Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Hamid Atique Sarwar told the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue that over Rs 873 billion ‘fake’ and ‘flying’ invoices were found last year, which was an addition to the Rs 1.37 trillion that was already lost in the previous year
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An already cash-strapped Pakistan lost more than Rs 2.2 trillion (Pakistani rupees) in tax evasion in the past two fiscal years through ‘fake’ and ‘flying’ invoices.
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Hamid Atique Sarwar told the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue that over Rs 873 billion ‘fake’ and ‘flying’ invoices were found last year, which was an addition to the Rs 1.37 trillion that was already lost in the previous year.
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Sarwar said that no punitive measures have been taken to address the tax evasions, and that such a massive loss of revenue cannot be allowed in the country.
He explained that the law, in effect since 1996, allowed for arrests if an assistant commissioner had reason to believe tax evasion was occurring, records were being tampered with, or suspects were attempting to flee the country. However, the latest Finance Bill introduces several safeguards to prevent the harassment of businessmen and taxpayers.
The committee conducted a thorough discussion on various anomalies in the Budget 2025–26, including briefings from members of the chambers of commerce, with particular concern over clauses that grant the FBR powers of arrest based solely on suspicion.
Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kiyani stated that the prime minister had formed a committee to address the concerns raised by the chambers.
ISLAMABAD – The top election regulatory authority yesterday rejected the allegation regarding pre-marked ballot papers were handed to MPs by the polling staff during the Senate polls in KPK. The electoral watchdog dispelled the impression about already marked ballot papers. The body clarified that ballot papers were provided to members strictly in accordance with the law. According to the rules, the members marked their ballots inside the polling booth as per their own choice and then cast them into the ballot box. In this process, no objections were raised by polling agents of any candidate during the polling. The commission also claimed that the Senate elections were conducted impartially and in full compliance with the Constitution and the law. The media was kept informed in real-time throughout the polling process.
ISLAMABAD – With slim chances of moon visibility due to monsoon clouds and astronomical conditions, the beginning of Safar 1447 AH is expected to fall on Sunday, July 27, 2025, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). While the new moon is expected to be born in the early hours of July 25, experts say visibility conditions are not favorable for it to be seen that evening. SUPARCO has reported that the new moon will be born on July 25 at 12:11am PST. By the time of sunset on the same day, the moon’s age will be approximately 19 hours and 31 minutes, which generally meets the threshold for potential visibility. However, the duration between sunset and moonset is expected to be just 43 minutes along the country’s coastal regions, making the likelihood of sighting the crescent very low. The situation is further complicated by prevailing monsoon conditions, which are likely to obstruct visibility across several regions of Pakistan. Cloud cover and atmospheric disturbance can significantly hamper any effort to observe the thin crescent with the naked eye or telescopic equipment. Given these scientific and environmental indicators, SUPARCO has concluded that the chances of sighting the Safar moon on the evening of July 25 are minimal. Accordingly, the 1st of Safar is expected to fall on July 27, subject to official confirmation. The final decision regarding the commencement of the Islamic month will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is the sole authoritative body in Pakistan for moon sighting announcements. The committee will meet on the evening of July 25 to assess moon sighting reports from across the country and make a formal declaration. SUPARCO emphasised that while astronomical data provides a scientific basis, religious confirmation remains a necessary step in accordance with national practice and Islamic tradition.
ISLAMABAD – The lower court of Islamabad on Thursday turned down a request to let the Advocate General record a statement on behalf of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur in a case related to alleged liquor and illegal weapons recovery. The court upheld the arrest warrants and directed Gandapur to record his statement in person or via video link at the next hearing.
Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti rejected the plea submitted by the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to record the statement under Section 342 on behalf of CM Ali Amin Gandapur, who is an accused in an ongoing case involving the alleged recovery of liquor and illegal arms.
During Thursday’s hearing, Gandapur’s lawyer, Raja Zahoorul Hassan Advocate, informed the court that the Advocate General of KP would represent the chief minister in court. The judge initially paused the hearing to allow both representatives to appear.
When the proceedings resumed, KP Advocate General Shah Faisal and Raja Zahoorul Hassan appeared before the court and filed an application seeking Gandapur’s exemption from appearance. The Advocate General explained that a grand jirga was being held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with tribal elders from across the country attending, and requested the court to delay the case hearing until September.
Judge Chishti, while turning down the request, said that the detailed order would clarify the court’s position. The court then adjourned the hearing and maintained the previously issued arrest warrants for Gandapur.
The court also rejected the Advocate General’s request to record Gandapur’s statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code on his behalf. Instead, the court directed Gandapur to either appear in person or record his statement via video link in the next hearing.
The court warned that failure to submit the statement could result in the forfeiture of the defendant’s right to present their version of events. The hearing was adjourned until July 29.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi did not mince words as he raised the issue of the safety of Chinese nationals working on various projects in Pakistan with army chief Asim Munir during his visit to Beijing.
Munir, in his first visit to China after the hostilities with India in May, underscored that their time-tested partnership was solid as a rock and assured Yi that the forces would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel.
The Indian Army has claimed that China provided live inputs to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Islamabad also used Chinese equipment during the hostilities. It is a different matter that the equipment came a cropper.
The meeting between Chinese and Pakistani officials in Beijing
During their meeting, Wang Yi said the Pakistani military was a staunch defender of national interests and reiterated that the nations were iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic partners.
“The two sides have always firmly supported each other on issues involving each other’s core interests, and have stood together thick and thin in the face of various challenges,” a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
CHINA, PAKISTAN TALK TERROR
Wang Yi also reaffirmed that China would always prioritise Pakistan in its neighbouring diplomacy, in a subtle message to India.
“China supports Pakistan in resolutely combating all forms of terrorism and hopes that the Pakistani military will continue to make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan,” the statement further said.
Earlier this year, China, in an unprecedented move, deployed private security personnel in Pakistan for the safety of its projects and nationals.
The development came amid a series of attacks by Baloch militants on Pakistani soldiers, rattling China as it has invested heavily in various China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Munir, on his part, said “friendly cooperation” with China was the consensus of the whole Pakistani society and thanked Beijing for its support to economic and social development in Pakistan.
• KP CM chairs multi-party moot, says ‘state-backed militias’ unacceptable, vows action against all armed outfits • Says fresh operations not acceptable; wants military to stop using ‘quadcopters’ to avoid harming civilians • MPC says grand jirga planned next month to devise implementation plan; ANP, PML-N, JUI-F boycott moot • Naqvi says all options to end militancy will remain on the table, takes dig at CM for paying ‘protection money’ to militants
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur railed against the policy of harbouring ‘Good Taliban’ — a euphemism used to describe militants who have laid down arms — following a multi-party moot organised by the KP government to find a solution for the militancy plaguing the province.
The conference came amid a significant rise in terrorism across the province, particularly in districts bordering Afghanistan, which has prompted calls for a renewed military offensive to eradicate militancy in the region.
The KP chief minister opposed these calls, saying that while operations were conducted in the past, they failed to achieve the desired objective despite widespread destruction. While sharing details of the declaration following the moot, CM Gandapur said several operations were carried out against the ‘Good Taliban’ apparently by the police, but the militants were being supported allegedly by the ‘institutions’.
The CM claimed these ‘Good Taliban’ were arrested and areas were cleared by the police, but they were allegedly released by the intelligence agencies.
“Now they (Good Taliban) have come again. Please, these ‘Good Taliban’ are not acceptable and if you really want to keep them, give them uniform, and send them to [India-occupied] Kashmir,” he said, adding that the government would take action against anyone carrying arms.
“Anyone who is keeping these Good Taliban should expel and eliminate them,” the CM demanded.
The chief minister said that several offensives were carried out against militants in the province but all of them ended up in the loss of lives, leaving behind many martyred, but still failed to achieve the desired objectives. He said that border management was the responsibility of the federal government but it never fulfilled this responsibility since militant infiltration from Afghanistan continued.
“Deploy the military on the border. We have the capacity to manage things inside the province,” the chief minister said, adding that he would be responsible if the police failed to fulfil its responsibilities in the province. According to the CM, they want clearly defined roles so that whoever failed in their job could be held accountable. The participants of the meeting were of the view that the police were trained enough to maintain law and order in the province.
“They [the military] are not doing their core job and instead are roaming in an area, which falls within my jurisdiction,” he claimed, adding that military operations caused damages without any positive results. No other operation would be allowed, he reiterated.
Quadcopter attacks
Reading further from the declaration, the CM said the “drone attacks” being carried out by both sides – the security forces and the terrorists – were causing civilian deaths. The MPC declared quadcopters would not be used anymore for action against militants, he added.
The MPC also discussed the federal government’s refusal to fulfil its commitments made with people from the merged districts. He also said that mines and minerals were the province’s property and would remain with the province. He said the provincial government would never allow taxing Malakand Division and asked the federal government to withdraw this move.
He further said the MPC approved convening a jirga, comprising elders, parliamentarians, and stakeholders from every district, adding that after 15 days, a grand jirga, whose members will be nominated by the first jirga, would be organised to devise a strategy for the implementation of this declaration.
The MPC was attended by Jamaat-i-Islami, Qaumi Watan Party, JUI-Sami, the PML-N (only one member attended), and the PTI-Parliamentarian. The PML-N, JUI-F, PPP, and the ANP, however, boycotted the conference.
In response, particularly over the opposition to the use of quadcopters announced by the KP CM, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi responded on X that all resources would be used for the elimination of terrorism. He also took another potshot at the CM, asking how much money “an important KP government leader in D.I. Khan pays to the Taliban”.
Separately, PPP senators Palwasha Khan and Senator Quratulain Marri criticised the KP CM for not inviting other political parties to the MPC, saying those who had rendered sacrifices were being criticised.
People gather along a precipice as locals work to clear the water channel of a powerhouse damaged by floods in the Tangir area of Gilgit-Baltistan.—Dawn
GILGIT: Dozens of houses were damaged after heavy rainfall and ‘cloudburst’ triggered flash floods in multiple villages of Gilgit-Baltistan, severing road links and destroying agricultural land.
Flash floods caused damage in Tangir, the hometown of the Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister, Ghanche, and Gilgit’s Sikarkoi and Kundas villages.
Police said flash floods damaged public and private properties, including administrative offices, markets, power infrastructure, and communication systems in Tangir Valley. The water entered the local police station, destroying official records and equipment, and the residences of the police officers were also damaged.
Likewise, the offices of the assistant commissioner and additional deputy commissioner sustained heavy damage, while a residential house near the AC office completely collapsed in the flash flood.
Spokesperson says six people killed so far; Babusar Road remains blocked
In Ghanche district, more than 60 houses in various areas were damaged by the flash floods, which also washed away a bridge. The rise in water level in the Shyok River intensified erosion along the riverbank, whereas roads in the area remained blocked.
In the Chogo Grong area of Kondus in Ghanche, water damaged mosques, a school, a dispensary, roads, agricultural land, and livestock. Flash floods in the Sikarkoi and Kundas areas in Gilgit damaged several houses, shops, roads, and other infrastructure in multiple locations.
The flash flood also damaged motorcycles and cars parked outside houses. The floodwater affected several shops at Tangir Bazar and damaged the water channel of the Shekho powerhouse, which led to electricity outages.
According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, over one hundred homes collapsed in Gilgit-Baltistan over the past few days, and six people have also died in flash floods this week. He said search and rescue operations were underway in Babusar Valley for missing tourists.
He said more than 300 stranded tourists had been rescued from Babusar and shifted to Gilgit, Skardu, and Chilas.
The Babusar Road remained closed to traffic on Thursday; but the Karakoram Highway remained open for light traffic.
ISLAMABAD: A division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday suspended implementation of an earlier decision by a single-member bench, ordering the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate misuse of the blasphemy law.
The division bench, comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Mohammad Azam Khan, issued the stay order after hearing preliminary arguments on appeals challenging the single bench’s ruling.
Senior lawyers Kamran Murtaza, Adil Aziz Qazi, and others appeared on behalf of the petitioners.
During the hearing, Justice Soomro questioned how the petitioners were directly affected by the order. Advocate Kamran Murtaza argued that the petitioners were not granted a full right to a hearing and raised concerns over jurisdiction, noting that the matter involved around 400 cases, some beyond the IHC’s jurisdiction.
He also questioned the legal authority of the court to form such a commission, arguing it rested solely with the federal government.
Mr Murtaza further claimed that the case had initially been disposed of, but the written verdict later stated it would remain pending — a contradiction. He also challenged the admissibility of a writ petition filed by a third party, questioning how such petitioners could be considered aggrieved parties.
Justice Azam Khan asked whether a case could legally remain pending after a final order had been issued. The petitioners’ counsel argued that it could not.
Following the initial hearing, the court reserved its judgement on the maintainability of the appeal, but suspended the single bench’s order for 30 days. The bench also directed the counsels to verify the contents of the original order from the court reader.
The suspended single-bench order was part of a nine-page detailed judgement authored by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, following 42 hearings in a blasphemy-related case.
The court had directed the federal government to establish an inquiry commission within 30 days, citing widespread concerns over alleged entrapment, custodial deaths, and grave investigative lapses.
The judgement noted that nearly 400 FIRs and around 700 accused were linked to online blasphemy cases, many alleging entrapment by a mysterious individual named “Imaan” — later identified as Komal — who has since disappeared.
The court underscored the need to investigate claims of a blasphemy gang, which is allegedly linked to a so-called NGO with dubious legal status.
The IHC also expressed concern over the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) failure to conduct proper forensic analysis and procedural irregularities, including private arrests, unverified digital evidence, and the same Facebook IDs being reused in multiple FIRs.
The court observed that some FIRs were registered and investigated on the same day, violating FIA’s own SOPs.
Most alarming were the reports of four custodial deaths of blasphemy suspects, with one video showing signs of torture, and no judicial or administrative inquiry conducted in these cases.
Concluding that the issue was of “definite public interest,” the court had justified the formation of a commission as necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.
ISLAMABAD: Two separate high-profile meetings on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took place on Thursday, as the prime minister and chief minister met with separate stakeholders to discuss the issues faced by the province, especially the merged tribal areas.
After KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur led a multi-party conference, attended by the leaders of Jamat-i-Islami, Qaumi Watan Party, JUI-S, PML-N and PTI-Parliamentarian, a delegation of tribal leaders also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The meeting between the PM and tribal elders was also attended by JUI-F emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
“The meeting was aimed at countering the surge of terrorism with the help of tribal elders,” a participant of the meeting told Dawn on the condition of anonymity.
In meeting with jirga, premier restores admission quota of students from ex-Fata
The prime minister announced a number of incentives for the merged tribal areas, but the meeting categorically ruled out the reversal of the former Fata’s merger with KP.
During the meeting, Federal Minister for Safron and Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam reiterated the federal government had no intention to roll back the merger or alter the existing constitutional arrangement.
It is important to note the tribal elders have expressed grievances over the merger and Mr Rehman, the JUI-F leader, had called the move “a big mistake”.
Mr Muqam, who heads the committee to revive the jirga system in tribal areas, said the body will make recommendations within the existing constitutional framework on matters concerning justice, development and security.
“There is no plan to withdraw [the merger] or amend the Constitution”, Mr Muqam told the jirga members who had voiced concerns over the committee’s mandate.
The PM also assured the tribal elders the committee’s TORs will be enhanced and they will be given representation in it.
“The committee will now include representation from tribal elders to ensure inclusive decision-making,” said a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Admission quota
The PM also announced the admission quota for students from tribal areas in the federal government’s universities will be restored.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that tribespeople have rendered “immense sacrifices for the peace and security of Pakistan”.
He reaffirmed that ensuring law and order in the merged areas was among the government’s top priorities.
The PM paid tribute to the armed forces, police and other law enforcement personnel for their bravery in fighting terrorism, and urged unity among all communities.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to the socio-economic uplift of the region, the PM said his government was investing heavily in education, healthcare, skills training, and employment opportunities for the youth of the merged districts.
He said substantial funds have been allocated for improving infrastructure, including the Fata University and police.
The PM directed an expansion in the scope of the federal committee working on the issues of merged districts, chaired by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam.
The tribal delegation appreciated the restoration of educational quotas, inclusion in the federal committee, and overall developmental initiatives.
The premier assured the participants that such consultative sessions would be held regularly to ensure that the voices of the tribal people are heard and their issues addressed effectively.
Meeting with Gilani
Earlier, the 90-member tribal jirga, led by Governor Kundi, met Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The Jirga included prominent tribal elders, including Dr Alamzeb Mohmand, Malik Khan Marjan Wazir, and Bismillah Khan Afridi.
Mr Gilani said cooperation from tribal elders was vital to achieve lasting peace.
He announced the issues of the merged districts will be discussed in the Senate to formulate a clear and comprehensive national policy.
Governor Kundi highlighted the merged districts were assured a three per cent share in the NFC Award under the Accelerated Implementation Programme.
However, the commitment has not been fully implemented and the federal government has often allocated amounts lower than originally pledged.
NEWLY elected PTI senators Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Noor ul Haq Qadri and Faisal Javed take oath.—White Star
• Resolution rejects justification for such crimes on cultural grounds • House passes Whistleblower Protection Commission Bill, okays 20pc reward for exposing corruption • Navy Ordinance amended with stricter penalties for misconduct • Eight new senators sworn in
ISLAMABAD: Alarmed by a brutal act of vigilante justice in Balochistan, where a man and woman were executed in broad daylight under a jirga verdict in the name of “honour”, the Senate on Thursday called for an immediate and transparent investigation to bring all perpetrators — including those who convened or sanctioned the jirga — to justice.
In a resolution adopted almost unanimously, the Senate declared that so-called honour killings were not “honourable”, rather constituted murder under the law and must be prosecuted as such.
The resolution, tabled by PPP parliamentary leader Senator Sherry Rehman, was supported by all parties across the aisle except JUI-F, which refused to sign.
Lawmakers stressed that the rule of law could not be selectively applied and that tribal or informal justice systems must not override constitutional protections and due process.
The resolution rejected any justification of such crimes on cultural, tribal or traditional grounds and condemned attempts to legitimise them under the guise of “ghairat” (honour), describing them as victim-blaming.
The resolution recalled previous legislative reforms aimed at curbing honour crimes, particularly by disallowing compoundability or conciliation in such cases. However, it expressed concern that despite these legal safeguards, implementation remains weak and justice is often subverted, especially in high-profile cases targeting women.
The House stressed that law enforcement agencies must treat such cases strictly under the relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, without compromise or discretion.
It also urged the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Human Rights to conduct a thorough review of the enforcement gaps in existing laws dealing with the so-called honour crimes and recommend actionable reforms.
“This premeditated act of vigilante murders constitutes an abhorrent crime; it is a gross violation of human rights, the Constitution and the laws of Pakistan,” it said.
Whistleblower commission
Another highlight of the day’s proceedings was the passage of a bill to establish an independent Whistleblower Protection and Vigilance Commission, aiming to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, promising a reward for those exposing corruption in public institutions.
As per the bill, the Commission will have civil court powers to assess complaints and conduct judicial proceedings. Whistleblowers will be entitled to 20 per cent of any recovered amount and a certificate of appreciation.
However, submitting false or frivolous information will carry a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs200,000, which will be paid to the falsely accused. Those facing retaliation can seek redressal from the Commission, whose orders will be binding.
The whistleblower’s identity will remain confidential unless disclosed with written consent. Violators will face fines of up to Rs500,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.
Law ministry officials noted that the existing 2017 law lacked effective enforcement mechanisms. The new Commission, headquartered in Islamabad, will operate autonomously and may set up offices across Pakistan if needed. It will consist of at least three members, including a chairperson, with the government authorised to expand membership when required.
Navy Ordinance amendments
The Senate also passed the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, allowing the Navy to engage in activities linked to national development or strategic interests with federal or provincial consent.
The relevant naval authority may retire or discharge any individual and has the right to accept or reject resignations. In times of war, individuals over 60 years of age may be retained in service upon the recommendation of the naval chief.
According to the bill, officers who fail to defend ships and other assets may face the death penalty or long-term imprisonment. Refusal to fight in the event of an attack, cowardice or abandoning a ship in danger may also lead to similar punishments.
Naval personnel involved in extortion or corruption will face lengthy jail terms, as will those who accept bribes, agree to bribery or cause harm or favouritism.
Disclosing official information could lead to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, and if the information harms national security or the armed forces, the individual will be tried under the Official Secrets Act.
One of the amendments reads, “A person who is or has been subject to this Ordinance commits an offence under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (Act XL of 2016) or relevant electronic, digital, social media laws, with the mala fide intention to undermine, ridicule, or scandalise, the armed forces of Pakistan, may be proceeded under this Ordinance and on conviction by a court constituted under this Ordinance, shall be punished in the prescribed manner with the same punishments as provided for in the said Act XL of 2016 or such other laws, as the case may be.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Power Awais Leghari dismissed reports that Nepra had approved a multi-year tariff for K-Electric to recover its losses from consumers. Responding to a calling-attention notice by Senator Faisal Sabzwari, he explained that the reports related to the 2023-24 financial year, when the current government was not in power.
Sworn in
In a separate development, eight of the 11 recently elected senators from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took the oath of office on Thursday, hours after the ECP issued their victory notifications. Those who were sworn in on Thursday included Noorul Haq Qadri, Faisal Javed Khan, Rubina Khalid, Talha Mehmood, Niaz Ahmed, Dilawar Khan, Attaul Haq and Mirza Muhammad Afridi.
