Budget 2021-22 outlined a number of measures aimed at curbing car prices in the automobile sector. Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin announced tax exemptions for vehicles with an engine size of 850cc during the launch of the federal budget on Friday. Moreover, the government also lowered its sales tax on these cars from 17% to 12.5%.
On Friday, the government presented its third budget, aiming to strike a balance between GDP growth and expenditures. In addition to a crippling budget deficit, Pakistan faces pandemic-induced poverty as well as economic recovery challenges. Budget outlays of Rs8.49 trillion are 19% higher than the revised figure of last year. However, no new taxes will be imposed on the salaried class.
According to a research paper published by an think-tank, Tabadlab, Pakistan has lost $38 billion in economic growth as a result of the FATF putting the country on its grey list three times since 2008. Pakistan may remain on the FATF list of countries whose anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing laws do not fully comply with international standards.
On Thursday, the Pakistani government announced that overseas Pakistanis now have the right to vote in the National Assembly. Zulfiqar Bukhari, former special assistant to the prime minister for overseas Pakistanis, confirmed the news via Twitter and praised the PTI-led government, especially Imran Khan. For the first time in 73 years, overseas Pakistanis can now vote in the National Assembly.
Zartaj Gul, the Minister of State for Climate Change, said the government plans to reward students who plant at least 20 trees with an extra 20 marks. Parliament is considering legislation in this regard, which would involve youth in the plantation project. Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasized the importance of youth involvement in the fight against climate change.
Radio Pakistan reports that Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the first “one-window Ehsaas center” in Islamabad on Wednesday. At the event, PM Khan was briefed about the initiative, which is designed to provide easy access to all services and facilities of the Ehsaas program. Moreover, a similar facility is planned for every district throughout the country.
Aamir Liaquat Hussain, a PTI MNA and TV host, has reportedly been fired from Express TV allegedly due to misconduct and inappropriate comments on harassment. Some believe he was bringing the channel negative publicity. Channel representatives have not yet released official statements regarding the celebrity’s expulsion. Moreover, Aamir Liaquat no longer follows Express-News across all his social media accounts.
Punjab’s primary and secondary healthcare department has come up with recommendations on mandatory vaccination and restrictions for individuals who refuse to vaccinate against Covid-19. Health officials urged citizens who refused to get themselves vaccinated against Coronavirus to have their SIM cards blocked. Moreover, they recommended all indoor gatherings and restaurants be closed to unvaccinated citizens.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Said Al-Maliki said that Saudi Arabia has approved funding for the construction of Mohmand Dam on Wednesday. The Saudi envoy brought up this point during a meeting with Omar Ayub, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs. Consequently, the Saudi Development Fund has approved funding of 901 million Saudi Riyal for the construction of Mohmand Dam.
The Punjab cabinet approved the hike in traffic challan fees proposed by the Punjab Traffic Police. Fines have been increased across Punjab to enforce discipline. Drivers of commercial vehicles or public transportation vehicles will be fined Rs 1000 if found guilty. However, the car drivers will be fined RS 750. The fine for rickshaw drivers was raised from Rs250 to Rs500.