Category: 1. Pakistan

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday said that the additional powers granted to the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) had nothing to do with income tax.

The expanded enforcement powers for the FBR include the authority to block high-value financial transactions by non-filers — such as vehicle and property purchases, investment in securities and mutual funds, and opening certain prestigious bank accounts — along with powers to seal unregistered business premises, confiscate goods and recover taxes from firms, including those in the public sector. The move has generated criticism from many quarters.

Addressing the matter in a press conference in Karachi today, Aurangzeb said, “I think there is something to understand about what the existing law was at the time. The first thing to understand is that it has no relation to income tax. This whole issue is a sales tax fraud issue.”

The finance minister added that in the original law, Inland Revenue Service officers had the authority to arrest, and it was the opinion of the government that additional safeguards should be developed in this regard.

He described the lengthy process of taking this bill into the standing committees and the “detailed discussions” on each clause in the Senate finance committee, the National Assembly and finally the parliament before its approval, including feedback from the Pakistan Bar Council’s vice chairman.

Aurangzeb requested that people read the new safeguards that were developed, pointing out that of the 10-12 sections, six of them addressed sales tax fraud “because they are more serious offences vis a vis tax fraud versus the other six”.

He also added that the power would only be exercised if the value of the sales tax fraud was over Rs50 million, and that it would be exercised on a commissioner level, with the permissions being acquired from a three-member FBR board.

“This is not something parliament has approved without thinking it through,” he added. “A lot of thought has gone into it.”

The finance minister also highlighted two areas in which banks could lend further support and assistance in achieving sustainable growth in the economy, focusing on the areas of privatisation and the restructuring and revival of sick units. He said that there were currently 24 state-owned enterprises that were given to the privatisation commission, adding that “banks can play a very important role in this, and they should”.

He stressed that there were many possible external reasons for an industry to struggle, such as macroeconomic factors, commodity prices, inflation and high interest rates, which impair their ability to pay. Aurangzeb called for banks to join with sponsors to revive the sick units, saying that this would be “a very big pillar of [Minister-in-Charge for Industries and Production] Haroon Akhtar’s industrial policy (…) where banks can play a very major role”.

“I am glad that the banking sector in Pakistan is stepping up and helping the economy to grow as we go forward,” he said.

Aurangzeb added that macroeconomic stability “is not an end in itself”.

“It was a very big issue that [foreign investors’] dividends were stuck here, their profits were unable to be repatriated, there was difficulty in opening their letters of credit,” he said, expressing appreciation for the acknowledgement of the “substantial improvement” in the last 12-18 months.

“It is very important for a foreign investor that when they bring their capital, they have the assurance that ‘we can take this back at any time (…) without any prohibitions’. So to me, this is basic hygiene,” he said. “If existing investors are not satisfied, then bringing further investment in the future is very difficult. So I think we’ve come a long way from that perspective.”

Aurangzeb also stated that he had invited Faysal Bank President and CEO Yousuf Hussain and Communications Minister Abdul Aleem to Islamabad, partly to see the FBR transformation for themselves, which involved the simplification of processes and automation of procedures, and partly to bring their own outstanding issues for discussion with the whole team.

“It is very important to re-establish the credibility and trust of our tax authority in this country,” he said.

The finance minister also requested that everyone present at the conference look at the new simplified salaried class tax form that had been published on the FBR website and provide feedback as to whether it was “simplified enough”.

“The first form that used to be filled out had about 800 rows, and complicated codes,” he said, adding that now there were eight screens in total.

He added, “We have only started with the salaried class. We will take this to small traders, and then we will take it to SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). So that whatever we can facilitate in simplifying the process, we will.”

Aurangzeb added that, as of his information from two days prior, about Rs75bn in sales tax refunds had been given within this month alone, and that meetings were happening regularly for the purpose of taking the country’s economic stability towards sustainable growth, stressing that his focus was on sustainability.

“What finance minister does not want a big increase in growth?” he said, but warned against repeating “boom and bust cycles” in the country, where a “sugar rush” of chasing consumption-led growth would lead the country “back to square one”.

Addressing a structural solution to economic issues, he said, “My personal opinion is that whatever things we can deregulate, we should,” referring to the success of rice and maize crops.

“Wherever the government gets a credit, that is where there are issues,” he said. “So over a period of time, I think we should leave it to the private sector and demand and supply, and I think that to me is a structural solution.”

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A recent Gallup Pakistan survey has revealed deep public dissatisfaction with the performance of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, as 50 percent of respondents across the province rated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s governance better than that of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur – including 37 percent of PTI’s own voters.

Gallup Pakistan survey, conducted between February and March 2025 with face-to-face interviews of 3,000 individuals, highlights a growing trend of public trust shifting towards Punjab’s leadership.

Gallup’s findings indicate rising frustration in KP over governance, economy, and basic services, while the popularity of CM Gandapur continues to decline.

Only 63 percent of people have access to healthcare, with rural and southern KP areas showing worse conditions. Sixty-six percent lack gas access, and 49 percent face power shortages or unreliable supply.

Among the youth, the situation is even more alarming – 77 percent have no parks, 81 percent have no access to libraries, and 70 percent lack community centers.

Though PTI’s earlier years brought improvements in roads and transport, progress has slowed significantly since 2024. Just 43 percent acknowledged new roads, and 37 percent reported any improvement in transportation post-election.

Even among PTI supporters, forty-nine percent believe no significant development has occurred, while 52 percent claim development funds are lost to corruption.

Also read: CM Maryam launches PERA to curb inflation, encroachments across Punjab

The report further shows:

• 71 percent, including 62 percent PTI voters, support transparent investigations into mega projects.
• 59 percent blame the government for rising unemployment.
• 73 percent allege jobs are awarded based on connections, not merit.
• On security, 58 percent express satisfaction, but 57 percent still fear terrorism.
• Trust in the judiciary remains low, with 70 percent unhappy about delayed decisions, whereas the traditional Jirga system enjoys 84 percent approval.
• The Sehat Card healthcare scheme received 83 percent approval

A striking 85 percent of respondents favour better cooperation with the federal government, while 60 percent believe KP’s government is wasting time on protests. Support for social media bans is high, with 80 percent in favour, and 75 percent distrusting social media content.

Additionally, eighty-five percent support the repatriation of Afghan refugees, believing it will improve security.

PTI, PML-N react to Gallup survey

KP’s Information Adviser Barrister Saif dismissed the survey findings, calling them a politically scripted narrative orchestrated at the behest of the federal government. He claimed the survey was based on assumptions and bore no connection to reality. “If Gallup were truly neutral,” he asked, “why does it not show the devastation in Punjab and the deprivation in southern Punjab?”

He further questioned why Gallup had not gauged public opinion on “bandits in Sindh’s Kacha area or Karachi’s filth.” According to Barrister Saif, political parties and their narratives are shaped by public votes – not by “fabricated surveys.” He likened the Gallup survey to a “snake in a peacock’s mouth,” and accused Maryam Nawaz of “spitting venom” through it.

Commenting on the issue of Afghan refugees and KP’s civic infrastructure, he dismissed the concerns highlighted in the report – such as lack of parks and libraries – as part of a theatrical script staged by a “fake government” promoting an illusion of Punjab as a business haven. “People know exactly who stole their mandate to come to power,” he said, claiming that surveys like Gallup’s were merely tactics to mislead the public. “Gallup is risking its credibility for a few coins,” he added, stating that controlling the popularity of Imran Khan and the PTI through surveys was nothing more than a daydream.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, reacting to the Gallup survey results, said the so-called “12-year change” in KP had been fully exposed. She noted that 73 percent of respondents had effectively charge-sheeted the Gandapur government, which reflects public dissatisfaction with the previous administration.

Commenting on Barrister Saif’s remarks, Bukhari said, “The situation in KP speaks for itself – it doesn’t need a survey. Those who danced to Gallup’s findings yesterday now seem offended when the truth is about them.”

She added that the people of KP have now recognised the reality of “fake revolutionary rhetoric and false promises.” Referring to Gallup’s findings that 71 percent, including PTI supporters, wanted transparent investigations into mega-projects, she said: “Even PTI’s own voters have acknowledged that development funds are being lost to corruption.”

Azma Bukhari concluded that Ali Amin Gandapur had emerged as the “chairman of the Loot-Mar Association,” and claimed his cabinet was complicit in the same.

TEHRAN (Dunya News): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan strongly condemns the recent attack on Iran and fully supports Iran’s right to defend itself.

Speaking at a trilateral conference in Tehran, Naqvi praised the initiative and said such forums are important for regional cooperation.

He highlighted that Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iran and Iraq are of the utmost importance, and their safety and convenience remain a top priority for the government.

“We stand firmly with Iran and will continue to support its right to self-defence,” Naqvi stated, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials have played their due role in supporting Iran during difficult times.

He also congratulated Iran on its recent success and thanked both the Iranian and Iraqi governments for organising the conference and for their continued care of Pakistani pilgrims.

Naqvi emphasised that only registered groups will be allowed to travel to Iran and Iraq for pilgrimage, and strict action will be taken against illegal crossings. He urged group leaders to ensure all pilgrims return safely and responsibly.

Also read: Iran has right to defend itself, Dar tells OIC

Earlier, the interior minister met with his Iranian counterpart to discuss matters of mutual interest and to strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for Iran on all international forums and assured Iraq of full cooperation on matters concerning pilgrims.

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): In a significant diplomatic development, the interior ministers of Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq convened in Tehran for a landmark trilateral conference aimed at enhancing facilitation for religious pilgrims traveling between the three countries.

The conference concluded with a unanimous agreement to take all possible steps to support pilgrims visiting holy sites in Iran and Iraq. A joint working group will be established to oversee coordination and operational matters, ensuring safe and seamless travel for millions of pilgrims, particularly during major religious events such as Arbaeen.

Addressing the conference, Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni for organizing the summit on Pakistan’s request. He emphasized the importance of pilgrims and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to improving their experience.

Naqvi announced major policy reforms, including a new regulation effective January 1, 2026, under which Pakistani pilgrims will no longer be permitted to travel to Iraq individually. Instead, they must go under the supervision of registered Group Organizers, who will also be responsible for their return. Only those granted special visas by the Iraqi embassy will be exempt from this requirement.

“The new group-based travel system aims to curb illegal entries and extended stays,” Naqvi said, adding that Iraq and Iran have fully endorsed the new framework.

Naqvi also extended congratulations to Iran on its recent military victory, lauding the leadership of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and reiterating Pakistan’s solidarity during the conflict. “Pakistan openly condemned the attack on Iran and fully supported its right to self-defense,” he stated.

He praised the governments of both Iraq and Iran for their exemplary management of millions of pilgrims annually and reaffirmed Pakistan’s full cooperation in pilgrim-related matters.

Dignitaries attending the conference included Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Senior Advisor Nader Yar Ahmadi, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Amiri Moghaddam, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, and senior officials from Iraq’s Ministry of Interior.

The conference marks a pivotal step toward regional cooperation on religious tourism, with a focus on safety, regulation, and mutual support.

BERLIN: A German doctor went on trial Monday accused of killing 15 patients with lethal injections and acting as “master of life and death” over those in his care.

The 40-year-old palliative care specialist, named by German media as Johannes M., is alleged to have killed 12 women and three men between September 2021 and July 2024 while working in Berlin.

The doctor is accused of injecting the victims, aged between 25 and 94, with deadly cocktails of sedatives and in some cases setting fire to their homes in a bid to cover up his crimes.

The accused had “visited his patients under the pretext of providing medical care,” prosecutor Philipp Meyhoefer said at the opening of the trial at the state court in Berlin.

Johannes M. had organized “home visits, already with the intention of killing” and exploited his patients’ trust in him as a doctor, Meyhoefer said.

“He acted with disregard for life… and behaved as the master of life and death.”

A co-worker first raised the alarm over Johannes M. last July after becoming suspicious that so many of his patients had died in fires, according to Die Zeit newspaper.

He was arrested in August, with prosecutors initially linking him to four deaths.

But subsequent investigations uncovered a host of other suspicious cases, and in April prosecutors charged Johannes M. with 15 counts of murder.

A further 96 cases were still being investigated, a prosecution spokesman said, including the death of Johannes M.’s mother-in-law.

She had been suffering from cancer and mysteriously died the same weekend that Johannes M. and his wife went to visit her in Poland in early 2024, according to media reports.

The suspect reportedly trained as a radiologist and a general practitioner before going on to specialize in palliative care.

According to Die Zeit, he submitted a doctoral thesis in 2013 looking into the motives behind a series of killings in Frankfurt, which opened with the words “Why do people kill?”

In the charges brought against Johannes M., prosecutors said the doctor had “administered an anesthetic and a muscle relaxant to his patients… without their knowledge or consent.”

The relaxant “paralyzed the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory arrest and death within minutes.”

In five cases, Johannes M. allegedly set fire to the victims’ apartments after administering the injections.

On one occasion, he is accused of murdering two patients on the same day.

On the morning of July 8, 2024, he allegedly killed a 75-year-old man at his home in the Berlin district of Kreuzberg.

“A few hours later” he is said to have struck again, killing a 76-year-old woman in the neighboring Neukoelln district.

Prosecutors say he started a fire in the woman’s apartment, but it went out.

“When he realized this, he allegedly informed a relative of the woman and claimed that he was standing in front of her flat and that nobody was answering the doorbell,” prosecutors said.

In another case, Johannes M. “falsely claimed to have already begun resuscitation efforts” on a 56-year-old victim, who was initially kept alive by rescuers but died three days later in hospital.

Prosecutors said he had “no motive beyond killing” and are seeking a life sentence.

The case recalls that of notorious German nurse Niels Hoegel, who was handed a life sentence in 2019 for murdering 85 patients.

Hoegel, believed to be modern Germany’s most prolific serial killer, murdered hospital patients with lethal injections between 2000 and 2005, before he was eventually caught in the act.

More recently, a 27-year-old nurse was given a life sentence in 2023 for murdering two patients by deliberately administering unprescribed drugs.

In March, another nurse went on trial in Aachen accused of injecting 26 patients with large doses of sedatives or painkillers, resulting in nine deaths.

Last week, German police revealed they are investigating another doctor suspected of killing several mainly elderly patients.

Investigators are “reviewing” deaths linked to the doctor from the town of Pinneberg in northern Germany, just outside Hamburg, police and prosecutors said.