Category: National

Unregistered doctors become FBR’s next target

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to include unregistered doctors into tax net, in order to broaden the tax base. FBR has given Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to submit details of its members within 10 days. Most doctors registered with PMDC are not filing their tax returns, despite it being mandatory requirement by the board.

Disciplinary action to be taken against PTI leader

Masroor Ali Siyal, PTI leader from Karachi, will be facing strict disciplinary action for assaulting President of Karachi Press club during a a talk show, says Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs Naeemul Haque. In the aftermath of the scuffle, video of which has gone viral, PTI leaders have also been temporarily barred from Karachi and Lahore Press clubs.

UK increases its financing to support businesses in Pakistan

The United Kingdom (UK) has decided to increase its funding from 400 million pounds to one billion pounds, in order to finance projects and encourage British firms to set up in Pakistan. As Pakistan’s rating improves on the World Bank’s ease of doing business index, UK will provide direct lending into projects like infrastructure, roads, hospitals, and schools.

IHC announces rule for second marriage

The Islamabad High Court has declared that the permission in writing from the arbitration council is mandatory for second marriage, even if the husband has prior permission from the first wife. The court said that under the Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961, the person doing second marriage without permission is liable to punishment and fine or both.

PM House no longer to be converted into a university

After spending a total of Rs 30 million on feasibility report of grand plan to convert Prime Minister House in Islamabad into a fully operational university for masses, the government is now planning to set up an engineering institute instead. The institute will offer research and academic facilities from Masters to PhD in fields of engineering and emerging technologies.

Post Pulwama, lone Pakistani submarine baffled Indian Navy

The Indian Navy (IN) deployed a sizeable chunk of its fleet and supporting air arm to trace a Pakistan Navy (PN) submarine following the suicide attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pulwama district. As relationships worsened, India was unable to locate an advanced Pakistani Agosta-class submarine – PNS Saad and extensively searched for it 21 days using all kinds of modern warfare.

Pakistan receives help from Qatar in form of $3 billion

Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in an official Tweet has revealed that during his two-day visit to Pakistan, the Emir of Qatar HRH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani announced $3 billion in deposits and direct investments for Pakistan. The break up of the $3 billion aid was not provided by the ministry.

MNAs barred from using word ‘selected’ for PM Imran Khan

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri has directed MNAs to refrain from using word ‘selected’ for Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Deputy Speaker said that as a member of assembly, the Prime Minister was elected through votes and any insult to any member is intolerable. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has, however, decided to consult lawyers regarding legality of the ban.

Airport tax to be paid in Pakistani rupees instead of US dollars

As the Pakistani currency continues to dwindle down against the US Dollar, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has decided to rationalise airport charges, which now have to be paid in Pakistani rupees only. Passengers were earlier required to pay $20 and the rate has now been rationalised to Rs2,800 per passenger, with immediate effect, on international departures.

FBR launches online FBR Tax Profiling System

An online FBR Tax Profiling System has been introduced by the new FBR chief Shabbar Zaidi. With a fee of Rs500, citizens can check their tax profile. The system will enable 53 million people to check their bank details, properties, utility bills and travel history data, on basis of their computerised national identity card (CNIC) and cell phone number.