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Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
LHC explains how a govt servant absent from duty can be sacked
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has held that a government servant who remains absent from his duty for less than one year cannot be removed from service without cogent reasons. The court said Section 4 of Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act (PEEDA) manifests that where absence from duty is for more than one year and same is proved, the authority has no option but to impose penalty of compulsory retirement or removal or dismissal from service. However, where absence from duty is less than one year, the authority under Section 4 of PEECA has discretion to impose penalty of compulsory retirement or removal or dismissal from service supported by cogent justification, in accordance with principles of proportionality, structured discretion and administrative fairness, the court added. The court passed this order on a petition of a government employee, Abusar Ghaffary, who was working as computer operator with the Punjab Emergency Services Department. The court allowed the petition and reinstating the petitioner into service and set aside impugned order and observed that no reasons are recorded to impose major penalty of removal from service against the petitioner. The court; however, held that the petitioner will not be entitled for back benefits as per the law. The petitioner's counsel submitted that under Section 7 (f) (ii) of PEEDA, where charge of absence of duty is less than one year, major penalty including removal or dismissal from service cannot be imposed. Admittedly, the regular inquiry against the petitioner was dispensed with under Section 5 (1) of the PEEDA and petitioner was removed from service under Section 4 (1) (b) (v) of PEEDA for being absent from duty for 63 days, the court observed. Where the regular inquiry is dispensed with, the procedure prescribed under section 7 of PEEDA is to be followed, the court added. The court also observed that the respondent keeping in view the principles of proportionality has not exercised discretion in structured manner. No doubt, in the impugned order, the petitioner's previous service record and penalties have been referred to; however, the said record was neither confronted to the petitioner nor petitioner was charge sheeted in show-cause notice on account of poor previous service record, the court added. The court said, when petitioner was already penalised previously, his current removal from service order on the basis of said previous penalties will amount to double jeopardy. The court; however, observed that the petitioner's reinstatement shall be subject to a fresh determination by the competent authority regarding the imposing of penalty against the petitioner, which must commensurate with the gravity of misconduct and after giving cogent reasons. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Business community leader expresses his views on budget
KARACHI: Convener of the FPCCI Central Standing Committee on Hardware Merchants, Nadeem Ahmed Kushtiwala, stated that peace in the region is vital for Pakistan to increase its share in global trade. He emphasized that the government should have incorporated suggestions from the business community in the federal budget to enhance exports, keep the wheels of industry running, and avoid entrusting local trade entirely to the grip of FBR officials. This, he said, would ensure business growth, higher tax revenues for the FBR, and enable the government to meet its revenue targets. He expressed these views while addressing the fourth meeting of the Central Standing Committee on Hardware Merchants held at the Federation House. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Convener Shaukat Ismail, Tariq Rasheed, Tariq Younus, Hamza Nisar, and Faizan Nasir. Kushtiwala pointed out that the budget lacks any notable tax incentives or facilitation plans for persons with disabilities, special individuals, and senior citizens. He further remarked that no projects or initiatives have been proposed for the development of key sectors such as agriculture, industry, manufacturing, and ports/shipping/logistics, the maritime economy, and exports. He criticized the absence of measures to address the ongoing brain drain, which is significantly harming the country, as nearly 90% of professionally educated individuals are migrating abroad. Kushtiwala also noted that the budget does not increase allocations for essential public services such as education, healthcare, and access to clean drinking water, which are crucial for improving the general quality of life. During the meeting, it was highlighted that no changes have been made to the Valuation Department's ruling system. The high valuation rulings on a wide range of HS Code items are driving up landed costs, severely affecting the export sector; particularly the textile and apparel industries in competing in the international market. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's climate change to hit GDP: WB report
LAHORE: The Country Climate and Development Report by the World Bank predicted that Pakistan will start losing any where 'between' 6.5% to 9% of its GDP by 2050 because of climate change. 'Alarmingly, Pakistan is currently losing around 6% of its GDP due to inefficient urban transport,' said Tauqeer Ahmed Rana, an expert in the area of Road Safety, quoting from the above report. He added that efficient urban transport planning will enhance urbanization-driven economic gains and improve impaired mobility. The World Bank report on Pakistan stated that the country will need $368 billion by 2030 for climate mitigation and adaptation if it were to avoid floods, droughts, and heat waves. 'But the harsh reality is that despite committing billions of dollars, whatever meagre funds received so far are mostly in the form of loans rather than grants, further exacerbating the economic and financial woes of the developing and the underdeveloped,' said Tauqeer. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Import from China, Thailand: Customs values on types of clays fixed
ISLAMABAD: Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has fixed new customs values on the import of Super Light Clay / Ultra-Light Clay / Super Light Modelling Paste / Modelling Paste / Mud Clay / Bouncing Clay / Children Play Clay / Play Dough /China Clay/Amusement Clay for assessment of duties and taxes. According to a new valuation ruling (2003 of 2025) issued by the directorate, the new values would be applicable on the import of these goods from China and Thailand. Representations from a stakeholder regarding determination of customs values of Super Light Clay / Ultra-Light Clay / Super Light Modelling Paste / Modelling Paste / Mud Clay / Bouncing Clay / Children Play Clay / Play Dough / China Clay / Amusement Clay were received in this Directorate with a complaint of under-invoicing and mis-declaration of transaction values of these goods. Therefore, a preliminary analysis of import data, market prices and declared values /assessed customs values was undertaken for determination of customs values of subject goods under section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. The products being imported under the category are described. Customs values on import of various pins from China revised Meetings for the determination of customs values were called and attended by relevant stakeholders i.e. the local manufacturer and the importers. The importers were requested to submit relevant documents and evidence to substantiate their contentions in regard that their declared values represented true transactional values. Viewpoints of the participants were heard in detail during the meeting for the determination of customs values under section 25A of the Customs Act. 1969. For determination of customs values of subject goods, ninety (90) days' data was retrieved and the same was thoroughly scrutinized in the light of the information received. Subsequently, market enquiries, as envisaged under sub-section (7) of Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, were conducted and examined in the light of this Directorate's Office Order. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Lyari Expressway-III
Policy recommendations: The NHA should prioritize implementing digital toll collection systems similar to FWO's M-Tag technology. This would address commuter concerns about delays while potentially improving revenue collection efficiency. The initial investment in digital infrastructure could be offset by operational savings and improved user satisfaction. A phased implementation approach could begin with dedicated lanes for digital payments, gradually expanding as adoption increases. This would allow system testing while maintaining current operations during the transition period. Transparency in toll utilisation would also strengthen public confidence. Lyari Expressway-II Regular reporting on how toll revenues translate into infrastructure improvements would provide accountability and justify future rate adjustments. Alternative management models: Should the NHA find digital modernization challenging within current operational frameworks, exploring alternative management models merits consideration. The FWO's demonstrated competence in highway management and digital systems implementation suggests potential benefits from management transfer or partnership arrangements. Provincial involvement through the Sindh government could provide additional oversight and ensure alignment with local business community needs. Lyari Expressway-I Regional authorities often demonstrate greater responsiveness to local stakeholder concerns than federal agencies. Public-private partnerships might also offer solutions, bringing private sector efficiency to public infrastructure management while maintaining public ownership and oversight. Farooq Mustafa Chaudhry (Karachi) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
