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President of Uzbekistan signs a resolution on further development of the field of tax consulting

Tashkent — Resolution of the President of the Republic of “On measures to further develop the sphere of tax consulting” from 30 September 2020 was adopted in order to develop the institution of tax consulting and improve tax administration.

The document is expanding the powers of tax consultant organizations, in particular:

in the presence of their conclusion, the tax authorities will not carry out a tax audit of a voluntarily liquidated taxpayer with a low level of risk and an annual turnover of up to 1 billion soums over the past 3 years;

tax consultants are given the right to use computers, communications, audio and video recording devices in court, law enforcement and regulatory agencies.

Termination of the tax advisor certificate is prohibited for failure to participate in tax consulting for 3 years, if he carries out labor activities in the staff of lawyers’ formations, audit organizations, as well as other legal entities providing accounting services.

Taking into account foreign practice, from 1 January 2021, the following functions of the Ministry of Finance to regulate the activities of tax consultants are transferred to the Chamber of Tax Consultants of Uzbekistan:

– conducting qualification exams to obtain a tax advisor qualification certificate;

– issuance, suspension, termination and cancellation of a tax advisor qualification certificate;

– approval of training and professional development programs for tax consultants;

– keeping the register of tax consultants.

The Ministry of Finance is charged with:

– to assist the Chamber in organizing training courses for tax consultants, including in the form of distance learning, as well as preparing and conducting qualification examinations for tax consultants;

– to develop, by 1 April 2021, the draft Law “On Tax Consulting” in a new edition, which establishes the main provisions for self-regulation of the sphere of tax consulting and allows you to form an effectively functioning institution of tax consultants.

Germany and Pakistan to continue trusted partnership, says ambassador

In order to share joy about German reunification and as a signal of German-Pakistani friendship, the German Embassy donated food packages to needy families of different communities in and around Islamabad in the course of the week leading up to German national day

A.M.Bhatti

ISLAMABAD:  On 3rd October 2020, Germany is celebrating the 30th anniversary of German reunification, a major event in German history. As a precautionary measure in the pandemic, the German missions in Pakistan must sadly refrain from the usual German national day festivities this year.

Instead, the German Embassy Islamabad and the German Consulate General in Karachi decided to go online and will host a virtual concert with famous Pakistani singer Zoe Viccaji on Saturday, 3rd October 2020 at 7 pm which will be streamed on the Embassy’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Everyone is cordially invited to join the virtual celebrations!

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www.facebook.com/GermanEmbassyIslamabad

www.youtube.com/GermanyinPAK

In order to share joy about German reunification and as a signal of German-Pakistani friendship, the German Embassy donated food packages to needy families of different communities in and around Islamabad in the course of the week leading up to German national day.

On the eve of the German Unity Day Ambassador Bernhard Schlagheck and Consul General Holger Ziegeler underlined: “Celebrating the 30th anniversary of German unity is a very special moment for Germans. Just like German reunification would not have been possible without the support of Germany’s international partners, we will only be able to overcome the consequences of the pandemic by working together effectively as an international community. Germany and Pakistan will continue their long-standing and trustful cooperation.”

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It may be mentioned here that Pakistan and Germany have close and multifaceted bilateral relations. Next year, both countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. With a volume of 120 million euros for development cooperation and 6.1 million euros for humanitarian aid, Germany stood by the people of Pakistan in these difficult pandemic times and will continue to do so.

Tabish Gauhar appointed Special Assistant to PM for Power

ISLAMABAD : Former chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of K-Electric, Tabish Gauhar, has been appointed as Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) for Power.

The Cabinet Division released a notification regarding the appointment of Tabish Gauhar as the Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) for Power.

Gauhar had been associated with KE as the chairman and CEO for more than seven years. The notification read that Gauhar’s appointment shall be in an honorary capacity.

Restaurants, marriage halls high contributors to coronavirus spread: Asad Umar

KARACHI : Six marriage halls and 103 restaurants were sealed in Karachi over neglecting health-related SOPs to contain coronavirus spread.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), six marriage halls and 103 restaurants were sealed in the port city over avoiding coronavirus SOPs.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development and Chairman NCOC, Asad Umar said indoor restaurants and marriage halls are emerging as high contributors to COVID-19 spread.

NCOC today has directed all provinces and federating units to crack down on sop violations in these places, the minister said in his tweet.

We must not allow the irresponsible behavior of some to put the health of everyone at risk.

On Thursday, the district South authorities in Karachi had also announced to impose micro smart lockdown in various parts for two weeks amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the city.

PM Imran Khan wishes Trump, Melania speedy recovery from COVID-19

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday wished US President Donald Trump and his wife a “speed recovery” after the two tested positive for COVID-19.

“Wishing President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump speedy recovery from COVID-19,” tweeted PM Imran Khan hours after Trump announced his test result.

On Friday morning, President Donald Trump said that he and the First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for coronavirus and are going into quarantine “immediately”.

“We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!” tweeted the US president after getting his test results

Trump is the latest world leader to have contracted the virus. British Prime Minister Boris Jonhson was the first major leader who was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March.

The US president was tested for the virus after one of his close advisers tested positive for COVID-19.

Hope Hicks, a top adviser to the president who has travelled with him on Air Force One several times this week, had contracted the virus, according to US media reports.

The president, who is tested regularly for COVID-19, has kept up a rigorous travel schedule across the country in recent weeks, holding rallies with thousands of people in the run-up to the November 3 election, despite warnings from public health professionals against having events with large crowds.

Hicks’ positive test raises the possibility that others within Trump’s immediate circle and at the highest levels of the US government may have been exposed and have to quarantine as well.

Afridi aims to help Pakistan win 2021 T20 WC

ISLAMABAD, Oct 2 : Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi deems to play for Pakistan in the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup, saying his goal was to help the Green-shirts win the tournament.

“If we speak of goals it would be great if I am selected to play for Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup and I can help us win that tournament. I’d love to be part of a World Cup winning squad one day. It’s always a great honour to be part of a World Cup winning squad as we can see that even today, people speak in glowing terms about our legendary cricketers who won the 1992 World Cup.

“The same applies to the glory associated with the winners of the 2009 T20 World Cup, especially the likes of Younis Khan who captained the side and Shahid Afridi who was Man of the Match in the final. Of course, who can forget how our team did the nation proud in the 2017 Champions Trophy so being part of such a squad is always great but whether I am part of the squad or not, I would love for Pakistan to be the number one side in the world in all formats,” Pakpassion.net quoted him as saying.

Speaking about his experience with playing for Hampshire in the T20 Blast, Afridi said it has been a good learning experience. “I am learning a lot from my time at Hampshire and am getting to know how cricket is played in this part of the world. Obviously, the process of learning never stops for any cricketer and I am really enjoying my time here and hopefully not only can I put whatever I learn here to good use when I represent Pakistan next but also share this knowledge with my team-mates.

On his performance (6 for 19) for Hampshire, Afridi said it was really satisfying to have performed so well in my last match for Hampshire in the T20 Blast and taken 6/19 to help them win. “I was obviously a little frustrated during the tournament as I could only take 1 wicket until the final match, but then this is what cricket is all about. You can only try your best but sometimes these things are not in your hands, however I can only thank the Almighty for helping me perform so well in the last game. To take 6 wickets then was obviously very pleasing and I have never taken 4 wickets in 4 balls before so understandably, I was very happy with my performance and hope it’s something that Hampshire’s fans will be happy with,” he said.

President Trump, wife Melania test positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON : US President Donald Trump said early Friday morning that he and the first lady, Melania Trump, have tested positive for the coronavirus.

“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER,” he tweeted.The first lady tweeted: “As too many Americans have done this year, @potus & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together.”

Earlier, the US president said he was beginning a quarantine process after Hope Hicks, a top adviser and trusted aide, tested positive for the coronavirus.

Hicks travels regularly with the president on Air Force One and, along with other senior aides, accompanied him to Ohio for the presidential debate on Tuesday and to Minnesota for a campaign event on Wednesday.

“Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!” Trump said in a tweet.

Earlier, in an interview on Fox News, Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump had been tested for the virus and would know the results later on Thursday or Friday.

“I spend a lot of time with Hope, and so does the first lady. And she’s tremendous,” he said.

The president, who is tested regularly for COVID-19, has kept up a rigorous travel schedule across the country in recent weeks, holding rallies with thousands of people in the run-up to the Nov. 3 election, despite warnings from public health professionals against having events with large crowds.

Khawaja brothers appear before NAB court in Paragon case

LAHORE : An accountability court in Lahore conducted the hearing of the Paragon Housing Society case against Khawaja brothers today.

The accountability court’s judge Jawadul Hassan heard the corruption case against Khawaja Saad Rafique and Khawaja Salman Rafique. The Khawaja brothers appeared in the hearing.

A witness, Abdul Ghafoor Patwari, recorded his statement before the court during the hearing.Later, the accountability court adjourned the hearing till October 14 and summoned more witnesses in the case in the next hearing.

Paragon Housing scam

According to NAB, Saad Rafique in collusion with his wife Ghazala Saad Rafique Butt, brother Salman Rafique, Qaiser Amin Butt and Nadeem Zia had launched a housing project named Air Avenue, which was later renamed to Paragon City (Pvt) Ltd).

Saad Rafique, his brother Salman Rafique, Nadeem Zia, Umar Zia, and Farhan Ali were named accused in accountability reference comprising of 17 volumes.

According to the reference, the Khawaja Saad Rafique, Khawaja Salman Rafique and Nadeem Zia owned 93.2 per cent shares in the Paragon Housing Society.

Besides, Saad Rafique acquired 40 kanals of land in his and his brother’s name, which he used to extend the project illegally and sold commercial plots worth billions of rupees.

It states that the former railway minister received monetary benefits to the tune of Rs58 million from the society whereas his brother Rs39 million.

What will be the outcome of the political confrontation?

The Supreme Court had allowed Mian Nawaz Sharif to go abroad for treatment and ordered Shahbaz Sharif to submit an affidavit to bring him back home in four weeks as if Shahbaz Sharif was obliged to bring his elder brother back home in four weeks. Even eleven months later, Nawaz Sharif did not return home, which is a violation of the court order. Mian Nawaz Sharif is still justifying his alleged illness, while during this time many pictures have been published and broadcast on the print and electronic media in which he seems to be very happy. In recent days, during the APC and subsequent video speeches, he has been seen as a healthy person. The federal government is in constant touch with the British government to ensure the return of Nawaz Sharif so that the process of accountability that has begun can be brought to a logical conclusion.

There is no doubt that the political leadership of the country has no right to protect itself and not the people, so a long reconciliation silence has been broken after the failure to pursue the interests. Government circles say that by making an excuse of a serious illness, Nawaz Sharif, who has left the country, has exposed himself that he is not ill and his 54-minute speech in the APC and later presiding over the party meeting is a clear proof that he left the country under the pretext of illness and has started practical politics. He has been presiding over political contacts and party meetings, but despite being healthy, he has not returned to the country to face the courts. Nawaz Sharif has held the post of Prime Minister three times and is claiming to restore true democracy. They also want to get justice, but when they return to Pakistan, they are reluctant to complete their sentence and face their appeals in the courts. However, it does not allow them to sit outside and attack the institutions and please India.

It is true that Prime Minister Imran Khan was not in favor of letting convicted Nawaz Sharif to leave the country. According to Sheikh Rashid, Prime Minister regrets it. It seems very difficult for the government to bring Nawaz Sharif back home. In principle, as a political leader, Mian Nawaz Sharif should return and wait for a court decision, but Nawaz Sharif’s policy seems to be that he will not return to the country and seek treatment in the open air of London instead of being imprisoned at home. Anyway, why does Mian Nawaz Sharif need to come to Pakistan and spend his life in prison? He is continuing his politics even when he is out of the country. For some reason, his silent politics has been running since he moved to London, which has now found a language in the APC.

Nawaz Sharif’s aggressive speech in the APC and the recent activities of the PDM apart from the PML-N seems to suggest that someone has laid a hand of sympathy on his head during his stay in London and at own country, someone in power is in touch with him. The effect of this sympathetic support is that for the first time the issue of the role of the army in politics has been made a direct part of the political agenda and Nawaz Sharif is apparently leading the campaign. He does not seem to care about the cases against him in the courts and does not appear to be suffering from the fear that his daughter is still in Pakistan and could be arrested at any time.

Nawaz Sharif is keen on a policy of blackmailing the authorities while putting pressure on the government, as he has made it clear through his messengers that more concessions are possible from the state and the government nor is Maryam Nawaz likely to go abroad. That is why Mian Nawaz Sharif seems to be hunting for two with one arrow. He wants to divert attention from the cases pending in the courts against him and to paint the government’s efforts to bring him back home as political revenge. But to some extent, he fears that the government may not really be able to deport them from the UK, while the remarks of the courts make it clear that they are not in a position to provide further relief.

In view of this situation, Nawaz Sharif is threatening to reveal secrets by burning his boats, but this is not a unilateral act. Nawaz Sharif’s and Maryam Nawaz’s hot speech has also embarrassed in front of Imran Khan those who thought that release of Mian Nawaz Sharif on bail and voluntary deportation by PML-N would not weaken the existing transitional structure and confrontation and non-confrontation – the culture of instability will be discouraged. Although the Maryam Nawaz group has become stronger in the PML-N after the arrest of MianShahbaz Sharif, many like ChaudhryNisar Ali Khan in the presence of senior PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, do not feel comfortable and they are forced to think that Mian Nawaz Sharif himself does not want to live a life of slavery, but is forcing us to enslave under their children. This internal turmoil within the PML-N will overwhelm the party, but the country cannot afford any internal turmoil and institutional confrontation, the consequences of confrontation can be very dangerous. To come out of this situation safely, a conciliatory attitude with a cold heart and mind must have to be adopted. If the government adopts the same attitude that Pervez Musharraf adopted during the Judiciary Restoration Campaign, then not only individuals but also institutions will be at stake in the conflict. Thus, no one knows what will be the outcome of this confrontation?

Written by

Attiya Munawer

[email protected]

Azerbaijan-Armenia: War of martyrdom & maliciousness

Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan

Azerbaijan’s infinite voyage of martyrdom is now confronting with maliciousness of Armenian which carries notorious past full of sever ethnic cleansing and horrible genocide, conspiratorial present and frightening future because of its paramount fascist hangover and state sponsored terrorist activities and of course provocations. Tug of war is now embodied into full-fledged war of machineries.

War has now entered into its fifth day during which Armenia tried to surpass true essence of international law and perpetuated attack on the civilian settlements and population of Azerbaijan. This time Azerbaijan started a counter offensive operation during which it succeeded to destroy key military installations of Armenia and captured tactical mountains and last but not least liberated illegally occupied areas from Armenia and its sponsored international militia and terrorist groups.

Azerbaijan completely destroyed various military installations, missile batteries and anti-missile system S-300 of Armenia. Its claim of downing of its F-16 by Turkey did not achieve any attention in the region as well as in the international power circle. Atypically, Zee News India also claimed presence of Pakistani troops in Azerbaijan to fight against Armenia which has already been denied by the foreign ministry of Pakistan.

However, it shows axis of enmity, empathy and destruction of Armenia and India against Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Hopefully their marriage of convenience will be divorced very soon with the parotic spirits of both the countries. Notwithstanding, Azerbaijan and Pakistan are brotherly countries which are now knotted even with grief, anger and purpose of recognition.

According to its ministry of defence, Azerbaijani troops have so far neutralized at least 2,300 Armenian soldiers since September 27, 2020. Moreover, thorough professional armed forces of Azerbaijan destroyed Armenian 130 tanks and armored vehicles, more than 200 artillery and missile systems, around 25 air defense systems, six command and observation areas, five ammunition depots, almost 50 anti-tank guns and 55 cars during the ongoing war.

Ongoing war has once again highlighted the immediate need to resolve the frozen conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions of Azerbaijan during the 1991-1993. Armenia’s impulsive orientation, military obsession, mantra of self-defined and self-inserted ownership of Nagorno-Karabakh (NB) has put the South Caucasus security at risk. There is an urgent need to resolve the pending issue of NB purely on the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council which adopted four resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 condemning the use of force against Azerbaijan and the occupation of its territories in 1993.

It reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, reconfirmed that the Nagorno-Karabakh region is an integral part of Azerbaijan and demanded the immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all the occupied territories. Undoubtedly, Nagorno-Karabakh (NB) is Azerbaijan.

Armenia’s jingoism has once again threatened South Caucasus’s socio-economic stability, geopolitical harmony and geostrategic sustainability which may have serious security consequences to the European Union.

Armenia’ draconian instinct against the innocent local people living in various illegally occupied areas and adjacent to border has once again made it naked to use ferocious military power against stranded people. Fierce fighting has been raged which has produced shock & awe in so many important capitals of the world especially the EU.

The EU, Russia, United Nations, the United States, France and Germany came forward but with certain secretive motives. A large numbers of Armenian diaspora live in France and Germany which have forced them to help-out fleeing Armenians. Even, European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) favored the aggressor, Armenia and intentionally preferred crusading approach over human curiosity. Armenia pulverized Azerbaijan civilian settlements with rockets and artillery in the merciless round of the frozen conflict since 1994. The fighting is now taking place along all sections of the front line. It has deployed helicopters, drones, tanks, and artillery during the first five days of fighting.

Armenia’s real callous face has now out of sugarcoated so called democracy which has been gnarled by imposing martial law in the country. So divinity of democracy has been crawled by the big generals. Now, worshiper of darkness and destruction i.e. Armenia is heavily indulged in attacking the caravans of innocent Azerbaijanis. Being prominent regional expert of Azerbaijan & CIS, I expect a fair deal and befitting proposition for suppressing and struggling people living in the Nagorno-Karabakh region to be liberated for the sake of humanity, sagacity of international law and above all sustainability of diplomacy.  Otherwise, it may further escalate.

It is a bitter reality that Armenia has been pursuing ethnic cleansing policy against Azerbaijan for centuries in order to illegally occupy its territorial areas. With the help of its regional bosses Armenia unfortunately, succeeded to occupy the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions of Azerbaijan during the 1991-1993.

Despite the declaration of a ceasefire between the two countries in 1994, Armenia has been provoking Azerbaijan. Over the years, Armenia has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, opened fire against Azerbaijani soldiers, civilians and claimed hundreds of lives. Armenian prime minister ordered full military mobilization whereas, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ordered partial military mobilization which shows Armenia’s obsession of military power and on the other hand upholds Azerbaijan peaceful resolve to counter the enemy attack with appropriate response with befitting tactical operations.

Armenia has been clandestinely schemed to attack on various border areas of Azerbaijan by settling international terrorists groups from Syria, Iraq, and elsewhere in Nagorno-Karabakh which is proven and against the international law. Instead of this Armenia blamed Azerbaijan to settle Syrian terrorists in its border areas. The foreign ministry of Azerbaijan has strongly condemned this accusations.

Geographically, Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous region consisting/covering around 4,400 square kilometers situated 50 kilometers from the Armenian border. With the passage of time, local soldiers supported by Armenia also occupy some Azerbaijani territory outside the region. So, illegal annexation practice is still on by Armenians due to which the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) have been at receiving end for so many years. Armenia has been covertly busy in changing the geographic equation of the illegal occupied areas which is again gross violation of the international law and various resolutions of the UN too.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on both the leaders to immediately halt hostilities over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. He stressed the need for resumption of talks and the redeployment of monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to the region. Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev upheld that his country fighting war of survival from its own territories.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council tried to hold emergency to discuss the fighting following a request from Germany and France. Even German Chancellor Angela Merkel called both the leaders and asked for immediate truce. The fighting has now threatened to draw in regional powers Russia and Turkey which would be fatal for the entire region.

Unfortunately, Nagorno-Karabakh region has been in the line of fire due to Armenia’s military violations. But this time the unresolved conflict in the volatile South Caucasus Region (SCR) erupted into the deadliest bouts of fighting since April 2016.

The government of Turkey and especially its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged full support to government and people of Azerbaijan by demanding Armenia to put an end to its unjust, inhumane and illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh region after deadly clashes started along the border of Azerbaijan. He upheld that de-occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and other seven regions would start a new era of peace and harmony in the region. On its part, Russian continuously observing the ongoing war and urged to stop the hostilities.

In this time of crisis, Pakistan stood first to show its love, compassion and solidarity with the government and people of Azerbaijan by strongly condemning Armenian attack on its civilian and military installations. Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova telephoned the Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani and both leaders discussed important issues and the regional situation in the backdrop of latest tension.

During the telephonic conversation the Senate Chairman blamed Armenia for recent tensions which and termed it anti-humanity. He strongly condemned Armenia invasion which threatened peace in the region. He upheld that Pakistan supported Azerbaijan’s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

The government of Azerbaijan demands withdrawal of the occupying forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan which has still not been implemented, and the mediation efforts during the last 20 years within the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have also yet not yield results. The OIC recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh as integral part of Azerbaijan. NAM respects Azerbaijan’s non-violence persuasion to liberate Nagorno-Karabakh. African Union supports true and just cause of Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh issue.  The OSCE confirms Azerbaijan’s principal stance on Nagorno-Karabakh. National Assembly as well as Senate of Pakistan along with more than 100 parliaments of the world totally condemn Armenia policy of occupation and annexation.

Armenia violates not only the principles of territorial integrity of another state, but also a number of conventions and resolutions, which prohibit the destruction of movable and immovable property of the occupied lands. Since the beginning of the Armenia’s occupational policy against Azerbaijan, 20% of the territory of Azerbaijan, including the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions, are under the control of the Armenian armed forces.

Being prominent regional expert of Azerbaijan & CIS, I request the international community and human wisdom and the UN to immediately intervene and stop Armenia from its military provocations and quadruped predispositions which may produce a serious regional threat to the SCR necessitating terrible spillover repercussions for peace and stability. Moreover, immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and its seven adjacent areas would be great boost to regional peace and harmony. To conclude, Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijan and caravans of martyrdom will not be defeated by the fleeing Armenians.  Azerbaijan is a land of brave hearts where beasts of Armenia has no place to settle.

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