The US State Department has confirmed the decision to declare the armed separatist group, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), as a global terrorist organisation, hoping the move will help minimise its existence. With this classification, it is a crime for anyone in the United States to assist the militants and any US assets they may have will now be frozen.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the FBR in a collaboration to curb smuggling of mobile phones have decided to reduce taxes on imported mobile phones to almost half. However, if international travelers fail to register their phones within a time frame of 60 days, they will have to pay an extra 10 percent fine with the tax.
While hearing a case pertaining to a sentence awarded to a former government employee found guilty of corruption, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Asif Saeed Khosa remarked that anyone convicted of corruption has to pay due fine, even if dead. He added that extra time spent in prison does not compensate for the looted money, which has to be returned.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has publicly released asset details of key politicians of the country. Prime Minister Imran Khan owns assets worth Rs108 million, which include residential properties, agricultural lands and other valuables. While the Bani Gala estate is declared a gift, three foreign currency accounts – one each for US dollars, Euro and Pound Sterling are also revealed.
After videos of tourists being harassed by locals in Murree went viral on social media, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar deployed Dolphin Force in the area for security of tourists and citizens. The force, which has begun patrolling the area, has been ordered to take prompt action against criminals, and also aid the administration in controlling traffic problems.
Around 90,000 people have gained advantage from the Asset Declaration Scheme, sources from FBR have claimed. Total volume of tax revenue after the extended deadline for amnesty scheme could reach Rs. 70 billion, as another 1,00,000 people are expected to declare their assets. For the first time number of tax filers have passed the two million mark in the country.
The deadline for Asset Declaration Scheme has been extended till the end of banking hours on July 3, keeping in the view the overwhelming response to the scheme. The announcement was made by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance Dr Hafeez Sheikh in a press conference in Islamabad, who also appealed to all citizens to take full advantage of the scheme.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has placed a ban on carrying naswar in all domestic and international flights, after all Gulf states listed the powdered tobacco snuff as illegal drug. Carrying naswar would also be considered a crime if recovered from luggage of any Hajj pilgrims. Any passenger caught with the substance in the Gulf nations would face strict action.
Minister of State for Revenue, Hammad Azhar, revealed in National Assembly on Friday that Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) has set a new precedent by retiring $9.5 billion foreign loans in first year of power. He also added that Pakistan’s foreign loans rose by $2.7bn as compared to last year of PML-N government when foreign debts increased by over $7bn.
Speaking at the National Assembly on Saturday, the Prime Minister took at jibe at those who call him a ‘selected PM’, saying those who entered politics during military dictatorships were now criticising him. PM Imran Khan also criticised the economic decisions of the previous governments and said opposition has been misleading the nation, especially regarding devaluation of the rupee.