Prime Minister has tasked Secretary Finance Imdad Ullah Bosal to identify officials involved in the delay in implementation of the Track and trace System. Sources informed ProPakistani that the PM on Friday during this cabinet meeting showed dissatisfaction over the report submitted by the Tariq Bajwa led committee on Track and Trace as it has not identified FBR officials who failed to implement the Track and Trace system. Sources said that the PM has directed his trustworthy Secretary Finance to identify those responsible; the poor implementation of the project resulted in serious lapses and delays. The committee was also tasked to determine accountability for failure to integrate the tracking system throughout the supply chain. Sources said that the FBR partially implemented TTS in Sugar, Cement, Fertilizer, and Tobacco factories due to their alleged collusion with industrialists. Reportedly, the Bajwa led committee in its findings did not find any wrongdoing in contract award, however the committee a ttributed delays and poor implementation of TTS project on part of manufacturers and contractors. Sources informed ProPakistani that problems remain with the FBR management as they did not give priority to this project. FBR management did not take actions against the manufacturers, even extended dates to implement the TTS, sources added. Most of the local tobacco companies signed MoU with FBR but did not install the system over their production lines, whereas the multinational tobacco companies implemented the applicators over their production lines, sources added. Sources further said that FBR went into a dispute with the consortium over granting many concessions regarding import of equipment and setup at plants against the initial design proposed by the consortium. Meanwhile, the performance of Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) squads, which formed not only to monitor the stamping machines installed in the premises of manufacturers of specified goods but to examine and authenticate Tax Stamp, r emained unsatisfactory as the enforcement teams failed to make seizure of illegal cigarette and unstamped bags of sugar, Fertilizer and cement bags across the country. The weak enforcement by FBR, including fake stamps goods available in the market, was also highlighted by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif during a cabinet meeting held on Friday. Sources said that When the PM announced the inquiry, FBR higher management directed its Regional Tax Offices (RTO) to conduct operations against illegal cigarettes and unstamped sugar and fertilizer bags. The premier also expressed serious reservations about the lack of oversight, supervision and penalties on non-compliant manufacturers which also depicts that FBR' track and trace as well as IREN squards failed in unauthorized stoppage of production of notified goods. Recently, former Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi in a tv interview also revealed that his government was pressurized specifically by the Sugar Sector not to implement the system adding that he said that Trac k and Trace System can be a success only when the industries really cooperate with the government. Sharing details, Shabbar Zaidi maintained that the industry will influence the operation of the system, which is deployed at their premises. Sources said that the TTS can be successful when the government backed FBR as taxmen are reportedly reluctant to go after the business of powerful industry players who are sitting in Parliament. The cement sector was reluctant to implement TTS despite the fact that the cement factories have been given training, sources added. In addition, It is very important to educate the masses and the importance of Track and Trace and how to use it to verify whether the product is original or counterfeit. Last but not least, the FBR should outsource the enforcement or give the task again to Regional Tax offices (RTOs) as the tax department' IREN squads remained unsuccessful in verification of tax stamps. Source: Pro Pakistani
Improved law & order situation revives religious tourism in Balochistan
The improved situation of peace and security in Balochistan due to efforts of law enforcement agencies has revived religious tourism in the province. About 250,000 people from across the world visit Balochistan in April every year for annual celebrations at Hinglaj Mata Temple, reflecting Pakistan's diverse socio-religious fabric embed in inter-faith harmony. Hinglaj Mata Mandir also known as Nani Mandir is located in Lasbela district and is a sacred place for Hindu community across the world. The local people consider it their duty to provide hospitality to the visiting guests as per the tribal traditions. The pilgrimage of Hinglaj Mata is an example of Hindu-Muslim unity and a message of peace to those spreading rumors about the peace of Balochistan. The participation of hundreds and thousands of local and foreign tourists in the annual event also testifies the efforts of security forces for peace and security in Balochistan. Source: Radio Pakistan
‘IIOJK witnessing upsurge in arrests, CASOs & harassment of youth’
The political experts and analysts say Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing the worst crackdown and search operations in the wake of Lok Sakha elections in the territory. According to Kashmir Media Service, Srinagar-based political analysts, in their interviews and statements, deplored the arrest of the youth under draconian laws. They said the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is reeling under an unprecedented crackdown, marked by a surge in arbitrary arrests and brutal harassment of youth. They pointed out that the arbitrary arrests are aimed at terrorizing the peace and freedom-loving people. The analysts said that India is using black laws, including the Public Safety Act, Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to stifle dissent in the territory. Meanwhile, President of Peoples Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti has highlighted the urgent need for the restoration of basic rights including the restoration of Article 370 which was revoked in August 2019. Addressing party conventions in Poonch, she also brought to light the scarcity of essential services, such as electricity, clean drinking water, and education, in the occupied territory. She said, the article 370 was a constitutional provision that granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing the state to have its own constitution and control over its affairs. Source: Radio Pakistan
Govt committed to overcome challenge of growing plastic pollution: Romina Khurshid
The government is committed to overcome the challenge of growing plastic pollution and all the stakeholders concerned are being approached and taken on board to make Pakistan a plastic-free country. This resolve was expressed by Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam, while addressing the concluding ceremony of the Margalla Hills Half-Marathon in Islamabad today. She highlighted the unprecedented importance of the role of the young people in weeding out plastic pollution from the society and supporting government's efforts in this regard. The 21-km long marathon was jointly organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and various civil society organisations. The event started from the Trail-5 and was attended by around 200 marathoners. Women and children also participated in the marathon. Source: Radio Pakistan
India: 3 Muslims burnt alive in car at Golpara, Assam
In India, three Muslims were burnt alive in a car at Golpara district of Assam. The victims were small traders and they were stopped by some people and attacked. Shock and outrage swept through Assam following their brutal killing. Source: Radio Pakistan
Law Minister terms education, health as top priorities of PM Shehbaz
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar says Azam says education and health are among top priorities of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Addressing convocation of Allama Iqbal Open University in Lahore today, he called for ensuring a uniform system of education in the country to eliminate the sense of disparity in the country. Law Minister emphasized need to make collective efforts to steer the country out of existing challenges. He said country is full of potential and Pakistanis are proving their mettle in various fields all over the world. Source: Radio Pakistan