Month: July 2026

Lahore: Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Saturday that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is taking vigorous steps to strengthen the country’s financial system through fundamental reforms in the tax system, increasing the efficiency of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), promoting a cashless economy and using modern technology.

The government aims to create convenience for the public, restore the confidence of taxpayers and establish a transparent system that can become the basis for Pakistan’s sustainable economic development.

He expressed these views while addressing the closing and certificate distribution ceremony of the FBR’s Postgraduate Diploma Programme here at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). A large number of faculty members and officers who completed the diploma programme, and FBR Chairman Muhammad Rashid Langrial were present.

The Federal Finance Minister said that he has been receiving full support from Prime Minister Muha
mmad Shehbaz Sharif at every stage and the government is working in a coordinated manner to improve tax policy and tax administration. He said that a new model is being introduced in the FBR, which will significantly improve the transparency and efficiency of the institution.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, while congratulating the officers who completed the training programme, said that now the responsibility falls on them to bring about positive change in the institution with their professional skills, integrity and modern knowledge. “I am confident that these officers will play an important role in making the FBR a modern, effective and people-friendly institution, ” he added.

When Pakistan completes 100 years of independence in 2047, he said, this programme launched in 2026 would be remembered as a milestone that laid the foundation for institutional reforms and change. He said that where Pakistan would stand in the future depends on the decisions which are being taken today, so all the relevant institutions and of
ficers would have to work with a sense of national responsibility.

The Federal Minister said, the Prime Minister is focusing especially on FBR reforms and promotion of cashless economy so that the economy can be documented, the tax net can be expanded and financial transparency can be promoted. He argued that no country can develop with tax evasion, therefore the government is taking effective steps to eliminate tax evasion. At the beginning of the reform process, he said, Prime Minister had directed that the reform process should start from home first and the process of reform should be initiated from the sugar sector because the Prime Minister’s family business is also associated with this sector.

He said that after this, monitoring and reform measures were also taken in the cement sector.

Muhammad Aurangzeb said that government has detected major cases of sales tax evasion, which has resulted in increased tax collections and benefited the national exchequer. Government is working with various national i
nstitutions to develop databases on modern lines so that information exchange can be made effective, tax evasion can be prevented and policy making can be done in a better way, he explained.

He said that modern digital systems and integrated data are the basis of effective tax administration. He stressed that FBR officers would have to take full advantage of modern technology, especially artificial intelligence, because today is the era of AI. He said that keeping oneself constantly updated with changing technology is the need of the hour so that the performance of the institution can be made in line with world standards.

Federal Finance Minister said that FBR officers have a major responsibility to protect the trust of the country’s taxpayers and national resources as the government wanted the public confidence in the FBR to be restored; the industry and market environment to improve and the fruits of reforms to reach the common citizen.

Federal Minister said that the reform measures initiated by the gove
rnment have started yielding positive results, asserting that this was the first programme of its kind which has been completed in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and LUMS University. He thanked LUMS University and all the partner institutions and said that with their cooperation a quality training programme was possible, which will play an important role in enhancing the human resource capacity of the FBR.

He urged the officers, who completed the training, to perform their duties with honesty, integrity, professionalism and the spirit of national service and play a full role for the development, prosperity and strong economy of Pakistan. He said, “We all have to work together to build a better, stable and prosperous Pakistan. ” Addressing the ceremony, FBR Chairman Muhammad Rashid Langrial said that enhancing the professional skills of FBR officers and training them in line with modern requirements is essential for establishing an effective tax system.

Under this objective, he said, such trai
ning programmes are being organized so that the performance of the institution can be further improved. The FBR Chairman congratulated all the officers who succeeded in the programme and said that the officers who could not succeed this time will achieve success with more hard work next year. He was of the view that secret of success lies in continuous hard work and dedication.

Langrial said that FBR is trying to ensure that its officers have such skills and abilities which would benefit not only the institution but also the country. He said that the tax system in the country is being made more effective, modern and transparent, while all the officers are performing their responsibilities with honesty and transparency under an organized system.

He said that he was proud of all the officers of FBR who were playing their role in the development of the country with the spirit of national service. He expressed his determination that all the institutions must be made strong and effective so that Pakistan could m
ove further on the path of development. He stressed that we all have to work together for better governance and establishment of a strong system in the country.

At the end of the ceremony, awards and certificates were distributed among the officers who showed outstanding performance in the course.

Lahore: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday arrested seven alleged members of an agent mafia during a crackdown outside the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) office in Lahore for allegedly overcharging applicants seeking verification of educational documents.

According to an FIA spokesperson, the Anti-Corruption Circle Lahore conducted the raid after receiving reports that agents were exploiting citizens by demanding additional payments on the pretext of securing immediate verification of IBCC documents.

The arrested suspects were identified as Wasim Saleem, Adnan Saleem, Asim Saleem, Abdul Waheed, Nadeem Kaleem, Ammar Ali Bhatti and Bilal Saeed, all residents of different parts of Lahore.

During the operation, officials recovered student’s educational documents, laptops and other material allegedly linked to the illegal activity from the suspect’s possession.

The FIA said all seven suspects had been taken into custody while investigations were underway to identify other members of the network and determine the full extent of the alleged racket.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister’s Advisor on AI and Special Initiatives, Ali Dar, has described Expo Faisalabad 2026 as an excellent platform for promoting industry, trade, and investment.

He noted that the participation of leading companies from the textile, IT, and other key sectors reflects the strength and diversity of Pakistan’s industrial landscape. He emphasized that such industrial and trade exhibitions create new opportunities for investment, exports, and business collaboration while contributing to long-term economic stability.

He expressed these views after inaugurating Expo Faisalabad 2026 here at Expo Center on Saturday. He also took a round of the exhibition stalls showcasing products and innovations from leading companies representing the textile, IT, and various industrial sectors.

Ali Dar said that as per vision of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government is promoting a business-friendly environment, accelerating industrial growth, and encouraging investment across the province. He stated that Faisalabad remains one of Pakistan’s strongest industrial hubs, with its textile and manufacturing sectors making a significant contribution to the country’s GDP, exports, and employment. He added that the city possesses tremendous industrial potential and offers vast opportunities for further growth.

Ali Dar reaffirmed, the provincial government will continue to facilitate the business community and support initiatives that drive industrial development, economic growth, and employment generation across the province.

Lahore: Lahore Division Commissioner Nauman Yousaf on Saturday reviewed flood preparedness in Nankana Sahib and inspected rainwater drainage operations in Lahore. He directed authorities to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, accelerate desilting work and ensure prompt response to protect lives and property. During a visit to Halla Waraich village in Nankana Sahib, the commissioner inspected riverbank erosion caused by the River Ravi and was briefed by Deputy Commissioner Rana Hameed on evacuation, rescue and relief arrangements.

Officials informed him that the Ravi was flowing at 54, 500 cusecs, although the water discharge had decreased by 8, 000 cusecs since the previous night. The commissioner also reviewed flood contingency plans for downstream areas from Head Balloki, visited relief camps established for possible evacuations and stressed that preparedness should remain at the highest level.

Later, accompanied by the deputy commissioner, he visited the Dek Nullah at Buchike and directed the district administration to deploy additional machinery for desilting choke points. He ordered round-the-clock desilting operations at both upstream and downstream locations to ensure the smooth flow of water.

During his visit to the Central Flood Monitoring and Control Centre in Nankana Sahib, Nauman Yousaf instructed officials to monitor the River Ravi’s flow every hour from Shahdara to accurately assess lead time for emergency response. He also directed authorities to keep a close watch on vulnerable riverbank locations identified after last year’s floods and complete all precautionary measures in advance. He said safeguarding human lives, livestock and property remained the government’s foremost priority and instructed officials to keep residents informed through timely public announcements.

Earlier, the commissioner also inspected rainwater drainage operations across Lahore after the city’s third spell of monsoon rain, visiting Mozang, Qurtaba, Jail Road, Faisal Chowk, Davis Road, Shimla Pahari and Lakshmi Chowk.

He directed WASA to deploy additional machinery to clear minor water accumulation on Davis Road and said continuous drainage operations had prevented prolonged waterlogging despite rainfall that began around 5:30 am. He added that emergency teams had been deployed at all critical locations, disposal stations were operating at full capacity and field staff remained ready to respond to any further rainfall.

The commissioner further directed the district administration to launch a comprehensive cleanliness operation immediately after the completion of drainage work, while continuing to prioritise the clearance of both major roads and low-lying areas.

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain has said that electric vehicle (EV) sector is the future of Pakistan, that is why Punjab Chief Minister has made the promotion of this vtal sector as her top priority,

He was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of an EV bike jointly developed by China’s X-Free Energy Technology Group and Pakistan’s Creative Group at a local hotel on Saturday. The provincial minister formally inaugurated the locally manufactured electric bikes and observed the features of the motorbike. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Zhen Shuen, Vice President of China’s X-Free Energy Technology Group, Mian Sultan of Creative Group, CEO OSCD Muhammad Bakhtiar Faiq, Director Punjab Investment Board Dr. Imran Hashmi and others.

As a pilot project, 2, 500 EV motorbikes have been manufactured. Mr. Zhen Shuen said, “Our group has the capacity to manufacture one lakh electric bikes per year, and this capacity will be increased to one and a half lakh per year. ” He added that 20, 000 electric bikes would be provided to the government through the upcoming tendering process. “Our group will also manufacture electric rickshaws locally in collaboration with local investors on a permanent basis, ” he disclosed.

Shafay Hussain said, it is the best time to invest in EV charging stations in Punjab, and domestic and foreign investors should take advantage of investment opportunities in this sector.

Under the vision of Punjab CM, he added, unprecedented steps have been taken to promote electric vehicles. Several assembling plants for electric vehicles have been set up in Punjab, while more Chinese companies are coming to invest in the EV sector.

The EVs would also resolve the problem of environmental pollution, he said, asserting that eco-friendly green buses are plying in different cities of the province.

Provincial minister welcome the joint venture of Pakistan’s Creative Group and China’s X-Free Energy Technology Group and congratulated both the partners.

Lahore: On the occasion of the auspicious Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, Lahore Police have started finalizing the security arrangements.

DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran on Saturday met with members of the Peace Committee and representatives of the Zonal Administration Data Darbar, in which detailed discussions were held on the security of Data Darbar, entry and exit of pilgrims and arrangements for milk collection points.

The meeting was attended by Maulana Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Mufti Intikhab Ahmed Noori, Maulana Muhammad Ali Naqshbandi, Mufti Muhammad Imran Hanafi, Sardar Muhammad Tahir Dogar and Maulana Tahir Shahzad Sialvi, and other scholars, including market officials, Zonal Administrator and Manager Auqaf. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said that full security will be provided to the pilgrims coming for the auspicious Urs, and additional personnel will be deployed keeping in mind the ongoing expansion works of the Darbar.

He said that a search of every pilgrim will be ensured before entering the Data Darbar, while appropriate security and administrative measures will also be taken around the milking parlours. On this occasion, full cooperation in security and administrative matters were assured by the market officials, zonal administration and manager Auqaf.