Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underlined that the economic development was directly linked with political stability as the strength of a country's economy was deeply rooted in its political framework.

Chairing a meeting on Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the prime minister said the country's macroeconomic indicators had significantly improved due to the untiring efforts of the economic team, expressing his confidence that the year 2025 will bring prosperity and growth in the country.

For the first time after 2018, the inflation rate has been eased down to 4.1%, foreign remittances have posted increase of 34%, exports have also jumped, and foreign exchange reserves have jumped from $4 billion to $12.5 billion," PM Shehbaz said adding that the policy rate which was now at 13%, had space of further 8% keeping in view the inflation rate.

As regards, foreign investment, the prime minister emphasized that MoUs worth billions of dollars had already been signed with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE.

He said having achieved economic stability, the country had now entered the growth stage. "If we want to achieve the economic development, then we will have to focus on export-led growth .....and we have no other option".

The prime minister also appreciate the efforts of Federal Board of Revenue and the economic team for collecting additional Rs 72 billion under ADR (advance-to-tax ratio) due to which the government's target of tax revenue for December 2024 had almost been achieved.

The prime minister noted that due to the faceless interaction facility, 39% time duration of container inspection had been reduced while the businessmen got relief of 89%.

Additionally, he said smuggling of sugar through Afghanistan had been reduced to zero which was a positive sign for the country's economy. He informed that the national exchequer received $0.5 billion in term of sugar export while the rice exports posted $4 billion.

As regards, terrorism in the country, the prime minister vowed that the law enforcing agencies were fully committed to halt the nefarious designs of the enemies.

"Security has become a big challenge today and without crushing the menace of terrorism, we cannot move forward," he said.

The prime minister also congratulated the relevant stakeholders on the agreement between tribes to normalize the situation in Kurrum. However he expressed deep grief over the loss of dozens of innocent lives in the area.

Islamabad:: The Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department has extended the deadline for vehicle token tax payments by 15 days, setting the new deadline as January 15 to provide vehicle owners with more time to clear their dues and avoid legal penalties.

The department has announced strict measures against token tax defaulters. Vehicle registrations will be canceled for non-payment, and defaulters may face penalties of up to 200% of the unpaid amount.

Director Excise Bilal Azam stated that counters at excise offices will remain open until 8:00 p.m. to facilitate citizens in submitting token taxes. Non-compliance will result in the cancellation of vehicle registrations.

Additionally, on Thursday, the Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department offered vehicular-related services at Trail 3 parking lot from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The excise staff was present on-site, providing a hassle-free experience for vehicle owners seeking registration, transfers, and token tax processing, according to the spokesman of the ICT administration.

The spokesman highlighted that this initiative not only simplifies vehicular paperwork but also introduces the ICT Doorstep Service. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to obtain services such as Domicile Certificates, Birth Certificates, Power of Attorney documents, International Driving Permits, Fuel Permits (Domestic/Commercial), or Motor Vehicle Registrations, all at one convenient location.

He emphasized that these facilitation centers offer seamless and efficient solutions for various administrative needs.

For further assistance, citizens can contact the toll-free number 051-111-383-383 to set a time and location to avail themselves of these services.

Islamabad:: The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday taken serious notice of the Ministry's failure in providing a brief to the committee on time.

The meeting was chaired by its chairman, MNA Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhry aimed to review the workings and performance of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, said a press release.

The Secretary, Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, provided a comprehensive briefing on the working and performance of the Ministry and its attached departments. The Secretary apprised that the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan was a small ministry with five departments working under it. The total budget of the ministry was Rs 1,388.77 million.

The Secretary informed that the main function of the ministry was to formulate policy and planning for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He said the funds for GB were provided by the federal government in the form of grants, and PSDP projects were also being funded by the federal government.

The briefing highlighted the purpose of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council and the Azad Kashmir Council in strengthening the connection between the federation and these two regions. It was emphasized that the councils play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and ensuring the regions' interests were aligned with national goals.

The committee recommended preparing national and international activities while engaging media and civil society, especially local and international NGOs working in the field of human rights to intensify lobbying efforts for the Kashmir cause.

The committee also directed the Ministry to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide a detailed briefing on the diplomatic efforts and engagement concerning the Kashmir issue.

Islamabad:: A review meeting regarding the Parking Plaza at Blue Area was held under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa here on Thursday.

The CDA members and the relevant senior officers participated in the session. During the meeting, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa was briefed that the structural construction of the Blue Area Parking Plaza has been completed.

The plaza will have the capacity to accommodate approximately 1,000 vehicles.The facility includes two basements, a ground floor, and five additional floors.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa was further briefed that the parking plaza will feature 64 shops, an open-air rooftop restaurant, and a caf©. In addition, the plaza will house a cinema to cater to the recreational needs of citizens.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed that options for creating a vertical garden on the fa§ade should be explored to make the structure more visually appealing.

He emphasized the need for a well-structured business model to ensure the plaza is fully functional and contributes effectively to revenue generation.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed the installation of digital and 3D SMD screens within the parking plaza. The engineering wing was tasked with completing all finishing work, including the installation of lifts and electrical systems, at the earliest.

Chairman CDA reiterated that every part of the parking plaza should be utilized efficiently to maximize its potential and serve the needs of the public for parking effectively.

Islamabad:: The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Thursday inaugurated an amazing display of Pakistan’s scenic photos on the boundary wall of the Diplomatic Enclave opposite the Saudi Embassy, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cultural ties between the two brotherly nations.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Chairman of Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with other dignitaries and officials.

Speaking to the media, Ambassador Al-Malki described the initiative as a tribute to Pakistan’s vibrant culture and rich heritage. ‘This effort highlights the beauty and diversity of Pakistan to the world while celebrating the deep-rooted brotherhood between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,’ he stated.

The photo display captivated participants with its vivid portrayal of Pakistan’s cultural and natural diversity. Among the highlights were the majestic Badshahi Mosque, the lively Shandur Polo Festival, the rustic charm of desert life, the architectural wonder of the mosque located within the Khewra Salt Mine and K2, the second highest mountain on earth.

Other images showcased traditional activities, such as jaggery-making, and featured Pakistan’s unique wildlife, including the partridge and cheetah providing a window into the country’s lifestyle and biodiversity.

The event underscored the profound and enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. This initiative forms part of a larger effort to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the historic ties between the two nations, further enriching their longstanding partnership.