab Ali Shah, 26, of Chitral district “rendered the ultimate sacrifice” and were martyred during the intense fire exchange after “having fought gallantly”. In another encounter that took place in the general area of Maddi in the Dera Ismail Khan District, the ISPR said troops exchanged fire with terrorists, killing two of them. It added that weapons and ammunition
were recovered from the slain terrorists who were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities. The ISPR said sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” it concluded. PM and Interior Minister laud security forces for successful operations Following the successful operations, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Saturday lauded the officers and Jawans of security forces for successful intelligence based operation against Fitna Al-Khawarij in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He appreciated the officers and Jawans of security forces for their professional capabilities for eliminating nine Khawarij in Mohmand and Dera Ismail Khan. He paid tribute to Havaldar Muhammad Zahid and Sepoy Aftab Ali Shah for embracing martyrdom for the country while fighting bravely and killing Khawarij. He prayed for the elevation of ranks of martyrs in Jannah and for the grant of patience to the bereaved families.
He said the war against the menace of terrorism would continue till its complete eradication from the country. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operations against terrorists, according to a statement posted on X. Naqvi also paid tribute to the the two martyred soldiers, extending his condolences to their families. Earlier on Thursday, security forces thwarted an attack on a checkpost near FC Fort in South Waziristan’s Jandola area and had killed 10 terrorists. Earlier this month, 16 terrorists were killed, while five soldiers were martyred as security forces responded to a terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment in KP’s namesake district. The Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), revealed in its report that February saw a marginal increase in terrorist attacks but a sharp surge in civilian casualties. According to PICSS, the country witnessed 79 terrorist attacks last month, resulting in the deaths of 55 civilians and 47 security personnel, while 45 civilians and 81
security personnel were injured. Security forces, meanwhile, intensified counter-ter-
rorism operations, eliminating 156 terrorists, injuring 20, and arresting 66, it said.
PESHAWAR
lice said terrorists attacked the Dadiwala and Pezo police stations on Friday night but “both attacks were repelled due to timely action by the police”. No casualties were reported in either of the assaults. However, the statement added that two cops were injured while one of the attackers was killed in retaliatory action as a roadside bomb targeted a police vehicle on Lakki Marwat’s Landiwah Road. The police said militants carried out an improvised explosive device blast on Friday, injuring two policemen, including the driver. One attacker was also killed “due to timely action by the police”, the statement said, adding that a search operation was conducted to apprehend his accomplice.
KP police repel terrorist attacks on 4 police stations in Lakki Marwat, Bannu STAFF REPORT
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police personnel repelled terrorist attacks on four police stations and a checkpost in Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts overnight and no casualties were reported, officials said on Saturday. According to the police’s official statements, terrorists targeted two police stations in Lakki Marwat last night while two cops were injured in a roadside blast. Meanwhile, another two police stations and a checkpost came under attack in Bannu. The banned TTP claimed responsibility for all these attacks in the two districts in separate statements. A statement by the Lakki Marwat po-