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Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cabinet okays 15% hike in EOBI pensions
Listen to article Federal cabinet has approved a 15% increase in pensions provided by the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), effective from January 1, 2025, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The pension increase will be funded through the institution's own resources, ensuring no additional burden on the national budget. The decision was made during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday. The meeting focused on various socio-economic reforms, including pension schemes and healthcare benefits. براہِ راست: وزیرِاعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا وفاقی کابینہ کے اجلاس سے خطاب — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 16, 2025 The prime minister directed the formation of a cabinet committee to implement institutional reforms in the EOBI. The committee will also consider proposals to extend old-age benefits to informal workers, including domestic staff, agricultural labourers, and other marginalised workers who have historically been excluded from such schemes. These reforms aim to ensure that workers in these neglected sectors receive their due rights. Additionally, the cabinet approved the initiation of legal procedures for the Sea Carriage Shipping Documents Bill, 2025, as recommended by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. The cabinet also agreed to extend the exemption on the import of anti-cancer, cardiac, and life-saving drugs for five more years. This extension, proposed by the Ministry of National Health Services, aims to ensure that these critical medicines remain available in hospitals and authorised institutions, though they will not be sold on the open market. The import of these medicines will now require prior approval from the relevant licensing authority. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs the Federal Cabinet Meeting — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 16, 2025 In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the efforts of provincial governments, the federal administration, and authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) for their arrangements during Muharram. He also praised law enforcement agencies for maintaining law and order during religious observances. The prime minister acknowledged the need for disaster preparedness, especially during the ongoing monsoon season. He reported on a high-level meeting with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to strengthen arrangements for dealing with heavy rains. Read More: Hike in EOBI pensions from May 1 PM Shehbaz also expressed his condolences over the recent loss of lives due to rainfall in various parts of the country, particularly the tragic incident in Swat. He called it an 'unfortunate incident' and stressed the importance of implementing preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future. On the economic front, the prime minister expressed satisfaction with recent positive trends in macroeconomic indicators, underlining his government's commitment to improving service delivery and holding ministries accountable for performance. He said, 'This message I want to make loud and clear – it is all about delivery and service to the nation.' He added that ministries performing well will be recognised, while those falling short will be asked to explain their failures. The prime minister also praised the Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, for his ministry's efficient use of development funds, highlighting that the development spending had surpassed Rs1 trillion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Easing tax burden on low-income groups a priority, says PM Shehbaz
PM Shehbaz chairing a meeting to review progress on the digitization of FBR in Islamabad on July 14. Photo: Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said expanding Pakistan's tax base and easing the burden on lower-income citizens were among the government's top priorities as he reviewed the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) ongoing digitisation and reform efforts. Chairing a high-level meeting on Monday, Sharif praised the launch of simplified Urdu-language tax returns and called for the establishment of a helpline to assist the public in filing returns. 'In tax reforms, the focus should remain on the convenience of the common man,' he said. He directed authorities to ensure third-party validation for all FBR reforms to maintain transparency. The prime minister emphasised that digital, concise, and database-linked tax returns would primarily benefit salaried individuals. A public awareness campaign will soon be launched to encourage wider adoption of the new tax filing system. 'For the first time in the country's history, the implementation of an AI-based tax assessment system is a big success,' hesaid, lauding the efforts of the finance ministry and FBR. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review progress on FBR reforms. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 14, 2025 Sharif also instructed that special support be extended to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for integrating into the new digital invoicing system. The meeting was attended by senior ministers, FBR officials, and members of the economic team. Participants were briefed on the digitisation of invoicing, e-bilty, cargo tracking, and the establishment of a central command and control centre. According to the FBR, bidding for the control centre will be completed shortly, with the system expected to be operational by September. The centralised system aims to enhance real-time data access and decision-making. Officials also highlighted the AI-based advance goods declaration system. Traders can now submit declarations before shipments arrive, allowing for full exemption of upfront duties. The proportion of advance declarations is expected to rise from 3% to over 95%, enabling direct delivery from ports to factories. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت کیش لیس و ڈیجیٹل معیشت کے حوالے سے ہفتہ وار اجلاس معیشت کی ڈیجیٹائزیشن سسٹم میں شفافیت لانے کے حوالے سے حکومت کی اولین ترجیح ہے : وزیراعظم حکومت سے عوام اور عوام سے حکومت کی ادائیگیوں کے طریقہء کار کی ڈیجیٹائیزیشن سے شفافیت اور صارفین کے… — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 14, 2025 Under the digital invoicing initiative, all businesses will be required to issue receipts through the FBR's online platform. Over 20,000 businesses are expected to join the system in the coming months, with 8,000 invoices worth Rs11.6 billion issued in just one month. The meeting was informed that returns for salaried individuals will go live on July 15, while other categories will be able to file by July 30. Urdu versions for salaried individuals will also be available. The FBR's e-bilty and cargo tracking systems were also reviewed. These platforms, assisted by Turkish experts, will enable real-time tracking of goods movement and tax compliance, aligning Pakistan's infrastructure with international standards.
Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz invites Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan and Minister for National Defence of the Republic of Turkiye Yasar Guler calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 9. Photo: Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Turkish companies to increase their investment footprint in Pakistan and share their expertise in the country's structural reforms, economic growth, and development. He made the remarks in a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Güler, who called on him in Islamabad on Wednesday. In an official release, the PM stressed the need for concerted efforts from both countries to enhance bilateral trade, aiming to reach the mutually agreed target of $5 billion. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Turkey in key sectors, including trade, investment, technology, and defence. Sharif also emphasised the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, which are deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual respect. He expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, highlighting that both nations have made significant progress in recent years. Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan and Minister for National Defence of the Republic of Turkiye Yasar Guler calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 9, 2025 Recalling his interactions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the PM reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to transform Pak-Turkiye relations into a strategic partnership in the near future. Sharif welcomed the upcoming meeting of the joint commission, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish FM Fidan, expressing hope that the meeting would further accelerate bilateral relations and foster cooperation in various areas. While reiterating the strong support both countries continue to offer each other, the PM highlighted the need for closer coordination, particularly in light of the fast-evolving regional and global situation, with special focus on the ongoing crises in Gaza and Iran. In closing, he once again expressed his deepest gratitude to the Turkish nation and leadership for their steadfast support to Pakistan, particularly during the recent tensions with India. Also Read: Pakistan, Turkiye aim for $5b trade volume to deepen bilateral relations Earlier, during a joint press conference, Dar and Fidan reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including defence, trade, energy, culture, education, and infrastructure, with both countries aiming to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion. During the press conference, both officials expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of 12 joint standing committees under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Dar highlighted that, following the February session of the HLSCC, a joint commission would soon be established to monitor the progress of these committees.
Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India must not be allowed to use water as a weapon, PM tells ECO
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday warned that India's weaponisation of water represents a 'new and alarming trend' in its hostility towards Pakistan, calling it an act of aggression that must not be tolerated under any circumstances. Addressing the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Azerbaijan, the premier condemned India's recent actions following its military escalation earlier this year. He thanked ECO member states for standing in solidarity with Pakistan amid New Delhi's aggressive steps, including the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, diplomatic downgrades, and border closures. Tensions surged after India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead—an allegation Islamabad categorically rejected as baseless. Read More: Pakistan, Iran reaffirm commitment to bilateral relations on sidelines of ECO Summit The crisis peaked in early May, when missile strikes targeted cities across Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties. Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking Indian military installations. A US-brokered ceasefire was announced on May 10. Highlighting the regional impact of India's actions, the prime minister criticised New Delhi's defiance of the World Bank-mediated Indus Waters Treaty and its disregard for a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, calling both acts unacceptable. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. #PMShehbazInAzerbaijan#PMShehbazAtECO — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 4, 2025 'The waters of the Indus are the lifeline for Pakistan's 240 million people,' he said. 'Under no circumstances can India be permitted to pursue this dangerous path, which would amount to an act of aggression against the people of Pakistan.' Turning to economic cooperation, PM Shehbaz emphasised the need to enhance trade and investment to boost regional connectivity. He noted that the ECO Trade Agreement, agreed during the 13th ECO Summit in Islamabad in 2017, remains unimplemented despite the passage of considerable time. He also addressed the devastating impact of climate change, citing the 2022 floods that affected over 33 million people, destroyed infrastructure, and caused economic losses exceeding $30 billion. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in family photo of the 17th ECO Summit being held in khankendi, Azerbaijan.#PMShehbazInAzerbaijan#PMShehbazAtECO — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 4, 2025 The premier urged regional collaboration to address climate risks, proposing low-emission transport corridors, a regional carbon market platform, and disaster resilience systems. He also called for a dedicated framework to mobilise climate finance, develop clean energy corridors, and promote eco-tourism for sustainable and inclusive growth. Condemning recent Israeli strikes on Iran and the continuing violence in Gaza, PM Shehbaz described both as threats to regional peace. Reiterating Pakistan's firm stance against violence and oppression worldwide, he said, 'We stand united against those committing barbaric acts against innocent people — whether in Gaza, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), or Iran,' he said. براہِ راست: وزیرِ اعظم کی 17ویں اقتصادی تعاون تنظیم کے اجلاس میں آمد — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 4, 2025 The prime minister extended his gratitude to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev for hosting the summit in Khankendi and acknowledged the ECO Secretariat's efforts in advancing regional cooperation. He also thanked the people and government of Azerbaijan for their warm hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and development. PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Lahore being designated the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027, extending an invitation to all member states to visit the cultural heart of Pakistan. He further congratulated Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for being selected for 2028 and 2029, respectively. Also Read: PM arrives in Azerbaijan for 17th ECO Summit The premier endorsed Uzbekistan's Strategic Objective Cooperation 2035, urging member states to unite in the face of global challenges and to channel collective efforts toward economic prosperity and peace. 'Let us unite to face global challenges, direct our energies towards the future, and guarantee progress and prosperity for our people,' he said. Established in 1985 by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan, the Economic Cooperation Organization has since expanded to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The 10-member bloc aims to foster economic, technical, and cultural collaboration across Central and South Asia and the Middle East.
Express Tribune
26-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM directs authorities to ensure security during Muharram
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the Federal Cabinet in Parliament House Islamabad on June 26. Photo: PTV Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure strict law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram processions and majalis across the country. While chairing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Interior Minister to coordinate with provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to maintain peace and security throughout the month. The premier praised the government's economic team, especially Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, for their dedication in preparing Pakistan's federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. He also expressed gratitude to the federal cabinet and allied political parties for their collective support in finalising the budget. Speaking about the Middle East conflict, Sharif highlighted the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a crucial step towards preventing further escalation in the region. He thanked God for the peaceful resolution and recognised the role of several countries, including Saudi Arabia, in facilitating the ceasefire. "حالیہ ایران اسرائیل جنگ میں پاکستان کا جو کردار رہا اور جنگ بندی کے لئے عالمی سطح پر رابطے کیے اس پر ایران نے پاکستان کی سیاسی و عسکری قیادت اور عوام کا کھلے انداز میں شکریہ ادا کیا۔" ~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی کابینہ اجلاس میں ابتدائی گفتگو — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 26, 2025 Shehbaz further noted that Iran had expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in the ceasefire. 'The Iranian leadership specifically named the President of Pakistan—myself, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir—for their contribution to the ceasefire efforts,' he said. Regarding Iran's attack on Qatar, he reiterated Pakistan's condemnation and reaffirmed the country's strong ties with Qatar. "جنوبی وزیرستان میں میجر معیز اور لانس نائیک جبران نے فتنہ الخوارج کو کاری ضربیں لگائی اور جام شہادت نوش کیا، دہشتگردی کے خلاف جنگ میں عظیم قربانیاں دی جا رہی ہیں یہ جنگ بھی جیتیں گے۔" ~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی کابینہ اجلاس میں ابتدائی گفتگو — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 26, 2025 Earlier, the Cabinet offered Fateha (prayers) for Major Moiz Abbas Shah Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in South Waziristan. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also chaired a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday to review the nationwide security plan for Muharram. The meeting assessed the security arrangements for all provinces, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, in preparation for the upcoming religious observances, according to a statement from the Press Information Department (PID). The government has decided to launch a crackdown on elements spreading religious hatred on social media during Muharram. "Strict legal action will be taken against those involved," said Naqvi, emphasising the need for a comprehensive strategy to curb hate content on electronic and social media platforms. Recommendations will be sent to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to monitor and prevent the spread of hate speech, the statement added. The statement also mentioned that the meeting discussed the possibility of suspending internet or mobile phone services in certain areas if the security situation deteriorates. Naqvi assured that such decisions would be made in consultation with the relevant provincial authorities and based on ground realities and security concerns. 'The Federal Government will extend full support to all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to maintain law and order,' Naqvi affirmed. He stressed that no one would be allowed to incite violence or disrupt peace during Muharram. The meeting agreed on the use of modern technology to monitor Muharram processions and gatherings. The Interior Minister instructed that strict enforcement of the Muharram code of conduct would be ensured, the statement concluded. Top officials, including the IGPs and Home Secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, briefed Naqvi on their respective security plans. The meeting also included participation from law enforcement agencies, including Rangers, police, and the Ministry of Interior.
