FAISALABAD, APR 16 (DNA) —The agriculture experts have advised the farmers to strictly adopt pre and post-harvest management strategy for their wheat crop because it can help in saving 10 percent production.

A spokesman of Agriculture (extension) department said here on Tuesday that pre and post-harvest management was imperative to save maximum production but unfortunately the growers did not bother to adopt this technique due to which more than 10 % share of the agri productivity was lost in the field or in the way to home or market.

He said that that Agriculture department had also activated its field staff to create awareness among the growers about the benefits of latest technologies so as to narrow down the gap between progressive and ordinary farmers in obtaining per acre wheat production. “Our farmer is hard-working but he loses huge portion of his produce and bears colossal economic loss due to lack of pre and post harvest management techniques”, he added.

He said that the agriculture productivity could be increased up to 10 % if the farmers adopted pre and post harvest techniques. In this connection, they should also listen to agri bulletins on radio and television regularly or consult the agriculture experts who were available in all offices of Agriculture department, he added. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, April 16 (DNA): The employees and workers of the Walton Tobacco Company have appealed the Chief Justice of Azad Kashmir to take notice of factory’s illegal closure the Chief Justice of Azad Kashmir to take notice of illegal closure of the factory by the administration demanding immediate de-sealing of the premises as families of more than 400 workers are facing critical conditions due to workers being unemployed following the closure.

The employees and workers urged the Chief Justice of Azad Kashmir for justice saying they were the victims of exploitation and were suffering due to the administration’s illegal act.

On the other hand, Spokesman Walton Tobacco Company Arif Zia said that they were receiving threats of serious consequences from the administration of Azad Kashmir.

He further said that Walton was the highest tax-paying company in Azad Kashmir, which pays 240 million rupees to the national exchequer every month.

Addressing a press conference earlier this week, Arif Zia informed that his company was raided illegally, was subsequently sealed while all the products were seized.

Leaders of factory workers Muhammad Ali and Umar Ahmed said that AJK government’s indifferent attitude was disappointing as they did not follow the due process. The government’s action was biased and based on unfounded assumptions.

They said that the factory owners were treated like thieves, which is discouraging for the highest taxpayers and would result in discouraging investor entering AJK market.

Arif Zia said that unemployment rate is increasing in Azad Kashmir due to these factors on part of Azad Kashmir government.

Earlier, workers and employees of Walton Tobacco Company held a protest demonstration at Rawalpindi Road outside the factory in Mirpur Chatrapadi, and demanded the administration to immediately de-seal the factory.

They warned the administration to expanding the scope of their protest movement in order to win their jobs and normal life back to their families who were suffering. The workers said their families could not celebrate Eid because the factory was sealed during the holy month of Ramadan.

Walton Tobacco Company spokesperson Arif Zia said that the Azad Kashmir government should first crackdown against sale of illegal cigarettes in the market.

ISLAMABAD, APR 16 /DNA/ – The Government and people of Pakistan expressed deepest sympathies and condolences at the loss of precious lives and livelihoods and damage to properties caused by heavy rains and flash flooding in several provinces of Afghanistan.

We pray that the Almighty may grant patience and fortitude to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss and wish a swift recovery to the injured.

WASHINGTON DC, APR 16: /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with Hela Cheikhrouhou, Regional Vice President for MCT, International Finance Corporation (IFC) today.

He briefed her on the ongoing reforms in the taxation, energy and privatization sectors. Moreover, he expressed the resolve of the Government of Pakistan to work closely with IFC in the priority areas of securitization of remittances, mining, airport management and capacity-building.

RAWALPINDI, 16 APR /DNA/ – General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) presided over 264th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ.

Forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas including officers and men of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and the citizens who have laid their lives for peace and stability in the country.

COAS appreciated the untiring efforts of Pakistan Army and LEAs in successfully thwarting several terrorist attacks and neutralising key terrorist commanders during ongoing counterterrorism operations. COAS directed commanders to pro-actively deny any space to the terrorists. COAS said, “Armed Forces and LEAs of Pakistan, fully backed by the resilient nation, remain determined to permanently eliminate this menace from Pakistan, INSHA’ALLAH”.

The forum condemned heartless terrorist attack against Chinese nationals in Besham as well as heinous killings of innocent civilians in Balochistan.  Forum was briefed on how terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan pose a threat to regional and global security, besides acting as proxies against Pakistan and its economic interests, especially China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Forum expressed serious concern over the ongoing Indian aggression in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Forum reiterated that Pakistan will continue to provide political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

The forum expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemned serious human rights violations, war crimes and genocide being perpetrated in Gaza.

The forum also expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and noted that a wider regional conflict could ensue if both sides did not de-escalate immediately.

Forum noted with concern the malicious propaganda campaign meant to demoralise the Armed Forces and underscored that “Unfounded and baseless allegations on Law Enforcement Agencies and Security Forces have become a fashion and are part of the larger design to drive a wedge between the people and the Armed Forces of Pakistan. We will not allow such efforts to succeed and as per the law and constitution, stern action will be ensured”.

Forum resolved to provide full support to the government towards achieving sustainable socioeconomic growth in the country including wholehearted assistance in countering the illegal spectrum, particularly smuggling, hoarding, electricity theft and safe repatriation of all illegal foreigners.

COAS directed field commanders to ensure the highest standards of operational preparedness and motivation within their outfits and to pursue professional excellence through objective training.

ISLAMABAD, APR 16 /DNA/ – Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has welcomed Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two Foreign Ministers will hold comprehensive talks to lend a positive impetus to bilateral cooperation and developing an enduring and mutually rewarding economic partnership.

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Investment Conference held in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, APR 16 /DNA/ – The high-level Saudi delegation led by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Furhan Al Saud, attended the ‘Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Investment Conference’ held in Islamabad today.

The Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar warmly welcomed the Saudi Delegation at the Special Investment Facilitation Council, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties and mutual strategic interests between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the significance of enhanced bilateral strategic and economic partnership and the crucial role of Saudi investments in nurturing this relationship. He explained how Pakistan through the SIFC platform aimed to streamline investment processes and ensure rapid decision-making, fostering a flourishing investment-friendly environment in Pakistan. He showcased Pakistan’s abundant opportunities in agriculture, IT, and mining sectors, inviting Saudi investors to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Foreign Minister expressed confidence in the strengthened bonds between the two countries, envisioning significant economic growth and lasting benefits. He concluded with a call for constructive engagement and collaboration towards mutual prosperity and development.

The SIFC officials gave comprehensive briefings encompassing the potential and investment opportunities in key sectors of Pakistan’s economy. Both sides held exhaustive deliberative sessions at functional level to crystallize investment opportunities in Pakistan.

The Saudi side expressed great significance and interest in the improving investment ecosystem in Pakistan, appreciated SIFC’s role in amicable resolution of KSA’s legacy investment/business related issues, and showed keen interest to invest in key sectors of Pakistan. The Pakistan side assured the Saudi side of maximum support and facilitation in fast-tracking the Kingdom’s prospective multibillion dollars investments in Pakistan.

The two sides also finalized a bilateral implementation mechanism to closely coordinate and execute investment related matters at the functional level to turn the sovereign commitments into tangible economic outcomes.

ISLAMABAD, APR 16 /DNA/- Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, received a telephone call from the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, today.

Both sides reiterated their dedication to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all spheres of mutual interest. A wide range of bilateral issues including enhancing trade and investment relations, climate change, agriculture and security came under discussion. Various matters of regional importance such as situation in Gaza, the Red Sea and developments in Afghanistan were also discussed.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the current positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Inflation and energy price hikes have bankrupted SMEs

Permitting sugar exports to increase inflation

ISLAMABAD, APR 16 /DNA/ – Samina Fazil, the founder and President of the Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), on Tuesday stated that Pakistan’s future appears to be dismal if significant improvements to the country’s tax policy are not implemented.

She went on to say that the harmful impacts of inflation and the sharp increase in energy prices can be ascribed to the failure of a large number of small and medium-sized businesses.

As a result of the possibility that allowing sugar exports would lead to an increase in inflation, she urged that this practice be prohibited.

During her address to the business community, Samina Fazil stated that Pakistan could not continue to exist with the current tax system, dismally low revenue and irresponsible spending which results in continued borrowing.

Therefore, the county needs short-term and long-term tax policy reforms while taxes on non-essential and luxury items should be increased.

The government must make tough decisions to fix economic problems and implement recommendations of lenders to come out of the current economic mess.

However, she regretted that so far, the elite have been spared from the impact of the IMF wish list, and the whole burden has been placed on the masses, who are reeling under unprecedented inflation and unemployment.

 Critical flaws within Pakistan’s tax system have caused an estimated loss of Rs567 billion during the last seven years in only one sector, which politicians dominate.

Lashing out on the energy policy, the business leader said that Pakistan has one of the world’s lowest per capita electricity consumption and the lowest outside of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Pakistan is plunging further into the energy poverty zone due to the wrong policy of increasing energy prices very frequently.

Despite rising urbanisation, the average consumption per electricity connection in Pakistan sits at a 20-year low, which is a real threat to prosperity.

Pakistan’s per capita income is dwindling, and unemployment is on the rise, but the effective electricity tariff for use beyond 300 units is now comparable to the USA, already higher than the UAE, and inching closer to Singapore, which is unacceptable, she said.

Samina Fazil said that the country can only develop with the unending practice of so-called energy tariff rationalisation.

She said that despite increasing tariffs, many DISCOS are involved in overbilling to the tune of billions of rupees, which should be stopped.

She said a larger, medium-term IMF bailout, with complementary financial support from friendly countries, is imperative to address its balance-of-payments troubles.

The key to unlocking fresh IMF funds is convincing the lender that Pakistan is ready to undertake real reforms.