Court Verdict on Iddat Case ISLAMABAD: On Thursday, a district and sessions court in Islamabad dismissed the pleas of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to suspend their sentences in the iddat case. This development, reported by ARY News, came after Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Afzal Majoka announced the verdict that had been reserved earlier this week. Islamabad High Court’s Directive Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed the session court to deliver its verdict on Bushra Bibi’s plea within ten days. The plea sought suspension of her conviction in…
Author: Zeeshan Haider Yazdani
Stricter Measures for Non-Filers The government is considering implementing stricter measures against non-filers of tax returns by blocking their bank accounts. This initiative is part of the amended Finance Bill 2024 and includes the introduction of a fixed sales tax on mobile phone imports to replace the current 18% tax. Reintroduction of Account Blocking Proposal Initially, the proposal to block bank accounts of non-filers was part of the original bill but was not approved. Now, the government is reconsidering this measure to ensure better tax compliance. Under this plan, non-filers who ignore tax notices may have their bank accounts blocked.…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has thrown a wrench into the government’s tax cut plans for the 2024-25 Finance Bill. While the IMF rejects tax cuts on most proposals for tax reductions and concessions, they did agree to some key measures aimed at education and research. Key Approvals by IMF: Education : The IMF approved the removal of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on textbooks, a significant benefit for students and families. Research : The IMF also agreed to reinstate tax rebates for professors and researchers, acknowledging their vital role in the country’s development. IMF Rejects Tax Cuts on Proposals: The…
Strengthening the Fight Against Polio Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Bill Gates in Islamabad, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to eradicating polio in Pakistan. Officials from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) were also present at this crucial meeting. Reaffirming Commitment and Gratitude During the discussions, Shehbaz Sharif talked about Pakistan’s persistent efforts to combat polio and underscored the significance of continued cooperation with BMGF. He expressed his gratitude for the substantial support that the foundation has provided, highlighting the success of recent vaccination campaigns. This cooperation has been instrumental in the progress Pakistan has made towards eradicating polio.…
The Punjab cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has given the green light to several new initiatives, including the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program, scheduled to launch on August 14. This initiative aims to provide affordable housing solutions for the people of Punjab, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving living standards. Key Initiatives and Decisions The “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program is set to revolutionize the housing sector in Punjab by making home ownership accessible to more citizens. Alongside this, the cabinet has introduced the “Chief Minister Punjab Kissan Card Program,” which will offer financial support and…
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the monthly salaries of Pakistan Cricket Team players. This detailed disclosure sheds light on the earnings of the national team members, exclusive of any sponsorship benefits they may receive. Breakdown of Monthly Salary Categories Category A (Rs. 4,500,000 per month) Players: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan Category B (Rs. 3,000,000 per month) Players: Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah Category C (Rs. 750,000 to Rs. 1,500,000 per month) Example: Imad Wasim Category D (Rs. 750,000 to Rs. 1,500,000 per month) Players: Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Saim Ayub These figures represent…
Significant Increase in Rainfall Expected The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an urgent alert predicting heavy monsoon rains this season, with a substantial increase in precipitation by up to 35%. This surge in rainfall is expected to commence on July 1, signaling the start of an intense monsoon period. Detailed Rainfall Forecast for July The PDMA has provided a comprehensive forecast for July, outlining the expected rainfall patterns throughout the month: First Week: Rainfall is anticipated to range between 15 to 50 mm, initiating the monsoon season. Second Week: Slightly more consistent rainfall is expected, with projections…
Dragon fruit cultivation is gaining momentum in Pakistan, with farmers urging the government to support its growth as a lucrative export crop. This exotic fruit offers a promising path to economic development. Promoting Dragon Fruit Farming for Economic Benefits Progressive farmers, like Captain Rizwan Rehman, advocate for such fruit cultivation in Gadap, a region with ideal climate conditions. They propose government incentives like free land allocation and solar power facilities to empower impoverished farmers and tackle unemployment. This initiative could generate significant foreign exchange for Pakistan, potentially rivaling Vietnam and Thailand, current global leaders in dragon fruit exports. Favorable Climate…
National Resolve Against Terrorism ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, the Pakistan government approved a reinvigorated and re-energized national counter-terrorism campaign through the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, reflecting the country’s unwavering resolve to eradicate extremism and terrorism. This significant move received consensus from all stakeholders, symbolizing a united front against these threats. Stakeholders’ Consensus on Operation Azm-e-Istehkam Operation Azm-e-Istehkam was initiated with the full consensus of all stakeholders, including the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, endorsed this comprehensive operation. “Azm-e-Istehkam will integrate and synergize multiple…
Historic Victory in T20 World Cup 2024 In a landmark achievement, Afghanistan Beats Australia for the first time in international cricket. This significant win by 21 runs took place in a crucial T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent. This victory marked a turning point for Afghanistan, ending their previous losing streak against Australia, which included four ODIs and one T20I. Key Moment for Afghanistan’s Tournament Hopes The victory was vital for Afghanistan as it kept their tournament hopes alive. Additionally, it preserved Bangladesh’s chances in the competition despite their recent…