Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the provincial budget for 2024-25 in the Assembly on Wednesday. The Punjab Assembly session began one hour and 38 minutes late, with Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan presiding. During his address, the Finance Minister highlighted significant milestones. He noted that Punjab’s development has started, crediting Maryam Nawaz for taking revolutionary steps in just 100 days. He stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reduced inflation to a record level in Punjab. Revolutionary measures are being implemented in the health sector. The first official tax-free budget is being presented, with the inflation rate brought down…
Author: Saifullah
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Amidst disruptions in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, unveiled the government’s proposal for the Financial Year 2024-25, which includes a significant 33 percent increase in the levy on petrol and diesel. The proposal, presented to the National Assembly, suggests raising the levy on petrol and diesel from Rs60 to Rs80 per litre. The PML-N-led federal government emphasized the need for a raise in the petroleum levy on petroleum products. Additionally, the government has suggested augmenting import duties on luxury cars valued at over $50,000. Furthermore, the budget proposal calls for an…
Tragedy struck at Tarkai Toll Plaza near Jhelum on Wednesday as three people, including two officials, lost their lives when drug smugglers opened fire on an Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) vehicle. According to an ANF spokesperson, their team, on duty at the plaza, signaled a suspicious vehicle to stop. However, instead of complying, the vehicle occupants accelerated away. In the ensuing pursuit, the accused fired upon the ANF team, resulting in the deaths of two ANF personnel and a civilian. Head Constable Gulzar and Lance Naik Mazhar are remembered as martyrs, having made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan in three cases, including the Jinnah House attack case. ATC duty judge Khalid Arshad heard the interim bail pleas related to the attack on Jinnah House and three other cases. The court ordered Imran Khan’s attendance to be marked via video link from Adiala Jail. Earlier, the Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed that the Punjab government had allocated seven cells for Khan in Adiala Jail, with 14 security personnel assigned for his protection. AGP Punjab Khalid Ishaq mentioned that…
In an effort to maintain public order and prevent the spread of diseases, the District Administration of Peshawar has imposed Section 144, effectively banning the buying and selling of sacrificial animals on streets and highways. This measure will remain in place until Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The decision comes in response to the proliferation of illegal cattle markets across the city, which have led to numerous problems for residents. The District Administration highlighted that these unauthorized markets are causing significant disruption, creating lawlessness, and obstructing traffic on major thoroughfares. “We are facing serious issues due to these unregulated street markets,”…
As the tenure of General Manoj Pande concludes, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been appointed as the new Chief of Army Staff of India. A statement issued by the Defence Ministry confirms that Dwivedi will assume his new role from June 30. Defence Ministry Spokesperson A Bharat Bhushan Babu posted on X: “The government has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective from the afternoon of June 30, 2024.” Dwivedi has served in the military for over 39 years, holding positions such…
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the establishment of an effective and dynamic customer service system in the offices of distribution companies for the timely registration of complaints related to the non-supply of electricity. Presiding over a review meeting in Islamabad, he addressed issues of electricity load shedding, prevention of electricity theft, and reforms in the energy sector. The Prime Minister directed authorities to minimize load shedding in view of the rising scorching heat. He emphasized that new transformers should meet international specifications and called for analyzing the current system for energy sector reforms. Shehbaz Sharif instructed provincial…
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has announced that PTI founder Imran Khan is open to negotiations and ready to forgive past grievances. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar said that Imran Khan conveyed this readiness during a recent meeting with his lawyers. However, he mentioned that Khan’s communication with his sons remains discontinued. Gohar emphasized that Imran Khan is prepared to forgive, engage in dialogue, and pave the way for negotiations. Khan reiterated his commitment to discussions within the framework of the constitution and the law. Negotiations will commence after taking Pashtunkhawa Milli Awami Party chief…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government will send 1,000 youngsters to China for agricultural training. While chairing a Federal Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the Prime Minister briefed the cabinet about his recent visit to China. Positive discussions were held regarding the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The PM emphasized expanding Pak-China cooperation and announced that a high-level Chinese delegation would visit Pakistan to further enhance bilateral ties. He mentioned that over a thousand meetings between Pakistani and Chinese businessmen and investors took place during his visit. Additionally, the PM stated that the Chinese company…
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2023-24 on Tuesday. This annual event precedes the budget announcement. This year’s survey follows the National Economic Council (NEC) approving a substantial increase in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget for the next fiscal year. The survey outlines key socioeconomic outcomes for the current fiscal year, noting that many major targets were not met. Key Findings One significant shortfall is the fiscal deficit, estimated to be 20% higher than projected. Similarly, inflation remained high, recorded at around 24.5%, compared to the target of 21%. Despite this, the consumer price…
