DNA

Islamabad, SEPT 25 – FBR working in line with PM vision ofCurbing Money laundry in the country, successfully unearth mega scandal of Money laundering and Tax evasionby Shell Company name M/s Burshane LPG Pakistan Limited. Court has issued Non-bailable arrest warrants against CEO, CFO and two other directors.

The sources said the FBR found a network of shell companies involved in income tax evasion and owned by a Pakistan Stock Exchange-listed company.

“The listed company has been found engaged in the business of liquefied petroleum gas and involved in smuggling of the LPG from Taftan border,” a source said, requesting the company name to remain undisclosed.

The sources said the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation of Inland Revenue discovered properties worth billions of rupees acquired from illegal funds.Sources said that the directorate of I&I-IR Karachi, under the supervision of Director General Dr Bashir Ullah, has investigated into the case and unearthed fraudulent activities and financial malpractice of the specified company.

Sources said that the deceit network for money laundering is run by the accused CEO of the company in collusion with other directors and the Chief Financial Officer.

The investigation has revealed that the accused company is also involved in purchase and sale of smuggled Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) which is bought from Taftan border, and the related proceeds are kept out of books, thus these are concealed sales and purchases.

The accused company has thus evaded huge amounts of tax of around Rs1,775 Million, and the accused CEO, CFO and other directors of the company have acquired properties worth billions from the proceeds of crime as defined under section 3 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010, sources disclosed.

In tax year 2015, the accused company was fraudulently acquired by another private limited company by funds acquired from National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on the basis of defective land Khata. The same accused directors were the directors of the acquiring company at the time of this fraudulent merger which violated the provisions of section 97A of the Ordinance resulting in evasion of capital gain of around Rs1 billion.

The accused company has also concealed heavy investments of around Rs240 million in a private limited company, M/s Roots International Private Limited, and has also concealed acquisition of the said company in the name of the accused CEO.

Moreover, the personal bank accounts of the accused CEO and other directors have indicated huge cash transactions in their personal bank accounts from undisclosed sources, and hefty credits from another listed company which are prima facie from the proceeds of smuggled LPG being sold in the market.

The investigation has further led to detection of concealment of sales preliminary in two years amounting to Rs726 million and Rs828 million. It has also been identified that the company has unexplained and out of books movement of funds of Rs389 million and Rs396 million in the tax year ending June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2019 respectively from its bank accounts to an individual prima facie for purchase of smuggled LPG.

Further, the court has provisionally allowed attachment of nine bank accounts of the accused company which appear to be involved in money laundering for a period of 90 days from the date of order, and also issued non-bailable arrest warrants of the accused CEO, CFO and other two directors of the accused company. The role of external auditor and the banks involved in the case is also under investigation, sources added

DNA

Lahore: The PIAF-Founders Alliance co-convener Mian Nauman Kabir has said that the Alliance is all set to make a clean sweep in Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual elections for 2020-21. 

While addressing a grand reception organized by the PIAF-Founders Alliance in honour of its voters, Mian Nauman Kabir, who is also the PIAF Chairman, as well as former LCCI senior vice president, said that LCCI is a true representative of the business community and the alliance had selected right persons for the polls. He said that the outgoing LCCI office-bearers had given a marvelous performance.  

The grand reception was also addressed by the Alliance chairman Mian Ashraf, LCCI President Irfan Iqbal and former presidents. On the occasion, an overwhelming majority of traders was present. 

He said that the country was passing through critical times and a true business leadership at every tier could help pull the country out of these economic issues.   

He said that majority of LCCI former presidents were in favour of continuality of the Alliance for the consecutive 18 years for the upcoming elections and always upheld the glory of safeguarding the interests of the business community at national and provincial level.  

Mian Nauman Kabir said the participation of large number of market representatives in all functions was enough proof to make the point that the business community wanted continuity in the policies introduced by the PIAF-Founders Alliance. He added that the Alliance never compromised over the welfare of the traders and highlighted their problems besides help addressing their genuine grievances on top priority. 

He said that alliance is moving in the right direction and sincerely working for the cause of business community. 

He said the alliance has got various issues of business community resolved through the platform of Lahore Chamber. He was also of the opinion that despite unprecedented crisis at national level, all efforts were made to restore the confidence of the business community. 

He promised that his group after coming into power would serve all small and big members of the LCCI without any discrimination. He further said that government and private sector would have to act together to get rid of the issue of stagnant exports and help accelerate the pace of industrialisation across the country to strengthen national economy. 

He said he had never expected such a large and superb majority of traders and industrialist in the LCCI election campaign. He believed that PIAF-Founder Alliance will secure a thumping victory. He said I beg from the Almighty Allah to grant us the strength to serve the business community and be able to do justice with our positions.

DNA

Islamabad, Sept 25 – Stimulus, the Pakistan partner for ClimateLaunchpad Global Competition, hosted the Regional Final of the competition on September 17 & 18, 2020, with support from Engro Foundation. With participation from 14 countries across Eastern Europe, Middle East & Central Asia, the event attracted 200+ participants who logged in to attend the event virtually, across the region.

ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition with the mission to unlock the world’s clean-tech potential that addresses climate change. Pakistan is participating for the second time in the ClimateLaunchpad program along with 57 countries. A total of 41 teams participated in the Regional Final round including 3 teams from Pakistan from which two teams, O’Naps and Aabshar have been shortlisted for the semi-final round on September 30, 2020. O’naps aims to provide safe and environmentally friendly menstrual hygiene solutions to reduce the health risks of women, while Aabsharhas developed a water optimizer that saves water up to 98% by simply installing as an add-on to taps.

The event began with a welcome address from Ms Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA who spoke about the need for innovation and young people to take a lead in solving the local challenges faced by their countries. As Chairperson of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Ms Gulzar extended her support through the network for any facilitation required by teams in the different countries.

Hosting the event, Hira Wajahat, National Lead ClimateLaunchpad Pakistan said: “The response to ClimateLaunchpad in Pakistan has been phenomenal. Not only do we receive amazing applications from across Pakistan, we have also been recognized as the country having more than 50% participation from women in clean-tech and climate entrepreneurship for the second year in a row. The possibilities for Made in Pakistan are phenomenal which is what we want to work towards in the long run.”

Other speakers joining the event included MrWouterPlomp, Ambassador of The Netherlands to Pakistan; Ms Birgit Lamm, Country Director FNF; Mr Favad Soomro, Engro Foundation; Mr Habib Haider, Shell Pakistan; Ms Ayla Majid, Khalid Majid Chartered Accountants; Mian Talha Nasruddin, Jazz; Ms Saima Qadir, Country Director PFAN; Ms Sophia Hasnain, CEO Linked-Things; as well as international speakers from UK, Romania, Switzerland and Ukraine.

Mr Malik Amin Aslam, Advisor to the PM for Climate Change was the Chief Guest for the event. In his closing remarks, Mr Aslam spoke in detail about Pakistan’s Clean Green strategy and the initiatives supported by the MoCC. He encouraged participation of youth in ensuring a healthy and green future and stressed on the importance of entrepreneurial ventures for the same. Mr Aslam indicated his support for new ventures that align with the MoCC vision and invited the teams from the Region to visit Pakistan and see how the various initiatives are being implemented.

Stimulus, the local partner for ClimateLaunchpad is signed up for the Clean Green Pakistan initiative of the Ministry of Climate Change and contributes its efforts to promote and support climate entrepreneurship in Pakistan.

DNA

Islamabad: Pakistan Businesses Forum says  in the coming 19th SAARC summit, it will be likely that renewal of SAARC trade bodies issue would discuss in length.

President PBF, Sahibzada Usman Zulfiqar said the diplomatic and political brawl between Pakistan and India has paralyzed SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) as the Association has barred Pakistan from using its nomenclature being a suspended body.

Iftikhar Ali Malik from Lahore has been nominated the President of SAARC CCI in few months back as per rotation policy.

Only July 6, 2020, Fazulrahman Rahmani, Director, HRT, SAARC Secretariat wrote a letter to the heads of the SAARC recognised regional apex bodies saying that according to SAARC guidelines and procedures, their recognition status has expired. The recognition of 24 bodies( six apex bodies and 18 recognized bodies) has expired. Previously, SAARC bodies used to continue their working as per schedule despite expiry of recognition but this is the first time, they have been barred from functioning.

According to the letter, in terms of guidelines and procedures for granting/ renewal of recognition by SAARC to the ‘SAARC recognized regional apex bodies’, the Standing Committee is the competent SAARC body to take a decision on this matter. Given the fact, the status of recognition of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is no more valid beyond its date of expiry and stands pending until the competent body of SAARC meets and considers the matter relating to the Chamber, including the question of renewal of recognition.

SAARC Secretariat Nepal has asked SAARC CCI to discontinue its activities under the nomenclature of SAARC until its status of recognition is renewed by the competent body of SAARC.

The sources said, the competent body means the Secretaries of Foreign Affairs of member countries, adding that the issue cannot be resolved until their meeting is not held. However, there is no indication that India will be agreed on early meeting of the apex body.

Pakistan’s relevant entity, sources said, recently wrote a couple of letters to the concerned authorities of SAARC, showing concern on delaying tactics on the part of some office holders of the organization.

Secretary General SAARC is a Sri Lankan former diplomat who served as High Commissioner to India . There is perception that he is playing in the hands of Indian government.

Iftikhar Malik along with a delegation also met with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and sought his help to resolve the issue. There are also reports that the SAARC CCI is collecting fee for SAARC sticker in dollars from businessmen despite the fact the organization licence has expired.

SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been enjoying the Apex Status of SAARC since 1992, has been playing a vital role for the economic integration of the South Asian region.

The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry was embodied on recommendation of the study “Trade, Manufactures and Services” commissioned by the SAARC Secretariat in 1988, and endorsed by the Council of Ministers with objectives of creating business to business relationships, to voice the interest of private sector and serve as the consultative body of private sector of the region, and to promote exchange of commercial, technical, industrial management and scientific information, education and know-how amongst its members.

The source said, notification of SAARC Secretariat regarding the Recognized Regional Apex Bodies of SAARC to discontinue activities under the nomenclature of SAARC until the Recognition Status is renewed at the next SAARC Standing Committee meeting, is rather impracticable and will hinder the progress of activities of the SAARC CCI aimed at regional economic integration.

” The due date of the next SAARC Standing Committee meeting is likely to held in the coming 19th summit which Islamabad desire to host, regardless SAARC Standing Committee has not been held since 2016, over the past four years. As a responsible and well reputed institution, the SAARC CCI is not in a position to discontinue its activities for an uncertain period of time. Moreover, the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry has invested PKR 600 crores on its Permanent Headquarters in Islamabad. With work in progress and certain contractual obligations signed under the SAARC nomenclature, it may drag the SAARC CCI and its leadership in unnecessary legal complications and litigations process.”

He also said SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry since its inception is engaged with several international institutions, other regional Chambers of Commerce and development partners on several projects across the region. However, without the nomenclature of SAARC , SAARC CCI will certainly not be able to continue projects on entrepreneurship development and cross border trade facilitation, that would not only tarnish the image of SAARC CCI But also the image of SAARC processes and SAARC Secretariat.

” At this very low political tide on regional cooperation, where the 20th SAARC Summit is suspended for the fifth year, and the allied committees and sub-committees find it hard to meet. In this backdrop, the allied and apex bodies, in their mandate are working to defuse the political rifts between the member countries and keep the motive of regional integration alive,” the sources added.

The Apex and Allied bodies of SAARC are the true representation of the Peoples of the region and speak their mind and hearts. Therefore, it is vital to devise a credible and sustainable mechanism to monitor the apex and allied status of the affiliated bodies to avoid risking hopes and resources of the member nations by negating right to use the SAARC Nomenclature and putting such vital institutions in limbo, the sources continued.

Pakistan has already requested the concerned authorities to allow SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry to operate under SAARC patronage and nomenclature to carry forward agenda of regional integration within the ambit of SAARC Charter, Constitution of SAARC CCI and the Guidelines & Procedure for Apex bodies, till next meeting of standing committee.

DNA

Islamabad; Sept 25 – Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has said that there is a need for an effective counternarcotics strategy to combat the use and abuse of psychotropic substances including street drugs, prescription drugs and alcohol causing massive damages to a large segment of the population, particularly youth

The AJK President made these remarks while attending a high-level meeting on the drug situation in educational institutions, convened by the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi. The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Governor Punjab Mr. Mohammad Sarwar, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mr. Shah Framan, Governor Balochistan Mr. Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, Governor Sindh Mr. Imran Ismail, Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan.

The President said that in the past the drug abuse situation in AJK was not very serious, but recently the Government and the civil society organizations have become concerned as well as vigilant to counter incidences of use of illicit narcotics. The AJK Social Welfare department is making strenuous efforts to fight this scourge inside and outside educational institutions. “Coordinated efforts between Law Enforcement Agencies, the leadership of educational institutions, parents and social reform groups will have a salutary impacton the situation”, he said.

Sardar Masood Khan said that in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Rawalakot Rehabilitation Centres have already been established and more could be set up if required. “The emphasis remains on collation of precise and disaggregated data, interdiction of couriers and traffickers, awareness raising and social mobilisation”, he said.

The key lies in, he said, in a strong partnership between public sector, civil society and management of educational institutions. “Such an approach is necessary to get an optimal societal response:, the President said.

President Masood Khan said that five public-sector universities in AJK have already held a series of events on counter-narcotics to adopt best practices in the field. “The lessons we have learnt are that only police action would not help; it is important to inspire and wean addicts off illicit drugs by involving motivators, such as health professional, religious scholars and social entrepreneurs.

The President invited the Mr. Azam Swati, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control to visit Azad Kashmir at the earliest so that a coordinated approach could be developed.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 25 – Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi inaugurated Online Portal for Seafarers and Manning Agents and Shipowners and a website for Ports and Shipping Wing. Secretary, Maritime Affairs Rizwan Ahmed, Director General Ports and Shipping Shakeel Ahmed Mangnejo and Additional Secretary of Ministry Nadir Mumtaz were also present on the occasion. Federal Minister said that a major milestone has been achieved by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for digitalization of data, facilitation of seafarers, manning agents and ship owners by the inauguration of a one-window online portal.

He said that the online portal will help the seafarers in the issuance of their Seafarers Identity Card, Seafarer service book, online verification for Visa issuance and resolution of other issues faced by them. Ali Haider Zaidi said that previously Seafarers had to travel to Karachi and faced issues due to red-tapism.

The portal has brought transparency in the system which will help eradicate malpractices that previously prevailed in the shipping office. The website for Ports and Shipping division has also been launched for the very first time in history.

In a bid to bring across the board accountability and transparency, Maritime Affairs has moved to the e-filing system, has ensured the updated website of the organizations to encourage accessibility and transparency. He said that the ministry is making efforts to further improve the services by launching an online portal.

He said that this initiative would make the life of Seafarers easy and will address their problems at the earliest. The minister said that ferry service would be launched after making all the preparations, adding that in this regard Ministry would conduct meeting with all the stakeholders.

DNA

Islamabad, SEPT 25 –  Pakistan National Council of the Arts organized a colorful musical evening to celebrate and pay tribute to traditional Ajrak makers of Sindh. Famous singer and song writer Saif Samejo with his band “Sketches” presented folk, Sufi and modern music which is his trademark when it comes to portray the rich culture and traditions of Pakistan. DG(PNCA) Dr. Fouzia Saeed introduced the band.

She appreciated their way of music and efforts to keep sufi music alive. She appreciated them being original in their work in this era of commercialism. Dr. Fouzia also highlighted the efforts of PNCA for revival of folk, traditional music and all kind of arts.

Saif Samejo is greatly inspired by poetry of Sufi Poets specially Shah Abdul Latif Bhutai and Sachal Sarmast. His songs “man moriya” and “JOGI” are clear indication of love and appreciation of Sindhi Sufi poetry. Famous folk singer “Bhora Lal” was there with him to create magic and spreading message peace and harmony.

Audience were also electrified by Sufi rock fusion in his own specific style. Their soulful and melodious music inspired everyone around. Upon conclusion the DG(PNCA) showed her gratitude towards the warmth of audience and their way of appreciating the artists along with observing the strict SOPs.

DNA

ISLAMABAD – A senior Indian diplomat was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today to register Pakistan’s strong protest over ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control (LoC) on 24^th September 2020, resulting in serious injuries to two innocent civilians.

Due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian occupation forces in Baroh Sector of the LoC, 35 year old Shakeel Ayubs/o Muhammad Ayuband 8 year old Luqman Shakeel s/o Shakeel Ayub, residents of Baroh Village, sustained serious injuries.

The Indian occupation forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars and automatic weapons. This year, India has committed 2340 ceasefire violations to date, resulting in 18 shahadats and serious injuries to 187 innocent civilians.

Condemning the deplorable targeting of innocent civilians by the Indian occupation forces, it was underscored that such senseless acts are in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, and are also against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct. These egregious violations of international law reflect consistent Indian attempts to escalate the situation along the LoC and are a threat to regional peace and security. It was added that by raising tensions along the LoC and the WB, India cannot divert attention from the grave human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).

Indian side was called upon to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, investigate this and other such incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB. The Indian side was also urged to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

DNA

ISLAMABAD:  delegation from Center for Global & Strategic Studies, Islamabad attended the Inauguration Ceremony of Abai Center at Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Islamabad.

During the occasion, Akan Rakhmetullin, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan enlightened the participants about the latest reforms and new initiatives being undertaken by the Kazakh Government particularly COVID-19. He stated that the Abai Center will share the latest findings, studies and opinions of experts to explore and study Kazakh culture.

Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), (Retd), President, CGSS stated that the Abai Center represents the legacy of Abai Kunanbaiuly, a great poet, philosopher, and founder of written Kazakh literature, as well as the rich heritage of Kazakh culture. 

Ansar Mahmood Bhatti, Chief Editor, Daily Islamabad Post , CENTRELINE magazine and DNA News Agency and Member Board of Experts, CGSS stated that the Abai Center will enhance the relationship of Kazakhstan with various countries across the globe and will promote Kazakh culture in the world. Furthermore, he stated that the contributions of Abai is important to introduce in Pakistan for the young scholars.

Ms. Mehreen Gul, Director, CGSS was also present on the occasion. She highlighted that CGSS can also contribute to promote the literature work of Abai to enhance the academic cooperation between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.