Latest news with #FifthSchedule
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
DJ, liquor, and now cricket? Viral video from Kedarnath sparks outrage
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A video showing a group of people playing cricket near the Kedarnath temple has gone viral, triggering widespread outrage on social media over the perceived desecration of a sacred Hindu pilgrimage clip was first shared by Uttarakhand Ekta Manch, which strongly condemned the act. In its post, the group wrote, 'In this holy place, everything is happening except devotion to God. Someone is setting up a DJ and turning it into a dance bar, someone is fighting with sticks, someone is playing cricket, someone is selling liquor, and someone is celebrating their honeymoon. Truly, Hinduism is in danger.'The post also demanded the implementation of the Fifth Schedule to protect religious sites and traditions. It is, however, not clear when the incident video was later reshared by The Jaipur Dialogues, which added, "There should be strict action against these people. Kedarnath is a sacred place & it has some Maryada. Can people play cricket like this in Mecca? Why do we keep silence on such issues?"Social media users were divided in their responses. One commented, 'Unfortunately, most Hindu pilgrimage sites have become tourist and recreational hubs. Sad.' Another disagreed, saying, 'Emotions aside, they might be locals. We can't expect them to be in constant Bhakti mode.' A similar sentiment read, 'So locals of Kedarnath should stop living life completely?'Some demanded action: 'Punish and ban these people. Set an example.' Others urged calm: 'Just let them play. Don't overreact.'The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of visitor behavior at sacred sites. Earlier this week, the Kedarnath Dham Yatra was temporarily halted due to falling debris and stones at the Munkatia Sliding Zone near challenges, the 2025 Kedarnath Yatra has witnessed record-breaking footfall, which officials attribute to improved infrastructure and growing spiritual enthusiasm. Authorities have deployed enhanced security and medical teams to manage the high-altitude pilgrimage at over 11,000 feet in the Himalayas, the Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds immense religious importance. The temple doors were opened to devotees this year on May 2.
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget 2025 - 26: SALIENT FEATURES
i. Export-led growth. ii. Consumer welfare. iii. Availability of cheaper industrial raw materials iv. Economic sovereignty. v. Employment generation. vi. FBR Transformation Plan. vii. Innovation, efficiency and productivity. TARIFF RATIONALIZATION: i. New tariff slabs of 5%, 10% and 15% introduced. ii. Existing tariff slabs of 3%, 11 % and 16% abolished. iii. 0% tariff slab, previously applicable on 2201 tariff lines, extended to further 916 PCT codes. iv. CD reduced on goods falling under 2624 PCT codes. REDUCTION IN ADDITIONAL CUSTOMS DUTY (ACD) RATES: i. Reduced from 2% to 0% on Tariff slabs of 0%, 5% and 10%, consisting of 4,383 tariff lines, except 95 tariff lines chargeable to ACD @2%. ii. Reduced from 4% to 2% on 518 tariff lines under tariff slab of 15%. iii. Reduced from 6% to 4% on 2166 tariff lines under tariff slab of 20%. iv. Reduced from 7% to 6% on 468 tariff lines under tariff slabs of above 20%. REVIEW OF REGULATORY (RD) REGIME: i. Regulatory duty on goods falling under 554 PCT codes removed. ii. Rate of Regulatory duty reduced on goods falling under 595 PCT codes. iii. Maximum rate of RD reduced from 90% to 50%. REVIEW OF EXEMPTION REGIME: To streamline and reduce the cost of exemptions, 479 entries in Part-I, Part-III and Part-VII of Fifth Schedule deleted. LEGISLATIVE CHANGES: i. Provision for establishment of Centralized Assessment Units (CAUs) and Centralized Examination Units (CEUs) for transparent, speedy and uniform assessments. ii. Provision for establishment of Digital Enforcement Units (DEUs) at key locations and to use technology to strengthen anti-smuggling operations. iii. Cargo Tracking System (CTS) introduced for monitoring the movement of cargo. The system will identify the movement of smuggled/non-duty paid cargo through the use of technology while facilitating Bonafide cargo. iv. Incentivizing pre-arrival clearance by allowing filing of Goods Declarations without advance payment of duties and taxes. v. To reduce litigation, the existing limit of Rs. 20,000/- for initiating contravention proceedings enhanced to Rs. 100,000/- subject to payment of recoverable amount. vi. To reduce port congestion and dwell time, penalty introduced for unclaimed/uncleared cargo beyond specified time limit. vii. Time period for adjudication of cases and filing of appeals before Appellate Tribunal rationalized. viii. Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation, Customs and Directorate General of Risk Management System merged and re-organized for effective intelligence gathering, targeted operations and advancement of RMS. ix. A new Directorate General of Customs Auction has been created to streamline the auction of goods. x. A new Directorate General of Communications and Public Relations has been created for dissemination of Customs related information for trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement. xi. Provision to hire services of technology specialists, auditors, accountants and goods evaluators on short term contracts for specialized functions. xii. Provision for establishment of Customs Command Fund introduced to incentivize anti-smuggling operations. xiii. De-minimis limit for courier/postal parcels reduced to PKR 500 to check misuse. xiv. Facility of scrapping and mutilation of goods at ports restricted to bonafide requests up to 10% of the cargo. xv. Provision added to discourage attempts of belated claim of ownership of goods liable for confiscation by filing frivolous appeals before the appellate fora. xvi. Provisions has been added that a tampered chassis vehicle shall be presumed to be a smuggled vehicle, irrespective of its registration status with MRAs. SALIENT FEATURES BUDGET 2025-26 SALES TAX ACT 1990 The proposed budgetary measures pertaining to Sales Tax for FY 2025-26 are: DEFINITION OF CARGO TRACKING SYSTEM & E-BILTY: The definition of the Cargo Tracking System to for electronic monitoring and tracking of goods transported within or across Pakistan's territory has been inserted in the Act. This aims to enhance tax enforcement, ensure compliance, and prevent tax evasion. Additionally, e-Bilty has been defined as a transport document generated through the Cargo Tracking System, as prescribed by the Board, to accompany goods during their movement. E-COMMERCE: To better incorporate digitally ordered taxable goods into the e-commerce sales tax framework, the definition of 'e-commerce' has been introduced, and 'online marketplace' is redefined to include all taxable activities. Currently, online marketplaces are required to withheld 1% sales tax on local supplies made by non-active taxpayer vendors. However, this does not fully capture the growing e-commerce sector, especially businesses using websites, apps etc for online sales to consumers. To address this, the withholding tax scope has been expanded to cover transactions settled via online payment or CoD. Under the proposed regime—substituting S. No. 8 of the Eleventh Schedule— payment intermediaries (banks, financial institutions, exchange companies, and payment gateways) will collect sales tax on digital payments, while couriers will handle tax collection for CoD transactions. Additionally, the withholding tax rate is set to increase from 1 % to 2%. STRENGTHENING ENFORCEMENT AND CREATING DETERRENCE AGAINST TAX FRAUD: The government is actively combating tax fraud through a range of policy and administrative measures. These efforts include enhancing enforcement mechanisms to identify and prevent tax evasion and imposing tougher penalties to serve as a deterrent. Likewise, distinguishing between civil and criminal liability improves the likelihood of winning cases at appellate fora. Following measures are proposed in this regard, namely: (a) The existing legal provisions does not envisage the role of an 'abettor' who connives with the registered persons involved in fraudulent activities to evade the sales tax. Now, the term 'abettor' is proposed to be defined and punishment for this offence is also proposed. (b) Tax fraud is currently defined under clause (37) of section 2. The scope of this definition is broadened to cover all kinds of frauds including those involving technology. (c) A number of amendments are introduced in penalty section of law to discourage tax fraud. (d) A clear distinction has been created in the law for proceeding against the non-compliance and tax frauds. The cases involving tax frauds shall be prosecuted before the special judges based on the inquiry and investigation by the department and the final decision shall be taken by a judge instead of an officer of the department. VALUE OF IMPORTED GOODS: A proviso is added in the definition of the retail price in section 2 for enhancing its scope to cover the imported goods falling within the ambit of Third Schedule. LIMIT OF INPUT TAX ADJUSTMENT: It is proposed that the Board be empowered to set a limit on input tax adjustment to restrict claims related to suspicious or illegal transactions. However, registered persons will have the opportunity to file applications regarding the proposed adjustment limits. BAR ON OPERATIONS OF BANK ACCOUNTS: Sections 14AC, 14AD, and 14AE are proposed to be added to the Act to promote sales tax registration and economic documentation. These provisions introduce enforcement measures such as restrictions on bank account operations, transfer of immovable property, business premises sealing, property seizure, and the appointment of a receiver to compel unregistered persons to comply. The current sales tax law does not include such enforcement mechanisms. APPOINTMENT OF EXPERTS AND AUDITORS: Board or the Commissioner is empowered to appoint experts for assistance in audit, investigation, litigation or valuation. Furthermore, Board has also been vested with the power to appoint auditors (not more than 2000 in number) through direct engagement or through third party. ADDITION IN THIRD SCHEDULE: Importers and manufacturers are required to collect sales tax on items listed in the Third Schedule of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, based on the retail price at applicable rates as embossed on the packaging of the product. The purpose of the inclusion in the Third Schedule to capture the down-stream value addition in the supply chain beyond manufacturing. The following items are proposed to be included in the Third Schedule for the same purpose as stated above: • Imported pet food including 'dogs and cats' food in retail packing • imported coffee in retail packing • imported chocolates in retail packing • imported cereal bars in retail packing WITHDRAWAL OF EXEMPTION: i. Currently, S. No. 151 of Table-1 of Sixth Schedule provides exemption of sales tax on supplies, imports and import of plant and machinery by the industrial units located in the erstwhile FATA/PATA. Local industrial units such as iron, steel, tea etc. in settled areas have raised concerns about the misuse of this exemption. It is proposed that the exemption be gradually withdrawn by charging sales tax in phased manner at the following rates: Tax period Rate of ST July, 2025 to June, 2026 10% July, 2026 to June, 2027 12% July, 2027 to June, 2028 14% July, 2028 to June, 2029 16% ii. Both import and supply of photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels is exempt from sales tax. This exemption disproportionately benefits commercial importers, while the local industry has been rendered uncompetitive due to the absorption of input tax costs on purchases. In order to create level playing field and generate revenue, it is proposed that exemption available to solar panels/PV modules may be withdrawn. WITHDRAWAL OF REDUCED RATE: i. S. No. 53 of Table-1 in the Eighth Schedule provided a reduced 5% import tax rate on cinematographic equipment until June 30, 2023. Since this provision is now redundant, its omission has been proposed. ii. Currently, reduced rate of 12.5% is chargeable on supply of locally manufactured or assembled motorcars upto 850cc. This concession was intended to provide relief to middle-class consumers using small cars which was not effectively passed on to end consumers. Furthermore, as part of GST reforms, all existing concessionary rates are being reviewed and withdrawn wherever feasible. Therefore, this provision is proposed to be omitted. iii. Currently, reduced rate of 10% is available on local supply of vermicillies and sheer mall. As part of the GST reforms, all existing concessionary rates are reviewed and withdrawn wherever possible. Therefore, reduced rate of 10% is proposed to be withdrawn. GRANT OF EXEMPTION ON LOCAL SUPPLY OF BUN & RUSK: Bun and rusk are currently subject to a reduced 10% sales tax. Since they are staple foods for lower-income groups, it is proposed that their local sale be exempted from sales tax. EXTENSION IN EXEMPTION ON SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY TO EX- FATA/PATA: Currently, supply of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial units located in erstwhile FATA/PATA is exempt till 30.06.2025. In order to provide relief to electricity consumers in these areas, it is proposed that above-mentioned exemption may be extended till 30.60.2026. STREAMLINING OF EXEMPTION ON IMPORT OF CYSTAGON, CYSTA DROPS & TRIENTINE CAPSULES: To streamline the aforementioned exemption, the condition 'for personal use only,' which has been causing hardship for patients, is proposed to be omitted to better accommodate the limited number of patients who have repeatedly requested its removal. APPEAL TO CIR (APPEAL), ATIR & REFERENCE TO HIGH COURT: Currently, the Commissioner (Appeals) can only entertain appeals where the assessed tax or refund value does not exceed Rs. 10 million. It is proposed that all orders under sections 10, 11A, 11D, 11E, 11F, 21, 33, 34, and 66 be appealable before CIR (Appeals), regardless of pecuniary limits. Additionally, registered persons will have the option to file an appeal directly before the ATIR if they choose to do so. Similarly, the procedures for filling appeal before ATIR and refence to high court have also been streamlined. CONDONATION OF TIME LIMIT: Earlier the condonation could be given for any period as may be required under the circumstances. However, for inculcating rationality, it is proposed that the condonation may be given for a period of two years. In the case of huge loss of revenue, the same can be extended for a longer period as may be appropriate by processing through a committee. EXEMPTION OF SALES TAX ON IMPORT OR LEASE OF AIRCRAFTS BY PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES: In order to facilitate the privatization of Pakistan International Airline, it is proposed to grant the exemption from the payment of sales tax on the import or lease of aircrafts. SALIENT FEATURES BUDGET 2025-26 INCOME TAX ORDINANCE 2001 REVENUE MEASURES: i. 'Digital Transactions Proceeds Levy' has been introduced along with necessary changes in Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 to cover domestic vendors supplying digitally ordered goods and digitally delivered services. Banks and courier services designated as withholding agents to capture entire payment chain. ii. Withholding tax rate increase for specified services from 4% to 6% with the exception of IT and IT enabled Services has been proposed. For other nonspecified services, a flat 15% will be imposed and from 10% to 15% on Sportsperson. iii. Provisions regarding assessment of banking companies has been made more disclosure oriented to determine true and fair income of the banking companies and tax payable thereon. iv. Tax rate on profit on debt has been proposed to be increased from 15% to 20%. The dividend tax rate has been enhanced to 25% & 15% on dividend from mutual funds. v. Pension income received by an individual below the age of 70 years and over and above of Rs. 10,000,000 has been charged to tax at the flat rate of 5%. There will be 0% tax rate on pension income not exceeding Rs. 10,000,000. vi. Adjustable withholding tax rate on cash withdrawal on non-filers proposed to be increased from 0.6% to 0.8%. vii. Custodian of debt securities other than Sukuk bonds has been proposed to act as withholding agent to prevent tax evasion due to coupon washing scheme. viii. Upper cap on profit on debt upto rupees five million under final tax regime proposed to be removed for individuals and Association of Persons (AoP). The tax withheld on profit on debt for company will continue to be adjustable. RELIEF MEASURES: i. Super tax rates under section 4C proposed to be reduced by half a percentage point for income slabs between Rs. 200 million to Rs. 500 million against each slab respectively. ii. Tax rates for salaried individuals for income slab upto Rs. 3,200,000 has been reduced to provide relief to lower and middle tiers income bracket. Similarly, surcharge rate proposed to be reduced from 10% to 9% for salaried individuals only. iii. Income tax exemption along with withholding tax exemption for erstwhile FATA/PATA areas propose for extension for one year i.e. upto TY 2026 iv. 25% rebate against tax payable by full time teachers and researchers will be restored retrospectively i.e. from TY 2023 to TY 2025. v. Proportionate tax credit to on profit on debt on loan obtained for construction or acquisition of a house of 250 sq. yd. and a flat having 2000 sq ft. or less area. STREAMLINING MEASURES: i. Powers of Officer of Inland Revenue to work out Fair Market Rent of a domestic or commercial property proposed to be curtailed to the extent of commercial properties. A flat 4% Fair Market Value (FMV) notified rates by Board or Deputy Collector proposed to be annual rental value of commercial properties unless actual rent declared justified through evidence. ii. It has been proposed that any purchase from an unregistered person will make the purchaser liable, shifting the focus to those buying from the unregulated market. In such cases, 10% of the purchase-related expenditure will be disallowed. iii. 50% of the expenditure related to purchases will be disallowed in case of payment is received in cash against a single invoiced sale transaction exceeding rupees two hundred thousand by a vendor. iv. Proportionate depreciation deduction disallowance for the tax year if withholding tax not deducted by the withholding agent. Disallowed amount will not become part of written down value of such capital assets. v. No adjustment of brought forward accumulated business losses available to taxpayer in the first tax year and subsequent tax years under Normal Tax Regime after switching from prior applicable Final Tax Regime. vi. Period of amortization of an intangible asset having undeterminable useful life has been reduced from 25 years to 15 years. vii. Coal supply scope of person engaged in coal mining project in Sindh has been enhanced. Such person can now supply coal to any sector of economy and pay income tax on income from such supply and also can avail one hundred percent tax credit on supply to power generation projects. viii. Period of three years carry forward for adjustment of minimum tax on turnover has been reduced to two years. ix. Limitation period of 180 days provided for completing proceedings for amendment of assessment has been withdrawn. x. Appeal procedure before appellate fora has been majorly reverted back to the period which was in vogue prior to Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024. xi. Recovery proceeding for immediate payment or specified time limit in the notice against a taxpayer can only be initiated where the decisions at both the forums i.e. Appellate Tribunal and High Court, are against the taxpayer. xii. Board power to grant condonation has been restricted to an aggregated period of two years and in the case of huge revenue loss, the same can be extended for a longer period by processing through a committee. xiii. All the entities in a group structure has been made mandatory to derive income chargeable under Normal Tax Regime for availing group relief. xiv. Table (I) and Table (II) of clause (C66) of Part I of Second Schedule to the Ordinance listing entities granted complete exemption on any income and exemption subject to 100C provision respectively have been merged. Now all entities require approval under 100C to be declared as Non-Profit Organization and availing exemption against income. xv. Exemption to Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Special Technology Zone (STZ) entities, developers has been restricted to TY 2035 or expiry of ten years exemption period, whichever is earlier. PROCEDURAL MEASURES: i. All online marketplace, payment intermediary and courier service will file a statement to Commissioner sharing data of sellers involved in digitally ordered goods and digitally delivered services. ii. Online marketplace made responsible to get registered all sellers using their platform in e-commerce. iii. Sharing of taxpayer data with Tax Policy Office (TPO) and anonymized data with international donor and recognized universities have been allowed. SALIENT FEATURES BUDGET 2025-26 ISLAMABAD CAPITAL TERRITORY (TAX ON SERVICES) ORDINANCE, 2001 The proposed budgetary measures pertaining to Sales Tax on Services for FY 2025-26 are: REVENUE MEASURES: i. Integration of service providers with Board's computerized system for real-time reporting of taxable service activity - General Order to prescript mode and manner. ii. Board to notify a Negative List of exempt services for harmonized, smooth and gradual transition from positive list to negative list. This will expand the scope of services leviable to service sales tax under Islamabad Capital Territory. STREAMLINING MEASURES: i. Exemption of sales tax on services acquired by diplomats and diplomatic missions etc. aligned with the scope of exemptions to such persons available under the Sales Tax Act, 1990 for uniformity and harmonized regime on goods and services. SALIENT FEATURES BUDGET 2025-26 FEDERAL EXCISE ACT 2005 1. POWER TO SEIZE AND CONFISCATE COUNTERFEITED CIGARETTES, BEVERAGES OR GOODS: To create deterrence, dutiable goods manufactured or produced without affixing or affixing counterfeited tax stamps, banderols, stickers, labels or barcodes are proposed to be made liable to seizure along with the conveyance used for movement of such goods. Furthermore, such seized goods are also made liable to outright confiscation. APPEALS: The procedure for filing appeals to the Commissioner (Appeals), the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, and references to the High Court has been streamlined. The pecuniary jurisdiction of the Commissioner (Appeals) has been withdrawn. However, a registered person will have the option to file an appeal directly with the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue without first availing the right of appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals). WITHDRAWAL OF FED ON ALLOTMENT OR TRANSFER OF RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: Federal excise duty on the allotment and transfer of residential and commercial plots, imposed through the Finance Act, 2024, is now proposed to be withdrawn. AUTHORIZE OFFICERS OF OTHER DEPARTMENT FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS UNDER FE ACT: It is proposed that FBR may be empowered to authorize officers or employees from other departments within the Federal or Provincial Governments, through a notification in the official Gazette, to perform functions or exercise powers under section 26 (power to seize dutiable goods) and sub-section (1) of section 27 (confiscate dutiable goods) of the Act. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Massive tariff overhaul unveiled
ISLAMABAD: The government has introduced massive tariff rationalisation including abolition/reduction of regulatory duties on the import of 1,149 items, reduction in additional customs duties (ACDs) on the import of 7,523 items and introduced new customs tariff slabs of five percent, 10 percent and 15 percent. Under the Finance Bill 2025-26, the government has also introduced package of customs reforms to modernise trade procedures, reduce import costs, and strengthen enforcement. The measures cover tariff rationalisation, reduction in ACDs, regulatory and exemption regime reviews, and a broad set of legislative changes aimed at digitalisation, transparency, and operational efficiency. According to the Finance Bill 2025-26, the government has introduced new tariff slabs of five per cent, 10 per cent, and 15 per cent, replacing the older slabs of three per cent, 11 per cent, and 16 per cent under the tariff rationalisation plan. To encourage import of essential items, the zero per cent tariff slab, previously applicable to 2,201 tariff lines, has been extended to an additional 916 Pakistan Custom Tariff (PCT) codes. National Tariff Policy: govt approves phased elimination of import duties Furthermore, customs duty has been reduced on 2,624 PCT codes, creating a more business-friendly import environment. Revisions to the ACD regime have also been announced. The ACD has been reduced from two per cent to zero per cent on tariff slabs of zero per cent, five per cent, and 10 per cent, covering 4,383 tariff lines (excluding 95 items which will still attract two per cent). The ACD on items under the 15 per cent slab has been reduced from four per cent to two per cent, while goods under the 20 per cent slab will now face ACD of four per cent instead of six per cent. Items with duties exceeding 20 per cent will see a drop in ACD from seven per cent to six per cent. The government has further restructured the regulatory duty (RD) regime. RD has been removed on 554 PCT codes, and reduced on 595 codes, with the maximum RD rate lowered from 90 per cent to 50 per cent. This is expected to reduce input costs for industries and align customs with global trade practices. To limit unnecessary exemptions and improve transparency, the government has deleted 479 entries from Part-I, Part-III, and Part-VII of the Fifth Schedule. This move under the exemption regime review aims to eliminate distortion in the tax structure and minimise revenue loss. The reforms are further reinforced by sweeping legislative changes. The government is establishing Centralized Assessment Units (CAUs) and Centralised Examination Units (CEUs) to promote transparency, speed, and uniformity in customs assessments and inspections. To bolster anti-smuggling efforts, Digital Enforcement Units (DEUs) will be deployed at key locations, using advanced technology and surveillance tools. A Cargo Tracking System (CTS) will also be introduced to monitor cargo movements across the country, helping identify smuggled or non-duty-paid consignments while facilitating legitimate trade. In a step toward faster processing, the facility to file Goods Declarations without advance payment of duties and taxes will now be available, encouraging pre-arrival clearance. The threshold for initiating contravention proceedings has been raised from Rs20,000 to Rs100,000, provided the recoverable amount is paid, in an effort to reduce litigation and improve enforcement focus. A penalty will now apply to unclaimed or uncleared cargo left beyond a specified period at ports, aimed at reducing congestion and clearing backlogs. To ensure quicker resolution of disputes, the timeframes for adjudication and filing of appeals before the Appellate Tribunal have been rationalised. In an institutional overhaul, the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation (Customs) and the Directorate General of Risk Management System have been merged and reorganised for better intelligence gathering and targeted enforcement. Additionally, the creation of a new Directorate General of Customs Auction will streamline the auction of confiscated goods, while a new Directorate General of Communications and Public Relations will focus on improving transparency, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness of customs matters. The reforms also introduce provisions allowing customs to hire technology specialists, auditors, accountants, and goods evaluators on short-term contracts for specialized and technical functions. A new Customs Command Fund has been set up to incentivise anti-smuggling operations and reward effective enforcement. In a bid to plug loopholes in small parcel imports, the de-minimis limit for courier and postal parcels has been reduced to PKR 500, curbing misuse. The facility for scrapping and mutilation of goods at ports will now only be allowed for genuine requests and limited to 10 per cent of total cargo. Additionally, a new clause has been added to prevent belated and frivolous claims of ownership for goods liable to confiscation. Finally, the government has made a firm move to curb vehicle smuggling by mandating that any vehicle with a tampered chassis will be presumed to be smuggled, regardless of whether it is registered with any Motor Registration Authority. These comprehensive reforms reflect the government's commitment to boosting trade competitiveness, strengthening customs enforcement, and aligning Pakistan's regulatory framework with international best practices. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Uttarakhandiyat' to kafal fruit to hill outreach: Congress readies 2027 game plan against BJP
The Congress in Uttarakhand has begun laying the ground for the 2027 Assembly polls, looking to centre its campaign around the state's identity. All through May, Congress veteran and former chief minister Harish Rawat toured different cities in Uttarakhand to relaunch his memoir, Uttarakhandiyat, Mera Jeevan Lakshy. The book, which was originally published in 2021, would give 'a deeper understanding of regional identity', Rawat said. On May 18, Rawat, 77, also hosted a party to promote the kafal fruit grown in the hill districts of the state. Also known as bayberry, kafal is rooted in the culture and traditions of the region and is considered a symbol of the identity of the people of Uttarakhand. Hosting politicians and media at the event, where he brought the red berry-like fruit from his village in Almora, Rawat spoke of his efforts to popularise the fruit. Kafal is now being sold in Dehradun for Rs 600 per kg, Rawat said, adding: 'I wish these fruits were taken to Delhi so that it could reach the Uttarakhandi sisters and brothers there… I want the state government to support these occupations which, even if only temporarily, provide a livelihood to thousands of people… Especially those who currently have poor means of sustenance.' He is also set to travel across the hill districts of Uttarakhand. He is now visiting the homes of ex-servicemen in the wake of Operation Sindoor, with the people of the state having a long history of association with the armed forces. Rawat told The Indian Express that the emphasis on 'Uttarakhandiyat' or the identity of Uttarakhand would be a counter to the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led BJP government in the state. 'Currently, the BJP government (in Uttarakhand) is emulating the UP model. From bulldozers and encounters to the promotion of big industries without a care for the ecology and biodiversity here, the government is ignoring the cultural ethos, economy and environment of Uttarakhand. If we wanted to be a photocopy of UP, we would not have struggled for a different state,' Rawat said. The only way to govern Uttarakhand, Rawat said, is by representing the 'state's culture, ethos, soul, food, languages, craft, and art'. The Congress is also making a concerted effort to amplify its demand for bringing the state's hill region under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. The Fifth Schedule pertains to the administration and governance of scheduled areas and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in states across India. It provides for the establishment of a Tribes Advisory Council, which advises the Governor on matters related to the welfare of STs. Congress spokesperson Dhirendra Pratap recently endorsed this demand, which had been gathering steam since last year after being taken up by a group called Uttarakhand Ekta Manch. Pratap urged the Dhami government to pass a resolution in the Assembly and ask the Centre to include the state under the Fifth Schedule. Along with other Congress leaders, he has argued that 'the rights and founding values of the hill regions are being eroded'. The way to preserve culture, he said, would be through 'continued struggle'. If the hill areas of the state are brought under the Fifth Schedule, it would grant their communities rights over land, forests, and natural resources there. Pratap said the Fifth Schedule demand would also feature prominently in the 2027 Assembly election manifesto of the Congress. 'The Congress has always stood by this demand, and I am confident that this is in the larger interest of our state. The Uttarakhandis will go to the polls knowing it is in their interest. BJP has not been working in favour of the country,' he added. The Congress's bid to reach out to the hill districts comes just weeks after the BJP leader Premchand Aggarwal's controversial remarks on 'paharis' resulted in his resignation as the finance minister and provided an opportunity to the Congress to project itself as the 'voice of the hills'. Hills constitute 86% or 4.6 million hectares of Uttarakhand, with plains amounting to 14% or 0.7 million hectares. While 40 Assembly seats out of 70 fall in the hill districts, the three districts in the plains — Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar — account for the remaining 30 seats. The Congress camp hopes that this mobilisation would help the party in the 2027 polls. The party lost power in the state in 2017, when it was reduced to 11 seats. It could not challenge the BJP in the 2022 polls, even as the party improved its tally to 19 seats. On the Lok Sabha front, the Congress has drawn a blank in the 2019 and 2024 polls. In another blow earlier this year, the Congress could not get a single seat in the Uttarakhand mayoral elections. A Congress leader said the party's focus on hill districts can make a dent in the BJP's performance and could give a 'much-needed boost' to the party. State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt said the Congress's outreach would not pay off. 'Congress has consistently been losing elections. In the upcoming panchayat elections and the Assembly polls, this will continue. Harish Rawat is hosting such events to portray that he is still active… In the same breath, he says he will not contest elections. It is time for him to quit politics,' Bhatt said.
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Petrol, HSD prices slashed
ISLAMABAD: Federal government has decided on Wednesday to reduce the ex-depot rates of petrol and high speed diesel (HSD) by Rs 2 per litre each for fortnight starting from May 1, 2025. In a notification, Finance Division states, 'The government has decided to revise the prices of petroleum products for the forthcoming fortnight, based on the recommendations of OGRA & the relevant ministries'. The new price of petrol has come down from Rs 254.63 to Rs 252.63 per litre and HSD rate has also revised down ward from Rs 258.64 to Rs 256.64 per litre. The decline in crude oil prices has marginally translated into lower costs for petroleum products in Pakistan. However, the government's recent decision to abolish the Fifth Schedule—previously a mechanism that limited the petroleum levy to a maximum of Rs 70 per liter has raised questions about whether the full benefits of lower crude prices will be passed on to consumers. The government is charging Rs 78.02 per litre PL on petrol and Rs 77.01 per litre on HSD. The IFEM rate has revised downward from Rs 6.89 to Rs 6.30 per litre but OMC's margin has kept unchanged at Rs 7.87 per litre and dealer margin at Rs 8.64 per litre. Kerosene Oil price has raised from Rs 250.14 to Rs 252.13 per litre with effect from May 1, 2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
