pakistan

Increase in petrol, diesel prices challenged in LHC

Published

8 months ago

February 16, 2023

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Increase in petrol, diesel prices challenged in LHC

A petition was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday seeking reversal of recent increase in prices of petroleum products.

The petition has been filed by a citizen named Munir Ahmed through his lawyer Azhar Siddique. He has made the petroleum minister, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and others respondents in the case.

The petitioner argued that the increase in petroleum prices was illegal and pleaded the high court to declared the notification issued by the governments to jack up the prices null and void.

In an overnight move, the federal government increased the price of petrol by Rs22.20 per litre taking it to the Rs272 per litre. The new price of high-speed diesel has been fixed as Rs280 per litre after an increase of Rs17.20.

The prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil have been increased by Rs12.90 and Rs9.68 per litre each. The kerosene oil reached at Rs202.73 per litre after a surge of Rs12.90 and light diesel oil at Rs196.68 per litre after an increase of Rs9.68.

The increase in petroleum prices is part of the government’s efforts to revive the much-needed loan programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that is stalled since September last.

On Wednesday, Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar presented the Finance Supplementary Bill 2023 in the lower house to fulfill the conditions of the international lender to secure the much-needed loan programme that would help the country stave off default.

Under the budget proposals, General Sales Tax (GST) on luxury items will be increased from 17% to 25% and Federal Excise Duty (FED) on business and first-class air tickets will also be increased to Rs20,000 or 50% — whichever is higher. The finance minister also proposed imposing 10% withholding adjustable advance income tax on bills of wedding functions, and an increase in FED on cigarettes, soft and sugary drinks.

The FED on cement will be raised from Rs1.5/kg to Rs2/kg and an increase in GST from standard 17% to 18% was also proposed in the Finance Supplementary Bill 2023, while GST will not be imposed on essential goods including wheat, rice, milk, pulses, vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs and meat.

Under the Finance Supplementary Bill 2023, Mr Dar said that the government had suggested a Rs40 billion increase in the budget of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to protect downtrodden segments of the society from the impact of increasing inflation.

“The government has proposed to increase the BISP budget from Rs360 billion to Rs400, allocating Rs40 billion addition funds to benefit the (BISP) beneficiaries,” he said while presenting the Finance (Supplementary) Bill-2023 in Lower House of the Parliament.

He said the additional revenue measures, announced today, have nothing to do with the fiscal performance of the government.

The finance minister said the government has also envisaged structural reforms to bring improvement in the economy. He said the economy is expected to grow by four percent next year.

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PM offers nawafil at Roza-e-Rasool in Madinah

Published

4 days ago

September 28, 2023

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PM offers nawafil at Roza-e-Rasool in Madinah

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar visited Masjid-e-Nabvi (the Prophet’s Mosque) in Madinah and paid his respects at Roza-e-Rasool (SAW).

The prime minister offered nawafil at the Roza on Wednesday evening. Afterwards, the caretaker prime minister visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet (SAW)’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, located adjacent to Masjad-e-Nabvi.

Dr Nasir Misfir Al-Zahrani, Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Prophet (SAW)’s Museum, warmly welcomed the prime minister.

The prime minister was given a comprehensive briefing on the historical museum, which showcases the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as well as the Islamic civilisation.

PM Kakar expressed his deep appreciation for the museum and applauded the efforts made to preserve and present the rich Islamic heritage.

As a token of appreciation, Dr Nasir Misfir Al-Zahrani presented the prime minister with a shield and books, symbolising the cherished connection between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in promoting Islamic heritage and fostering mutual understanding.

The museum chronicles the Prophet (SAW)’s journey and highlights significant events and teachings through multimedia. It also showcases Islamic civilisation’s achievements in various fields. The museum promotes interfaith dialogue and understanding, fostering respect for diverse beliefs and cultures.

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pakistan

Preparations for Eid-e-Milad in full swing across country

Published

4 days ago

September 28, 2023

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Preparations for Eid-e-Milad in full swing across country

The Muslims all over the world, and in Pakistan, are marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) on Friday (tomorrow).

Preparations for the celebration of Eid-e-Milad began with the sighting of Rabiul Awwal moon. Enthusiasm of the faithful has peaked across Pakistan; buildings and mosques have been illuminated not only in big cities but in villages also. Streets have been decorated and illuminated to mark the day.

There will be a national holiday on the occasion. Processions will also be taken out in which models of holy Kaaba and the Gumbad-e-Khizra (green dome) will be carried.

Children prepare models in streets according to their passion.

Special prayers, gatherings, and recitation of the Quran will also be arranged all over the country. Food will also be shared with the poor.

The Muslims in India, Bangladesh and other countries in the region will also celebrate Eid-e-Milad.

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pakistan

CJP Isa reprimands lawyer for not presenting arguments in tax case

Published

4 days ago

September 28, 2023

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CJP Isa reprimands lawyer for not presenting arguments in tax case

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Thursday reprimanded a senior counsel for not presenting arguments related to the case.

CJP Isa conducted hearing of the tax revision case.

The chief justice, while expressing his indignation at not giving arguments, asked lawyer Fayaz Shirazi to present arguments on the merits of the case. “Tell me if your application is admissible,” the CJP said.

Lawyer Shirazi said his case was time barred. The CJP said the court wanted to hear his case and he was saying the case was time barred. “You are not a clerk but a senior advocate of the Supreme Court,” he remarked.

Justice Isa said he had great respect for him for being a senior lawyer of the apex court. In his remarks, CJP Isa further said that filing such cases affected fixing of other cases.

The chief justice rejected the review petition for not presenting arguments by the lawyer.

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