Latest news with #Ahsan
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget 2025-26: Rs1trn planned for PSDP, says Ahsan Iqbal
Planning minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Monday the government would propose Rs1 trillion for Public Sector Development Programmes (PSDP) in the upcoming federal budget for the financial year 2025-26. The development came as the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) met in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Ahsan Iqbal to review the progress of the PSDP 2024–25 and finalise recommendations for the upcoming PSDP 2025–26, said a statement from the Planning ministry. The meeting brought together high-level federal and provincial representatives, including secretaries, principal accounting officers, and planning officials from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Due to fiscal discipline agreed with International Monetary Fund, the government is constrained to not increase PSDP While addressing the participants, Planning minister emphasised that despite limited fiscal space and competing demands, the government 'remains fully committed to sustaining development momentum through strategic realignment of resources and policy reforms'. 'The Finance Division, after consultations with the IMF, has firmed up an Indicative Budget Ceiling of Rs1 trillion for the federal PSDP, including Rs270 billion in foreign aid,' Ahsan said. He noted that when the current government assumed office in early 2024, it inherited an economic landscape marked by 'constrained revenues, pressing foreign obligations, and structural imbalances'. Budget 26: govt looking to boost export of 'made in Pakistan' mobile phones, say assemblers During the meeting, a review of PSDP 2024–25 was presented. It was noted that the National Economic Council had approved a National Development Outlay of Rs3.79 trillion, which included Rs1.40 trillion for the federal PSDP, Rs2.09 trillion for provincial annual development programes, and Rs196.9 billion for state-owned enterprises (SOEs). 'However, due to financial constraints, the federal PSDP was later reduced to Rs1.100 trillion.' As of May 31, 2025, Rs1.036 trillion had been authorised for release, and Rs596 billion had been utilised. A total of 1,071 projects were included in the PSDP, with an approved cost of Rs13.427 trillion, of which Rs3.216 trillion had already been spent by June 2024. 'A throw-forward liability of Rs10.216 trillion remains, underscoring the urgent need for project rationalisation and financial discipline.' The minister highlighted that there was a dire need to increase the development budget of the country, which had direct bearing on growth and job creation. 'However, due to fiscal discipline agreed with International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government is constrained to not increase PSDP. The only way to increase development spending is to increase the revenues by increasing tax/GDP ratio from 10% to 16-18%,' he said. 'By being lowest tax paying economy we can't aspire to grow'. The minister informed that the government had undertaken reforms to overhaul tax administration. 'To ensure maximum value for the investment in development sector, the ministry has taken multiple reviews of project performance, including quarterly and mid-year reviews for better investment efficiency.' Over 118 slow-moving or redundant projects, mostly approved at the Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) level, were recommended for capping or closure, potentially 'saving Rs1.000 trillion and freeing resources for high-impact initiatives'. Moreover, the Planning Commission facilitated re-appropriations of Rs84 billion to fast-moving projects and critical interventions, while Rs80 billion were reallocated through TSGs for emergent national priorities such as the solarization of tube wells in Balochistan. Looking ahead to FY 2025–26, the minister announced that the proposed PSDP had been restructured in line with core principles of sustainability', impact, and equity'. 'The Finance Division, after consultations with the IMF, has firmed up an Indicative Budget Ceiling of Rs1.000 trillion for the federal PSDP, including Rs270 billion in foreign aid.' The PSDP 2025–26 portfolios have been developed following extensive consultations with ministries and provinces through Priority Committee meetings and high-level reviews chaired by the deputy prime minister and advisor to the prime minister. 'The final recommendations reflect a strict prioritisation of ongoing high-impact, foreign-aided, and near-completion projects. In total, 1,120 projects have been included in the proposed PSDP, of which a significant number are designed to be completed within the next 3–4 years if fiscal space is maintained.' Pakistan faces serious challenge of water security therefore Diamer Bhasha Dam is given top priority, according to the statement. 'Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway will be started during 2025-26. Balochistan will get highest share in development funds of nearly Rs250 billion.' The minister further informed that sectoral allocations had been finalised with Rs644 billion allocated to infrastructure, including Rs332 billion for transport and communications and Rs144 billion for energy. FBR may impose 18% sales tax on locally-manufactured cars A total of Rs150 billion has been proposed for the social sector, including Rs63 billion for education and higher education and Rs22 billion for health. Special areas like AJK and GB will receive Rs63 billion, while Rs70 billion has been allocated for merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Science and IT sectors have been allocated Rs53 billion, while Rs9 billion has been proposed for governance, according to the statement. Moreover, production sectors, including food, agriculture, and industries, are expected to receive Rs11 billion. In addition, SOEs have submitted development plans amounting to Rs288 billion, with major contributions from entities like WAPDA, NTDC, OGDCL, and others. The minister informed the participants that one of the 'most serious challenges' had been the increasing tension and security risks following the events of May 7, 2025, when hostilities broke out along the eastern border with India. 'This conflict has led to increased defense spending requirements and exerted additional pressure on the already limited development budget.' He acknowledged the dilemma faced by the government: choosing between critical national defense and the developmental needs of the people. However, he reassured participants that the government remained committed to maintaining a careful balance. The minister stated that the strength of a nation 'lies not just in its defense capabilities, but also in the health, education, and economic empowerment of its citizens'. 'The government will not allow Pakistan's development journey to be derailed. Instead, it will adopt innovative planning, smart budgeting, and rigorous monitoring to ensure that the needs of both defense and development are addressed.' The APCC also deliberated on critical policy reforms. It endorsed the proposal to stop at-source deduction of Cash Development Loans (CDL) from the PSDP funds, saying the practice hampered project cash flows and delayed implementation. 'The committee reiterated the policy that provincial nature projects should be funded by provinces, except in cases involving strategic national interest or implementation in deprived regions. 'Furthermore, the APCC recommended imposing a moratorium on DDWP-level project approvals during the tenure of the IMF programme, except in exceptional cases with full justification and review by the CDWP. It was also proposed that no development funds be diverted to recurring expenditures during the fiscal year.' 'We are not just managing a budget—we are shaping the future. The world may see limitations, but we see opportunities,' Ahsan said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lucie Arnaz Returns to the Lot Her Parents Built—This Time to Help a Fan Finish His Film
Lucie Arnaz Returns to the Lot Her Parents Built—This Time to Help a Fan Finish His Film originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Raji Ahsan proves it's always great to meet your heroes. Perhaps your childhood obsession was Barbie or board games, but for young Ahsan growing up in Orange County in the 90s, it was Desilu Studios, the long-gone TV production company founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The filmmaker is partnering with Lucy and Desi's daughter Lucie Arnaz for 'Lucie on the Lot' a fundraising event to complete his new film Dr. Sam at the old family studio on June 5. After completing their iconic series, I Love Lucy, Desilu produced shows like Star Trek, Mission: Impossible and Mannix from the old RKO Studios (now Paramount) at the corner of Melrose and Gower in Hollywood. Lucy sold her shares in the company to Paramount decades before Raji was born. 'I'm a Desilu nut,' Ahsan says. 'Right after 9/11 they stopped giving studio tours. When I was 12 I had a school assignment to write a persuasive essay and my teacher said you should mail it to the studio so I did…and I put in my tiny little headshot.' Two weeks later he dialed up the studio and a friendly page told him he was moved by the letter and offered a private tour. 'My mom lived in a shelter and she cleaned houses to keep us fed,' Ahsan remembers. 'When she was home, we'd watch I Love Lucy. It was my comfort.' Ahsan grew up to become an actor and a waiter – the classic Hollywood combo. Through mutual friends, he met Emmy-winning actress Lucie Arnaz and a friendship was born. 'He had a podcast and asked me to be a guest,' says Arnaz. 'He's really smart and funny and full of ideas. I instinctively took him under my wing and wanted to help him. He's a powerhouse. You've gotta be like that to get anything done in this world.' Ahsan wrote the short film Dr. Sam about a struggling actor, musician and waiter who masquerades as a therapist and offered a part to his hero Arnaz. 'He said he'd like me to play his mom,' she says. 'I so do not look Egyptian, so in the movie he's adopted.' Lucie and her brother Desi Jr. spent part of their childhood exploring the historic Hollywood lot that today is part of Paramount. 'We would be let loose in some wonderful big empty stages,' Armaz remembers. 'It was so fun to go through the prop room at RKO and play with a life size King Kong and all the wonderful costumes and amazing props from all the films they had done. It was a kid's paradise.' Today, Arnaz lives in Palm Springs, where she writes and produces new shows and oversees the merchandise end of the family business with her daughter. Her brother Desi is retired, and jokingly calls himself a 'self-imposed recluse.' Arnaz will be performing standards live in concert at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on June 27-28 and opening the new season of the Purple Room in Palm Springs August 29 and 30. The 'Lucie on the Lot' event on June 5 will screen Arnaz's award-winning film Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie on the big screen at the Paramount Theater. There will be a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Desilu, photo ops in front of the famous Bronson gate you remember from Sunset Boulevard and a chance to chat up the filmmakers. Proceeds will be split between finishing up Ahsan's film and the Long Beach shelter his mom landed in when the family immigrated to L.A. 'I wanted to live on the lot,' Ahsan says. 'The fact that Lucie is coming to this place I wrote a letter to when I was 12 is full circle.' This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Power transformer destroyed by firing
A power transformer has been destroyed due to firing and stone pelting during a clash between two groups in Mureedwala. An official stated in a complaint submitted to Mureedwala police that Asim, Ahsan, Ghulam Sabir and Bashir, residents of Chak 200GB, had clashed with Zahid Allah Ditta, a resident of 202GB. During the fight, the groups resorted to firing and throwing bricks. The firing caused short circuiting in a 200kV transformer, igniting a fire. The fire caused damage to WAPDA worth Rs600,000. The police registered a case against the four suspects, including three brothers, under Section 462 and launched a search for them. Meanwhile, a fire set on to wheat residue engulfed two houses and burnt them to ash. According to the polic, Ghulam Mustafa, a resident of Chak 229GB, stated in an application that Bashir Ahmed Baga, a resident of 278GB, had set fire to the residue of his wheat crop after harvesting it. The fire spread to the homes of the complainant and a neighbor due to wind. It destroyed the household goods in both the houses. The police registered a case against the farmer under Section 435 and started a search for him.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Doubles aces Hendra-Ahsan ‘reunite' to open Daddies Arena
PETALING JAYA: Badminton legends Hendra Setiawan-Mohamad Ahsan, fondly known as 'The Daddies' are taking their passion for the sport beyond the court with the launch of their very own badminton centre, named Daddies Arena in honour of their famous moniker. Located in South Tangerang, Jakarta, the sprawling 5,000 square metre facility officially opened its doors on May 1. It boasts eight badminton courts, a fully equipped gym, and sauna facilities, offering a premium experience for players of all levels. Court rental rates are set at Rp80,000 (RM24) per hour on weekdays and Rp100,000 (RM30) per hour on weekends and public holidays. For Hendra and Ahsan, the idea had been in the pipeline for quite some time, and they were thrilled to finally see it come to life especially since the land used for the project belongs to Ahsan himself. 'We've been planning this since last year, and coincidentally we live nearby. We scouted around for a large and strategic piece of land and eventually found this one,' said Hendra. 'Ahsan already had the land, and after some discussions, we moved forward with plans to construct the building.' However, the three-time world champions have yet to make concrete plans to set up their own badminton academy, unlike some of their fellow players who have already ventured into coaching. 'Yes, InshaAllah we do plan to establish one in the future. But for now, our focus is here first,' added Ahsan 'Later on, we'll discuss it further. There's a possibility of setting up a Daddies Academy, then we'll decide on the system, the coaches, and everything else.' After more than 30 years on court, Hendra-Ahsan, who have won numerous major titles together, officially announced their retirement in early January after falling to Malaysia's Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King in the second round of the Indonesian Masters. Following his retirement, Hendra returned to the world's oldest badminton tournament, the All-England in Birmingham last March, this time stepping into a coaching role with Sabar Karyaman-Reza Pahlevi. He guided the pair to an impressive run into the semi-finals before they were stopped by compatriots Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Doubles aces Hendra-Ahsan 'reunite' to open Daddies Arena
Hendra Setiawan and Mohamad Ahsan have ventured into the badminton court business following their retirement — Pic courtesy of Daddies Arena. PETALING JAYA: Badminton legends Hendra Setiawan-Mohamad Ahsan, fondly known as 'The Daddies,' are taking their passion for the sport beyond the court with the launch of their very own badminton centre, named Daddies Arena in honour of their famous moniker. Located in South Tangerang, Jakarta, the sprawling 5,000 square metre facility officially opened its doors on May 1. It boasts eight badminton courts, a fully equipped gym, and sauna facilities, offering a premium experience for players of all levels. Court rental rates are set at Rp80,000 (RM24) per hour on weekdays and Rp100,000 (RM30) per hour on weekends and public holidays. For Hendra and Ahsan, the idea had been in the pipeline for quite some time, and they were thrilled to finally see it come to life especially since the land used for the project belongs to Ahsan himself. "We've been planning this since last year, and coincidentally we live nearby. We scouted around for a large and strategic piece of land and eventually found this one," said Hendra. "Ahsan already had the land, and after some discussions, we moved forward with plans to construct the building." However, the three-time world champions have yet to make concrete plans to set up their own badminton academy, unlike some of their fellow players who have already ventured into coaching. "Yes, InshaAllah we do plan to establish one in the future. But for now, our focus is here first," added Ahsan "Later on, we'll discuss it further. There's a possibility of setting up a Daddies Academy, then we'll decide on the system, the coaches, and everything else. After more than 30 years on court, Hendra-Ahsan, who have won numerous major titles together, officially announced their retirement in early January after falling to Malaysia's Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King in the second round of the Indonesian Masters. Following his retirement, Hendra returned to the world's oldest badminton tournament, the All-England in Birmingham last March, this time stepping into a coaching role with Sabar Karyaman-Reza Pahlevi. He guided the pair to an impressive run into the semi-finals before they were stopped by compatriots Leo Rolly Carnando-Bagas Maulana.
