Day: June 13, 2024

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the initiation of legislation regarding the Ease of Doing Business Act.

The Prime Minister granted the approval while chairing an important review meeting on measures regarding ease of doing business and investment, in Islamabad today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said promotion of business and investor friendly environment in Pakistan is the top priority of the government.

The Prime Minister said documentation procedures should be simplified for business and business community under one window operations.

In this regard, he directed to obtain assistance from Chinese experts regarding the establishment of one-stop shop facility center on the pattern of established project in Shenzhen, China.

The meeting was briefed on Ease of Doing Business and other initiatives.

It was informed that an electronic registry will be set up for business registration, licenses certificates and other documents.

The forum was apprised that an online One Window Pakist
an Business Portal system will be introduced through which the services of all relevant institutions will be available at one place.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan says time has come to hold Israel accountable for its grave crimes, urging the global conscience to force Israel towards immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.

At her weekly media briefing in Islamabad today, Foreign Office Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said it is also critical to bring an end to the war on people of Palestine.

She said Pakistan also welcomes the report of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and Israel.

The Spokesperson said the findings of the Commission of Inquiry have confirmed reports of the Israeli war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare, murder or willful killing, intentionally directing attacks against civilians, forcible transfer, torture and inhuman and cruel punishment.

Turning to situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan remembers the victims of the massacre at Chota Bazaar, Srinagar in 1991.

She said the 33rd
anniversary of the massacre was observed on Tuesday last in which India’s Central Reserve Force personnel opened fire at civilians, resulted in killing of thirty-two civilians and injuring twenty-two others.

The Spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic, and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

Replying to a question, she said Pakistan and Afghanistan have been engaged to discuss all aspects of trade mechanism. She said the two have agreed to implement these arrangements to facilitate trade vehicles, drivers and helpers from both sides.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari says Pakistan is starting a fan replacement program that will save energy and improve the seasonal variation in energy demand.

Talking to the delegation of the US Department of Treasury in Islamabad today, he said that the reform plan has been made to remove the deficiencies in the power sector.

He said that the reform plan has been made to remove the deficiencies in the power sector and its purpose is to improve the energy mix of country and eliminate other deficiencies of the power sector.

The Minister said that reforms are being implemented to increase private sector participation in the distribution and transmission of electricity in the country.

These reforms aim to improve the quality of service being delivered to the people of Pakistan.

Sardar Awais Leghari expressed the need for U.S. technical support to address the seasonal generation and demand gap and also highlighted the importance of American assistance in securing international financing for Pakistan’
s power sector at more favorable rates.

The US Assistant Secretary of Treasury appreciated Pakistan’s power sector reform initiatives and assured all possible cooperation to resolve Pakistan’s power sector problems.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Leader of the House in Senate, Senator Ishaq Dar has extended heartfelt congratulations to Senator Irfan Siddiqui on his unopposed election as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

In his message, he emphasized the importance of the Foreign Affairs Committee and expressed his confidence in the ability of Senator Siddiqui to provide strategic and insightful leadership.

Ishaq Dar said that under Senator Irfan Siddiqui’s guidance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be well-equipped to navigate and address intricate global issues effectively.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Punjab budget with a total outlay of 5,446 billion rupees was presented in provincial assembly in Lahore this afternoon.

Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman unveiling budgetary proposals said no new tax has been levied in budget for next fiscal year.

He said revenue collection will be increased by fifty three percent through other means.

Shuja ur Rehman said next Annual Development Programme will be of 842 Billion rupees.

He said seventy seven new mega projects will be part of ADP.

Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman has said the revenue target for next fiscal year will be 960 billion rupees.

Punjab Finance Minister said minimum wages have been enhanced from thirty two thousand rupees to seven thousand rupees.

The salaries of government employees will be enhanced by twenty to twenty five percent while pensions fifteen percent.

He said Minority Development Fund has been increased by one billion rupees for first time. He said six billion rupees have been allocated for laptop scheme while five billion ru
pees for the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute Endowment Fund.

He said inflation rate has been brought down to 11.8 percent and significant reductions are being made in government expenditures.

He said revolutionary measures are being taken in the health sector in Punjab, and free Wi-Fi facilities have been provided at several locations in Punjab.

Punjab Finance Minister said that solar panels will be provided to electricity consumers using hundred units and easy loans will be provided to those building houses up to five marlas.

Earlier, Punjab cabinet approved the tax free budget for next fiscal year at a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore today.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister said all out efforts will be made for fulfillment of our promises made with the people.

Source: Radio Pakistan