Day: December 24, 2021

Islamabad, December 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):Mr. Esala Ruwan Weerakoon, SAARC Secretary-General, who is currently visiting Pakistan, today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Strongly condemning the Sialkot incident, the Prime Minister expressed condolences on the death of Mr. Priyantha Kumara and stated that there was no justification whatsoever for such acts and that all necessary steps have been taken in order to speedily bring the perpetrators to justice.

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the mutually beneficial goals and objectives embodied in the SAARC Charter, the Prime Minister underlined that SAARC can provide a conducive and beneficial atmosphere to build economic synergies which can transform the quality of life of the people of South Asia.

The Prime Minister emphasized on strengthening cooperation on issues of common interest including climate change, education, poverty alleviation, energy integration and health challenges. The Prime Minister appreciated SAARC Secretary-General’s efforts to further improve and promote SAARC processes and assured him of continued support of the Government of Pakistan in further strengthening regional cooperation under the SAARC ambit.

The Prime Minister also expressed hope to host SAARC Summit in Pakistan when artificial obstacle created in its way would be removed. The Secretary-General thanked the Prime Minister for his guidance on SAARC related issues and assured him that during his tenure he will make determined efforts to strengthen collaboration among member states in different fields for the benefit of all the countries of South Asian region.

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Islamabad, December 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):On this auspicious occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartiest felicitations and wish Merry Christmas to our Christian brethren in Pakistan and all over the world. Today, millions of Christians all over the world and in Pakistan celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who was sent to this world as a symbol of peace, brotherhood and respect for humanity. This day reminds us of the values that Jesus Christ observed in his own life.

He not only healed the ailing humanity but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion. Christmas is an auspicious occasion to reflect on the message of Jesus Christ, the eternal message of love, peace, tolerance and compassion for humanity. We, as Muslims, deeply respect Jesus Christ as one of the great messengers of Allah Almighty.

The Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had, right from the first day of the creation of Pakistan, unequivocally declared a policy of equality, freedom and security for all communities living in Pakistan irrespective of their religion, profession or ethnic origin. Similarly, the Constitution of Pakistan has guaranteed fundamental rights to all citizens irrespective of their religion, caste and creed. The Government of Pakistan is committed to providing equal opportunities to all Pakistanis including our minorities.

The citizens in Pakistan enjoy all rights and the government has undertaken a number of measures to empower them in all spheres of life. I am immensely happy to say that minorities in Pakistan are actively contributing to the development and prosperity of the country. This reflects the inter-faith harmony and profound cohesion between all faiths being practised across the country.

This is the spirit that binds us together as one family to celebrate our blessings and the values we hold dear. On this happy day, I highly appreciate the services and role being played by all the minorities living in Pakistan, particularly the Christian community for the socio-economic development of the country in general and in the fields of health and education in particular. I am confident that they will continue to play their role in the promotion of peace and prosperity of Pakistan.

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Islamabad, December 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister Syed Ali Haider Zaidi calls on Prime Minister Imran Khan in his office to discuss the prospects of Blue Economy in Pakistan. Federal Minister Syed Ali Haider Zaidi calls on Prime Minister Imran Khan in his office today. Minister discussed the future prospects of Blue Economy of Pakistan. He stressed on the growing economic importance of Pakistan in the region owing to the Prime Minister’s vision of Blue Economy.

Minister also briefed on the contribution of Ministry of Maritime Affairs in increasing the foreign exchange of the country. He also apprised the Prime Minister about the major reforms in the field of restructuring and fisheries. The Prime Minister appreciated the Minister for spearheading the concept of Blue Economy in Pakistan and also for steps taken by the Minister. He further directed to expedite the implementation of the steps discussed in the meeting. The Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Maritime Affairs, Mr. Mahmood Baqi Moulvi also attended the meeting.

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Islamabad, December 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam chaired the wheat review committee on the issue of crop sowing position 2021-2022. The meeting was conducted with the provincial counterparts to monitor the ongoing sowing of wheat crop in the country. The meeting was attended by the representation from all provinces.

Fakhar Imam said that the purpose of the meeting was to ensure progress is monitored in order to ensure that the assigned wheat crop targets are met. He said that the sowing period is the most critical period for a wheat crop and any issues arising should be catered to timely in order to stay on track.

Fakhar said that previously this meeting was conducted twice a year and now due to extraordinary focus of the current government on agriculture, regular monitoring is being done through weekly meetings. Fakhar imam was briefed that Punjab stood at 99% sowing against their revised target of 16.67 million acres. Current Sewing of Punjab stands at 16.575 million acres.

Secretary Agriculture Punjab briefed Fakhar Imam that Punjab will achieve its sowing target. He said that water availability is an on-going limiting factor and that Punjab is working on improving its track and trace system for seeds. Director Technical said that Sindh stands at 98% of the assigned target of 2.99 million acres.

While KPK Secretary Agriculture Israr Ahmed said that KPK stands at 85% of the assigned target area at 1.89 million acres. Similarly, DG Agriculture Extension Masood Baloch said that Balochistan stands at 80% of the assigned target area at 1.1 million acres.

KPK and Balochistan pointed out the lack of rainfall and said that absence of rainfall can adversely affect the overall sowing area in these provinces, however if rainfall occurs then sowing targets will be achieved. It was a general consensus that certified seed was adequately available. However, high prices and unavailability of urea was considered an on-going challenge.

Minister was briefed that the high price of DAP has also resulted in its overall lower usage. Fakhar said few parameters have been established to ensure that wheat crop sowing is monitored effectively. Fakhar said these parameters include but are not limited to wheat sowing area and completion percentage of the assigned target, sowing method (Drilling or Broadcasting), quantum of fertilizer used during sowing practices (DAP and Urea), fertilizer offtake, certified seeds used, seed varieties used during sowing (old or new rust tolerant wheat varieties), availability status of herbicides and fertilizer availability and pricing status etc.

Fakhar Imam ensured all the participants that necessary steps will be immediately taken to ensure that the factors of production are available in ample supply. Fakhar Imam praised the efforts of Punjab in ensuring that the farmers sow wheat seeds timely. Punjab Agriculture Secretary briefed Fakhar Imam that the government of Punjab conducted numerous seminars to create awareness in addition with partnering with five agricultural universities of Punjab to mobilize 3000 agricultural students in ensuring proper sowing of wheat seeds.

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Islamabad, December 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan-sponsored resolution entitled “Countering Disinformation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms” was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York by consensus.

Pakistan took the initiative against the backdrop of exponential proliferation of disinformation around the world. The phenomenon is exacerbating social discord and fanning discrimination, hate speech, stigmatization, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and related intolerances.

The resolution was the outcome of broad-based and extensive consultations with all member states, and was cosponsored by a large number of states. Consensual adoption of the resolution will contribute to promoting transparency and initiating of a concerted campaign at the United Nations to counter disinformation by States and relevant stakeholders.

The resolution highlights the negative impact of rapid spread of disinformation through online platforms and social media on the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It notes with concern that ICTs have enabled pathways for false or manipulated disinformation to be created, disseminated and amplified for political, ideological, or commercial motives at an unprecedented scale, speed and scope.

Business enterprises, including online platforms and social media companies have been asked not to allow their platforms to be used for spreading disinformation, which leads to discrimination, incitement to hatred, hostility, violence, and polarization. The resolution calls on them to adopt clear and transparent content and advertising policies on countering disinformation that are in line with international human rights law.

The resolution also affirms the responsibility of States to counter dissemination of disinformation that undermines promotion of peace and cooperation among states, especially through campaigns directed against states and nations.

In this regard, it welcomes the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to promote international cooperation for countering disinformation and his call for a “global code of conduct that promotes integrity in public information.” As a victim of falsehood and propaganda, Pakistan remains committed to countering the virus of disinformation. It will continue to do this through encouraging international cooperation, including under the auspices of the United Nations.

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Islamabad, December 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):Today we celebrate the birthday of our great leader Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is a matter of privilege for our generation and our children to have been born in an independent Pakistan that could not have been our destiny without the struggle of Quaid-e-Azam.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah realized the importance of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent where all citizens could enjoy freedom of faith, occupation and equal opportunities. Quaid’s determination to unify a nation despite huge challenges and opposition was only possible due to his perseverance.

He had a firm faith in AlmightyAllah and followed the principles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that guided him through difficulties and challenges. On this day, I want to emphasize upon our youth that Jinnah’s attributes of honesty, hard work, perseverance and dedication to a bigger cause made him the great leader i.e. Quaid-e-Azam.

We as a nation need to adopt these attributes to realize Quaid’s vision of a developed, progressive and tolerant Pakistan. As per Quaid’s vision, our Government is striving for a society free of corruption and a system that helps the poor and underprivileged citizens.

Pakistan is facing both internal and external challenges and the only solution to overcome these is to live by the Quaid’s ideals of Unity, Faith and Discipline. It is a day to join together in the same spirit as our forefathers did during the Independence movement. Let us shun our differences based on cast, creed and faith and work in unison. I pray to Almighty Allah that He grants us strength and unity to realize our destiny of becoming the strongest nation on earth as envisioned by our Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

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Islamabad, December 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I on my behalf and on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan extend heartfelt congratulations to the Christian Community around the world and especially in Pakistan for celebrating this festival with devotion and respect. The festivities of Christmas teach us universal love, brotherhood, tolerance and self-sacrifice which play a pivotal role in moving any society on the path of development.

The birth of Prophet Jesus is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and respect for the entire humanity throughout the world. He not only healed the ailing humanity, but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion. He guided people towards virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy.

As a Divine Messenger, Prophet Jesus’ teachings are for adherents of all religions. The sincere and invaluable services rendered by the Christian Community in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country have always been commendable.

Being equal citizens of the State, the Government will empower them to use their abilities for national development. Our policies are geared towards creating harmony and cohesion between people of all faiths. Our government is doing its utmost duty to bring you into the national mainstream, so that you can play your role as active citizens in the society in a positive way and help this country move on the path of development.

Our constitution enshrines Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and safeguards the legitimate interests of minorities. The Quaid had assured religious freedom and security for all communities irrespective of their religion, profession and ethnic origin. The Government of Pakistan holds sacrosanct the equality and freedom of conscience of all citizens irrespective of belief, creed or religion.

The present government will continue to safeguard the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities. We are committed to building a society that respects difference and finds strength in diversity; a nation that is tolerant and cohesive; and a state that provides equal rights and opportunities to all citizens.

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Islamabad, December 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in pursuance of Own Motion (OM) investigation initiated while exercising powers conferred under Section 9(1) of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance, 2000 (FTO Ordinance), to investigate irregularities committed by the FBR’s field formations in processing and sanctioning of bogus sales tax refund has ordered for initiation of disciplinary and criminal proceedings against the senior officers of Inland Revenue Service of FBR.

The Directorate General I and I-IR, FBR had issued the “Red Alerts” in such cases to the field formations concerned but neither any action was initiated against the fake claimants of income tax refund and their connivers in the Department (Deptt), who were involved in bogus registration, processing and sanctioning of fraudulent income tax refund and issuance of refund cheques, nor was any action proposed against the officers/officials of bank branches concerned and the PRAL management.

In the case of M/s China National Electric Wire and Cable Import and Export Corporation (RP), an AOP registered vide NTN 2789363-2 with principle activity of electrical installation refund for Tax Year 2012 amounting to Rs.26.119 million was claimed.

In terms of sub-Section (3) tax deducted on the income of a resident person or Permanent Established (PE) of the non-resident person under clauses (a) and (c) of sub-Section (2) 153 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 (the Ordinance) should be final tax. Thus income tax refund claimed by the RP, nonresident PE, for Tax Year 2012 was inadmissible. Furthermore, after conducting Post Refund Audit (PRA) of the RP for Tax Years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011, the Director l and I Lahore also issued investigation report to the Chief Commissioner-lR RTO Lahore.

As per report the RP claimed refund for Tax Years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 amounting to Rs.26.778, Rs.25.264, Rs71.151,and Rs.0.170 million respectively. The Deptt had however, already issued refund for Tax Years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 aggregating to Rs.123.364 million. In order to retrieve the loss of revenue, the Directorate l and I also proposed initiation of action for Tax Years 2007 to 2011 under Section 122(5A) of the Ordinance. Evidently, no action whatsoever was taken by the Deptt on the above Red Alert and PRA investigation report.

Thus for failure of the Deptt to take timely action on such an important anti-tax evasion exercise carried out by 1 and 1-IR, led to serious instances of maladministration on account of certain acts of omission and commission, reflecting improper motives, jeopardizing good governance and transparency in tax administration.

Federal Tax Ombudsman while finally disposing the case has directed FBR to initiate proceedings for recovery of tax demand created for Tax Years 2007, 2008 and 2009 vide consolidated order dated 05.06.2013, as per law and remove the officers involved from field postings and initiate disciplinary and criminal action against Ch. Muhammad Tariq, the then Additional CIR and Mr. Ashfaq Ahmad the then DCIR involved.

Further The Federal Tax Ombudsman has also ordered disciplinary proceedings against Dr.Sarmad Qureshi ,the then Commissioner ,CRTO Lahore and Syed Nadeem Hussain Rizvi,the then Chief Commissioner ,CRTO Lahore in the same scam.

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