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PM FOR END TO INSTITUTIONAL ‘HURDLES, BOTTLENECKS’ TO LET FBR REFORMS BEAR FRUIT
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Wednesday, 6 August, 2025 | 11 Safar, 1447
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 29 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PREMIER SHEHBAZ DIRECTS USE OF MODERN g STRESSES DEVISING A STRATEGY TO TECHNOLOGY IN CUSTOMS CLEARANCE INCREASE TAX-TO-GDP RATIO THROUGH REFORM AGENDA TO MINIMIZE TIME CONSULTATION AMONG FBR, RELEVANT REQUIRED FOR INSTITUTIONAL PROCEDURES FEDERAL INSTITUTIONS, AND THE PROVINCES SET TIMELINES FOR FBR’S TAX COLLECTION AND OTHER REFORM TARGETS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR WILL NOT BE ALTERED: PM
– directs swift reforms to ease low-cost loans for small farmers ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the relevant authorities to eliminate red tape and institutional hurdles to ensure the permanent implementation of reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), expressed satisfaction over the increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio as a result of the reforms, the state broadcaster PTV News reported. “I, along with the federal government, will fully support and endorse the reform initiatives undertaken by the authorities,” the prime minister said, stressing a uniform and effective implementation of revolutionary customs
clearance reforms across the country, the PTV News added. Premier Shehbaz Sharif was chairing a meeting held to review matters related to FBR here, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Tuesday. Minister for Economic Affairs Division Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Attorney General of Pakistan, Chairman FBR, and other relevant government officials and dignitaries attended the meeting, the PMO added. He also directed to use modern technology in the customs clearance reform agenda to minimize the time required for
PTI slams ‘hybrid regime’ for crackdown on peaceful protests, mass arrests ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly condemned the ‘hybrid regime’ for unleashing a reign of terror by deploying ‘Gullu Butts’ against peaceful protestors, who turned out in massive numbers across the country to denounce the unlawful two-year detention of their beloved leader Imran Khan “in fake, fabricated, and politically motivated cases.” PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, saluted the courage of Pakistanis who have risen nationwide in response to their wrongfully imprisoned leader’s call—defying the regime’s brutal crackdown and unprecedented state barbarity that has plumbed new depths of repression. He vehemently denounced the brazen crackdown on political dissent and the mass arrests of PTI leaders and workers across the country, particularly in Punjab, virtually transforming the province into a lawless zone where constitutional rights are routinely trampled. “An elder like Rehana Dar is being dragged by the shameless Punjab Police, a disgraceful sight. Maryam Nawaz and IG Punjab have sunk to a new low with this act,” he added. He blasted the cabal of powerhungry usurpers who shamelessly weaponized and politicized every state institution—sacrificing the nation’s future just to prolong their illegitimate grip on power. “This mafia has turned our sacred institutions into personal fiefdoms, dragging the country deeper into crisis solely to protect their stolen thrones,” he lamented. Waqas stated that the fascist regime cannot deter, intimidate, or terrify an awakened nation through heavy-handed tactics and oppressive and coercive measures. He asserted that the people stand firmly with their leader in the struggle to transform Pakistan into a truly independent nation—not a state controlled by a handful of corrupt elites.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday directed immediate reforms to simplify and expand access to low-cost agricultural loans for small and medium-scale farmers, calling it a critical step for boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring economic dignity for the country’s rural backbone. The prime minister, while chairing a high-level review meeting here, emphasized that small farmers must be treated with respect and given due facilitation, particularly when it comes to acquiring low-interest loans for their agricultural needs, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said. “Small-scale farmers face immense challenges in securing low-cost loans,” said PM Shehbaz, adding, “Providing them with easier access to affordable credit is among the government’s top priorities.” institutional procedures. The prime minister also directed the federal and provincial authorities to work together to sustain the benefits of tax collection resulting from FBR reforms in the next fiscal year.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz instructed the concerned authorities to accelerate reforms within the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and to encourage private banks to step forward in offering concessional loans to the agricultural sector on easier terms. The prime minister announced that he will chair review meetings every three weeks to monitor the implementation of loan facilitation initiatives and reforms at ZTBL. PM Shehbaz reiterated his government’s commitment to agricultural development and the empowerment of small farmers through institutional support, financial inclusion, and practical reforms. Officials briefed the prime minister on the ongoing reform efforts at ZTBL, the bank’s performance, and proposed strategies to improve agricultural lending. The meeting also reviewed the role of private banks in supporting the agrisector through credit disbursement.
He noted that the effective implementation of previously imposed taxes in the upcoming fiscal year will play a key role in further increasing tax collection.
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NA unanimously rejects India’s illegal Kashmir move on Youm-e-Istehsal ISLAMABAD
staff report
The National Assembly of Pakistan has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning India’s controversial actions of August 5, 2019, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), marking Youm-e-Istehsal. The resolution, presented by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Senator Amir Muqam, rejects India’s unilateral revocation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, which had granted special status to the region. “The Indian actions are a blatant violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and international law,” the resolution stated, passing without any opposi-
tion in the House. Lawmakers also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for their right to self-determination. The resolution also strongly condemned the use of force, unlawful detentions, and suppression of Kashmiri voices, urging the immediate release of all political prisoners in IIOJK. “The House strongly condemns these actions and calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners,” it read. Senator Amir Muqam, speaking on the floor, condemned India’s continued military presence and oppressive actions in Kashmir, accusing the Indian government of attempting demographic engineering by altering the region’s Muslimmajority status. “India has martyred thousands
of Kashmiri youth, turned children into orphans, and women into widows. Despite all this, the passion for Pakistan remains alive in the hearts of Kashmiris,” he said. The minister further emphasized that India’s revocation of Kashmir’s special status not only violates UNSC resolutions but also breaches fundamental moral and democratic principles. He urged the international community to take urgent action to address the grave human rights situation in the region, and to pressure India to allow independent observers and human rights organizations into IIOJK. The resolution calls for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, as outlined in UNSC resolutions.
FO dismisses unfounded claims of citizens’ involvement in Ukraine conflict ISLAMABAD News Desk
The Government of Pakistan has strongly rejected the allegations suggesting that its citizens are involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Foreign Office called these allegations “baseless and unfounded.” The statement clarified that Pakistan has not been formally approached by Ukrainian authorities regarding the involvement of its nationals in the conflict, nor has any credible or verifiable evidence been provided to support these claims. Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed its intention to address the matter directly with Ukrainian officials to seek clarification on the issue. The statement emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Pakistan has consistently called for diplomatic efforts and negotiations to address the ongoing crisis, reinforcing its stance on peaceful conflict resolution.
Rabbani demands govt to disclose all int’l agreements ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader and former Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani on Tuesday demanded the federal government disclose all international agreements being made abroad, claiming that even the public found out about major petroleum and mineral deals “through a tweet by the US President.” Addressing a press conference, Rabbani criticised the lack of transparency and exclusion of the Parliament from key foreign agreements, saying it directly affected Pakistan’s natural resources and provincial rights. “The government is planning to reduce the provinces’ share in the upcoming National Finance Commission (NFC) Award from 57.5%, which would be a clear violation of the 18th Amendment of the Constitution,” Rabbani voiced his concerns. “More than 15 years have passed, and a new NFC Award has still not been introduced,” he lamented, calling the situation a deliberate constitutional breach. Referring to foreign agreements reportedly involving petroleum and mineral resources, Rabbani said these were first made known through a tweet by US President Donald Trump, not through any official channel in Pakistan. The PPP leader emphasized that 50% of such resources belong to the provinces, and their exclusion from such decisions is unjust and unconstitutional. “The rights of the provinces are being ignored in every overseas deal,” Rabbani said, adding that the Federation must stop centralized tax collection. He also called for an overhaul of the tax system, demanding that all tax collection responsibilities be handed over to the provinces instead of the federal government controlling fiscal flows.
Balochistan mandated to operate flights from Quetta to Iran, Iraq for Arbaeen pilgrims: Kh Asif ISLAMABAD
staff report
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday asserted that the government was taking measures to facilitate Arbaeen pilgrim following a ban on overland travel, saying the Balochistan government has been directed to operate direct flights from Quetta to Iran and Iraq. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Tuesday, the defence minister acknowledged that the ban was enforced due to serious security concerns, par-
ticularly because of the threat of terrorist attacks targeting pilgrim convoys. “To mitigate these risks, the federal government has authorised the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta, allowing pilgrims to safely travel by air to their destinations,” he said. “Iran has so far allowed one such flight; we are pressing them to start frequent flight operations as well. Arrangements had also been made for onward transportation of pilgrims from airports in Iran and Iraq to their intended sites,” he claimed while assuring the lawmakers.
Every year, Shia Muslims from Pakistan travel by road to Karbala in Iraq via Iran to take part in Arbaeen rituals during the Islamic month of Safar. Arbaeen marks the end of a 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the anniversary of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala. Late last month, the government announced that Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) would be barred from travelling by road to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen due to security concerns.
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eCp disqualifies Senate and NA opposition leaders, SIC chief, other ptI lawmakers ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday disqualified the Senate and National Assembly opposition leaders, Sunni Ittehad Council chief Hamid Raza and other PTI lawmakers, following their convictions in cases related to the May 9 riots. On May 9, 2023, PTI supporters, protesting the party founder Imran Khan’s arrest, staged violent protests throughout the country, vandalizing military installations and state-owned buildings while also attacking the Lahore corps commander’s residence. Following the riots, thousands of protesters, including party leaders, were arrested. An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad last week sentenced over 100 leaders and
workers of the PTI, including several key opposition figures, to jail terms of up to 10 years in connection with the May 9 riots. Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, Opposition Leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz, MNA Zartaj Gul, Raza, Sheikh Rashid Shafique (nephew of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid), Kanwal Shauzab, Farah Agha, Rai Haider Kharal and Muhammad Ahmad Chattha were among those sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. A notification from the ECP today said Faraz, Ayub, Kharal, Raza, MNA Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Gul, MPA Muhammad Ansar Iqbal, MPA Junaid Afzal Sahi, and MPA Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal were now disqualified under Article 63(1h) (a person shall be disqualified from being elected [if] … he has been, on conviction for any offense involving
moral turpitude, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years) of the Constitution, and their seats were vacant. The development follows other recent disqualifications of PTI leaders and lawmakers. On July 29, the ECP had disqualified MNA Abdul Latif from the NA-1 constituency (Upper and Lower Chitral), raising questions over the haste with which a flurry of similar decisions were taken in recent days. On July 28, the commission had disqualified Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, MNA Mohammad Ahmed Chatta and MPA Ahmad Khan. On December 21 and 26 last year, a military court had sentenced over 50 PTI leaders and activists, including Imran Khan’s nephew Hassaan Niazi, to up to 10 years for their involvement in the May 9 riots.