Pakistan’s Caretaker PM Calls for Improved Taxation System for Economic Growth

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has emphasized the importance of improving Pakistan’s taxation system to stimulate economic growth. He believes that the private sector should be the primary driver of wealth creation, while the government focuses on policymaking and taxation.

Kakar also highlighted the need for responsible government spending of tax revenue. He visited the PTV headquarters on the occasion of the institution’s 59th anniversary and commended its role in promoting Pakistan’s soft image and identity globally.

Addressing Balochistan’s natural resources, Kakar stated that most valuable minerals, such as gold and copper, remain untapped. He noted that the issue of mineral resource exploration and exploitation had been resolved following the 18th amendment, allowing for a 50:50 division between the province and the federation.

The prime minister emphasized that the timing for mineral exploration is opportune, as Pakistan was previously unprepared due to capacity, financial, and technical expertise limitations.

Regarding his future plans, Kakar expressed openness to contributing in the parliament after the caretaker setup concludes. He indicated that he enjoyed serving as a parliamentarian more than in an executive role.

Kakar praised PTV’s legacy of producing exceptional dramas, music, and informative programs. He suggested that PTV effectively document and present the region’s ancient civilization, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of poetry, music, dance, and renowned figures like Khushahl Khan Khattak, Shah Latif Bhttai, Bullhay Shah, and Waris Shah.

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has demanded that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) hold general elections within 90 days.

The PPP delegation, which met with ECP Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja today, argued that the ECP has the constitutional mandate to hold elections within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly.

The delegation also said that the ECP should announce the date and schedule of the elections as soon as possible.

The ECP has so far held consultative meetings with all major political parties on the upcoming general elections. The next round of meetings will be held with the Baluchistan National Party (BNP) and the Awami National Party (ANP) tomorrow, August 30.

It remains to be seen whether the ECP will be able to meet the PPP’s demand for early elections. However, the demand is likely to put pressure on the ECP to expedite the electoral process.tuneshareGoogle it

Cable cars stopped from operating in several areas of KP

The tehsil municipal administration in Balakot sealed three private cable cars on Thursday. The TMA superintendent said that the cable cars were sealed for examination to ensure the safety of passengers, mostly women and children. He said that around a dozen chairlifts had already been sealed in Mansehra district.

The development came following the rescue of eight people, including six children, who remained stranded on a cable car hundreds of feet above ground in the mountainous Battagram area. They got stuck in the chairlift for long hours after two of its cables snapped.

Chinese Vice Premier to Reach Pakistan Tomorrow to Mark 10th Anniversary of CPEC

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will arrive in Pakistan tomorrow to mark the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Liu will be the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Pakistan since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. His visit is seen as a sign of the importance that China attaches to CPEC, which is a major part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

During his visit, Liu is expected to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other top officials. He is also expected to attend a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of CPEC.

CPEC is a multi-billion dollar project that aims to connect China’s Xinjiang province with the Arabian Sea through Pakistan. The project includes a number of infrastructure projects, such as roads, railways, and power plants.

CPEC has been a major driver of economic growth in Pakistan. The project has created jobs, boosted exports, and improved connectivity.

Liu’s visit is a sign of China’s commitment to CPEC and its continued support for Pakistan. The visit is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan.

Here are some of the key achievements of CPEC in the past 10 years:

  • The construction of the Gwadar port, which is now a major trade hub between China and the Middle East.
  • The construction of the Karakoram Highway, which has improved connectivity between Pakistan and China.
  • The construction of several power plants, which have helped to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported energy.
  • The creation of thousands of jobs in Pakistan.

CPEC is expected to continue to play a major role in the economic development of Pakistan in the years to come. The project has the potential to transform Pakistan into a regional economic hub.

DIG Lahore Shariq Jamal found dead in residence

Lahore’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shariq Jamal Khan was found motionless at his residence located in the DHA area during the early hours of Saturday.

The police promptly transferred his body to the National Hospital DHA, later deciding to move it to Jinnah Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The deceased DIG resided in phase-4, under the jurisdiction of Defence-A police station, while the flat where the incident occurred fell within the jurisdiction of Nishtar police station.

Upon receiving the news, a team of police officers, led by a senior officer, rushed to the hospital to personally oversee the investigation.

Following progress in the investigation, a man and a woman were taken into custody in connection with the DIG’s death.

The police refrained from disclosing the woman’s identity and her relationship with deceased DIG Shariq Jamal.

Fawad says May 9 events ‘regrettable’, demands inquiry

PTI senior vice president Fawad Chaudhry said the events of May 9 were “extremely regrettable” and whoever was involved, whether from the PTI or not, should be investigated and brought to justice.

Talking to the media after he came out of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), he said as a spokesperson of the PTI, he condemned the attacks on Lahore’s Corps Commander House and defense installations. “Every person who belongs to Pakistan and Pakistan Army was sad at what happened on May 9,” he added.

He went on to say that he belonged to district Jhelum, adding that his district was a residential place of army martyrs. “None of our graveyards is without martyrs’ graves,” he added.

Mr Chaudhry said whoever belonged to Pakistan had cordial relations with Pakistan Army, adding that we had to formulate our policy keeping this in mind. “If the police want to arrest me, I am here to court voluntary arrest,” he added.

Army categorically denies the impression of imposing martial law

The military Friday refuted reports of martial law’s imposition in the country after an almost four-day political turmoil erupted due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest, in which army’s installations were also targeted.

“I want to say very clearly that General Asim Munir and the army’s leadership wholeheartedly support democracy and will continue to do so. The imposition of martial law is out of the question,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada.

“The army chief and the army’s senior leadership completely believe in democracy,” the military’s top spokesperson said.

IHC orders security arrangements for Imran’s appearance in court today

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed the Islamabad District Administration and Inspector General of Police to ensure security arrangements for the appearance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the court today (Tuesday).

A circular issued by the IHC Registrar’s Office said the pre-arrest bail petitions of former prime minister Imran Khan in two cases would be heard at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Courtroom No 1 where the entry of journalists and lawyers would be permitted through special passes. However, the court staff would be exempted from the passes.

The circular said Imran Khan would be allowed to take 15 lawyers along with him in the courtroom while ten lawyers would be allowed from the offices of the Attorney General of Pakistan and Advocate General Islamabad, besides 30 members of the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA).