NA secretariat denies role in speaker's salary hike
In a move that has raised eyebrows, the government had approved over fivefold increase in the salaries of Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker, taking it to Rs1.3 million a month.
According to a notification dated May 29, the Senate chairman and NA speaker's salaries have been raised from Rs205,000 to Rs1.3m, besides 50pc of the revised salary (Rs650,000) as the sumptuary allowance.
The hike, with retrospective effect, has become effective in January 2025.
Addressing the matter, the spokesperson said the summary for the salary hike was prepared by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
The summary was then forwarded by the ministry and approved by the federal cabinet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
6 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Industrial, agricultural consumers: Govt working on ‘surplus power package' proposal: minister
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said the government is working on a proposal for a 'Surplus Power Package' for industrial and agricultural consumers, in line with the 'Bijli Sahulat Package' for the next three years. Speaking during the question hour in the National Assembly on Monday, the minister said the proposed package would be available to all industries, including the export sector, based on incremental power consumption. He said the Energy Ministry is developing a plan to offer discounted electricity rates on additional usage. Greenfield industries—such as data centers and crypto-mining operations—may receive these discounted rates on their entire consumption, subject to certain conditions. Responding to a supplementary question, Leghari said the government is also working on a direct subsidy scheme to end cross-subsidies, which place a burden on domestic consumers. In a written reply, the minister informed the house that as of May 2025, the circular debt in the power sector stood at Rs2.47 trillion. He said the main causes of debt accumulation were inefficiencies in distribution companies (DISCOs), high technical losses, and revenue recovery shortfalls compared to targets set by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). He said that other sources of debt increase include unbudgeted subsidies and financial cost (delayed payment charges) of payables to the power producers. He said that in order to reduce debt stock, an amount of Rs1.275 trillion is being arranged to finance/refinance the current stock of circular debt. He said that the loan will have a six-year tenure at an interest rate of 3-month KIBOR minus 0.9 per cent and will be repaid through the Debt Service Surcharge already collected from electricity consumers in their monthly bills as the Financial Cost Surcharge (FCS). To prevent fresh accumulation of debt, the minister said multiple measures are underway, including tariff renegotiations with independent power producers (IPPs), privatization of four DISCOs, reducing technical losses through efficiency improvements, market liberalisation, and ensuring future capacity additions are made on a least-cost basis. Responding to a calling-attention notice, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the National Disaster Management Authority, in coordination with provincial authorities, regularly runs public awareness campaigns and issues timely updates, forecasts, and precautionary measures on weather conditions, rainfall, floods, and other natural disasters. Later, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the federal and provincial governments to take necessary steps to celebrate the 1,500th Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) in a befitting manner. The resolution, moved by Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jillani, called for organising Milad programmes at the highest level and illuminating both government and private buildings. It emphasised the importance of promoting the teachings of the holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe WaAlayhee Wassallam, Khatim-un-Nabiyeen. In connection with National Minorities Day, the House also passed another resolution moved by Naveed Aamir Jeeva. The resolution is calling for the inclusion of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's historic address, delivered on 11 August 1947 to the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, into the national curriculum. In that address, the founder of Pakistan declared that 'you are free to go to your temples, mosques, or any other places of worship in this country. You may belong to any religion, caste, or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
SC revises court procedures
After a gap of 45 years, the Supreme Court has issued new procedural rules titled Supreme Court Rules 2025, formally repealing the Supreme Court Rules 1980. Aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and overall effectiveness in judicial proceedings, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has constituted a committee, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed and comprising Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, to draft the new rules. The committee sought proposals from judges, the SC office, as well as bar councils and associations. The new rules are being applied with effect from August 6. It has been clarified that any proceedings already pending under the revoked rules – whether by way of application, petition, appeal, reference or review – shall continue and be disposed of as if the new rules had not been made. "If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of these Rules, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, on the recommendations of a committee to be constituted by him, may make such order, not inconsistent with the provisions of these Rules, as may appear to him to be necessary for the purpose of removing such difficulty." Under the new rules, the time limit for filing criminal appeals, criminal petitions for leave to appeal and direct civil appeals has been extended from 30 days to 60 days. Appeals against registrar office objections must be filed within 14 days, while review petitions against SC judgments must be filed within 30 days. "Application for review shall be filed in the Registry within thirty days after the pronouncement of the judgement or order, as the case may be, which is sought to be reviewed," the draft states. Applicants are required to notify the opposing party immediately after filing the review application and send a copy of the notice to the Registry. Every review application must be accompanied by a certified copy of the judgment or order being challenged. If it is based on newly discovered evidence, certified copies of relevant documents must be attached along with an affidavit explaining the circumstances of the discovery. The advocate or party signing the application must briefly specify the points on which the review is sought and provide a certificate confirming that a review is justifiable in accordance with the law and practice of the court. The certificate must be in the form of a reasoned opinion. The new rules state that costs for proceedings will be at the court's discretion, but not less than Rs25,000. Interveners will not be entitled to costs unless otherwise ordered. If the hearing of a case is delayed due to an advocate-on-record's neglect, such as failing to attend or provide necessary documents, the court may direct that advocate to personally bear the costs. Where adjournments are sought without sufficient cause, compensatory costs may be imposed on the advocate or party. The same applies to those filing false or vexatious proceedings that waste the court's time. No court fee will be charged for jail petitions. Regarding constitutional matters, the rules provide that any petition, appeal, or review involving the original jurisdiction of the court under Article 184, the appellate jurisdiction under clause (3) of Article 185 (where a High Court judgment involves the constitutionality of a law or a substantial constitutional question), or the advisory jurisdiction under Article 186 shall be heard by a constitutional bench constituted under Article 191A of the Constitution. Such a bench will consist of no fewer than five judges, nominated by the committee. If the judges hearing a matter are equally divided in opinion, the committee may refer it either to another judge or to a larger bench.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Weekly Cotton Review: Market witnesses price fluctuations
KARACHI: During the past week, cotton prices witnessed fluctuations of nearly Rs1,000, while trading volumes showed improvement. However, a concerning 30 percent decline in cotton production has raised alarms within industry circles. In response to the situation, the government has announced the permanent removal of taxes and excise duties on the cotton ginning industry, a move being hailed as positive by stakeholders. Officials from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) and the Punjab Crop Reporting Service have emphasized the need for an urgent meeting to address discrepancies in cotton data. Experts stress that accurate data is crucial for stabilizing the market. Meanwhile, new hopes have emerged following a meeting chaired by Ishaq Dar to revive the cotton sector. Head Transfer of Technology Central Cotton Research Institute Multan Sajid Mahmood said that better coordination between the government and industry could help restore stability to the sector. Estimates suggest that import contracts for approximately 65 lakh bales (155 kg each) have been finalized for the 2024-25 season, with an additional 10 lakh bales secured in advance for 2025-26. Agents representing cotton importers say that despite the drop in local production, efforts are underway to meet demand through imports. Several ginning factories are operating partially due to low supply of Phutti caused by unfavourable weather conditions over the past week, leading to relatively lower cotton production. This has left ginners anxious as the season appears to be prolonged. During the week, cotton prices fluctuated by nearly Rs 1,000 per maund. The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) released production data up to 31st July, indicating a nearly 30 percent decline compared to the same period last year. The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has demanded the government reconsider the 18% sales tax imposed on cotton yarn and fabric. Due to persistent efforts by APTMA, FPCCI, PCGA, and PBF, the government had imposed the tax on imported cotton yarn and fabric, leading to a rising trend in local cotton prices. Meanwhile, cotton farmers claim they are facing losses at current phutti rates due to high input costs. In Sindh the rate of cotton is in between Rs 16,000 to 16,400 per maund, while the rate of Phutti is in between Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,500 per maund. The rate of cotton in Punjab is in between Rs 16,000 to Rs 16,500 per maund. The rate of Phutti is in between at Rs 6,800 to 7,500 per maund. In Balochistan the rate of cotton is in between Rs 16,000 to 16,300 per maund, while phutti rates stood between Rs 6,800 to Rs 7,400 per maund. The Karachi Cotton Association's Spot Rate Committee closed the spot rate at Rs 16,300 per maund. Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum Chairman Naseem Usman reported mixed trends in the international cotton market. New York cotton futures traded between 66 to 70 cents per pound. According to the USDA's weekly production and sales report, 39,100 bales were sold for the 2024-25 season. Vietnam emerged as the top buyer, purchasing 27,100 bales, while Turkey secured the second position with 13,200 bales. Pakistan ranked third, acquiring 5,800 bales. For the 2025-26 season, sales reached 71,700 bales. Vietnam again led with purchases of 27,400 bales, followed by Honduras in second place with 13,800 bales. Pakistan maintained its third position, buying 5,900 bales. Sajid Mahmood, Head of the Technology Transfer Department at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan, revealed in a conversation with Business Recorder that this year, cotton arrivals have declined by over 30 percent, reflecting the deteriorating condition of the crop and growing hardships faced by farmers. Sajid Mahmood stated, 'According to the report released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) as of August 1, 2025, only 593,821 bales of cotton have been recorded across the country, compared to 844,257 bales during the same period last year; a deeply concerning drop.' Sajid Mahmood noted that cotton arrivals in Sindh have fallen by 47 percent, with only 292,340 bales recorded this year compared to 551,702 bales last year. 'The situation in Punjab is not much better, where 301,481 bales were reported, indicating a decline of nearly 24 percent from the previous year.' He explained that 'continuous and unexpected rainfall during July severely damaged the cotton crop. The forecast of intensified monsoon activity in August has further added to farmers' concerns. Moisture weakens the plant roots, leads to boll rot, and increases the spread of pests and diseases.' He further pointed out that extreme heat, humidity, attacks by whitefly and other sap-sucking insects, along with the distribution of substandard seeds, are major contributing factors to this year's production decline. Highlighting economic challenges, Sajid Mahmood said, 'The imposition of 18% sales tax on local cotton has drastically reduced farmers' profit margins, while the withdrawal of tax exemptions on imported cotton, yarn, and fabric has benefited spinning mills; but provided no relief to the growers.' Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department of Punjab released its cotton production estimates as of July 31, 2025, highlighting that the figures are derived using internationally recognized, scientifically proven methods. These include randomized sampling and ground truthing techniques widely adopted for yield estimation across various countries. The Crop Reporting Service (CRS) employs GPS-enabled tools and FAO-endorsed methodologies, supported by a real-time digital dashboard that ensures transparency and facilitates evidence-based policy decisions. According to the Crop Reporting Service (CRS), seed cotton in Punjab is projected to reach 609,000 bales based on harvesting data recorded up to July 31, 2025. In contrast, the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) reports only 301,000 bales, which reflect only the cotton arriving at operational ginning factories in Punjab, regardless of its origin. Moreover, these figures do not account for cotton still held at the farm level, transferred to other provinces, or stored by stockists. Additionally, persistent under-invoicing reports in recent years have also significantly distorted the sanctity of cotton reporting figures at ginning factories. This year, Punjab has achieved remarkable success in cotton cultivation, with early planting carried out on 781,000 acres, contributing to a total sown area of 3.16 million acres. Extensive efforts have been made to support the crop, including enhanced field services, active participation of universities, agricultural interns, and the private sector through the cotton campaign. Additionally, Sahulat Bazaars were established to ensure the timely availability of quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers. Barring slight to moderate impacts from heat waves, rainfall, and localised pest attacks at certain sites, the overall condition of the cotton crop is satisfactory. All-out efforts are being made and will continue to ensure the health of the crop and to secure better prices for farmers. Moreover, to avoid any confusion, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been requested to implement a foolproof mechanism at all operational ginning factories to ensure accurate and real-time reporting of the cotton received and processed. This step is essential for enhancing transparency, strengthening data integrity, and supporting coordinated efforts across institutions involved in cotton monitoring and policy formulation. The Punjab Agriculture Department has emphatically clarified that the official record of national cotton production is based on crop reporting estimates compiled from all provinces. Therefore, drawing comparisons with the fortnightly data of cotton arriving at ginning factories lacks justification. The Department has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive collaboration with all institutions, including the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), to safeguard the interests of the public, private stakeholders, and cotton farmers, and to support the development of evidence-based agricultural policies. The full leadership of the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) met with Provincial Minister for Excise and Narcotics, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, at his office to express their gratitude. The delegation included Vice Chairman Raja Ramesh Kumar Utwani, former Chairman Mahesh Kumar, FPPCI Task Force Chairman Sham Lal Manglani, former Vice Chairman Harish Kumar Vedani, Chandar Lal, Kishan Hamrajani, Dilip Kumar, Ladu Mal, Thal Ram Ladkani, Rajesh Kumar Newand Rai, Sham Lal Mirpurmthelo, and Besham Lal. During the meeting, Mukesh Kumar Chawla announced the permanent abolition of professional tax and excise tax on cotton ginning industries, a move for which the PCGA expressed deep appreciation. The association had also requested the elimination of the market committee fee, to which the minister responded positively, giving hope for a favourable outcome. Sajid Mahmood, Head of the Technology Transfer Department at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan, in a telephonic conversation with renowned cotton analyst Naseem Usman, stated that cotton is the backbone of Pakistan's economy. Unfortunately, this vital crop has been in steep decline for the past several years. He welcomed the Cabinet Committee meeting held on August 7, 2025, chaired by Senator Ishaq Dar, terming it a positive development. He said the meeting featured comprehensive discussions on cotton production, seed quality, modern technology, climate challenges, and the role of research institutions. The focus on translating policy recommendations into actionable steps rather than mere paperwork reflects the government's serious intent. Sajid Mehmood stressed that research and innovation are indispensable for reviving the cotton sector and emphasized the urgent need for financial support to institutions like the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC). He termed the recent MoU signed between PCCC and the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) a significant step forward, noting that its full implementation could help reactivate research activities. Furthermore, he supported the proposed merger of PCCC with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), arguing that this would unify resources, experts, and infrastructure to enable the development of disease-resistant and climate-resilient cotton varieties. Highlighting the central role of seed quality in cotton production, he called for a strict ban on the sale of substandard and uncertified seed varieties. He proposed the establishment of a 'Seed Quality Surveillance System' incorporating DNA fingerprinting, germination tests, varietal purity checks, and a digital traceability system from seed development to market availability. He also stressed the importance of subsidies for small farmers on inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery, along with the timely announcement and enforcement of a support price to protect farmers from market uncertainty. In conclusion, Sajid Mehmood emphasized that the textile industry should not be viewed merely as a consumer of cotton but as a collaborative partner in research and development initiatives. He also recommended forming an independent monitoring commission comprising agricultural experts, farmer representatives, and relevant institutions to ensure that cotton revival policies translate into tangible results rather than remaining confined to paper. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
