Government Policies

The first-ever Pakistan-Russia Trade and Investment Forum took place in Moscow, marking a significant step forward in the trade relationship between the two nations. This event saw a delegation of 60 Pakistani business representatives, led by Federal Minister for Privatisation, Board of Investment, and Communication, Abdul Aleem Khan. Their goal was to explore new business opportunities and foster deeper economic …

Pakistan’s Economy Shows Signs of Growth with 3.07% GDP Increase in Q4 FY24 In a promising development, Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.07% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 (April-June), according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). This growth was driven primarily by a strong performance in the agriculture sector, which grew …

According to SAMAA, With the September 30 deadline fast approaching, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is contemplating an extension for submitting income tax returns due to technical issues affecting its online filing system. The system has experienced a significant slowdown, making it difficult for many taxpayers to complete their submissions. System Delays and Increased Filings As of September 28, …

In a significant development, the federal cabinet of Pakistan has approved the export of an additional 100,000 metric tons of sugar, a decision that contrasts with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s earlier stance of withholding further exports due to concerns over local market prices and supply stability. Cabinet’s Approval Process and ECC’s Role The cabinet ratified the summary through circulation on …

In a significant enforcement of EU data privacy laws, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has fined Meta, Facebook’s parent company, $101 million (€102 million) over inadequate security practices related to password protection. The fine comes after an investigation revealed that Meta had failed to adequately safeguard user passwords and had delayed notifying the regulator about the breach. The Breach: …

In a significant move aimed at bolstering revenue and reducing the tax burden on current taxpayers, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, announced that the government is abolishing the category of non-filers from its tax laws. Speaking in an interview with Voice of America during his visit to New York, the finance minister emphasized the need for a more streamlined and …

The Government of Pakistan has initiated an aggressive plan to collect Rs450 billion in taxes through digital enforcement measures to meet this fiscal year’s ambitious Rs12.97 trillion tax target. This plan comes in response to challenges faced in tax collection, including a shortfall in the first quarter and concerns about a weak global economy. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) …

Multan District Administration Lowers Transport Fares Amidst Fuel Price Cut In response to a recent decrease in petroleum prices, the district administration of Multan has announced a 2% reduction in commercial fares for both passenger and goods transport services. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to citizens amid fluctuating fuel costs. Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary Mohsin Nisar stated, …

KCCI Calls for Urgent NEPRA Hearing on K-Electric Issues The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called on the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to urgently convene a hearing with all relevant stakeholders to address pressing issues related to K-Electric (KE) that are significantly impacting both industrial and domestic consumers in Karachi. In a letter addressed to …

Introduction of the Contributory Pension Fund Scheme The federal government has launched a new Contributory Pension Fund Scheme aimed at all civil employees, including those paid from Defence Estimates, who are appointed on a regular basis starting from July 1, 2024. This significant policy shift is designed to enhance the financial security of federal employees in their retirement years. Applicability …