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President FPCCI lauds PM Imran for extending construction amnesty scheme

DNA

KARACHI – Mian Nasser Hyatt Magoo, President the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry” (FPCCI) applauds The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan for the extension of the fixed tax regime to Dec 31, 2021 for the construction sector on FPCCI’s recommendation

He said that the FPCCI welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement in the perspective of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic as the tax wavier will facilitate the constructors, and will tremendously enhance the socio-economic condition of the laborers earn on daily basis and will provide the ultimate support to the construction material industry.

PM Imran Khan said while announcing the extension that “projects worth Rs186 billion have been registered with the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) and the projects of amount Rs116bn are in the process of registration, under the incentives we had given for construction in April”. The prime minister also announces the facility of non-disclosure of the source of income while making investment till June 2021 and a one-year extension to construction projects which were supposed to be completed in 2022 and now they can be completed by 2023.

Mian Nasser Hyatt Magoo President FPCCI further said that due to the high risk of corona spread, many of the builders and developers were not able to avail of the facility, he urged the construction industry to avail of the tax amnesty facility in the year 2021, it will support them to stand again. Livelihood opportunities for the daily wagers through construction projects will also contribute to lessening the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the national economy.

SSP Punjab Highway patrol released annum 2020 performance report

M  Ishfaq Mugha

Faisalabad, JAN 1 /DNA/ – SSP Punjab Highway patrol, Region Faisalabad Chaudhary Farooq Ahmad Hundal released annum 2020 performance report. While talking to media, SSP told that due to vigilant patrolling, road crime has receded to lowest figures.  As per detail, total 4303 cases were registered under different sections and 4519 accused were arrested. SSP further told that in the year 2020, the massive recovery of weapons were done on highways.

As many as  54 Kalashnikovs,13 Rifle 223 Bore, 3 Rifles 222 Bore, 7 Rifles 244 Bore, 5 Rifles 7 MM, 3 Rifles 8MM, 20 Rifles 12 Bore, 19 Repeaters 12 Bore, 5 Pump action 12 Bore,6 carbine 12 Bore,  179 pistols 30 Bore,16 Pistols 9 MM,  with 5001 bullets and 427 cartridges were recovered. Furthermore, total 3612 liter liquor, 33 KG Cannabis and 2 KG 49 Gram Heroin was recovered. As many as 531 proclaimed offenders and 31 court absconders were arrested.Moreover, the patrolling teams dealt 152 accidents and extended medical help to 320 commuters. SSP further added that 1340 KG dead and unwholesome meat was recovered.

In order to contain the snatching and theft of automobiles, comprehensive plan was carried out to recover stolen and snatched vehicles.  1 stolen car, 8 snatched M/Cycles, 3 stolen M/Cycles, 7 stolen Buffalos, 1 stolen cow, 3 Mobile phone, 1 stolen engine, cash worth Rs 100,000/-  and 3 Batteries worth Rs. 30,600 were recovered by Punjab highway patrol in the year 2020.As many as 1211 cases were registered against reckless drivers U/S 279 PPC. Moreover, 63 lost children were found and reunited with their relatives. Help rendering were extended to 22950 commuters.

As many as 313 encroachments were removed for free flow of traffic. Motorcycle is widely used during robbery/Dacoity, in order to prevent road robbery, total 5049 Motorcycles, 1 car and 1 Pickup were impounded U/S 134 PO, 115 MVO and 550 Cr.P.C. He added that the signboards and information regarding Helpline 1124 is being displayed in all beat areas to help commuters in distress. SSP Punjab highway patrol reiterated at the conclusion of talk that the efforts of Punjab highway Patrol for the safety of road users are commendable. The ratio of crime and traffic accidents has considerably reduced. Citizens feel comfortable and secure while travelling on highways.

4th monthly Revenue Public Service Katchri held at DC office

M  Ishfaq Mughal

Faisalabad, JAN 1 /DNA/ – On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar, the 4th monthly Revenue Public Service Katchri was held at DC office. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali listen the public complaints regarding revenue matters and directed the revenue officers for speedy solution of the applicants.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Fazal Rabi Cheema, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Khurram Pervaiz, Assistant Commissioners Sadar and City Umar Maqbool, Ayub Bukhari, Revenue Department officials, Assistant Director Land Record City and the Sadar, Tehsildar, Niab Tehsildar and Patwaris were also present.During the Katchri Deputy Commissioner directed to suspend patwari  Mazhar Shah of Halwa 224 and showcause notice was given to the Patwari Tariq Gujjar of Halqa 214 of city area for non compliance of public complaints.

DC said that the delay in the matters of public would not tolerated and responsible revenue officer and staff would accountable. He said that Revenue Katchries are being hold on every first working day of month and problems are being solved on the spot. He said that the Department of Revenue was at the forefront of public service and holding Revenue Public Service Courts would not only solve the problems of the people but also increase their confidence. Deputy Commissioner said that the problems of the people’s under one roof are being addressed by listening to the problems related to the revenue department.

He said that speedy solution of issues and grievances related to the revenue department including issuance of domicile, farad, registary, income certificate and other revenue matters are being solved on spot. He said that officers of the revenue department including Assistant commissioners and staff of land record center were also directed to ensure attendance in the court. Citizens can approach the concerned Tehsil Office on the first of every month for resolving revenue related issues. He also went to the applicants and took feedback to them about solution of their complaints.

He said that the monitoring officers appointed by SMBR has also inspected the process of listening public complaints. During the Awami Kidmat Revenue Services Katchri  a total of 54 applicants identified the problems in Tehsil City and Sadar out of which 88% were solved on spot while the remaining applications were directed to be processed and reported within three days. The Katchries were also held at Tehsil Jaranwala, Samundri, Tandlianwala and Chak Jhumra under concerned Assistant Commissioner.

COMSTECH, Al-Shifa Trust enter into MoU to prevent blindness in OIC

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1  – Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi and COMSTECH — OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation — Islamabad, signed an MoU to build capacity in ophthalmology and prevent blindness in OIC member states through providing training and conducting eye camps in different OIC member states.

The MoU ceremony held at COMSTECH headquarters and signed by Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, COMSTECH and Maj. Gen. Rehmat Khan (R), President, Al- Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Prof. Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum and Mr. Mohammad Adeel, Assistant Director, Science Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan were also present at the occasion.

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According to the MoU, Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology (PIO) the academic wing of Al- Shifa Trust Eye Hospital will impart training in ophthalmology, optometry and orthoptics, public health, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, bio-medical technicians, ophthalmic nurses and ophthalmic nursing assistants of OIC region.

Al-Shifa Trust eye hospital will offer observerships for 4-12 weeks and 1-year clinical fellowships to candidates from OIC countries in the subspecialties, such as cornea and refractive surgery, Vitreo-retina, Pediatric ophthalmology, Glaucoma and Orbit and Oculoplastic.

Al-Shifa center for community ophthalmology will carry out wide-spread outreach programs for the prevention of blindness in OIC member states. A delegation of highly qualified and experienced surgeons will be sent to the pre-selected OIC member states to undertake surgical camps for cataract as well as perform advanced surgical procedures for diseases such as Cornea, Glaucoma, Obits and Oculoplastic, Vitreo-retina, Pediatric eye disorders and, Ocular oncology.

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Eye camps in Kampala, (Uganda) Niamy, (Niger) and Serrekunda, (Gambia) will be organized this year.

Special emphasis will be given to carry out research in areas of Ocular Epidemiological Studies, Ocular Imaging, Ocular Genetics, Data Analytics, Cytokines and Biomarkers for Ocular Pathologies, Clinical Trials, Clinical Studies and Ocular Therapeutics.

COMSTECH would provide Al-Shifa Trust support, cooperation, and collaboration for all activities planned and organized in OIC member states.

NAB playing a vital role for establishing rule of law: Amir Jahangir

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1 (DNA) – The World Economic Forum released the Global Competitiveness Report 2020 earlier this month. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of Mishal Pakistan, a Country Partner Institute of New Economy and Societies Platform, World Economic Forum called on Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at NAB headquarters, Islamabad.

Honorable Mr. Justice, Javed Iqbal, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) thanked Mr. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of Mishal Pakistan, a Country Partner Institute of New Economy and Societies Platform, World Economic Forum for their confidence and appreciation of efforts of NAB undertaken in eradication of corruption and recovered Rs. 714 billion through directly and indirectly from corrupt elements as NAB’s faith is corruption free Pakistan. There are more than 1230 corruption references of NAB are under trial in the respected Accountability Courts of the Country and their approximately amount is Rs. 947 billion. NAB under clause 33-C of NAO, 1999 has adopted strategy of aware and prevention to aware people about the ill effects of corruption which is the mother of all evils.

Mr. Amir Jahangir said that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Pakistan is playing a vital role and efforts for eradication of corruption in order to establishing the rule of law, transparency and good governance so that the corrupt should be brought to justice as per law. He appreciated NAB for recovering Rs. 714 billion directly and indirectly since its inception.  Mr. Amir Jahangir also appreciated the efforts of NAB in creating awareness among citizens under its media and communication strategy on the anti-corruption drive involving all other stakeholders including business community so that country should become prosperous.

The Chairman NAB was briefed by Mr. Amir Jahangir that almost one year after the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the deep economic recession has triggered continues around the world to have profound economic and social consequences. While no nation has emerged unscathed, this year’s Global Competitiveness Report finds that countries with advanced digital economies and digital skills, robust social safety nets and previous experience dealing with epidemics have better managed the impact of the pandemic on their economies and citizens.

Mr. Jahangir further said, “the World Economic Forum has long encouraged policymakers to broaden their focus beyond short-term growth to long-term prosperity. This Report makes clear the priorities for making economies more productive, sustainable, and inclusive as we emerge from the crisis”.

Mr. Jahangir briefed the Chairman and said, “the success stories from Pakistan in the light of the Global Competitiveness Index 2020 is the performance and strengthening of the institutions, scaleup of digitization and service delivery both at the public and private sectors. He appreciated the digital presence of NAB among masses and hoped that it will be enhanced accordingly.

The recognition of the extraordinary developments in 2020 and of the unified global effort required to tackle the health crisis and its socioeconomic fallout, the Global Competitiveness Index rankings have been suspended for 2020. The 2021 edition will see a return to benchmarking, providing a refreshed framework to guide future economic growth.

During the year, the World Economic Forum will be hosting a series of communities and dialogues to develop new benchmarks, new standards, and new actions for building new economic models that combine productivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The Global Future Council on New Agenda for Fiscal and Monetary Policy, the Global Future Council on New Agenda for Economic Growth and Recovery, the Community of Chief Economists, the Champions for a New Dashboard for the New Economy and the Stewardship Board of the New Economy and Society Platform will be involved in shaping this effort. All readers are invited to share their views into this conversation, supporting collective efforts to “build back better”.

The Global Competitiveness Report is the flagship publication of the World Economic Forum’s Platform for Shaping the Future of the New Economy and Society. The Platform provides the opportunity to advancing prosperous, inclusive, and equitable economies and societies. It focuses on co-creating a new vision in three interconnected areas: growth and competitiveness; education, skills, and work; and equality and inclusion. Working together, stakeholders deepen their understanding of complex issues, shape new models and standards, and drive scalable, collaborative action for systemic change.

Over 100 of the world’s leading companies and 100 international, civil society and academic organizations currently work through the Platform to promote new approaches to competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution economy; deploy education and skills for tomorrow’s workforce; build a new pro-worker and pro-business agenda for jobs; and integrate equality and inclusion into the new economy, aiming to reach 1 billion people with improved economic opportunities.

Mishal Pakistan is Pakistan’s leading and reputed strategic communication and design company. It is also the country Partner Institute of the Future of Economic Progress System Initiative, World Economic Forum. Mishal is responsible to generate primary data on more than 100 indicators measuring Pakistan’s competitiveness. Mishal’s foremost domain of activity is behavior change communication, strategic communication with a spotlight on media and perception management.=DNA

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APBF sets new strategies for high economic growth for new year of 2021

DNA

LAHORE, JAN 1 – The All Pakistan Business Forum leadership, in its National Board meeting, has pledged to continue its hard work to resolve the key issues of business community and facilitate it through better economic growth, expressing the hope that the New Year would start a new era of development and prosperity for the whole nation.

The APBF arranged an online meeting through Zoom to highlight the successes and achievements of the Forum throughout the previous year of 2020, besides fixing new targets for the upcoming year of 2021.

The meeting was attended by APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood, Secretary General Mr. Khuram Niaz, APBF Lahore Board President Amir Munir Malik, National Board Members Haroon Ali Khan, Amir Ata Barry, Naeem Ahmed and Lahore Board Member Dr. Saman Yazdani Khan.

APBF activity calendar for the year 2021 were also discussed and members gave their valuable inputs in this regard. Challenges of COVID-19 were also discussed with different remedies to support the business community in collaboration with the government and it was planned to write proposals to competent authorities.

APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood gave the briefing on APBF recent meetings with various prominent personalities and government dignitaries, including Special Advisor to PM on youth affairs Usman Dar, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri, Ambassador of Pakistan to Hungary Mohemmed Eajaz and Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan Bela Fazekas.

He said that APBF, HEPA and Embassy of Pakistan in Hungary continued their effort to work closely to establish a Pak-Hungary Business Window. “It’ll the help the business community of both the countries to increase the interaction, business activity and bilateral trade, he added. He said that the APBF also facilitated TEVTA and BOMSIE to establish a Technical Institute in Sundar Industrial Estate that will give training to the industry demanding workforce, with the ultimate objective of playing positive part in the economy of Pakistan.

APBF office-bearers pledged that they would continue to make efforts for promotion of economic growth and take measures for the protection of interest of business community for ultimate welfare and prosperity of Pakistan.

Syed Maaz Mahmood thanked the National and Lahore board members for supporting the APBF and assured that, like in the past, he would always use the APBF platform to promote best business and economic interests of Pakistan.

He said that business community is a driving force for the economy therefore, government would have to take all stakeholders on board while taking trade and industry related decisions. He said that the industrial sector whose growth remained negative in 2019-20 is expected to show robust performance in the coming year due to business friendly policies.

The APBF Board members said that the recent initiative of the government of introducing electricity relief package to the small industries in which the additional electricity is being provided at subsidized rates and peak hours have been abolished would help our small businesses if the policy is implement fully.

They said that government should leave the challenges of 2020 aside and should now focus on the momentum of economic growth.

Syed Maaz Mahmood said that APBF would take all business stakeholders on board while finalizing key policy recommendations for the government. He said about 90 percent enterprises in Pakistan belong to SME sector and stressed that government should focus on promoting SMEs so that they could contribute more effectively in strengthening the economy of the country.

Chairperson Pay and Pension Commission Nargis Sethi meets Hafeez Sheikh

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1 – Chairperson Pay and Pension Commission Ms. Nargis Sethi called on the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, today. Ms. Sethi briefed the Finance Minister about the working of Pay and Pension Commission to resolve the issue of burgeoning expenditure as pensions on the government exchequer as well as anomalies in pay and pension structure.

The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of reviewing the existing pay and pension mechanism, allowances, perks and possibilities of monetization in order to have a financially viable solution for Government employees.

During the meeting, the Chairperson apprised the Finance Minister about the working of the sub-committees and reiterated her commitment for streamlining the prevailing system of pay and pension based on principles of fairness and transparency.

ICCI hails extension in relief package for construction industry

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1 (DNA) – Fatima Azim, Acting President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said that the business community of the entire country was demanding extension in the relief package for the construction industry as insufficient time was given to take advantage of it and hailed the announcement of the Prime Minister Imran Khan to extend this package for another year.

She termed it a very commendable decision as it would prove highly beneficial for the country and steer the economy out of current difficulties towards better recovery and growth.

Fatma Azim said that the PM has extended the fixed tax regime for the construction sector for one and the facility of non-disclosure of source of income for six months, which was very encouraging. She said that the business community has also welcomed the one year’s extension in the period for construction projects by allowing them to be completed by 2023 which would facilitate initiation and execution of more projects in this important sector.

She said that many other industries were associated with the construction industry so the expansion of the construction package would not only boost the business of all allied industries, it would also increase investment and create plenty of new jobs leading to reduction in unemployment and poverty.

ICCI Acting President further said that the business activities have been badly hit by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, which has prevented many members of the business community from filing their income tax returns.

Therefore, she appealed to the Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh to allow sufficient extension in the period for filing of income tax returns so that more members of the business community could file their income tax returns with ease.

Abdul Rehman Khan, Vice President ICCI said that former Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi had stopped the tax department from recovering cash from the bank accounts to save the business community from unnecessary problems.

However, the process of recovery from the bank accounts of the business community has been started again by the FBR, which has created a lot of concerns in the business sector. He demanded that the recovery from the bank accounts under Section 140 should be stopped immediately and legal procedure should be adopted to expand the tax base of the country.=DNA

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Pakistan hands over list of Indian prisoners

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1 – The Government of Pakistan, today, shared with the Indian High Commission in Islamabad a list of 319 Indian prisoners in Pakistan, including 49 civilians and 270 fishermen prisoners.

This step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on 21 May 2008, under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice a year, on 1st January and 1st July, respectively.

The Indian Government also simultaneously shared the list of 340 Pakistani prisoners in India, including 263 civilians and 77 fishermen with High Commission for Pakistan New Delhi.

Pakistan shares dividends of China’s poverty reduction experience: Report

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 1 – The stunning achievement of poverty reduction has not only improved lives in China but also through its newly established Belt and Road Initiative is sharing the dividends to the regions beyond China, says a report published by Gwadar Pro on Friday

Pakistan as one of the important partners through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is receiving the uplift at the same time where the project is at the second phase focusing on lifting the people from poverty apart from focusing on agriculture and industrial cooperation.

Recently, an online international forum “International Forum on Sharing Poverty Reduction Experience” was held in Beijing.

The forum was hosted by State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (LGOP) and organized by International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), bringing together almost 200 representatives from 60 countries.

According to the report, celebrating and hosting such a conference on a global scale especially at the end of 2020 is symbolic in nature as the year is significant when China is completing its important millstone related to poverty alleviation.

The main theme of this forum was about sharing poverty reduction experience with other fellow countries and their statesmen.

Among them were representatives from African and South East Asian countries. With a strong congratulatory note from President Xi Jinping highlighting the importance of the Chinese quest and miraculous development efforts to alleviate poverty, the forum was a true learning platform for many countries to know deeper the Chinese experience.

The forum was a unique opportunity to know in depth about the strategies, methods and plans of how China has been able to alleviate poverty from its roots even after facing tremendous challenges on the way.

Message by President Xi echo the fact that how strongly the incumbent leadership paved the way through the wisdom of centuries and believe on the future and emerging trends, navigate the nation through the challenging times ahead.

The milestone is marked with fanfare as the Communist Party of China is to celebrate 100 years of its foundation.

The year 2020 is a landmark year in China’s overall strategic goals set forth for the country. China has been hailed at all levels and standards of the world including World Bank, United Nations and other financial standards.

Even the pandemic has not been able to stop China from its objective. While closely looking at China’s poverty reduction efforts at the domestic level, over the time period of 40 years of reform and later opening up, the individual has remained supreme and center of China’s strategies for development efforts.

The scale of China’s poverty alleviation is tremendous as it was 90 % in 1981 but in 2020 the poverty has been reduced to whooping 1%.

This dramatic improvement in poverty reduction for the past years by China has contributed toward the global poverty eradication drive.

This drive was not only focus on metropolitan cities but remote villages across China and poorest of all families using effective strategies, technology, latest development tools and skills with focused approach and sustainable policies frameworks.

Despite numerous hurdles and challenges on the way of China’s poverty eradication efforts are notable and novel for the rest of the world. In such a short span of time, managing the root causes of poverty, China has put forth an astonishing model of poverty alleviation program.

This forum has also attracted international organizations to participate through video conference; and intergovernmental organizations, national and regional level NGOs learnt the ways and means by China achieve this miracle.

China’s struggle against poverty alleviation and poverty reduction strategies set an example of honesty, commitment and perseverance of CPC under the leadership of Xi Jinping.

It is purely evident in its nature as they have been courageous in uplifting rural areas from poverty by systematic and organized policy. The country now has a bulk of young population equipped with new technologies and innovative ways to contribute towards economy strategically for the ongoing industrial revolution.

At the same time the uneducated and elderly were supported through various programs by providing basic necessities of life and help to improve their living conditions.

This goes true that the Chinese leadership is not taking rest at all and there is a lot to achieve. For them the end of poverty is the beginning of the improvement in the lives of the people through shared prosperity and destiny.

China is steady in its drive towards building an economic base for its populace that is not only helping the country at the domestic level but creating economic ripples across the globe.

Thiss entire exercise and assertive efforts by China at the domestic level have providing benefits to the region and beyond and Pakistan is no exception.

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