Category: 1. Pakistan

• Expresses alarm over mismanagement, loan defaults, widespread irregularities
• Secretary claims production declined despite increase in cultivation area; no buffer stock exists
• Minister warns mills, says hoarding won’t be tolerated; crackdown underway

ISLAMABAD: As a nationwide crackdown on sugar hoarders is underway, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised serious concerns over mismanagement in the sugar sector, loan defaults by mills, and large-scale irregularities involving public institutions.

During its sitting on Wedn­esday, National Food Security Secretary Amir Mohyuddin revealed that although the area under sugarcane cultivation increased this year, overall production had declined compared to the previous year.

Out of 82 registered sugar mills, only 79 participated in the crushing season, which typically begins in November. The secretary admitted that Pakistan currently has no buffer stock of sugar, and a summary has been sent to import 500,000 tons, of which 300,000 tons are already planned.

Committee members, particularly Riaz Fatyana and Junaid Akbar, criticised what they descr­ibed as a “massive sugar cartel” that manipulates supply and prices.

Mr Fatyana asked why 7.5 million metric tons of sugar were allowed to be exported, alleging it was done to artificially inflate local prices.

He also questioned the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for issuing a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) that reduced the sales tax on sugar imports. “This export was designed for profiteering,” he claimed.

PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan condemned the influence of sugar barons, stating, “These mill owners are part of every government. Why is the International Monetary Fund (IMF) silent on their profiteering?”

He questioned why tax exemptions were given to sugar importers while the general public was denied relief. FBR officials responded that the tax exemption was a cabinet decision and the board acted on official instructions.

MNA Naveed Qamar argued that the government should refrain from intervening in the sugar market. “Every time the government steps in, things get worse. Bureaucracy cannot run markets,” he said, adding that two main cartels — sugar and fertiliser — continue to operate without oversight.

MNA Shazia Marri demanded a report detailing how much subsidy was granted to sugar mills over the past five years and identifying the top beneficiaries. The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the composition and transparency of the Sugar Advisory Board and directed the Ministry of Industries to attend the next meeting and clarify decisions related to sugar export and import, as the Ministry of Food Security claimed it had no access to that data.

But despite the government’s best efforts, the sugar crisis persists. In this backdrop, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain warned all sugar mills that are not releasing their existing stocks and hoarding them, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

In a meeting with representatives of the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and other key stakeholders, he directed provincial governments to ensure the timely lifting of sugar from mills and to facilitate its smooth transportation to markets.

He stated that a nationwide crackdown is currently underway against those disrupting the sugar supply chain. Expressing serious concern over the artificial increase in sugar prices, the minister warned of strict action against hoarders.

Meanwhile, a press release from the Ministry of National Food Security noted that sugar prices have started to decline significantly—from Rs200 per kilogram to Rs175 per kilogram—as a result of the government’s crackdown.

Amin Ahmed also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2025

Islamabad   –   Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday termed poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy the root causes of terrorism and extremism. In a Senate Secretariat press release, he emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to address these fundamental issues so that the youth can actively contribute to the country’s development and prosperity. He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of the Senate of Kalam Bibi International Women Institute, Bannu, He presided over the session on behalf of the president of Pakistan. This important session held today at the Parliament House, was attended by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Chairman HEC Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of the Institute Professor Dr. Aurangzeb Khan, MNA Mrs. Shahida Akhtar Ali, Engineer Ahmad Khan Kundi, Member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other senior officials. Chairman Senate welcomed the establishment of the Kalam Bibi International Women Institute Bannu and said that this institution will facilitate higher and professional education for women in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa. He also appreciated the efforts made for the establishment of the institute and stressed that steps should be taken to provide the institution with maximum facilities. The Chairman Senate noted that education and health are very close to his heart, and both sectors are deeply interconnected. He further stated that the welfare of women and the inclusion of minorities in the national mainstream have always been his top priorities. Expressing his views, he directed the HEC to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of modern technology, internet, and other essential facilities.

ISLAMABAD  –  In a major diplomatic breakthrough on Wednesday, Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed in principle to grant visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports on Wednesday during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh’s Home Minister Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in Dhaka.

Minister Naqvi, who is on an official visit to Bangladesh, was warmly received by his counterpart upon arrival at the Ministry of Home Affairs. He was presented with a guard of honour before the two sides began discussions.

During the meeting, the two ministers held wide-ranging talks on bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation in internal security and law enforcement. Both sides expressed a strong desire to deepen collaboration in key areas, including counter-terrorism, combating drug trafficking, and preventing human smuggling.

One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the mutual agreement to allow visa-free travel for officials and diplomats, a move seen as a step towards easing bureaucratic barriers and enhancing bilateral engagement.

The ministers also discussed plans to exchange training programs between police academies, aiming to improve professional capacity and technical expertise. Bangladesh’s Home Minister thanked Minister Naqvi for offering support in police training and described the visit as an important milestone in advancing ties between the two countries.

“I wholeheartedly welcome my brother upon his arrival in Dhaka. Your visit is of great importance for the promotion of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations,” said the Bangladeshi minister.

To follow up on the decisions taken during the meeting, both sides agreed to form a joint committee. Pakistan’s Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha will lead the Pakistani side in this coordination effort. The committee will oversee implementation of the agreed initiatives and explore further avenues for cooperation.

As part of the growing partnership, a high-level delegation from Bangladesh is expected to visit Islamabad soon to study Pakistan’s Safe City Project and tour the National Police Academy.

The meeting, attended by senior government officials and diplomats from both countries, marks a new chapter in efforts to build trust and collaboration between Islamabad and Dhaka. It underscores a shared commitment to regional security, institutional development, and diplomatic engagement.

QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court in Quetta on Wednesday extended the physical remand of Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai and Bashir Ahmed for 10 more days in a case pertaining to the brutal killing of a man and a woman in the Dagari mines area of Quetta district, in the name of ‘honour’.

Bano Bibi Satakzai and Ehsan Samalani were killed on June 4 on the order of a local jirga, and a video of the incident went viral over the weekend. After their arrests, the court initially remanded the suspects in police custody for two days on Monday.

After the expiry of the remand on Wednesday, they were produced before the ATC under strict security. The Serious Crimes Inves­ti­gation Wing Quetta officer requested an extension of the physical remand for further investigation for 15 days. However, the court ordered a 10-day extension in the remand.

Meanwhile, Balochistan police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari told Dawn that 15 arrests had been made in the case. The police chief said efforts were underway to arrest the primary suspect, Jalal, the brother of the slain woman. He said several raids had been conducted and the police were using technology to make further arrests.

Police chief says 15 arrests made, efforts underway to nab prime suspect

Video message

On the other hand, a viral video — which could not be independently verified by Dawn — purportedly showed the mother of the slain woman holding the Holy Quran in her hands.

The woman, speaking in Brahvi, said she was the mother of the slain woman and claimed that the deceased had five children, ranging from 6 to 18 years old. She claimed that the victim eloped with her neighbour and she was killed in line with “Baloch traditions”.

She added that her husband forgave her after her return, but the man she ran off with allegedly threatened them and “did not stop”. Addressing Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, she asked why their homes were being raided by the police.

“Whatever we did, we did in the name of honour. We have not committed any sin,” she said in her video message.

Earlier this week, police arrested at least 14 suspects for their involvement in the killing of the man and a woman shot dead on the orders of a tribal jirga ahead of Eidul Azha.

The horrific video of the incident went viral on Sunday, prompting a countrywide outcry, and the Balochistan Assembly also passed a joint resolution against the killings.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2025

CHAKWAL: A tragedy befell a family in Ghanwal village of Chakwal during the recent rains that battered the region on July 16 and 17, where two minor children lost their lives.

However, their deaths were not recorded by the district administration as the family was unable to contact Rescue 1122 despite repeated calls. As a result, they did not receive the compensation announced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif during her visit to Chakwal on Saturday.

Dawn learned that a six-year-old girl died after being buried under the rubble of a roof that collapsed, while an infant was swept away in a torrent after the van carrying both children to the hospital fell into a culvert.

Bilal Hussain, 34, had three daughters, while his elder brother had three sons. Two weeks ago, the elder brother was blessed with a fourth son, whom he gave to Bilal as a gesture of goodwill.

On Wednesday, July 16, to celebrate the arrival of the new male child, Bilal arranged a meal for his relatives and fellow villagers. The infant was named Ahmed Bilal.

That night, while Bilal, his wife, his three daughters, and the newly adopted child were asleep in their bedroom, a portion of the roof caved in. Six-year-old Maryam Bibi, a grade-one student, was buried under the rubble, while the infant was struck by a falling tile. Villagers retrieved Maryam Bibi’s body from the debris. She was unconscious and likely died on the spot.

As the family rushed to a nearby hospital, another tragedy struck. “The rainwater gushing from the fields was overflowing onto the road. As we tried to cross the culvert, the vehicle fell about four feet, as the culvert had already been washed away by the deluge,” Bilal told Dawn.

The torrent swept the vehicle 150 to 200 metres downstream. There were eight people in the vehicle, including the two children. “We managed to get out of the water, but Maryam Bibi and Ahmed Bilal were lost. We found Maryam, but the baby could not be found,” Bilal said in a barely audible voice as he tried in vain to hold back his tears.

The family was left stranded in the fields during the night as the rain continued to lash the area. Bilal said they managed to return home in the early hours of Thursday.

MPA Malik Tanveer Aslam, who visited the family, told Dawn that he had requested the deputy commissioner to forward the case to the chief minister. DC Sarah Hayat told Dawn that all ten compensation cheques had already been distributed. “We do not have more funds, and the case of both children has been sent to Lahore,” she said.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Paki­stan and Bangladesh on Wedn­esday agreed to grant visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports from the other side.

The deal in principle marking a breakthrough in bila­teral relations between the two states was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh’s Home Minister Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, said a communication received here from Dhaka through the media wing of the interior ministry.

The ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in internal security and police training. They also held discussions on increasing collaboration in counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking efforts, along with joint measures for counterterrorism.

The Bangladeshi home minister said: “I extend a heartiest welcome to my brother Mohsin Naqvi on his arrival in Dhaka. Your visit is of great significance for strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries.”

On Pakistan’s side, federal secretary for interior, Khurram Agha, will head the committee. A high-level Bangladeshi delegation will soon visit the National Police Academy in Islamabad.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Home Affairs Khuda Bakhsh, secretary Nasim Al-Ghani, additional secretary of security division, Shamim Khan, and other officials attended the meeting.

Earlier, on his arrival at the Bangladesh home ministry, Mr Naqvi was presented the guard of honour.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Encroachment on the right of way of the nullah in Saidpur village may have caused the recent urban flooding that swept away three cars and several bikes, as Google images showed encroachments made during the last two decades.

Saidpur, the centuries-old village at the foot of the Margalla Hills, was once held up as a model of heritage preservation. In 2005, the government took a softer approach, offering a generous amnesty that allowed villagers to remain in place to help preserve the area’s cultural identity.

Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials said that in 2005, it was decided that there would be no expansion or new construction, and the village would stay within its existing footprint.

“Encroachments crept past the agreed boundary. Most damaging of all, structures appeared over the natural stormwater drain — Saidpur’s original flood outlet from the Margalla Hills. Now, this drain/nullah has been squeezed, which caused the recent flooding,” said an official of the CDA.

Google images show heavy encroachments made during last two decades

When contacted, Deputy Director General of Enforcement Syeda Anam Fatima said the civic agency had already conducted an operation in the said village and it would be expedited.

Asked about the Google images and construction on the right of way of the nullah, she said: “It’s important to revert the retrieved land into forest cover and to ensure natural watercourses remain clear of encroachments to prevent natural disasters.”

It is relevant to note here that not only the right of way of the said stream, but almost all natural streams in Islamabad have now become filthy nullahs. The right of way of one of the major nullahs of Islamabad — the Korang nullah, which comes from the Murree side and ends up in Rawal Dam — has also been encroached upon within Islamabad limits.

A general view of this nullah in the Bhara Kahu area shows massive construction on its alleged right of way, and there is a need for a proper survey to identify the exact level of encroachment.

The width of the nullah in the Satra Meel area, where the Bhara Kahu bypass ends, was also squeezed in recent years due to earth filling before carving out plots (Google images provide clear evidence). Similarly, all the way from Bhara Kahu to Bani Gala, there is massive construction that appears to be encroachment, and proper demarcation by the revenue department is needed.

Furthermore, there is also encroachment downstream of this nullah. After Rawal Dam, the extension of this nullah moves towards the Soan River, and there is huge construction along its length, which also needs proper demarcation.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2025

RAWALPINDI: Students from Murree, Talagang and Chakwal clinched first three positions in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) annual examination 2025 under Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE).

According to BISE Rawalpindi spokesman Arslan Cheema, the top positions had been announced. The result will be formally announced on Thursday at 10:00 am in a function held at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) Rawalpindi, and it will be uploaded on the website.

Muhammad Usman from Lawrence College, Ghora Gali, Murree, clinched overall first position with 1,188 marks, while Bisma Ali from Punjab Secondary School for Girls, Talagang, secured the second position with 1,177 marks, and Maryam Shahzadi from Bahria Foundation Secondary School for Girls, Chakwal, got the third position with 1175 marks.

For Science group (boys), Muhammad Usman from Lawrence College Ghora Gali Murree clinched overall first position with 1188 marks, while Saad Khan from Cadet College Hasanabdal got second position with 1172 marks, and Ayan Ali from Cadet College Hasanabdal got third position with 1169 marks.

For Science group (girls), Bisma Ali from Punjab Secondary School for Girls, Talagang, secured first position with 1,177 marks and Maryam Shahzadi from Bahria Foundation Secondary School for Girls, Chakwal, got second position with 1175 marks and Adeela Ansar Raja from Darul Arqum, Chakwal, got third position with 1,173 marks.

For general group (boys), Muhammad Hanan Saeedi Al Kausar Islamic Centre, Fateh Jang Attock secured first position with 1031 marks, Muhammad Usman from Hudabia Educational Complex Government Boys Higher Secondary School New Chakra Rawalpindi with 983 marks and Muhammad Ahmed from Jamia Al-Madina Dhoke Gangal Rawalpindi with 982 marks.

For General Group (Girls), Asima Eman from Government Girls High School Chur Chowk Peshawar Road Rawalpindi secured first position with 1125 marks, Laiba Saeed from Sheen Girls Secondary School Talagang got second position with 1089 marks and Muneeza Bibi from Mehria Mohina Riazul Uloom Binaat Maki Dhoke Fateh Jang Attock with 1084 marks.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2025

ISLAMABAD   –  The World Health Organization (WHO), with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has distributed over 800 motorbikes to the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to improve healthcare access in remote regions of Pakistan.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing the mobility of vaccinators and reaching vulnerable populations across 65 high-priority districts, home to an estimated 32.5 million people. Under the allocation plan, 300 motorbikes have been delivered to 21 districts in Sindh, 200 to 10 districts in Punjab, and 108 to 24 districts in Balochistan.

Additionally, 80 bikes have been distributed to four districts in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, another 80 to two districts in Islamabad, and 60 to four districts in Gilgit Baltistan.

The phased handover began in March 2025, enabling vaccinators to better serve children in zero-dose communities, those who have never received a single vaccine dose, as well as under-immunized populations. The deployment of motorbikes is guided by micro-plans developed at the union council level with technical support from WHO, designed to monitor and address inequities in vaccine coverage.

“These motorbikes aim to support the vaccinators who work tirelessly to reach the most vulnerable, wherever they are,” said Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan. “Every 10 seconds, vaccination saves a life.”

ISLAMABAD:

The Prime Minister’s Office said on Wednesday that the retail sector paid an additional income tax of Rs455 billion in the last fiscal year, a startling claim made on the basis of a briefing given by tax authorities.

In an official statement released by the PM Office, it was stated “in the retail sector, tax collection increased by Rs455 billion compared to the previous year, driven by the integration of point-of-sale systems and stricter enforcement”.

Officials of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) claimed that total income tax payments made by the retail sector in fiscal year 2024-25 were in fact Rs617 billion and the additional income tax was Rs455 billion. They said that the collection of Rs617 billion included Rs316 billion in quarterly advances given by three categories, wholesalers, retailers, traders and some companies.

The surprising Rs316 billion in quarterly advance could be looked into with critical lenses due to the highly informal nature of the sector. Sources in the FBR told The Express Tribune that a loose definition of the retail sector was used, which included some corporate sector firms.

The official statement added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a review meeting on the ongoing reforms in the FBR, lauding the progress made so far while stressing the need for sustained and time-bound efforts to overhaul the tax system in line with modern requirements.

Sources said that during the meeting discussions took place on the share of retail and manufacturing sectors and the record tax contribution of Rs555 billion made by the salaried class. Some of the participants were of the view that the manufacturing sector and salaried individuals were highly overburdened compared to their contribution to the economy.

According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ (PBS) data, the share of the manufacturing sector in the economy was hardly 12% while the share of wholesale and retail sectors was 18% in FY25.

FBR spokesman Dr Najeeb Memon did not respond to a question about the breakdown of additional income tax of Rs455 billion collected from the retail sector.

However, an FBR official said that it was a definitional issue as various categories were included in the retail sector and as a result total income tax contribution reached Rs617 billion.

With the additional Rs455 billion, the total income tax collection from the retail sector should have been Rs940 billion. In fiscal year 2023-24, the collection was Rs484 billion on the basis of the new loose definition, said the sources.

Retailers and traders are functioning under a highly informal mechanism. According to the input the FBR has used for claiming the collection of Rs617 billion and an additional Rs455 billion, the wholesalers, traders and retailers are treated as part of the retail sector. These three categories paid income tax in the shape of advance income tax on a quarterly basis, admitted income tax with annual returns, withholding taxes on sales, purchases, imports and electricity bills, and other taxes.

FBR officials claimed that the collection of Rs617 billion included Rs316 billion in advance income tax. In the advance tax, Rs30 billion was paid by wholesalers, Rs49 billion by traders and Rs316 billion by retailers.

Likewise, the admitted income tax stood at Rs28 billion, including Rs14 billion from traders, Rs5.3 billion from retailers and Rs8.5 billion from wholesalers, the sources said, adding that these three categories also paid Rs216 billion in withholding taxes. Of this, the wholesalers paid Rs28 billion, traders Rs119 billion and retailers Rs69 billion. In the category of others, Rs57 billion in income tax was paid by these three categories.

However, if one goes by the definition of the retail sector and its contribution, the sources said, in FY24, payments by the retail sector were Rs484 billion and in this case the net increase was Rs133 billion.

The PM Office statement said that Shehbaz Sharif told the meeting that recent improvements in the tax machinery were “encouraging,” but reforms must lead to the creation of a sustainable, digitised and facilitative tax system.

The PM directed the FBR to accelerate digital transformation, restructure its digital wing with a clear roadmap and enhance enforcement to curb the informal economy. He also stressed the importance of stakeholder consultation in the reform process, particularly with businesses, traders and taxpayers.

He reiterated that improvement in the tax system should contribute to boosting national revenue while reducing the tax burden on the common citizen.

The meeting was briefed that as a result of reforms and enforcement measures, the tax-to-GDP ratio registered a historic rise of 1.5% in FY25 compared to FY24. However, the FBR missed the IMF condition to increase the ratio to 10.6% despite imposing record taxes.

The PM Office said that the number of income tax return filers surged from 4.5 million in 2024 to over 7.2 million by June 30, 2025.

FBR officials also reported significant progress under the faceless customs clearance system, which increased revenue and was expected to reduce clearance time from 52 hours to just 12 hours in the next three months.