Day: May 19, 2024

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FBR Explains Reason Behind Delay in Clearance of Vehicle Imports by Overseas Pakistanis


Only those overseas Pakistanis are entitled to import vehicles under Personal Baggage, Transfer of Residence, or Gift schemes who have not imported, gifted, or received a vehicle during the last two years in terms of Import Policy Order, 2022.

In this regard, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has submitted a report to the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) on the issue of delay in clearance of vehicles by overseas Pakistanis and misuse of immigration data.

It was alleged that the passport data is accessible after GD filing which is openly sold in the market by a few people in car groups and the original importer suffers badly, a common criminal practice is being done and the passport is first checked before GD filing, and duplicate PRCs are issued from banks. This precious data of Overseas Pakistanis must be made secure by the Directorate of Reforms and Automation.

The FTO has directed the Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation, Karachi to develop and deploy e-CRF sent by the Collectorate of Customs, A
ppraisement (West), Karachi enabling the assessing officer to ensure that no GD is filed on a new passport by the same importer, who has imported a vehicle on his old passport under Baggage, Transfer of Residence, and Gift Scheme within the last two years.

The complaint mentioned above was filed against the Chief Collector, Appraisement (South), Karachi, and Director, Directorate of Customs, Reforms and Automation, Karachi under Section 10(1) of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance, 2000 (FTO Ordinance), regarding a delay in clearance of vehicles by overseas Pakistanis and misuse of immigration data.

During the course of the hearing, the departmental representative from the Collectorate stated that overseas Pakistanis are entitled to import vehicles under the Personnel Baggage Scheme, Transfer of Residence and Gift Scheme who have not imported, gifted, or received a vehicle during last two years in terms of proviso to Para(2) of Appendix-E of Import Policy Order, 2022.

It was further stated that the WeBOC s
ystem does not allow the filing of GDs if another GD is being filed on the same passport number within two years. However, there is no check if a GD is filed on the new passport.

The Collectorate of Customs, Appraisement (West) has already forwarded e-CRF to the Directorate of Reforms and Automation, Karachi to incorporate additional checks in the WeBOC system with regard to new passports. This additionality in the system will enable the assessing officer to ensure that the import of vehicles is in compliance with the provisions of the IPO, the FTO order added.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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CCP Conducts Phase-II Review of Proposed PTCL-Telenor Merger


The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is conducting extensive analysis, collecting detailed data, market participant responses through comprehensive questionnaires, and comments from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on the proposed PTCL-Telenor Merger.

CCP will also evaluate efficiencies claimed by the merging entities, which must be beneficial to consumers.

CCP is currently conducting a Phase II review of the proposed acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). This crucial review will determine whether the merger is approved and what conditions may be imposed to ensure competitive fairness in the market.

PTCL filed a pre-merger application on 6th March 2024. CCP had 30 days to review the application and issue a Phase I order, according to its law. Phase 1 order was announced on 3rd May 2024 within the timescale specified in the competition law. Phase-I order analyzed that there may be some potential impact on competition in the telecom secto
r therefore, the pre-merger application will be considered in Phase II review. CCP has 90 days to complete this detailed review and issue its order.

A Phase II review involves an in-depth investigation into the merger’s potential impact on market competition. This stage is initiated when preliminary findings suggest that the merger could restrict competition in the telecom sector.

The possible outcome of a Phase II review is often ‘conditional’ approval. Historically, CCP has approved mergers with some structural and behavioral modification with some conditions attached to mitigate anti-competitive effects and to protect consumers from abuse of dominant position.

Pakistan operates a mandatory, suspensory merger control regime, meaning any merger meeting the notification requirements must be reviewed and approved by the antitrust agency before it can be finalized. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, remedies, or the transaction being deemed void.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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Free medical camp organized by Pakistan Army in Gilgit-Baltistan


A one-day free medical camp was organized by Pakistan Army in Kharko village of Ghanche district of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Twenty-six doctors and paramedical staff of Army Medical Corps participated in the medical camp.

During the one-day free medical camp, more than 1500 patients including 425 men, 627 women and 363 children were treated.

The medical camp provided patients with routine medical and dental check-up, ECG, lab investigations, portable dental x-ray, minor OT procedures, patient care, medication, dressing and wound care facilities.

The people of the area appreciated the noble service of the Pakistan Army.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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National Assembly Speaker Bans Unauthorized Entry of ‘YouTubers’ in Parliament


National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has banned the entry of YouTubers and unauthorized individuals into Parliament House, ARY News reported, citing sources.

The report indicated that the Speaker has suspended eight security personnel over the entry of unauthorized individuals. These employees were stationed at the inner gates of Parliament House.

The Sergeant-at-Arms has been directed to investigate the suspended personnel who allowed unauthorized individuals into Parliament House without identity cards, sources added. It was revealed that these individuals had stopped some members and ministers inside Parliament to ask for pictures.

The incident came to light when Defense Minister Khawaja Asif complained to the Speaker. He emphasized the need for stringent security measures within the National Assembly (NA) building and its lobbies.

Speaking on the National Assembly floor, Asif noted the frequent presence of unidentified individuals at the building’s entrance, hallways, and elevators, posing sig
nificant security risks.

Asif suggested reinstating the previous system for issuing passes to MNAs to ensure security in Parliament. He also expressed concern about individuals in the gallery who often chant slogans, undermining the House’s sanctity. He stressed that the National Assembly is not a place for protests or demonstrations.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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Deputy PM, Minister for Kashmir Affairs to leave for Bishkek today


Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to send Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Kyrgyzstan.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam will also accompany him.

Both the ministers will leave for Bishkek today by a special plane.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will hold meetings with senior government officials in Bishkek and ensure the provision of medical facilities to the injured students.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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Hospitals in Islamabad Prepare Heatwave Response Centres


All medical health facilities under the District Health Office Islamabad have been instructed to establish emergency ‘heatwave response centers’ that will operate seven days a week.

In a letter, the District Health Office directed these centers to appoint focal persons, ensure the availability of relevant staff, and provide training on the emergency management of heatstroke patients by in-charge medical officers.

The facilities must ensure the availability of essential supplies, including ORS, fluids, ice packs, emergency life-saving medicines, and cotton rolls/gauze pads for sponging.

Patients must receive immediate treatment, including moving them to a cooler environment with air conditioning or at least into the shade. Essential supplies should be maintained, and staff should be trained on managing heatstroke patients, the letter emphasized.

If a person shows symptoms of heatstroke, they should be placed in a horizontal position with elevated legs and hips, unnecessary clothing should be removed, and
external cooling should be initiated by placing cold packs on the neck, armpits, and groin. Continuous fanning and spraying the skin with water at 25-30°C are also recommended. Body temperature should be measured, and acetylsalicylic acid or paracetamol should not be administered. The letter stated: ‘Establish an IV line immediately as severe cases often require intravenous rehydration. Promote sweat evaporation by placing the patient before a fan and using ice packs under the armpits and groin. If the patient can drink, they should be given plenty of water in a sitting position. Monitor the body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until it drops from 101°F to 102°F. Antipyretics may be administered once the temperature is below 101°F. Monitor vitals.’

The letter noted that May, June, and July are extremely hot in Pakistan and often accompanied by heat waves due to global warming and climate change, increasing the risk of heatstroke mortality and morbidity. Immediate necessary measure
s are crucial.

Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness, occurring when the body cannot control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and it cannot cool down. Heatstroke can cause death or permanent disability without emergency treatment.

Common symptoms of heatstroke include profuse sweating or lack of sweating with hot, red, or dry skin, weakness, lethargy, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperature, hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, and slurred speech. Infants, elderly persons, athletes, and outdoor workers are at high risk.

The letter emphasized that heatstroke is preventable. Preventive measures include avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, performing strenuous activities during the coolest part of the day (usually between 4 am and 7 am), staying in the shade, and not leaving children or animals in parked vehicles.

Additionally, people should drink plenty of water, limit time in direct sunlight, avoid dehyd
ration, and refrain from vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. Those working in the sun should take breaks in the shade and drink plenty of fluids. Caffeine and sugary drinks should be avoided as they may worsen dehydration.

Consume salty foods, use umbrellas, and wear hats, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. Keep the body cool and hydrated by taking cool showers or baths, using cold packs, wraps, towels, sponging, and footbaths.

‘If you feel dizzy, weak, anxious, or have intense thirst and headache during a heatwave, move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature. Drink water or fruit juice to rehydrate. Rest in a cool place if you experience painful muscle spasms, and drink oral rehydration solution (ORS) containing electrolytes. Seek medical attention if heat cramps last more than an hour. Consult a doctor if unusual symptoms persist and continue drinking fluids,’ the letter added.

Source: Pro Pakistani