DNA

LAHORE, MAY 3: The Chain Store Association of Pakistan (CAP), in a bid to expedite tax reforms whilst ensuring a more conducive environment for compliant businesses, has urged the authorities to prioritize an accelerated adoption of digital payments in the retail sector to improve documentation and tax generation.

CAP Chairman Rana Tariq Mehboob and Co-founder Asfandyar Farrukh, in a press release issued today, expressed concern over the slow progress in documenting the retail trade, due to stagnation of both the FBR-POS integration of Tier-1 businesses and ‘Tajir Dost’ drive to register smaller retailers. This lack of progress is primarily due to lack of sustained consultation with the private sector, no continuity of policies, inconsistency in their implementation and increasingly complex procedures. A clear 5-year roadmap is the need of the hour instead of ad-hoc measures.

The CAP representatives highlighted the potential benefits of embracing digital payments, including enhanced transparency, reduced cash handling costs/risks, and simplified tax compliance.

As cash-oriented sectors are digitalized and documented businesses are allowed to grow without a heavy tax burden, their contribution to taxes will surely increase as a by-product of the transitional growth. The retail trade body has emphasized the importance of implementing a comprehensive policy framework to promote digital payments across all sectors, especially retail, through tax incentives and associated measures.

They pointed to successful models in parts of the country, such as those observed in the restaurant industry in Punjab and ICT. The reduced sales tax rate of 5 percent, instead of 16 and 18 percent respectively, has incentivized customers to pay digitally due to the noticeable incentive. This has multiplied the quantum of documented transactions and resultant government revenues.

Farrukh underscored the need to implement this model in the retail sector to incentivize digital payments for promotion of a quicker transition to a cashless economy. He proposed that GST should be similarly slashed for all retail transactions made through any digital payment method, to encourage faster adoption among businesses and consumers alike.

Although payments via debit and credit cards have shown substantial growth, the RAAST person-to-merchant payment system being rolled out by State Bank of Pakistan and private banks/fintechs will be a game-changer. Through RAAST, anyone with Jazzcash, Easypaisa or any mobile banking app is able to make a payment to a retailer of any size without any added cost, he pointed out.

The strategy of raising revenues by imposing a high tax rate on a low base has failed because it is contrary to economic principles and ground realities. Speedy adoption of digital payments at a much lower tax rate will aid in the documentation of business turnovers leading to an improved generation in the quantum of sales tax by broadening the base in addition to enhanced income tax collection over time, added Mehboob.

The share of digital payments can be gradually brought up to 50% of the retail trade’s contribution to the annual GDP, estimated to be upwards of Rs. 12 trillion. Currently, an estimated 90% of the retail trade is undocumented and undertaxed. Whereas, based on a reduced GST rate of 5% on only Rs. 2 trillion, Rs. 100 billion can be generated in indirect taxes and an additional sum in direct taxes, which is more than is currently collected.

In light of these recommendations, CAP has urged policymakers to take quick and decisive action through a collaborative approach with key players of the ecosystem. They called for a concerted effort to accelerate the adoption of technology, streamline tax procedures, and enact policies that fast-track the use of digital payment solutions to achieve the success that has so far remained elusive.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 1 /DNA/ – All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has shown serious concerns over deteriorating law and order situation, which is threatening their heavy investments.

“The law and order situation in Dera Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kohat, Mianwali and adjacent areas has seriously jeopardized the day to day operations of the areas’ cement units,” said the spokesman of APCMA.

He added that recently some workers of a cement unit in one of the above mentioned areas were kidnapped by terrorists and they killed one of them. Terrorist are generally demanding huge amount of money as extortion and give warnings of serious consequences in case their demands are not met. 

“This is a serious situation and the government should take strict measures to control and manage the law and order situation in those areas,” said the spokesman.

He added that the cement industry is in expansion phase and heavy investments have been planned which could be jeopardized due to this situation, creating long term issues for the industry.

“Besides, the industry’s investment of billions of rupees in the said areas has also been endangered by these terrorist activities,” said the spokesman.

He added that this deteriorating law and order situation could also pose threats to local employment and create unrest in the said locality.

The cement industry is amongst the highest contributors to the national exchequer and has contributed approximately PKR 240 billion in taxes in FY 2022-23. Furthermore, the cement industry also earns valuable foreign exchange by exporting cement and such exports in the year 2022-23, clocked-in at approximately USD 210 million.

The APCMA spokesman appealed to the government to immediately take strict measures to establish peace in the said areas in order to save the industry’s investments and employment base.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 01 (DNA) — Mian Iftikhar Hussain has been elected provincial president of Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while Syed Aqil Shah and Hussain Shah Yousafzai as vice president and general secretary respectively.

The new office bearers were elected during a meeting of the provincial council held here at Bacha Khan Markaz on Wednesday. Council and party workers from across elected the new provincial office bearers with consensus. Other elected provincial office-bearers include Shahi Khan Shirani (VP-I), Qasim Ali Khan (VP-II), Salahuddin Khan (VP-III), and Iram Fatima has been elected as vice president (women).

Similarly, Rehmat Ali Khan and Motawakil Khan Advocate were elected as Additional General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary while Hamid Khan Toofan was elected as Joint Secretary (I) and Ayaz Shoaib Khan as Joint Secretary (II).  Matiullah Marwat was elected Joint Secretary (III) and Shaheen Zameer as Joint Secretary (Women).

Arsalan Khan will be the provincial spokesman while Haroon Khan as provincial finance secretary. Tariq Afghan advocate and San Gulzar advocate as provincial secretaries of Youth Affairs, Akbar Hoti advocate as provincial coordinator of social media, and Gulshan Yousaf as Secretary of Minority Affairs. — DNA

Lahore, MAY 1: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has suggested her detractors also serve the people so that their videos will also be made, asking them to get out of their rooms and serve.

In her speech at the inauguration ceremony of a field hospital in Lahore, the chief minister said it was a dream to provide health facilities to the people at their doorsteps. “I congratulate those who made the project of field hospitals a success. A field hospital has all the facilities of a clinic,” she announced. 

She further said that the facility of lady health workers will also be available at the field hospital, as well as OPD, immunization, and first aid. The facility of surgery is also available in case of an emergency, besides the availability of X-ray machines, radiology, ultrasound, ECG, a pharmacy, and maternal and child health services.

Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government will provide health facilities to the poor, adding that medicines will be stored in Punjab in a modern way. She further said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif started the health card program and ran it successfully. For this purpose, she said hospitals with 10 beds each were built, while the health cards were previously used to favour patients on a referral basis.

The CM further said that Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art cancer hospital was going to be built, which will start functioning in a year. The construction of the cancer hospital is going on day and night, she said, adding that state-of-the-art hospitals will be built in every district of Punjab.

Maryam also dispelled the impression that the upcoming air ambulance service was being launched for the rich, saying it would cater to the poor rather. She also retorted that it was alleged that money was being wasted on building motorways, but today the entire country was benefiting from a network of motorways.

LAHORE, May 1 (APP/DNA): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that they were fully cognizant of the value of the labourers and workers in the national economy and stressed upon the wealthy, businessmen, investors and industrialists to prioritize improving the conditions of the workers.

Addressing a gathering of labourers and workers from different sectors at his residence in connection with the observance of International Labour Day, the prime minister said that the country’s economic situation was challenging but they were striving to turn it around, with collective efforts and sincerity.

He said that Pakistan would soon become a powerful country through the functioning of a fair system and on the basis of hard work by the employers and the employees including workers.

The prime minister said that the government was striving to bring about substantial changes in the national economy and to recover billions of rupees being wasted due to corruption.

Referring to his recent visit from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other leadership desired to see Pakistan moving on the path of progress.

The Saudi business and investors’ delegation would soon visit Pakistan which would increase businesses and job opportunities in the country, he added.

The prime minister said that in the upcoming fiscal budget, they would try to provide further relief to the labour class.

Calling upon the business people and well-to-do class, the prime minister said that they should also think beyond their families and businesses and invest in certain education and health projects for the deprived classes like those established in the developed countries.

“It was not an objective behind the creation of Pakistan that there would be a difference between the rich and the poor.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led a massive movement in which the people offered huge sacrifices. The motive was the establishment of a welfare state in which everyone would have equal opportunities to excel in life on the basis of one’s capacity and ability and take the country forward,” he added.

The prime minister reiterated that they were striving to end corruption and promised that all the organs of government and other state institutions, with their collective efforts, would carve a niche for Pakistan among the comity of nations.

He said that the labourers and workers worked hard in the most difficult conditions and helped their employers generate their businesses. Both were like the wheels of the same carriage and their work led to progress and prosperity of the nation and country.

He said if the workers were deprived of their due rights, a country could not achieve progress.

The prime minister opined that due to price hikes and inflation, life for the common man had become hard.

The prices of petroleum products had been reduced but it could not be a substitute for the daily price hike as the labour class had to meet the requirements of education for their sons and daughters, treatment for their parents, and other daily expenditures and were living from hand to mouth, he observed.

The prime minister emphasized that under the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) messages, it was their abiding duty to bridge the differences between the rich and the poor.

The prime minister recollected that his father was also a worker who attained his earlier education in Amritsar and during his 30s settled in Lahore, where he worked along with his brothers in a steel factory.

He also recited Dr Allama Iqbal’s verse about the plight of labourers and workers and said that these couplets represented a powerful message, reflecting the voice of millions of workers in Pakistan.

The labour day started after the Chicago incident and then the movement became global, he said, adding that the Quranic teachings and the Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) highlighted the value of hard work.

The prime minister also welcomed the workers and labourers at his residence and said that he felt immense pleasure in hosting them at the residence of the late Mian Muhammad Sharif.

Earlier, the Chairman of PM Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan highlighted the personal loan scheme for the deserving children of workers and said that under the prime minister’s tenure as chief minister of Punjab, Danish schools and Educational Endowment Funds were established.

Ms. Romina emphasized Pakistan’s pressing issue with plastic pollution, especially in urban areas. Owing to these daunting challenges, Pakistan has taken proactive steps, such as banning single-use plastics and polythene bags in 2019, to mitigate plastic waste generation

DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 1: COMSATS Observes Earth Day 2024 with MOCC COMSATS participated in “Planet vs. Plastic” campaign, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to Greener Future Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), Government of Pakistan, jointly organized an event titled “Pakistan’s Roadmap for Plastic Action” to mark Earth Day 2024. The event featured the introduction of the Pakistan National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), a government initiative implemented as part of the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) under the auspices of the World Economic Forum.

Held at the COMSATS Secretariat at Islamabad, the participants were unanimous in emphasizing the critical need to combat plastic pollution for the well-being of both humanity and the environment.

Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation (CC&EC), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Diplomats from COMSATS member states and other countries in Islamabad also graced the event with their presence.

Ms. Romina emphasized Pakistan’s pressing issue with plastic pollution, especially in urban areas. Owing to these daunting challenges, Pakistan has taken proactive steps, such as banning single-use plastics and polythene bags in 2019, to mitigate plastic waste generation. She stressed the importance of global cooperation in combating plastic pollution, citing initiatives like the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) led by the World Economic Forum and UNEP.

Additionally, she highlighted Government of Pakistan’s commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation through policies like the National Adaptation Plan and initiatives such as the Living Indus Initiative, Recharge Pakistan, and GLOF-II, which aim to enhance climate resilience and protect vulnerable sectors of the economy and ecosystems.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Nafees Zakaria , the Executive Director, COMSATS HEADQUARTERS, underscored the necessity of a cohesive global strategy to address the issue of plastic waste, emphasizing the importance of not solely focusing on its sources. Dr. Zakaria highlighted that while enacting legislation and policy measures are commendable steps, the true challenge lies in their execution amidst resistance from pressure and interest groups. He pointed out that our planet is not only grappling with plastic-related pollution but also facing a myriad of other man-made hazards contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.

Of particular concern is the often-overlooked impact of military activities and motivated imposed wars, which have yet to be addressed in international conventions and protocols. Dr. Zakaria stressed the urgent need for initiatives and innovations, supported by scientific solutions, from advocates for our planet Earth.

Addressing the Occasion, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Khazar Farhadov expressed hope that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan will inject new momentum into climate action and international collaboration, furthering the objectives of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. He underscored the importance of collective action among various stakeholders, including countries, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector, to deliver meaningful outcomes at COP29. Further, Ambassador Farhadov highlighted that, under the directive of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has designated 2024 as the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World.” This reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to accelerating to accelerating environmental protection efforts and addressing climate change on a global scale, as demonstrated by its hosting of COP.

During the event, the NPAP team presented the NPAP roadmap for Plastic Action in Pakistan, that will serve as a pivotal hub for concerted action and innovative initiatives within the sector, fostering tangible and enduring outcomes. NPAP will bring together Pakistan’s foremost policymakers, business figures, and civil society organizations to forge a unified approach. The program entails several key components such as crafting national action partnerships that engage the multi-stakeholder, deemed crucial for shaping a circular plastics economy and developing comprehensive roadmaps, informed by top-tier analysis, to facilitate the realization of national objectives.

The event also set a landmark by the launch of COMSATS-AGECO joint Electric Vehicle (EV) Project in Pakistan to promote emission-free transportation sector for a cleaner environment in the country. The event emphasized COMSATS’ dedication to strong Climate Action and environmental conservation, emphasizing its goal of promoting resilience, mitigation, and a sustainable future.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 1 /DNA/ – Today we honor the immense sacrifices of the workers who laid their lives while waging a relentless struggle for their rights. We also honour the invaluable contributions of those workers who work day and night in the fields, factories and elsewhere. They not only work hard to feed their families but also are the driving force behind Pakistan’s progress.

With an overarching objective to promote the rights and interests of Pakistani workforce and as promised in PML-N’s manifesto, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bolstering labor welfare and harmonizing domestic labor legislation with global standards. Enhancement of occupational safety and health (OSH) across various sectors remains a top priority for our Government. We will soon be convening the inaugural National Tripartite Labour Conference with a special focus on safety and health. Efforts are also underway to ratify the ILO Convention on OSH in Mines No. 176, underscoring our commitment to ensuring that miners have access to OSH that are compliant with international standards.

I fully understand that the current inflation has disproportionately affected our financially weak labor class. The Government is addressing this through targeted subsidies and support programs. We will also continue our endeavours to improve the working and living conditions of our workers by further promoting their welfare through better housing, education, healthcare and social security benefits. Through labour-friendly policies and initiatives, we will ensure that decent working conditions are maintained thus making our workers the strength of Pakistan.

While we recognize our workers in the formal sector, it would be remiss if we did not mention the hardworking individuals in the informal sector who work in the fields, homes, and other places. I also wish to particularly recognize the services of our female folk who work hand in hand with their female counterparts to earn a living for their families.

Sustainable economic growth remains our top priority. Through concerted efforts, our economy is on the path to recovery. We hope that this growth will result in more economic activities and create job opportunities. However, the new job opportunities would demand a skilled labour force. Recognizing the key role of skilled workers in our economic development, the Government has initiated vocational training and skills development programs to empower workers and enable them to secure employment opportunities both at home and abroad.

Let us work together to build a Pakistan where every worker is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. May Almighty Allah guide us in our sincere efforts towards the prosperity of our workers and our country.

DNA

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, April 30: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, reaffirmed the founding vision of the Party – Roti, Kapra Aur Makaan, on the International Labour Day, with a conviction that the prosperity of Pakistan is interwoven with the welfare and dignity of its labor force.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in a message on International Labour Day, paid homage to the martyrs of Chicago. He also paid glowing tribute to Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for the latter’s pioneering efforts in enshrining labor rights through the first-ever Labour Policy in 1972, laying the groundwork for equitable representation and empowerment.

He highlighted that as Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto restored the trade union rights unjustly seized by a dictator from the workers. “Shaheed Bibi tirelessly endeavored to expand job opportunities for the underprivileged, fostering employment growth even during her brief tenures in government,” he pointed out. Reflecting on President Asif Ali Zardari’s previous tenure, he proudly recalled the launch of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS), a testament to the party’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic prosperity and opportunity for all.

Among the progress made by the PPP, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised his party’s governments in Sindh for leading initiatives like the Labour Policy, Benazir Mazdoor Card scheme, and building flats for laborers. “The PPP continues its commitment to helping the working class with programs like the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’ and ‘Benazir Kisan Card’ in Sindh and Balochistan, showing its dedication to empowerment,” he affirmed.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recognized the ongoing challenges faced by the labor class in Pakistan, often ignored by other political groups. He invited the hardworking people to join the PPP, a stronghold of hope and determination, committed to supporting their cause and protecting their rights.

Looking ahead, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari vowed to introduce the significant legislative reforms, reinforcing PPP’s commitment as a strong supporter and protector of the labor class. He promised to oppose exploitation and to remain a source of hope and unity for hardworking individuals, who are the foundation of both the Party and society.