Day: October 22, 2020

Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov today. The two Foreign Ministers had a wide ranging discussion on bilateral matters, COVID situation and regional issues. The Foreign Minister emphasised the importance of enhanced high-level interaction between the two countries.

To further enhance bilateral cooperation in commerce and trade and other areas, he proposed to utilize the existing mechanisms and hold meetings of Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Ministerial Commission on mutually convenient dates. The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the assistance extended by the government of Uzbekistan to members of Pakistan community during COVID pandemic. Both Foreign Ministers agreed to remain in close contact to provide continuous impetus to bilateral relations and regional cooperation. The Foreign Minister reiterated his invitation to Foreign Minister Kamilov to visit Pakistan.

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Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Responding to media queries regarding role of Saudi Arabia in assessment of Pakistan’s FATF Action Plan, the Spokesperson categorically rejected the story circulating on segment of the media as false and baseless. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong fraternal ties and the two countries have always cooperated with each other on all matters of bilateral, regional and international importance. Pakistan greatly values its relations with the brotherly Saudi Arabia and firmly rejects such malicious propaganda. FATF will announce its assessment of Pakistan’s progress on the Action Plan and the future course of action after conclusion of its Plenary Meeting.

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Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to H.E Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, today. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest including Covid-19. Prime Minister Imran Khan commended measures taken by the leadership of Bhutan to contain the pandemic. They also exchanged views on their respective steps to deal with the myriad challenges posed by the pandemic. The Prime Minister noted that his government’s emphasis had been on saving lives, securing livelihoods, and stimulating the economy.

The “smart lockdown” strategy and other measures taken by the government had led to significant containment of the pandemic in Pakistan. The Prime Minister particularly highlighted the adverse economic impact of Covid-19 on the developing countries, for which he had also called for the “Global Initiative on Debt Relief”. In the bilateral context, Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to closer ties with Bhutan and highlighted the significance of regular bilateral contacts and people-to-people exchanges.

Appreciating the Bhutanese model of tourism promotion and conservation of heritage sites, Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised his counterpart on steps taken by his Government to promote tourism, especially religious tourism in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan was proud of its rich Buddhist heritage which dates back to the Buddhist Gandhara civilization. He stated that Pakistan would welcome Bhutanese pilgrims visiting the scared Buddhist sites in Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bhutan to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.

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Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting to review progress on Pakistan Islands and Ravi Urban Development projects today. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, Governor Sindh Mr. Imran Ismail, Chairman Naya Pakistan Housing Development Authority Lt. Gen. (R) Anwar Ali Haider, Chairman Pakistan Islands Development Authority Mr. Imran Amin and senior Officers. Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Salman Shah, Chief Secretary Punjab, Senior Member Board of Revenue Punjab, Chairman Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and President Bank of Punjab participated via video link from Lahore. While briefing about the Pakistan Islands, Chairman Pakistan Islands Development Authority stated that due attention will be paid to environmental conservation and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In this regard the project authority is working with international environmental organizations including International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has also obtained “Silver Rating” of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design by US Green Building Council. In CSR initiatives, he informed that Fishermen Welfare Fund would be established for welfare schemes of local fishermen. He emphasized that the development of Pakistan Islands would be environment friendly. He also briefed in detail about sustainability, water conservation and financial advisory investment functions of the authority. Chairman RUDA briefed the meeting about progress on legal requirements regarding land acquisition, investments and construction.

Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that special attention be given to conservation of natural resources at project sites and environmental studies must be conducted before start of development work. Prime Minister emphasized that development activity in these projects would bring in huge investments for Pakistan and create significant employment opportunities for local people. He stated that revenues earned by these projects would be spent on other welfare projects in the respective provinces.

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Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired the 3rd meeting of the FBR Policy Board at the FBR Headquarters today. After the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting, the members proceeded with the discussion on the proposed ToRs of the Policy Board; prepared by the Minister for Industries and Production, Hammad Azhar and Mr. Abdullah Yousaf, former Chairman FBR. The Subcommittee presented the proposed ToRs before Policy Board for discussion. The members of the Board gave their valuable input to fine tune the same. There was extensive discussion on the task assigned to another sub-committee which included Mr. Hammad Azhar and Faiz-ullah- Kamoka for designing a mechanism of data sharing between FBR and NADRA. During the meeting, the Chair also inquired on the progress of clearance of containers on the Torkham Borders.

The Chair was briefed that the situation is back to normal at the Torkham Border and the trade is business as usual. The current situation, due to the COVID-19, is no longer the cause of concern for the traders. On the proposed ToRs, the Chair, after detailed discussion with all the members of the Board, gave certain guidelines to refine the proposed ToRs under the supervision of the Special Assistant to PM on Revenue Dr. Waqar Masood Khan.

Adviser Finance Hafeez Shaikh reiterated the need to broaden the tax net through the use of data, already available with FBR, without burdening the existing tax payers and advised Special Assistant to PM on Revenue, Dr. Waqar Masood Khan to formulate a proposal for liaison between NADRA and FBR for data analysis to fulfill the requirements of FBR and ensure all stakeholders are on board. Adviser Finance directed that the Policy Board may also look into important issues that need special attention of the Government regarding tax collection and trade management. He further directed that the next meeting of the Board may be convened after 2 weeks.

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Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Mr. Sergi Herrero, Co-Chief Executive Officer VEON, along with Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer Jazz and Syed Fakhar Ahmad, Chief Corporate Regulatory Affairs Jazz, called on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh at the FBR Headquarters, Islamabad today. After exchanging pleasantries, Mr. Herrero shared with the Adviser Finance that he greatly admired the warmth and hospitality of the people of Pakistan.

He also briefed the Adviser on the operations of the company across the world and their future business plans during the meeting. The Adviser Finance welcomed Mr. Herrero and commended the efforts of the telecommunication industry during the Pandemic for providing access to data / information and helping in transfer of funds to the poor who needed assistance from the government. The CEO also discussed with the Adviser certain issues related to taxation and requested for facilitation. The CEO also requested for an amicable solution on matters pending in the court of law. The Adviser Finance assured all possible cooperation to the company.

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Press Information Department (PID)
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Islamabad, October 22, 2020 (PPI-OT):Mr. Musaddaq Zulqarnain- Chairman Complaint Oversight Committee of the FBR called on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh at the FBR Headquarters today. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue, Dr. Waqar Masood also attended the meeting.

The members of the Complaint oversight Committee sought guidance from the Adviser Finance and Adviser Revenue on the mechanism for setting up an efficient complaint resolution system with cooperation from the tax authorities. Adviser Finance directed that the Committee shall design a system for complaint registration and will work on establishing links with the tax authorities for their timely resolution. The Committee will devise a mechanism to ensure genuine grievances are amicably resolved in a timely manner. Adviser Finance directed Chairman FBR to collaborate with the Committee for better service delivery to the people and enhancing people friendly image of the FBR.

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Press Information Department (PID)
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Website: www.pid.gov.pk