
PM vows rights-based population agenda
"These efforts are fully aligned with Pakistan's commitments under the SDGs and Family Planning 2030 targets. The stability of population growth requires a coherent, multi-sectoral approach," he said in his message to the nation on the Day, annually observed globally on July 11 to reiterate the global unity.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
37 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Achakzai accuses ‘establishment' of undermining civilian governance
ISLAMABAD: In a scathing critique of the country's power dynamics, Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Tuesday accused the establishment of undermining civilian governance, asserting that the Constitution had been effectively 'shredded,' with unelected officials operating as the nation's real rulers. Achakzai, leader of both the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan – an alliance of opposition parties – and the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), condemned the government's silence on what he described as a systematic dismantling of democratic institutions. Taking a pointed dig at National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Achakzai charged him with inaction as parliamentarians were 'dragged' out of the House. 'Speaker, members were dragged in your presence,' he thundered. 'So far, no one – including you – has taken any action.' He sharply criticised the military and bureaucracy, accusing them of enabling even junior officers – such as colonels and prison superintendents – to control access to political detainees, notably ex-prime minister Imran Khan, whom he termed the country's 'biggest leader.' 'How shameful and disgusting is the treatment meted out to him,' Achakzai lamented, expressing deep concern over the state of democracy in Pakistan. Achakzai also targeted the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), a key coalition partner of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), expressing disbelief at its apparent complicity. 'The Constitution is being destroyed, and the PPP is supporting it,' he lamented. According to him, court orders are routinely flouted, and lower-level prison officials operate with impunity. 'The Constitution of Pakistan has been shredded,' he lamented. Adopting a populist tone, Achakzai asserted: 'This country does not belong to a few – Pakistan is not anyone's personal estate. Those who think so live in a fool's paradise.' Clarifying that he bore no personal animosity towards the military, Shehbaz Sharif, or Nawaz Sharif, he stressed that 'real rulers' must be those chosen by the people, not state employees. Returning to Speaker Sadiq, he criticised him over the alleged disqualification and mistreatment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers in connection with the May 9, 2023 events. 'You should have taken a stand,' Achakzai said. 'Why were your members mistreated.' He also lamented the government's silence on international matters, especially its failure to pass a resolution condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, 'Netanyahu should be taken to the International Court of Justice.' Despite his trenchant criticism, Achakzai concluded with a call for reconciliation. 'Let us all repent and forgive each other. Let us start a new politics where this House makes the decisions,' he urged, advocating a return to civilian supremacy and provincial autonomy. However, he ended with a stark warning: 'The way you marched into Bajaur– this will lead to civil war. And if it does, the Shehbaz Sharif government will be responsible.' Echoing the anti-establishment sentiment from the opposition benches, PTI MP Malik Aamir Dogar condemned the government's crackdown. 'You sentenced our members to ten years each,' he said, referring to punishments handed down to PTI activists. 'Ten members were removed from this House, and you took no action.' On Imran Khan, Dogar added, 'He didn't bow down – that's why he's in jail. Had he submitted, he'd be sitting here today. If this is how things are going to be, then just lock the Assembly.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
37 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
PM orders removal of hurdles to FBR reforms
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to remove bureaucratic and institutional impediments to ensure the sustained implementation of reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), as the government seeks to consolidate gains made in tax collection. The prime minister, while chairing a weekly high-level review meeting on FBR reforms, expressed satisfaction over the recent increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio, attributing the improvement to reform measures undertaken by the federal government. He reiterated his administration's commitment to safeguarding the reform process and called for the uniform implementation of structural changes across the revenue body. 'The enhancement in the tax-to-GDP ratio is a matter of satisfaction. It reflects the impact of the government's policy direction in the fiscal domain,' he added. FBR's overreach must not undermine reform He instructed the relevant departments to eliminate red tape and other institutional obstacles in order to ensure the longevity of reforms. Emphasising the need for technological integration in customs clearance, the prime minister directed authorities to accelerate the implementation of 'revolutionary' customs reforms. He said technology should be utilised to reduce the time consumed by procedural requirements and enhance transparency in the system. To sustain the momentum in revenue collection into the next financial year, Sharif called for stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments. 'Effective and efficient implementation of existing tax frameworks will be critical in further improving tax collection,' he added. The prime minister also instructed that a comprehensive strategy be formulated in consultation with the FBR, federal institutions, and provincial governments to further raise the tax-to-GDP ratio. He made it clear that there would be no changes to the approved deadlines and reform targets for the FBR in the forthcoming financial year. Highlighting the importance of public engagement, Sharif directed the FBR and the customs department to enhance public awareness of the ongoing reforms. He called for collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to build institutional capacity and inform citizens about the new systems. During the meeting, FBR officials briefed the prime minister on recent developments, including the launch of an Urdu-language version of the online income tax return form. Officials noted that the new form is designed to be more accessible and user-friendly, benefiting approximately 84 per cent of tax filers. The meeting was informed that the FBR had successfully met its tax collection target for the month of July – the first month of the new financial year – and expressed confidence in achieving full-year targets. Officials also briefed the meeting on the establishment of digital enforcement stations for customs clearance, as well as on the rollout of the Centralised Assessment Unit (CAU) and a faceless customs system aimed at enhancing procedural efficiency and transparency. According to FBR officials, the reform implementation strategy is advancing in line with established targets through policy frameworks, strategic adjustments, and sector-specific measures. The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Attorney General for Pakistan, the FBR Chairman, and other senior officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
37 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Digitising land records: CDA, PLRA agree to sign MoU
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Punjab Land and Revenue Authority (PLRA) have agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at digitising CDA's land records and introducing an electronic stamp (e-stamp) system in Islamabad. The decision was made during a high-level meeting held at CDA Headquarters, chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The upcoming MoU, aligned with the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, will serve as a blueprint for the complete digitisation of CDA's land records. It also includes the implementation of an e-stamping system to bring transparency and efficiency to property transactions in the federal capital. Speaking at the meeting, Randhawa said the initiative marks a transformative step in modernising the land record system and improving public service delivery. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025