Category: 1. Pakistan

LAHORE: In a surprise move, the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology has been renamed as the Maryam Nawaz Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Punjab Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique told a private news channel on Monday that “renaming reflects the hospital’s new identity as a separate, independent entity, no longer functioning as an expansion project of the Jinnah Hospital Lahore”.

He said the Maryam Nawaz Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases had been made autonomous and would not be under the administrative control of Jinnah Hospital.

The plan for this new institute (Jinnah Institute of Cardiology) was announced by the then chief minister Mohsin Naqvi in October 2023 in the building adjacent to Jinnah Hospital.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Real GDP grew by 2.68 percent in fiscal year 2025, while inflation eased steadily, which is expected to remain within the range of 3-4 percent for June 2025, said Finance Division.

The Division in its monthly “Economic update and outlook June 2025” stated that cumulatively, Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) declined by 1.5 percent during July-April fiscal year 2025, in contrast to a marginal growth of 0.3 percent recorded in the comparable period of last year.

LSM showed a mixed performance in April 2025, registering a year on year (YoY) growth of 2.3 percent while contracting by 3.2 percent month-on-month (MoM) basis. The outlook for LSM in the coming months appears positive, supported by encouraging trends in high-frequency indicators such as cement dispatches and automobile sales.

Fitch upgrades Pakistan’s rating: macroeconomic stabilisation acknowledged

It further stated that the country’s economy continued growth momentum in fiscal year 2025, supported by strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals, prudent fiscal management, and improved external sector performance.

Current account recorded a surplus of $1.81 billion, the fiscal deficit declined, and the primary surplus reached 3.2 percent of GDP in July-April fiscal year 2025. The ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs (Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), along with upgraded credit ratings, bolstered policy credibility and investor’s sentiment.

The government remains committed to structural reforms focused on tax harmonization, energy pricing, and privatization, while also advancing climate action through dedicated initiatives to lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth, it added.

The uptake in loans to private sector businesses suggests rising production activities and improved investor confidence. On the external front, higher remittances and exports will continue to keep the current account in surplus for fiscal year 2025.

The report did not include information about public sector development program (PSDP) releases. Credit flow to private sector registered Rs676.6 billion during July 1 to June 13, fiscal year 2025 against Rs323.5 billion in the comparable period of last year.

In May 2025, YoY Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation recorded at 3.5 percent, compared to 11.8 percent in May 2024. MoM, it has declined by 0.2 percent, following a 0.8 percent decrease in April and a 3.2 percent decline in May 2024.

For the Kharif season 2025-26, the federal government has set targets of 2.2 million hectares for cotton cultivation area and 10.18 million bales for production. During July-April 2025, agricultural credit disbursement reached Rs 2,066.6 billion, an increase of 15.7 percent, moving steadily toward the annual target of Rs 2,572.3 billion.

During July-April 2025, the increase in revenues outpaced the growth in expenditures, showing the effectiveness of ongoing consolidation efforts. Net federal receipts grew by 44.4 percent to Rs 8,124.2 billion during July-April 2025 from Rs 5,627.5 billion last year.

The rise in revenues is primarily contributed by 68.1 percent growth in non-tax collections. Further, tax collection witnessed a significant increase, as in July-May fiscal year 2025, it grew by 25.9 percent to Rs 10,233.9 billion from Rs 8,125.7 billion last year. The increase is attributed to a 33.8 percent increase in FED, followed by a 27.0 percent increase in direct tax, a 26.5 percent increase in sales tax, and a 16.3 percent increase in customs.

Total expenditure increased by 18.5 percent to Rs 12,948.3 billion during July-April fiscal year 2025 compared to Rs 10,922.5 billion last year. This growth in expenditure is driven by a significant increase in development spending, relative to moderate growth in current expenditures. Current spending grew by 17.8 percent, while PSDP expenditure increased by 40.6 percent.

Overall, the fiscal deficit reduced to 3.2 percent of GDP during July-April 2025 from 4.5 percent last year. While primary surplus increased to Rs 3,648.9 billion (3.2 percent of GDP) during July-April 2025 from Rs 1,611.5 billion (1.5 percent of GDP) last year. With ongoing efforts, the fiscal deficit is expected to stay well below the level observed last year.

The external account position continued to improve during July-May fiscal year 2025 on account of rising remittances and exports. The current account posted a $1.8 billion surplus, reversing the deficit of $1.6 billion last year.

Goods exports rose 4 percent to $29.7 billion, while imports increased 11.5 percent to $54.1 billion, widening the trade deficit to $24.4 billion from $20.0 billion last year. Gains in key exports were observed in knitwear (14.5 per cent), garments (16.4 per cent), and bedwear (10.6 per cent).

Increases in major imports were recorded in palm oil (26.3 per cent), electrical machinery (13.6 per cent), while crude oil imports decreased (1.7 per cent). Service exports grew 8.5 percent to $7.6 billion; imports rose 6.6 percent to $10.3 billion, resulting in a service trade deficit of $2.7 billion. IT exports increased by 18.7 percent to $3.5 billion.

Remittances reached $34.9 billion, up 28.8 percent from $27.1 billion, led by inflows from Saudi Arabia (24.4 per cent share) and UAE (20.4 per cent). Net FDI recorded at $2.0 billion compared to $2.1 billion last year. Financial services sector attracted the highest FDI ($628.9 million), followed by power ($562.8 million), and oil & gas exploration ($265.6 million) attracted the most FDI.

However, Foreign Portfolio Investment, private and public, recorded net outflows of $312.5 million and $311.9 million, respectively. As of June 13th, 2025, foreign exchange reserves stood at $17.0 billion, including $11.7 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its meeting held on June 16, 2025, decided to maintain the policy rate at 11 percent, citing potential inflation risks, along with external imbalances and regional uncertainties. The MPC noted that while YoY inflation in May stood at 3.5 percent, it is expected to remain within the range of 5.0 to 7.0 percent in fiscal year 2026.

During July 1stMay 30th fiscal year 2025, broad money (M2) grew by 6.3 percent, compared to 9.5 percent last year. This expansion was primarily driven by a sharp increase in Net Foreign Assets (Rs 1,279.2 billion compared to Rs 480.6 billion last year), while growth in Net Domestic Assets moderated to Rs 982.7 billion from Rs 2,460.3 billion a year earlier.

Private sector credit demonstrated significant expansion, rising to Rs 831.8 billion, more than double the Rs 351 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year. In May 2025, the KSE-100 index performed well, gained 8,365 points and closed at 119,691 points at month end. Similarly, the market capitalization of PSX increased by Rs 982billion to close at Rs 14,503 billion.

In May 2025, the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment registered 59,995 workers, a 12.7 percent increase from 53,231 in April. The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, in partnership with 24 organizations, disbursed 18,525 interest-free loans worth Rs 894 million in May 2025. Since 2019, a total of 3.01 million loans amounting to Rs 117.61 billion have been provided.

During July-April fiscal year 2025, Rs 411.56 billion was spent under the BISP, representing a 29 percent increase compared to last year, against an allocation of Rs 592.5 billion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Division, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has written letters to all the chief ministers about the decision to discontinue the collection of electricity duty through electricity bills starting July 2025.

In his letters, the federal minister sought support of all the chief ministers in removing complexity arising from multiple charges, taxes, and duties being collected through consumer bills.

He said that high electricity tariffs are already a significant challenge, and the additional burden of various levies further complicates the billing structure, making it difficult for consumers to understand and manage their electricity costs.

Power smart app introduced to get rid of over-billing

The federal minister in his letters highlighted the federal government efforts regarding various measures to reduce power tariffs, including renegotiating Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts, lowering the Return on Equity (ROE) for government-owned power plants, and implementing other structural reforms.

He said in parallel, we are also committed to simplifying electricity bills so that they primarily reflect the actual cost of power consumption rather than serving as a collection mechanism for various additional charges.

Leghari in his letter wrote that to achieve this objective, we are considering the removal of non-electricity-related charges from consumer bills.

“As part of this initiative, the Power Division has decided to discontinue the collection of Electricity Duty through electricity bills starting from July 2025. We request provincial governments to explore alternative mechanisms for collecting provincial levies and duties, rather than relying on electricity bills as a collection channel.” He expressed the confidence that this will not only make electricity bills more transparent and easier to comprehend but also ensure that consumers are paying only for the cost of electricity, rather than a mix of other charges.

The federal minister also sought cooperation of all the chief ministers in identifying and implementing alternative revenue collection methods instrumental in making this initiative a success.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday unveiled a bold vision to propel the country into the ranks of the world’s premier tourist destinations, aiming to revive the struggling tourism sector and unlock vast untapped economic potential.

The prime minister while chairing a high-profile meeting on tourism promotion, painted a vivid picture of Pakistan’s breathtaking natural assets – from towering snow-capped peaks and lush forests to rushing rivers, vast plains, and sun-drenched deserts. “Pakistan is a hidden gem, brimming with beauty and resources that rival any global hotspot.”

PM Sharif said we are determined to re-brand Pakistan on the world tourism map, with provinces working hand-in-hand to showcase our country’s stunning diversity.

Tourism industry promotion: PM for preparing comprehensive plan

The prime minister gave a clear directive to the Pakistan Tourism Development Authority (PTDA) to fast-track the creation of exclusive tourism zones and promised a seamless partnership between public and private sectors to roll out the red carpet for international visitors.

Domestic tourism was also in PM Sharif’s sights, with calls for bold measures to entice locals to explore and rediscover their own backyard. He stressed the need for sustainable investment and innovative campaigns to spotlight medical tourism and the majestic northern regions. “Under our national development agenda, Pakistan will no longer be a well-kept secret – we will rise as a top global tourist destination.”

The meeting drew key players including federal ministers, Attaullah Tarar, Hanif Abbasi, Engineer Amir Maqam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials, signalling a united push to turbo charge the sector.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

WASHINGTON: As the world grapples with escalating conflicts, deepening geopolitical rifts, and growing doubts over the efficacy of multilateral institutions, Pakistan assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, taking on a symbolic but strategic role at a particularly fraught moment.

This marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the 15-member body and its first presidency since 2013. Islamabad began its current two-year term as a non-permanent member in January 2025 and will serve through the end of 2026.

Talking to Dawn, Pakistan’s Permanent Rep­resentative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, noted the challenges that define the current international landscape.

“Pakistan is going to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council at a time of global tumult marked by growing instability, escalating conflicts, complex geopolitical and geostrategic landscape, and serious threats to international peace and security,” he said.

A familiar role

While the presidency rotates monthly and does not carry executive authority, it allows the presiding country to influence the Council’s agenda and tone — a platform that matters at a time when the UNSC is increasingly seen as deadlocked, especially on issues like Gaza and Ukra­i­­ne. With global trust in multilateral mechanisms under strain, Pakistan’s leadership — even if brief — will be closely watched.

The ambassador underscored Pakis­tan’s commitment to its long-held positions on peaceful conflict resolution. “Pakistan has been a staunch and consistent advocate of dialogue and diplomacy… We will bring a principled and balanced perspective to the work of the Security Council,” he said, pledging to strengthen multilateralism and deepen cooperation with other UNSC members. “We seek to promote transparency, incl­u­sivity and responsiveness during Pakis­tan’s presidency,” said Ambassador Ahmad. “We will closely work with other Cou­ncil members in a spirit of cooperation for collective and timely action… in line with the UN Charter and corresponding to the exp­ectations of the international community.”

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2025

QUETTA: Five more Levies personnel have been dismissed from service on charges of failing to perform their duties during a militant attack on a check post in Noshki district last week.

The attack was carried out by unidentified militants who used automatic weapons to seize control of the Kishingi check post. After taking over the post, they took away official weapons and equipment and set Levies vehicles on fire before escaping the area. “Levies personnel deployed at the check post failed to offer resistance during the militants’ attack,” officials said.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2025

ISLAMABAD:

The federal government has missed the annual tax target of nearly Rs13 trillion by a record margin of around Rs1.2 trillion, as the authorities failed to increase the tax revenues to 10.6% of the size of the economy, despite putting unprecedented additional burden on the people.

The collection, nonetheless, was Rs2.43 trillion or 26% higher than the preceding year, proving independent analysts correct that the government had set a wrong target in the first place that was impossible to achieve without a mini-budget.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) provisionally collected Rs11.73 trillion in the fiscal 2024-25 – falling short of the target by about Rs1.2 trillion, according to its provisional figures, on Monday, the last day of the financial year.

The federal government had given a commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it would increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 10.6% in fiscal 2024-25. However, the ratio remained at little over 10.2% of the GDP, according to the provisional figures compiled till Monday evening.

The shortfall of about Rs1.2 trillion is unprecedented because the government had imposed a record Rs1.3 trillion in additional taxes in the budget. This follows the fiscal year 2019-20, when the economy suffered greatly due to Covid-19 and as a result the target was missioned by a margin of Rs1.6 trillion.

After assuming the office in August last year, FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial had said that the collection through additional measures might not be more than Rs650 billion due to slowdown of the economy, and inflation falling to single digit.

In July last year, former FBR chairman Amjad Zubair Tiwana had said that irrespective of the amount of efforts that the FBR would put in, the annual collection could not exceed Rs11.8 trillion. His prophecy was proven correct.

The government overburdened the salaried class and taxed almost every essential consumable good, including packaged milk, to raise Rs12.97 trillion in taxes.

The FBR had to chase an unrealistic tax target coupled with a slowing economy and falling inflation rate – the three key factors that have overshadowed the 26% increase in the collection from the sluggish economy.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had vowed to achieve the over Rs12.9 trillion target without the need for the mini-budget. He could not succeed, although the government increased petroleum levy rates to record Rs78 per litre to offset the impact of tax shortfall on the primary budget surplus target. At the start of the fiscal year, the petroleum levy rate was Rs60 per litre on petrol and high speed diesel.

The huge shortfall is also far more than what the government had committed to the IMF just in March this year, when the lender lowered the target by Rs640 billion for the full fiscal year. Subsequently, the government further downward revised the target to Rs11.9 trillion in June, which was missed, too.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been personally focusing on the affairs of the FBR and he has tried to introduce many new initiatives, including digital tracking of the economy and focusing on tax evasion prone sectors.

FBR Chairman Langrial also got more fiscal incentives for his workforce, including giving them new 1,300 cc cars and additional one to four monthly salaries.

The federal government approved Rs55 billion worth of two projects for the FBR to strengthen its workforce, set up new custom posts along the Indus River to curb smuggling and upgrade digital infrastructure. The tax authorities said that the results of all these initiatives would be visible in the new fiscal year.

Langrial also vowed to take affidavits from chief finance officers of the companies to check under declaration of the sales and to collect more revenues from the businesses and the people, including the richest people of Pakistan. However, all such initiatives did not help reach the goal.

Also, the government could not meet the commitment to collect Rs50 billion in income taxes from the retailers under the Tajir Dost Scheme. The collection could not even reach Rs50 million.

For the new fiscal year, the government has set the Rs14.13 trillion worth tax target for the FBR, which requires 20% growth in collection over the last fiscal year’s revenues.

For the month of June, the FBR’s target was Rs1.67 trillion. However, despite taking advances and slowing refunds, it could collect Rs1.49 trillion, falling short of the target by about Rs180 billion.

The IMF compelled the country to impose new taxes, primarily burdening the salaried class and levying taxes on nearly all consumable goods, including medical tests, stationery, vegetables, and children’s milk.

Tax collection breakup

The FBR missed its targets for sales tax, federal excise duty, and customs duty but again exceeded the income tax target on the back of over burdening the salaried class.

According to the details, income tax collection amounted to nearly Rs5.8 trillion, Rs340 billion more than the target. It was also Rs1.25 trillion more than the last year. The burden was shared by the salaried class and the corporate sector, as the retailers and landlords still remained under-taxed.

Sales tax collection stood at Rs3.9 trillion, nearly Rs1.03 trillion less than the target of over Rs4.9 trillion. The sales tax remained the most difficult area for the FBR and one of the reasons for low collection was less than estimated growth in large industries. The government had immensely increased the sales tax burden in the budget. The collection was Rs812 billion more than the last year.

The FBR collected Rs767 billion in the federal excise duty, Rs187 billion less than the target. But it was Rs190 billion higher than the last year. The government did not spare homes, lubricants, fruit juices, cement, sugar etc from imposing the excise duty in the last budget. Yet it miserably failed to achieve the target.

Custom duty collection stood at Rs1.28 trillion, Rs315 billion below the target. The collection was hit by lower-than projected import volumes. It was Rs173 billion more than the last year. The FBR paid Rs493 billion in tax refunds, which were Rs13 billion more than the preceding year.

LAHORE:

Opposition lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly on Monday staged a vociferous protest outside the provincial legislature after four of their members were removed from standing committee chairmanships through no-confidence motions.

The four opposition MPAs – Ansar Iqbal (under suspension), who was chairperson of the Standing Committee on Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education; Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal (under suspension), chairperson of the Standing Committee on Management and Professional Development; Saima Kanwal (under suspension), chairperson of the Standing Committee on Special Education and Muhammad Ahsan Ali, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Colonies – were officially removed from their posts.

The Punjab Assembly adopted the respective motions for their ouster.

The decisions were finalised during meetings of the respective standing committees held on Monday, where the motions for removal were discussed and voted on.

As proceedings began in the House, treasury lawmakers welcomed the removals, applauding the move as a necessary corrective. Government legislators framed the action as a step toward reinforcing parliamentary decorum and curbing the opposition’s disrespectful and disruptive conduct.

PML-N MPA Amjad Ali Javed said that Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan had gone out of his way to accommodate the opposition, despite repeated provocations. “The speaker has upheld democratic traditions in the House … traditions that had long been missing,” he said.

Outside the assembly building, Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar condemned the dismissals and said the House was being run not in accordance with the law but at the whim of a single family.

He questioned the rationale behind suspending only 26 MPAs over their protest during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech. “Why only 26? We all protested. We all should have been suspended,” he said.

Bhachar declared that the opposition would not remain silent and vowed to raise their voice on every available forum against what he termed “this injustice”.

He also cast doubt on the neutrality of the speaker, accusing him of running the House in a partisan manner, in violation of established rules.

Opposition lawmakers gathered outside the assembly building, chanting slogans against the PML-N-led government and decrying what they described as undemocratic conduct.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to take immediate and practical steps to promote tourism in the country.

“Public and private sectors should work together to facilitate international tourists’ visits to Pakistan’s tourist destinations,” the prime minister said while chairing a meeting to review efforts for the development of the tourism sector.

He further stressed the need for special measures to boost domestic tourism by encouraging local travelers to explore the country’s recreational sites. He also called for strategic planning to attract long-term investment in the tourism sector.

He said there is vast potential to earn foreign exchange by promoting tourism in the country.

“Almighty has blessed Pakistan with abundant natural resources and timeless beauty,” he remarked, adding that with its snow-capped mountains, lush forests, rivers, plains, deserts, and other natural wonders – especially in the northern areas – Pakistan is in no way behind any other nation in terms of tourism potential.

The prime minister further instructed that Pakistan should be introduced abroad as a tourism brand.

“With cooperation from the provinces, steps should be taken across the country to promote tourism,” he noted, adding that “under the vision for national development, we will make Pakistan one of the leading tourist destinations in the world”.

During the meeting, the prime minister was presented with proposals on how to harness the full potential of Pakistan’s tourism sector.

To promote tourism, steps such as the promotion of northern tourist destinations, medical tourism, and other initiatives can be taken, the meeting was informed.

The meeting was attended by minister for information and broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, minister for railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs Amir Muqam, Minister for National heritage Aurangzeb Kitchi, Advisor to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Huzaifa Rehman and senior government officials.

UNITED NATIONS:

Pakistan is set to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of July 2025 on Tuesday (today), with Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad pledging to uphold multilateralism and international law while steering the 15-member body’s work.

“Pakistan’s Presidency will be transparent, inclusive and responsive,” the Pakistani envoy told APP correspondent at the UN, as he prepares to face the challenges ahead.

The presidency of the Security Council – the world body’s power centre – is part of Pakistan’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, which began in January 2025. The presidency rotates monthly among its 15 members, in alphabetical order.

Pakistan’s earlier terms on the Council were in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976- 77, 1968-69 and 1952-53.

Ambassador Iftikhar, who will preside over the Council meetings on key global issues in July, said he was fully aware of complex geo-political scenario, growing instability and threats to international peace and security, marked by rising conflicts and deepening humanitarian crises.

During this July presidency, Pakistan is scheduled to host two high-level signature events on multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes, and on UN-OIC cooperation.

These topics, he said, were reflective of shared priorities – multilateralism, preventive diplomacy and cooperation with regional organizations in promoting international peace and security.

At the same time, the focus will remain on key global issues, including the situation in the Middle East and developments in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar has already met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and briefed him on the Council’ s programme of work in July.

“As a country that has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, Pakistan brings a principled and balanced perspective to the Security Council’s work shaped by its own experience, and longstanding contribution to UN’s peacekeeping and peace-building efforts,” the Pakistani envoy said in the interview.

“We look forward to working with all Council members for collective, timely action by the Council in line with its primary responsibility under the Charter and expectations of broader UN membership,” he added.

Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member with overwhelming support of the UN membership, securing 182 votes out of 193.