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Waqas Dar

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  1. Waqas Dar
    KARACHI: At least seven people were arrested by paramilitary forces in raids in different areas of the metropolis on Friday, informed Rangers spokesperson.

    The spokesperson claimed that the suspects were involved in a number of crimes; further adding that from the Preddy area, an activist of MQM-London Muhammad Danish Akhtar was arrested on the charges of target killing, extortion, and other crimes.
    A dacoit named Asif has also been arrested from Saudabad.
    Two suspects, Syed Ali and Sheeraz, have also been arrested in raids conducted at Gulberg, Lyari and Saudabad on the charges of mobile snatching and other crimes.
    Two unregistered Afghan nationals and a drug peddler Jangi Baloch have also been nabbed from Lyari. Illegal weapons and narcotics were recovered from the latter. 
    The Rangers spokesperson informed that the suspects have been handed over to police for legal action.


  2. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented annual budget for FY 2017-18 on Friday in the National Assembly, following which politicians from opposition parties started condemning the recommendations of the fifth federal budget.
    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf?s leader Asad Umar spoke to media representatives and criticised the recommendations laid forth in the budget.
    This government is not farmer-friendly instead it is an enemy of them, he said.
    The country which is buried under debt cannot be free, the PTI leader said.
    He said that the PML-N government took the same amount of loans within 45 months that the Pakistan People?s Party government took in five years? tenure.
    Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan rejected the fiscal budget for the year 2017-18. Party Chief Farooq Sattar called the budget ?status quo budget?.
    Sattar said that taxes have been piled up on the poor. Sattar said the ratio of sales tax should be reduced from 17 percent to nine percent.
    Petroleum levy should be ended along with sales tax, said Sattar.
    ?There is nothing for the youth, women, non-Muslims in the current budget,? said the MQM-P chief.
    The Pakistan Muslim League ? Nawaz (PML-N) government on Friday presented its fifth and possibly last budget before general elections in 2018, earmarking a total of Rs 4,757 billion in expenditures for the next fiscal year.
    PML-N govt presents fifth budget with Rs4.75 trillion outlay
    Finance minister began speech after opposition leader's remarks criticising the government
    The GDP growth rate was 5.3% in the last fiscal year ? highest in ten years, he stated, adding that it is for the first time that Pakistan's economy has grown to over $300 billion. "This shows the strengthening of the economy," said the finance minister.
    Earlier in the day, with hours merely before the budget was presented, farmers from across Punjab gathered in Islamabad's Red Zone to protest and demand their 'due rights'.
    The agitated farmers also pelted stones at policemen who had assembled to stop them from venturing further.
    Hours before budget, farmers clash with police in capital's Red Zone
    Opposition leader Khursheed Shah lashes out at federal government over 'anti-poor' policies
    The police used tear gas and water canon to disperse the farmers, moving them into Jinnah Avenue.


  3. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday has recommended a decrease in the withholding taxes on registration of automobiles.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in his speech at the National Assembly recommended decreasing withholding taxes on the registration of 850CC cars from Rs 10,000 to Rs 7,500, and on the 851CC to 1000CC cars from Rs 20,000 to Rs15, 000.
    The minister has also proposed shrinking withholding tax on 1300CC cars from Rs 30,000 to Rs 25,000; however, he reiterated that the incentives are only for the tax-paying customers.
    Dar also proposed reducing regulatory duty from 10% to 5% on auto parts, fans and utensil manufacturing, he also promised of announcing a package in three months in view of giving relief to the customers on the duty imposed on import of electric cars.
    The Pakistan Muslim League ? Nawaz (PML-N) government on Friday presented its fifth and possibly last budget before general elections in 2018, earmarking a total of Rs4,757 billion in expenditures for the next fiscal year.
    "For the first time in Pakistan's history, an elected prime minister and finance minister are presenting their fifth budget. This shows the strengthening of democracy in the country," the minister said as he began presenting budget on the floor of the National Assembly.
    Pakistan was on the verge of defaulting in 2013 and the economy was declared unstable on the basis of macroeconomic indicators, recalled Dar.
    "Today, the country's foreign exchange reserves are adequate enough for four months of imports. The supply of gas has improved, and load shedding has been completely halted for the industries. Inshallah, load shedding will end for good come next year," he added.
    "Today, reputable organisations like PricewaterhouseCoopers are saying that Pakistan will enter the G-20 group of nations in the near future," claimed Dar.
    The GDP growth rate was was 5.3% in the last fiscal year ? highest in ten years, he stated, adding that it is for the first time that Pakistan's economy has grown to over $300 billion. "This shows the strengthening of the economy," said Dar.


  4. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League ? Nawaz (PML-N) government on Friday presented its fifth and possibly last budget before general elections in 2018, earmarking a total of Rs 4,757 billion in expenditures for the next fiscal year.
    "For the first time in Pakistan's history, an elected prime minister and finance minister are presenting their fifth budget. This shows the strengthening of democracy in the country," the minister said as he began presenting budget on the floor of the National Assembly.
    Pakistan was on the verge of defaulting in 2013 and the economy was declared unstable on the basis of macroeconomic indicators, recalled Dar.
    "Today, the country's foreign exchange reserves are adequate enough for four months of imports. The supply of gas has improved, and load shedding has been completely halted for the industries. Inshallah, load shedding will end for good come next year," he added.
    The finance minister claimed the PML-N government had turned the economy around since it came to power in 2013.
    "Today, reputable organisations like PricewaterhouseCoopers are saying that Pakistan will enter the G-20 group of nations in the near future," claimed Dar.
    The GDP growth rate was 5.3% in the outgoing fiscal year ? the highest in ten years, he stated, adding that it was for the first time that Pakistan's economy had grown to over $300 billion. "This shows the strengthening of the economy," said Dar.
    The industrial sector grew by 5.02%, the services sector grew by 5.98%, which includes transport, housing, etc. while the per capita income increased by 22%.
    The minister set the tax collection target for the upcoming fiscal year at Rs3,521 billion, while the tax to GDP ratio is expected to be 13.2%.
    The long-term loan facility for the overall industries sector is at 6%, while for the textile sector it is 5%, in a bit to help the industry, the minister informed.
    The foreign exchange reserves stand today at $16 billion, which come up to $21 billion after adding the bank reserves, he stated. 
    According to budget documents received by Geo News, the government aims to achieve an investment to GDP ratio of 17 percent, and an inflation rate of less than six percent.
    It is also hoping to keep the fiscal deficit at under 4.1% of GDP, according to the budget documents.
    The minimum wage for unskilled workers will be raised from Rs14,000 to Rs15,000. 

    The minister said that Rs121 billion will be allocated for the Benazir Income Support Programme, which is three times its allocation in the 2013 budget. 
    The minister said an investment of Rs97 billion is being undertaken in the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
    He also said that women will be given representation in listed companies as well as representation in boards of governors.
    The government is aiming to achieve a tax revenue target of Rs4,330 billion, with Rs4,013 billion in taxes collected by the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), and Rs317 billion in other taxes. The non-tax revenue is targeted at Rs979.9 billion.

    On the expenses side, the government allocated Rs3,477 billion for ?current expenditure?, and Rs1,275 billion for development expenditure.
    The budgeted current expenditure includes Rs1,363 billion in interest payments, Rs248 billion in pensions, Rs920 billion for defence affairs and services, Rs430 billion for grants and transfers, Rs138 billion in subsidies, and Rs378.8 billion for the running of the government.
    Talking about the exports sector, which has showed a negative growth, the minister revealed that the customs duty on the export of raw hides has been suspended. He announced similar measures for stamping foil.
    The minister also informed the House that the present housing shortage in the country is one million, and increasing annually by 0.3 million units. He thus announced a 40% government guarantee on loans up to Rs10,000 from banks and other financial institutions for housing purposes.
    The sales tax on the commercial import of fabric will be set at 6%. 
    The minister also announced the setting up of an Information Technology Park in Islamabad in collaboration with South Korea. 
    Majority of population is under 20 years of age, thus our focus is on them, said the minister.
    An allocation of Rs49 billion has been made for the health sector. 
    Highlighting the energy sector reforms, Dar said 10,000MW will be added to the national grid by 2018. "Load shedding will be history," he claimed.
    The minister added that 15000MW will be added to the grid in later years. 
    An amount of Rs180 billion has been earmarked for CPEC-related development projects in the country. 
    The Karachi Operation which began on the premier's orders in 2013 has borne fruit, said the minister, adding that the nation is proud of the army for defeating the enemy after the government launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014. "No army has sacrificed against terrorism as much as the Pakistan Army has," he stated.
    In recognition of these sacrifices, a special raise of 10% allowance apart from salaries will be provided for them, he declared. The minister also announced a special welfare package for the families of martyrs from the armed forces, police and other security agencies. 
    Moreover, an increase of 10% in the salaries of government employees and as much increase in pension of retired employees has been announced. 
    The minister also declared a decrease in the withholding tax for registration of vehicles for filers of tax returns. Registrations of 850cc vehicles will now cost Rs7,500, 1,000cc vehicles will now cost Rs15,000 and that of 1,300cc will cost Rs25,000. There has obviously been no decrease for non-filers, the minister commented. 

    Talking about the corporate tax, Dar said it has been brought down from 35% to 30% as promised by the government. 

    The minister also presented the proposal to raise the customs duty on electronic cigarettes from 3% to 20%.
    A raise in the regulatory duty on betel nut from 10% to 25% has been proposed along with a Rs200/kilogramme regulatory duty on the import of paan.
    The minister also presented a recommendation to end the 5% regulatory duty on the import of raw materials related to the poultry industry. He also informed of a reduction in customs duty in the poultry business from 11% to 3%. 
    Special persons will get a 2% job quota in listed companies as per the newly passed companies act, the minister announced. 
    The minister also proposed a uniform regulatory tax of 9% on the telecommunications sector and announced relief package on duty for electric cars.

    The budget of the Pakistan Baitul Maal is to be raised from Rs4 billion to Rs6 billion. 
    The government is also set to launch a scheme for the payment of HBFC loans for widows. The scheme is valid for widows who have not remarried.
    Session begins with ruckus 
    The assembly session formally started with prayers at the Parliament House around 4:45pm for the presentation of the federal budget.
    The National Assembly was already in session from May 23. 
    Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah addressing the Parliament before the budget speech After being allowed to address the House by the speaker, Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah referred to the incident in the capital?s Red Zone earlier in the day when farmers from various areas of Punjab gathered to protest the ?unfair? policies of the budget.
    Shah said that he was speaking on behalf of all opposition members and claimed that they intend to walk out in protest of the treatment meted out to the farmers.
    The opposition leader said that the farmers were only asking for their rights and should not have been shelled or baton-charged by the police.
    ?This is injustice to the most important class of the society, they fill our food basket,? he said.
    Shah further said that several ruling party members with a background in agriculture also do not agree with the government?s policies on agriculture but they are bound not to speak.
    ?What?s the difference between a democratic government and a dictatorship?? said Shah, adding that it is the tactic of authoritarian regimes to suppress voices demanding their rights.
    Economic survey

    Presenting the Economic Survey 2016-17 on Thursday, the finance minister had forecast a growth rate of 6% for the next fiscal year.
    According to government sources, the PML-N's fifth budget is expected to lend further focus towards improvement in economic growth, maintaining fiscal discipline, reducing on-development expenditures and boosting exports besides providing relief to the masses, promoting investment for job creation, treading the people's friendly policies for overarching socio-economic prosperity.
    The key focus in the budget would be on infrastructure and human resource development while the government is likely to enhance allocations for the social safety net for providing maximum relief to the vulnerable segment of the society, sources said.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presenting the PML-N government's first budget in 2013. Photo: File/AFP
    It would also focus on social sector development and revenue enhancement measures, besides introducing reforms for improving governance and boosting private sector investment.

    On the revenue side, the government would introduce measures for bringing improvement in the system of tax collection, broadening the tax base, and facilitation to taxpayers, they said and argued that strong revenue generation will play a crucial role in achieving the targets for economic growth.
    From the growth perspective, the federal budget would focus on generating 6% gross domestic product growth (GDP), and for this purpose, the government would introduce some fiscal measures and policy initiatives.
    The National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on May 19, had already approved the GDP growth target at 6% for the financial year 2017-18 while the government achieved a GDP growth rate of 5.3% in the outgoing fiscal year.
    The NEC also approved country's consolidated development budget of Rs2.5 trillion for the upcoming financial year (2017-18), showing the highest-ever increase in the overall national outlay.
    This included Rs1,001 billion Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs1,112 billion provincial PSDP while Rs400 billion would be spent by various corporations from their own resources to carry out their development projects.
    The development financing for Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming PSDP has been enhanced from Rs12 billion to Rs22 billion, for Gilgit-Baltistan it has been increased from Rs9 billion to Rs12 billion, while an additional package of Rs3 billion for GB, hence taking the total funding to Rs15 billion for the region.
    Development funding for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas has also been increased from Rs21 billion to Rs24.5 billion.
    The social sector was given importance in the development budget, financing for which has been increased from Rs90 billion to Rs153 billion.
    In order to promote higher education and lead the country towards development, the budget for the Higher Education Commission(HEC) has been increased from Rs21 billion in 2016-17 to Rs35.5 billion in 2017-18. The government would announce growth targets for the upcoming fiscal year.
    According to official sources, the agriculture growth target would be fixed at 3.5%, manufacturing at 6.4%, services sector at 6.4%, while inflation would be curtailed at 6%.
    The investments are expected to go up from the current 15.8% to 17.2% percent, while exports are projected to reach $23.1 billion. 
    During the outgoing fiscal year, the agriculture sector posted a growth of 3.46%, large scale manufacturing grew by 5.06% compared to 4.64% last year, while the headline inflation consumer price index averaged at 4.1% during July-April 2017 against a target of 6%, showing that inflation will remain below the target.


  5. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar said on Friday that the government was attaching top priority to the development of motorway and highways network and has allocated Rs320 billion for this sector in the coming fiscal year's budget while in the outgoing fiscal year Rs188 billion were earmarked for the communication sector.

    Delivering his budget 2017-18 speech in the National Assembly, he said that by 2013-14, only Rs51 billion were allocated for this sector.
    He said that Pakistan due to its strategic location enjoyed the unique capacity to provide a link to the countries of the region.
    He said for taking advantage of this gifted position the government has been investing in this sector.
    Budget 2017-18: Govt employees, pensioners get 10% increase
    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also announced 10% increase in the pension of retired employees, adding that ad-hoc allowance will also be given on basic salary of government employees
    PML-N govt presents fifth budget with Rs4.75 trillion outlay
    Finance minister began speech after opposition leader's remarks criticising the government








    Giving details of some major communications sectors projects, he said that for 230 km Lahore-Abdul Hakim section of the Motorway Rs48 billion have been allocated in the coming budget while for Multan-Sukker Motorway Rs35 billion have been earmarked.
    Dar said that for Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway Rs2.5 billion have been set aside which is being built on BOT basis while Karachi-Hyderabad motorway, also a BOT basis has been partially opened for traffic.
    The finance minister said that Rs38 billion have been earmarked for Hakla-D I Khan Motorway whereas for Faisalabad-Khanewal Motorway Rs10 billion have been allocated.
    For Burhan-Havelian Expressway Rs3 billion and for Thakot-Havelian section Rs26 billion have been allocated.
    He said that for D I Khan-Mughalkot-Zhob Highway Rs2.7 billion have been earmarked while for Hoshab-Surab highway and Gwadar-Hoshab section Rs2.5 billion have been allocated.


  6. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting led by Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman for the sighting of the Ramazan moon is underway in Islamabad.

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts that there are very little chances of the moon being sighted today, while adding it could be sighted in the coastal belt of Balochistan.
    The final decision in this regard will be given by Mufti Rehman after collecting statements from all zonal moon-sighting committees across the country. 
    Saudi Arabia, along with other gulf states, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Singapore and several other countries will be observing the first day of Ramazan from Saturday as the moon was not sighted there on Thursday night. 


  7. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting led by Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman for sighting of the Ramazan moon is under way in Islamabad.

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts that there are very little chances of the moon being sighted today, while adding it could be sighted in the coastal belt of Balochistan.
    The final decision in this regard will be given by Mufti Rehman after collecting statements from all zonal moon-sighting committees across the country. 
    Saudi Arabia, along with other gulf states, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Singapore and several other countries will be observing the first day of Ramazan from Saturday as the moon was not sighted there on Thursday night. 


  8. Waqas Dar
    LAHORE: Provincial ministers and lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly have termed federal budget 2017-18 balanced and farmer-friendly.

    In their separate statements, they applauded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on presenting a balanced budget in difficult circumstances.
    Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said, "Pakistan Muslim League-N government has won hearts of farmers by giving them unprecedented relief and incentives in the budget 2017-18.
    "The concessions in power tariff, rates of fertilizers and other agriculture inputs will provide relief to the farming community and the agri production will increase," he added.
    PML-N govt presents fifth budget with Rs4.75 trillion outlay
    Finance minister began speech after opposition leader's remarks criticising the government
    Budget 2017-18: Govt employees, pensioners get 10% increase
    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also announced 10% increase in the pension of retired employees, adding that ad-hoc allowance will also be given on basic salary of government employees








    Provincial Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment Sheikh Alauddin said that presentation of a public-friendly budget was an achievement of the PML-N government.
    Minister for Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sindhu said the new budget would benefit all segments of society, adding that the government had fulfilled its promise of provision of relief to masses.
    Punjab Government spokesman Malik Ahmed Ali said that the federal budget was people-friendly and aimed at national development.
    Attention had been paid to development of infrastructure, energy and human resource, he added.
    Provincial Parliamentary Secretary for Information, Tourism and Culture Rana Muhammad Arshad said that the budget would open new avenues of development.
    He said that interests of deprived segments of society had been safeguarded in the budget.
    MPAs Muhammad Rafiq, Yasin Sohail, Majid Zahoor, Hina Pervaiz Butt, Uzma Bukhari, and others termed the budget 2017-18 balanced and people-friendly.


  9. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday while unveiling the Federal Budget 2017-18 announced a 10% increase in the salaries of government employees.

    Dar further announced 10% increase in the pension of retired employees, adding that ad-hoc allowance will also be given on basic salary of government employees.
    The finance minister said the budget recommends an increase in allowances for Pakistan Navy while it also recommended to add fixed allowance of Rs8000 for FC personnel.
    Dar said that first part of the allowance had already been disbursed in March, while the second part would be given on July 1, 2017 and the third part would be paid on July 1, 2018
    The finance minister added that minimum wage for unskilled workers has been raised from Rs14,000 to Rs15,000.
    He said that Rs125 billion would be spent for the aforementioned initiatives while last year additional Rs67 billion were spent on allowances and salaries.
    According to budget documents received by Geo News, the government aims to achieve an investment to GDP ratio of 17 percent, and an inflation rate of less than six percent.
    It is also hoping to keep the fiscal deficit at under 4.1% of GDP, according to the budget documents.
    The minister said that Rs121 billion will be allocated for the Benazir Income Support Programme, which is three times its allocation in the 2013 budget.
    The minister said an investment of Rs97 billion is being undertaken in the Pakistan Stock Exchange.


  10. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for fiscal year 2017-18 has a total outlay of Rs2,113 billion, including federal and provincial allocations.

    The size of the PSDP shows an increase of 26% compared to the budget estimates of 2016-17 and 37.3% to the revised estimates of the same period.
    The documents reveal that of the total PSDP allocation, Rs1,001 billion has been earmarked for federal development projects ? which is 25.1% more than the budget estimates of the outgoing fiscal year ?and Rs1,112 for provinces' development.
    Judging from the allocations made in the document, obtained exclusively by Geo News, it can be deduced fairly that the government's first priority is development of infrastructure and then energy production. A total of Rs404 billion have been earmarked for energy-related projects and Rs411 billion for the communication sector.
    The share of federal ministries/divisions in the upcoming fiscal year is set as Rs377.9 billion, indicating an increase of 34% compared to last year.
    The corporations' PSDP has been placed at Rs380.6 billion ? an increase of 19.7% over last fiscal year?s budget estimates.
    An amount of Rs1,401 billion will be utilised for debt servicing.
    Moreover, Rs230 billion have been set aside as total subsidy, of which Rs130 billion will be utilised as electricity subsidy.
    A total amount of Rs162 billion will be received in the form of foreign assistance for all the development projects.
    Breaking down the allocations, the ongoing schemes of the National Highway Authority will receive Rs305 billion while Rs14.7 billion has been allocated for new development schemes.
    Moreover, it was revealed that the PM?s Youth Programme will be given Rs20 billion, gas infrastructure development Rs25 billion, clean drinking water schemes Rs12.5 billion and infrastructure development Rs67 billion.
    The Pakistan Railways will receive Rs33.54 billion for its ongoing schemes and Rs9.36 billion for new schemes.
    Moreover, Rs16 billion will be allocated to the National Disaster Management Authority.
    According to the PSDP, Rs1 billion have been allocated for the New Gwadar International Airport, of which Rs900 million will come from foreign assistance. The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Jan 12, 2015 at a total cost of Rs22.247 billion. Up till June 30 this year, the funds utilised for the project are stated to be Rs1.023 billion.
    An amount of Rs30 billion has been allocated in the budget for the Prime Minister's Global Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme, which is 50% higher than last year's budget estimates.
    Another Rs40 billion have been provided for the Special Federal Development Programme, showing an increase of 42.9%.
    An amount of Rs12.5 billion has been budgeted for the Clean Drinking Water for All scheme under the PSDP.
    The Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA) has been allocated Rs7.5 billion while Rs5 billion have been reserved as a special provision for completion of CPEC projects.
    Moreover, an amount of Rs45 billion has been allocated for the relief and rehabilitation of IDPs.


  11. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for fiscal year 2017-18 has a total outlay of Rs2,113 billion, including federal and provincial allocations.

    The size of the PSDP shows an increase of 26% compared to the budget estimates of 2016-17 and 37.3% to the revised estimates of the same period.
    The documents reveal that of the total PSDP allocation, Rs1,001 billion has been earmarked for federal development projects ? which is 25.1% more than the budget estimates of the outgoing fiscal year ?and Rs1,112 for provinces' development.
    Judging from the allocations made in the document, obtained exclusively by Geo News, it can be deduced fairly that the government's first priority is development of infrastructure and then energy production. A total of Rs404 billion have been earmarked for energy-related projects and Rs411 billion for the communication sector.
    The share of federal ministries/divisions in the upcoming fiscal year is set as Rs377.9 billion, indicating an increase of 34% compared to last year.
    The corporations' PSDP has been placed at Rs380.6 billion ? an increase of 19.7% over last fiscal year?s budget estimates.
    An amount of Rs1,401 billion will be utilised for debt servicing.
    Moreover, Rs230 billion have been set aside as total subsidy, of which Rs130 billion will be utilised as electricity subsidy.
    A total amount of Rs162 billion will be received in the form of foreign assistance for all the development projects.
    Breaking down the allocations, the ongoing schemes of the National Highway Authority will receive Rs305 billion while Rs14.7 billion has been allocated for new development schemes.
    Moreover, it was revealed that the PM?s Youth Programme will be given Rs20 billion, gas infrastructure development Rs25 billion, clean drinking water schemes Rs12.5 billion and infrastructure development Rs67 billion.
    The Pakistan Railways will receive Rs33.54 billion for its ongoing schemes and Rs9.36 billion for new schemes.
    Moreover, Rs16 billion will be allocated to the National Disaster Management Authority.
    According to the PSDP, Rs1 billion have been allocated for the New Gwadar International Airport, of which Rs900 million will come from foreign assistance. The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Jan 12, 2015 at a total cost of Rs22.247 billion. Up till June 30 this year, the funds utilised for the project are stated to be Rs1.023 billion.
    An amount of Rs30 billion has been allocated in the budget for the Prime Minister's Global Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme, which is 50% higher than last year's budget estimates.
    Another Rs40 billion have been provided for the Special Federal Development Programme, showing an increase of 42.9%.
    An amount of Rs12.5 billion has been budgeted for the Clean Drinking Water for All scheme under the PSDP.
    The Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA) has been allocated Rs7.5 billion while Rs5 billion have been reserved as a special provision for completion of CPEC projects.
    Moreover, an amount of Rs45 billion has been allocated for the relief and rehabilitation of IDPs.


  12. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar began presenting the fifth federal budget of the ruling party on Friday. 
    "For the first time in Pakistan's history, an elected prime minister and finance minister are presenting their fifth budget. This shows the strengthening of democracy in the country," the minister remarked.
    Pakistan was on the verge of defaulting in 2013 and the economy was declared unstable on the basis of macroeconomic indicators, recalled Dar.
    "Today, the country's foreign exchange reserves are adequate enough for four months of imports. The supply of gas has improved, and load shedding has been completely halted for the industries. Inshallah, load shedding will end for good come next year," he added.
    "Today, reputable organisations like PricewaterhouseCoopers are saying that Pakistan will enter the G-20 group of nations in the near future," claimed Dar.
    The GDP growth rate was was 5.3% in the last fiscal year ? highest in ten years, he stated, adding that it is for the first time that Pakistan's economy has grown to over $300 billion. "This shows the strengthening of the economy," said Dar.

    The industrial sector grew by 5.02%, the services sector grew by 5.98%, which includes transport, housing, etc. while the per capita income increased by 22%.
    The minister set the tax collection target for the upcoming fiscal year at Rs3,521 billion, while the tax to GDP ratio is expected to be 13.2%.
    The long-term loan facility for the overall industries sector is at 6%, while for the textile sector it is 5%, in a bit to help the industry, the minister informed.
    The foreign exchange reserves stand today at $16 billion, which come up to $21 billion after adding the bank reserves, he stated. 
    According to budget documents received by Geo News, the government aims to achieve an investment to GDP ratio of 17 percent, and an inflation rate of less than six percent.
    It is also hoping to keep the fiscal deficit at under 4.1% of GDP, according to the budget documents.
    The minimum wage for unskilled workers will be raised from Rs14,000 to Rs15,000. 

    The minister said that Rs121 billion will be allocated for the Benazir Income Support Programme, which is three times its allocation in the 2013 budget. 
    The minister said an investment of Rs97 billion is being undertaken in the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
    He also said that women will be given representation in listed companies as well as representation in boards of governors.
    The government is aiming to achieve a tax revenue target of Rs4,330 billion, with Rs4,013 billion in taxes collected by the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), and Rs317 billion in other taxes. The non-tax revenue is targeted at Rs979.9 billion.

    On the expenses side, the government allocated Rs3,477 billion for ?current expenditure?, and Rs1,275 billion for development expenditure.
    The budgeted current expenditure includes Rs1,363 billion in interest payments, Rs248 billion in pensions, Rs920 billion for defence affairs and services, Rs430 billion for grants and transfers, Rs138 billion in subsidies, and Rs378.8 billion for the running of the government.
    Talking about the exports sector, which has showed a negative growth, the minister revealed that the customs duty on the export of raw hides has been suspended. He announced similar measures for stamping foil.
    The minister also informed the House that the present housing shortage in the country is one million, and increasing annually by 0.3 million units. He thus announced a 40% government guarantee on loans up to Rs10,000 from banks and other financial institutions for housing purposes.
    The sales tax on the commercial import of fabric will be set at 6%. 
    The minister also announced the setting up of an Information Technology Park in Islamabad in collaboration with South Korea. 
    Majority of population is under 20 years of age, thus our focus is on them, said the minister.
    An allocation of Rs49 billion has been made for the health sector. 
    Highlighting the energy sector reforms, Dar said 10,000MW will be added to the national grid by 2018. "Load shedding will be history," he claimed.
    The minister added that 15000MW will be added to the grid in later years. 
    An amount of Rs180 billion has been earmarked for CPEC-related development projects in the country. 
    The Karachi Operation which began on the premier's orders in 2013 has borne fruit, said the minister, adding that the nation is proud of the army for defeating the enemy after the government launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014. "No army has sacrificed against terrorism as much as the Pakistan Army has," he stated.
    In recognition of these sacrifices, a special raise of 10% allowance apart from salaries will be provided for them, he declared. The minister also announced a special welfare package for the families of martyrs from the armed forces, police and other security agencies. 
    Moreover, an increase of 10% in the salaries of government employees and as much increase in pension of retired employees has been announced. 
    The minister also declared a decrease in the withholding tax for registration of vehicles for filers of tax returns. Registrations of 850cc vehicles will now cost Rs7,500, 1,000cc vehicles will now cost Rs15,000 and that of 1,300cc will cost Rs25,000. There has obviously been no decrease for non-filers, the minister commented. 

    Talking about the corporate tax, Dar said it has been brought down from 35% to 30% as promised by the government. 

    The minister also presented the proposal to raise the customs duty on electronic cigarettes from 3% to 20%.
    A raise in the regulatory duty on betel nut from 10% to 25% has been proposed along with a Rs200/kilogramme regulatory duty on the import of paan.
    The minister also presented a recommendation to end the 5% regulatory duty on the import of raw materials related to the poultry industry. He also informed of a reduction in customs duty in the poultry business from 11% to 3%. 
    Special persons will get a 2% job quota in listed companies as per the newly passed companies act, the minister announced. 
    The minister also proposed a uniform regulatory tax of 9% on the telecommunications sector and announced relief package on duty for electric cars.

    The budget of the Pakistan Baitul Maal is to be raised from Rs4 billion to Rs6 billion. 
    The government is also set to launch a scheme for the payment of HBFC loans for widows. The scheme is valid for widows who have not remarried.
    Session begins with ruckus 
    The assembly session formally started with prayers at the Parliament House around 4:45pm for the presentation of the federal budget.
    The National Assembly was already in session from May 23. 
    Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah addressing the Parliament before the budget speech After being allowed to address the House by the speaker, Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah referred to the incident in the capital?s Red Zone earlier in the day when farmers from various areas of Punjab gathered to protest the ?unfair? policies of the budget.
    Shah said that he was speaking on behalf of all opposition members and claimed that they intend to walk out in protest of the treatment meted out to the farmers.
    The opposition leader said that the farmers were only asking for their rights and should not have been shelled or baton-charged by the police.
    ?This is injustice to the most important class of the society, they fill our food basket,? he said.
    Shah further said that several ruling party members with a background in agriculture also do not agree with the government?s policies on agriculture but they are bound not to speak.
    ?What?s the difference between a democratic government and a dictatorship?? said Shah, adding that it is the tactic of authoritarian regimes to suppress voices demanding their rights.
    Economic survey

    Presenting the Economic Survey 2016-17 on Thursday, the finance minister had forecast a growth rate of 6% for the next fiscal year.
    According to government sources, the PML-N's fifth budget is expected to lend further focus towards improvement in economic growth, maintaining fiscal discipline, reducing on-development expenditures and boosting exports besides providing relief to the masses, promoting investment for job creation, treading the people's friendly policies for overarching socio-economic prosperity.
    The key focus in the budget would be on infrastructure and human resource development while the government is likely to enhance allocations for the social safety net for providing maximum relief to the vulnerable segment of the society, sources said.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presenting the PML-N government's first budget in 2013. Photo: File/AFP
    It would also focus on social sector development and revenue enhancement measures, besides introducing reforms for improving governance and boosting private sector investment.

    On the revenue side, the government would introduce measures for bringing improvement in the system of tax collection, broadening the tax base, and facilitation to taxpayers, they said and argued that strong revenue generation will play a crucial role in achieving the targets for economic growth.
    From the growth perspective, the federal budget would focus on generating 6% gross domestic product growth (GDP), and for this purpose, the government would introduce some fiscal measures and policy initiatives.
    The National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on May 19, had already approved the GDP growth target at 6% for the financial year 2017-18 while the government achieved a GDP growth rate of 5.3% in the outgoing fiscal year.
    The NEC also approved country's consolidated development budget of Rs2.5 trillion for the upcoming financial year (2017-18), showing the highest-ever increase in the overall national outlay.
    This included Rs1,001 billion Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs1,112 billion provincial PSDP while Rs400 billion would be spent by various corporations from their own resources to carry out their development projects.
    The development financing for Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming PSDP has been enhanced from Rs12 billion to Rs22 billion, for Gilgit-Baltistan it has been increased from Rs9 billion to Rs12 billion, while an additional package of Rs3 billion for GB, hence taking the total funding to Rs15 billion for the region.
    Development funding for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas has also been increased from Rs21 billion to Rs24.5 billion.
    The social sector was given importance in the development budget, financing for which has been increased from Rs90 billion to Rs153 billion.
    In order to promote higher education and lead the country towards development, the budget for the Higher Education Commission(HEC) has been increased from Rs21 billion in 2016-17 to Rs35.5 billion in 2017-18. The government would announce growth targets for the upcoming fiscal year.
    According to official sources, the agriculture growth target would be fixed at 3.5%, manufacturing at 6.4%, services sector at 6.4%, while inflation would be curtailed at 6%.
    The investments are expected to go up from the current 15.8% to 17.2% percent, while exports are projected to reach $23.1 billion. 
    During the outgoing fiscal year, the agriculture sector posted a growth of 3.46%, large scale manufacturing grew by 5.06% compared to 4.64% last year, while the headline inflation consumer price index averaged at 4.1% during July-April 2017 against a target of 6%, showing that inflation will remain below the target.


  13. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The incumbent government is presenting its last budget today, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday.
    While speaking to the media before the budget session started in the National Assembly, Shah Mehmood said the government would try all the methods to give false hopes to the public.
    He condemned the D-Chowk incident that took place earlier in the day, saying farmers are the backbone of the country.
    Moreover, he vowed to get the arrested farmers out on bail.
    The PTI leader was referring to the incident that took place in the federal capital earlier in the day, when farmers were fired tear gas at and baton-charged for protesting in the Red Zone. 
    The farmers had gathered to press the government to provide their due rights.  


  14. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar began presenting the fifth federal budget of the ruling party on Friday. 
    "For the first time in Pakistan's history, an elected prime minister and finance minister are presenting their fifth budget. This shows the strengthening of democracy in the country," said the minister.

    The minister got the opportunity to present the budget after the speaker allowed Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah to address the House. 
    Pakistan was on the verge of defaulting in 2013 and the economy was declared unstable on the basis of macroeconomic indicators, the minister recalled.
    "Today, the country's foreign exchange reserves are adequate enough for four months of imports. The supply of gas has improved, and load shedding has been completely halted for the industries. Inshallah, load shedding will end for good come next year," he added.
    "Today, reputable organisations like Pricewaterhouse Coopers are saying that Pakistan will enter the G-20 group of nations in the near future," claimed Dar.
    The GDP growth rate was was 5.3% in the last fiscal year ? highest in ten years, he stated, adding that it is for the first time that Pakistan's economy has grown to over $300 billion. "This shows the strengthening of the economy," said Dar.

    The assembly session formally started with prayers at the Parliament House around 4:45pm for the presentation of the federal budget.

    Presenting the Economic Survey 2016-17 on Thursday, the finance minister had forecast a growth rate of 6% for the next fiscal year.
    According to government sources, the PML-N's fifth budget is expected to lend further focus towards improvement in economic growth, maintaining fiscal discipline, reducing on-development expenditures and boosting exports besides providing relief to the masses, promoting investment for job creation, treading the people's friendly policies for overarching socio-economic prosperity.
    The key focus in the budget would be on infrastructure and human resource development while the government is likely to enhance allocations for the social safety net for providing maximum relief to the vulnerable segment of the society, sources said.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presenting the PML-N government's first budget in 2013. Photo: File/AFP
    It would also focus on social sector development and revenue enhancement measures, besides introducing reforms for improving governance and boosting private sector investment.

    On the revenue side, the government would introduce measures for bringing improvement in the system of tax collection, broadening the tax base, and facilitation to taxpayers, they said and argued that strong revenue generation will play a crucial role in achieving the targets for economic growth.
    From the growth perspective, the federal budget would focus on generating 6% gross domestic product growth (GDP), and for this purpose, the government would introduce some fiscal measures and policy initiatives.
    The National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on May 19, had already approved the GDP growth target at 6% for the financial year 2017-18 while the government achieved a GDP growth rate of 5.3% in the outgoing fiscal year.
    The NEC also approved country's consolidated development budget of Rs2.5 trillion for the upcoming financial year (2017-18), showing the highest-ever increase in the overall national outlay.
    This included Rs1,001 billion Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs1,112 billion provincial PSDP while Rs400 billion would be spent by various corporations from their own resources to carry out their development projects.
    The development financing for Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming PSDP has been enhanced from Rs12 billion to Rs22 billion, for Gilgit-Baltistan it has been increased from Rs9 billion to Rs12 billion, while an additional package of Rs3 billion for GB, hence taking the total funding to Rs15 billion for the region.
    Development funding for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas has also been increased from Rs21 billion to Rs24.5 billion.
    The social sector was given importance in the development budget, financing for which has been increased from Rs90 billion to Rs153 billion.
    In order to promote higher education and lead the country towards development, the budget for the Higher Education Commission(HEC) has been increased from Rs21 billion in 2016-17 to Rs35.5 billion in 2017-18. The government would announce growth targets for the upcoming fiscal year.
    According to official sources, the agriculture growth target would be fixed at 3.5%, manufacturing at 6.4%, services sector at 6.4%, while inflation would be curtailed at 6%.
    The investments are expected to go up from the current 15.8% to 17.2% percent, while exports are projected to reach $23.1 billion. 
    During the outgoing fiscal year, the agriculture sector posted a growth of 3.46%, large scale manufacturing grew by 5.06% compared to 4.64% last year, while the headline inflation consumer price index averaged at 4.1% during July-April 2017 against a target of 6%, showing that inflation will remain below the target.


  15. Waqas Dar
    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presenting the present government's first budget in 2013. Photo: File/AFP ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar will present the fifth federal budget of the ruling party with an estimated outlay of Rs4.8 trillion for the fiscal year 2017-18 today.
    This is the first time that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government will present a budget for the fifth time. 
    The National Assembly, already in session since May 23, will meet today at the Parliament House at 4pm after daybreak for the presentation of the federal budget.

    [embed_video1 url=http://stream.jeem.tv/vod/417c38e8b41cb579891e434759163fbf.mp4/playlist.m3u8?wmsAuthSign=c2VydmVyX3RpbWU9NS8yNi8yMDE3IDc6MTY6NDUgQU0maGFzaF92YWx1ZT16SFJ2OWk2dXlFSU5ZOVVrMmc0dDZnPT0mdmFsaWRtaW51dGVzPTYwJmlkPTE= style=center]
    The budget will lend further focus towards improvement in economic growth, maintaining fiscal discipline, reducing on-development expenditures and boosting exports besides providing relief to the masses, promoting investment for job creation, treading the people's friendly policies for overarching socio-economic prosperity.

    The key focus in the budget would be on infrastructure and human resource development while the government is likely to enhance allocations for the social safety net for providing maximum relief to the vulnerable segment of the society, sources said.
    It would also focus on social sector development and revenue enhancement measures, besides introducing reforms for improving governance and boosting private sector investment.
    On the revenue side, the government would introduce measures for bringing improvement in the system of tax collection, broadening the tax base, and facilitation to taxpayers, they said and argued that strong revenue generation will play a crucial role in achieving the targets for economic growth.
    From the growth perspective, the federal budget would focus on generating 6% gross domestic product growth (GDP), and for this purpose, the government would introduce some fiscal measures and policy initiatives.
    The National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on May 19, had already approved the GDP growth target at 6% for the financial year 2017-18 while the government achieved a GDP growth rate of 5.3% in the outgoing fiscal year.
    The NEC also approved country's consolidated development budget of Rs2.5 trillion for the upcoming financial year (2017-18), showing the highest-ever increase in the overall national outlay.
    This included Rs1,001 billion Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs1,112 billion provincial PSDP while Rs400 billion would be spent by various corporations from their own resources to carry out their development projects.
    The development financing for Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming PSDP has been enhanced from Rs12 billion to Rs22 billion, for Gilgit-Baltistan it has been increased from Rs9 billion to Rs12 billion, while an additional package of Rs3 billion for GB, hence taking the total funding to Rs15 billion for the region.
    Development funding for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas has also been increased from Rs21 billion to Rs24.5 billion.
    The social sector was given importance in the development budget, financing for which has been increased from Rs90 billion to Rs153 billion.
    In order to promote higher education and lead the country towards development, the budget for the Higher Education Commission(HEC) has been increased from Rs21 billion in 2016-17 to Rs35.5 billion in 2017-18. The government would announce growth targets for the upcoming fiscal year.
    According to official sources, the agriculture growth target would be fixed at 3.5%, manufacturing at 6.4%, services sector at 6.4%, while inflation would be curtailed at 6%.
    The investments are expected to go up from the current 15.8% to 17.2% percent, while exports are projected to reach $23.1 billion. 
    During the outgoing fiscal year, the agriculture sector posted a growth of 3.46%, large scale manufacturing grew by 5.06% compared to 4.64% last year, while the headline inflation consumer price index averaged at 4.1% during July-April 2017 against a target of 6%, showing that inflation will remain below the target.


  16. Waqas Dar
    KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday reserved its verdict over former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain?s plea of removing his name from the Exit Control List (ECL).
    The Pakistan Peoples Party Karachi Division president and close aide of former president Asif Ali Zardari ? currently out on bail in several cases of corruption and terrorism ? claims he needs urgent surgery abroad.
    Dr Asim Hussain files petition to remove name from ECL
    Dr Hussain needs to travel abroad for a surgery, lawyer tells SHC
    At the last hearing, the federal government had opposed the removal of Dr Asim?s name from the no-fly list, informing the two-judge SHC bench ? headed by Justice Junaid Ghaffar ? that the accused has been put on the ECL on the order of the court as well as on recommendations of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
    The accused faces trial in two cases of alleged corruption of over Rs450 billion and another of allegedly facilitating and treating terrorists at his medical facility ? Dr Ziauddin Hospital.
    The NAB prosecutor had informed the bench at the last hearing that Dr Asim had been granted bail in the corruption cases on medical grounds, following which the court had directed him to deposit his passports and also directed the Interior Ministry to place his name on the ECL.
    Dr Asim Hussain released from prison after 19 months
    Former petroleum advisor secured bail after furnishing passports and surety bonds worth Rs 5,000,000
    Dr Asim was released from the sub-jail at Jinnah hospital in Karachi on March 31 this year after obtaining bail in all the cases lodged against him. He was arrested by the Rangers in August 2015 and then transferred into police custody.
    Power of attorney plea rejected
    The SHC bench also rejected Dr Asim?s plea to transfer his power of attorney to his son, who resides in Dubai.
    On May 1, the SHC had reserved its verdict on the petition.
    In the earlier hearings, the judges had questioned why the petitioner wanted to transfer the power of attorney to his son as he was out of jail on bail and could look after the properties himself.
    Dr Asim?s lawyer had informed the court that while the petitioner was released on bail, he could not travel to Dubai to look after his business. He added that his client wanted his son, Amad Hussain, to look after the family businesses and properties. All the requisite documents were provided to the foreign affairs ministry for verification of the power of attorney but the officials refused, the counsel had said, pleading the court to direct the foreign ministry to do so. 
    Dr Asim files FIR, fears his life's under threat
    He said a few suspicious looking cars followed him in Karachi
    The bench was informed that delays in transferring the power of attorney to Dr Asim?s son are causing financial losses to the petitioner.

    The federal government had opposed the move, alleging that the petitioner wants to transfer power of attorney to his son so he can sell the controversial properties and businesses as their source of funding is not legal. 


  17. Waqas Dar
    A man walks along a road as storm clouds gather above him in Colombo. PHOTO: REUTERS Floods and landslides in Sri Lanka have killed at least 25 people while dozens are missing after torrential rain, officials said on Friday, as soldiers fanned out in boats and in helicopters to help with rescue operations.
    The early rainy season downpours have forced hundreds of people from their homes across the Indian Ocean island.
    "There are at least five landslides reported in several places in Kaluthara," said police spokesman Priyantha Jayakody, referring to the worst-hit district on the island's west coast.
    "Rescue operations are still taking place."
    The disaster management center said 25 people had been killed and 42 were missing.
    Military Spokesman Roshan Senevirathne said about 400 military personnel had been deployed with boats and helicopters to help the police and civilian agencies.
    The wettest time of the year in Sri Lanka is usually during the southern monsoon, from May to September.


  18. Waqas Dar
    DOHA: The alleged hack on Qatar´s state news agency may have lasted just four hours, but the impact on already tense ties between Gulf rivals could last a lot longer.
    Doha launched an inquiry and went into damage control after accusing hackers of publishing false remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on state media.
    The stories quoted him questioning US hostility towards Iran, speaking of "tensions" between Doha and Washington, commenting on Hamas and speculating that President Donald Trump might not remain in power for long.
    The remarks were supposedly made at a military graduation ceremony.
    Doha denied all the comments and said it was the victim of a "shameful cybercrime".
    Analysts say the incident was far more than a security breach and appears once again to have set Qatar against rival Gulf powers.
    Some fear it could even trigger a repeat of the situation in 2014, when several Gulf countries recalled their ambassadors from Doha, ostensibly over its support for the Muslim Brotherhood.
    They also clashed over political influence across the region, where Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have used their vast energy revenues to shape the new political environment amid the upheaval caused by the Arab Spring.
    "Much will depend on whether the issue continues to escalate or is quietly dropped," Rice University´s Kristian Ulrichsen told AFP.
    "The apparent blocking of Al Jazeera´s website and Qatar TV in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is an indication that deeper tensions may indeed be at play," he said.
    "It may be the case that the Saudis and Emiratis feel emboldened by the success of their re-set of ties with the Trump presidency to become more assertive in regional affairs."
    Qatar has said it will publish the findings of its investigation into the alleged hacking. But whatever the truth, the incident may point to unresolved fault lines between the Gulf states following events in 2014.
    Qatar on ´wrong side´
    Durham University´s Dr Christopher Davidson said the incident reflected a "serious fracture between the two different camps in the Gulf".
    "The divisions remain very deep about the vision for the region," he said.
    And there may now be an extra layer to the divisions: Donald Trump.
    On his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Gulf leaders, Trump laid out the foundations of the new American administration´s vision for the Middle East.
    Trump emphasised US hopes, shared by Saudi Arabia and Israel, to push back against Iranian "aggression" while targeting militant groups to defeat terrorism.
    Such a vision could push Qatar, which provides a home to the exiled former leadership of Hamas, hosts a Taliban embassy in Doha and is regularly slammed for its support of the Muslim Brotherhood, to the margins.
    Doha´s rivals "are trying to portray Qatar on the wrong side of the Trump-endorsed, Saudi-led alliance in the region," added Davidson.
    It is "Saudi Arabia, Israel rapprochement versus Hamas," adds Davidson.
    Beyond the gilded corridors of power, this week´s dispute has played out on social media.
    Supporters of both sides took to Twitter, with Qataris using hashtags such as #Tamimtheglory and comparing those responsible for the alleged hack to Nazi propagandists.
    Even the country´s biggest football star, Spain-based Akrim Afif, posted a picture of the Emir to show his support.
    On Thursday, Qatar´s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani tried to downplay the political ramifications.
    "We are not looking at it as a big deal," he said.
    But Trump´s outreach to Qatar´s regional rivals may yet cause a headache for Doha.
    "It appears that Saudi Arabia and the UAE will enjoy special security privileges under the Trump administration and will function as the regional spearhead of US policy priorities," Ulrichsen said.


  19. Waqas Dar
    Home Minister Suhail Anwar Siyal (R) had remarked that Sindh was in a better condition before AD Khawaja (L) took charge as IGP. Photo: file  KARACHI: A notice was served to Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwar Siyal for violating court orders by attempting to make the incumbent inspector general of police, A D Khawaja, non-functional.
    According to the lawyer, Advocate Faisal Siddiqi, the Sindh High Court had ordered the provincial government to neither remove Khawaja from the post of IGP nor to appoint Sardar Abdul Majeed in his place, until further court orders were received.
    However, the notice read, by sidelining Khawaja from the meeting of police officials on May 25, Siyal tried to nullify the court orders.
    Therefore, Siyal was told that if he continued with his "contemptuous action" legal proceedings would be instituted against him.
    'Law and order of Sindh was better before incumbent IGP took charge'
    Sindh IG was missing in top officials' huddle at home ministry
    Siddiqi was representing rights activist, Karamat Ali, who had taken to the court against the removal of Khawaja.
    In his meeting with police officials on May 25, Siyal said the law and order situation of Sindh was better before Khawaja had taken charge.


  21. Waqas Dar
    Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg accepts an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Marc Goodheart, Secretary of the Board of Overseers, during the 366th Commencement Exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US. Photo:REUTERS WASHINGTON: Thirteen years after dropping out of Harvard University to work on Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday finally got his degree -- well, sort of.
    Zuckerberg returned to the university where he launched what would become the world´s biggest social network, and basked in the spotlight by receiving an honorary doctor of laws degree and addressing the 2017 commencement.
    His speech capped a nostalgic visit for the 33-year-old billionaire, which included a visit to his old dorm room.
    "Mom, I always told you I´d come back and get my degree," read the caption of a picture he posted of him posing with his honorary diploma and his parents.


    Facebook -- now one of the biggest tech firms, with nearly two billion members worldwide -- grew out of a website he created on campus.

    He left Harvard in May 2004, according to his Facebook profile.
    In his address, which he said he´d been working on "for a long time," Zuckerberg urged graduates of his alma mater to "build great things."
    He highlighted themes of equality, inclusiveness and opportunity, while urging students to be unafraid to take chances.
    "I´m here to tell you that finding your purpose isn´t enough," he told the rain-soaked crowd in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
    "Our challenge is to create a world where everyone has a sense of purpose."
    Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg acknowledges a cheer from the crowd before receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, as fellow honorary degree recipient actor James Earl Jones (L) looks on, during the 366th Commencement Exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US. Photo: REUTERS Zuckerberg said he is from the same generation as the new graduates, and that the so-called Millennials will be facing a challenge of inequality, disillusionment and a loss of jobs to automation.
    "It´s our generation´s turn to build great things," he said.
    "Let´s do big things .. not just to create progress but to create purpose."
    ´New social contract´
    Zuckerberg said opportunity is hindered by "a level of wealth inequality that hurts everyone" and that this is one of the social problems that need to be addressed.
    "Right now our society is way overindexed on rewarding people who are successful," he said.
    Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg greets graduating students before receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the 366th Commencement Exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US. Photo: REUTERS "There is something wrong with our system when I can leave here and make billions of dollars in 10 years while millions of students can´t even afford to pay off their loans, let alone start a business."
    Zuckerberg said this generation needs to find creative solutions to social problems.
    "We should explore ideas like universal basic income to make sure everyone has a cushion to try new ideas," he said.
    "Now it´s time for our generation to define a new social contract. We should have a society that measures progress not just by economic metrics like GDP but by how many of us have a role we find meaningful."


  22. Waqas Dar
    Bollywood director Karan Johar has recently turned 45 and the party was a due of course!
    A smashing party was attended by the celebs of tinsel town where glamorous divas including Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon and Aditi Rao Hydari added glam to the birthday party along with many other stars.
    With a guest list of about 128 people, the party was definitely something.
    Check out those celebs who attended KJo's birthday bash.














  23. Waqas Dar
    Yet another group of victims of an online fraud degree racket controlled by Axact has come to the fore.
    Axact, which is already at the centre of an international diploma mill scandal, has been targeting students in Bahrain, local publication DT News has revealed.
    When DT News contacted Axact in the guise of a student, a representative from one of the fictitious universities belonging to Axact claimed that 1,500 students from Bahrain have enrolled in their educational programmes. 20,000 students have enrolled from the Arab region, the publication was told.
    Axact, which describes itself as the world?s leading IT company, has over 145 websites for fictitious universities, DT News said in its report. Some of these include Ashbery University, Belltown University, Camp Lake University and Brooksville University. The universities offer various programmes including diplomas, Bachelor?s and Master?s degrees.
    A victim named Thomas told the publication that he paid BD1000 for a business diploma course before realising that the university was fake. ?I completed the course from their Brooksville University a few years ago and they provided me with course completion documents, but recently I started receiving calls from them asking for more money claiming that a few more documents were to be sent to me.?
    The student said that the calls were made from a Bahraini number, which probably used a masked caller ID.
    ?I did not realise this until they made an error in a recent call saying that a representative from the Bahrain Foreign Affairs Ministry would contact me.?
    ?The same person from the University called me again using the Ministry?s number, that is when I doubted that they are using a caller ID spoofing software,? he told the newspaper.
    Arrest in US sting operation confirms ties to Axact, Shoaib Sheikh
    Details of the sting operation that led to the arrest of Umair Hamid and confirmed his ties to Axact and its owner Shoaib Sheikh
    Axact allegedly promoted and claimed to have an affiliation with approximately 350 fictitious high schools and universities, which Axact advertised online to consumers as genuine schools. During certain time periods since 2014, Axact received approximately 5,000 phone calls per day from individuals seeking to purchase Axact products or enroll in educational institutions supposedly affiliated with Axact.
    Axact, through its vice president Umair Hamid and his co-conspirators, falsely ?accredited? purported colleges and other educational institutions by arranging to have diplomas from these phony educational institutions affixed with fake stamps supposedly bearing the seal and signature of the US Secretary of State, as well as various state agencies and federal and state officials.
    After pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Hamid faces between 63 and 78 months in US prison, along with a fine of more than $11 million. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 21, 2017.


  24. Waqas Dar
    Italian designer Laura Biagiotti (R) at the end of her show during the Autumn/Winter 2008 women´s collections in Milan on February 22, 2007. Photo: AFP/file  Laura Biagiotti, who helped transform her mother's business from a small tailoring shop in Rome to an internationally recognised ready-to-wear fashion brand, died on Friday aged 73, her family and company said.
    Biagiotti died in hospital in the Italian capital where she had been in intensive care after a heart attack this week.
    Born in 1943 at the height of World War Two, she studied literature and had wanted to become an archaeologist.
    Instead, she decided to help her mother, whose small atelier had won a contract in 1964 for the flight attendant uniforms of flagcarrier Alitalia and soon after was commissioned to produce a collection for the U.S. market by Seventh Avenue group.
    Biagiotti designed clothes for stars including Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis while working with stylist Emilio Federico Schuberth in the heady fashion years of the 1960s. She first presented her own ready-to-wear line in 1972 in Florence.
    The business later opened its headquarters near Rome's Spanish Steps, where many fashion houses have their showrooms.
    She launched a menswear line in 1987 and showed her creations using silk and cashmere in Beijing in 1988, when China was still mostly closed to the outside world.
    Biagiotti often took inspiration from the Far East, with some of her most recent collections echoing Asian designs, and she became known as the Queen of Cashmere for her frequent use of that fabric.
    The Biagiotti brand, one of the earliest internationally recognised fashion houses to be run by a woman, expanded to include accessories, glasses, children's and home collections, perfumes and sportswear.
    In recent years, her daughter Lavinia, vice-chairman of the Biagiotti group, had been running the company, which moved its headquarters to a restored 11th century castle in the countryside east of Rome.
    The elder Biagiotti adopted many abandoned dogs and looked after them in the castle's grounds.
    In 2012, the company sponsored the restoration of the twin Baroque fountains in Rome's Piazza Farnese, joining other Italian fashion houses which have helped the cash-strapped government spruce up decaying monuments and cultural sites.


  25. Waqas Dar
    The grand premiere of the much-awaited biopic of Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was recently held where it saw several personalities from the sports and entertainment world.
    The premier of the highly anticipated biopic, 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams' was attended by Big B along with other celebrities.
    Amitabh Bachchan who couldn't stop himself from praising the movie took it to Twitter and shared his thoughts on the movie, which made him "proud and filled with emotions."

    The actor wrote, "T 2435 - 'SACHIN a Billion dreams' movie last night ..filled with pride and emotion. 
    Before going to the premiere, the Sholay actor star showed his excitement for watching the film.

    'Sachin: A Billion Dreams' is an upcoming biographical film written and directed by James Erskine and produced by Ravi Bhagchandka and Carnival Motion Pictures under the banner 200 NotOut Productions.



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