The Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Salim Mandviwalla, convened to address pressing issues affecting the country. Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Lngarial responded to Senator Asad Qasim’s text message inquiry, stating that the increase in tax payers to 10 million was solely due to the sending of text messages.
Chairman FBR revealed that the assessment of a 100 billion rupee loss from fee-less customs assessments was incorrect, and that text messages were being sent to tax payers on their registered numbers, resulting in a decrease in empty tax returns.
Senator Asad Qasim’s absence from the committee meeting was met with a suggestion from the Chairman to have him present himself. The meeting also touched upon the significance of the Pakistan-Afghanistan railway project in regional connectivity, with both countries agreeing to enhance cooperation in energy, defense, tourism, and education.
Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader, Maqbool Ahmad Sheikh, expressed frustration with the provincial government, stating that the PTI’s social media presence was a humiliation for them.
In a separate development, the Solar User Grid will see all users pay the full price for electricity, while solar users will be allowed to purchase electricity at a rate of approximately 11 rupees per unit. The Turkish Embassy in Islamabad organized an official ceremony to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
The two countries agreed to establish an inter-regional forum. PTI leader Ameer Muhammad Khan reiterated his stance that not even a percent of the party’s founder’s health should be risked. Pakistan Army’s ISPR reported that Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Muzaffarabad, attended the Martyrs’ Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir, and laid a wreath.
President, Prime Minister, and Vice President reiterated their support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. The government of Balochistan reported that 100 suspects were arrested during a crackdown, and arms were seized. The internet data in the city will be restored today.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab inaugurated the annual Flora and Fauna show at the Karachi Zoo. Maimoona Nawaz stopped a motorcyclist without a safety helmet and instructed him to wear one.
Following a meeting between the Prime Minister and the President of Uzbekistan, a visit by the latter’s delegation is scheduled. There is a ban on the preparation, sale, and use of pappads with complex and political designs.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated that the Prime Minister called out the KP Chief Minister for not attending the meeting on national issues. The two countries have agreed to establish an inter-regional forum.
