Latest news with #BusinessRecorder
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SAPM announces formation of APCTMA, EDB committee
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, held a high-level meeting with the All Pakistan Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers Association Friday. The meeting was attended by representatives from 10 Pakistani manufacturers and four Chinese manufacturers. Key issues discussed included the tariff policy, customs duties, exports and imports, and the need for tariff protection for the local ceramic tiles industry. Speaking at the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan appreciated the role played by the tiles industry in Pakistan's industrial development. 'I am fully aware of the challenges faced by tile manufacturers and I will personally advocate for your cause,' he stated. SAPM directed the tile manufacturers to submit a detailed report outlining the specific reasons why higher protection is necessary for the industry. He further instructed that the report must quantify cost disadvantages as a percentage of total production costs. In a major development, Haroon Akhtar Khan announced the formation of a joint committee comprising members of the Tiles Manufacturers Association and the Engineering Development Board (EDB). The committee has been tasked to present a progress report by Thursday. 'The government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is committed to supporting and revitalizing the industrial sector,' SAPM emphasized. 'We are strongly defending the case for industries, including tiles, in the National Tariff Policy Board.' Haroon Akhtar reiterated his vision to see Pakistani manufacturers become regionally competitive and assured that Chinese manufacturers, as partners and friends, will continue to receive full support. 'No industry will be allowed to shut down,' he affirmed. 'Revival of industries is our vision, and we are formulating long-term policies to ensure sustainable growth.' He concluded by assuring full government support to the tile manufacturing sector and reaffirmed the government's commitment to the broader development of the local industrial base. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PITB signs MoU with PIASS under e-Rozgaar 2.0 initiative
LAHORE: The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Institute of Applied and Social Sciences (PIASS), Kasur, under the e-Rozgaar 2.0 initiative. This collaboration aims to establish e-Rozgaar 2.0 training centres at PIASS Kasur to equip the youth with modern digital freelancing skills for sustainable income and career development. PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif and PIASS Executive Director Shahzad Ahmad Bhatti signed the MoU in the presence of PITB Director Skills Development Wing Ahmad Islam Syan, PIASS Director Maryam Nazir and PIASS Director Muhammad Awais Nazir. The e-Rozgaar 2.0 is a flagship initiative by PITB focused on promoting freelancing, entrepreneurship, and digital empowerment through partnerships with public and private educational institutions across the province. In his message, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf said that empowering the youth with digital skills is the foundation of Pakistan's future. 'Through e-Rozgaar 2.0, we are building pathways to financial independence and global opportunity. Our collaboration with PIASS Kasur is another step forward in ensuring inclusive access to digital training for all,' he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
University of HITEC Taxila organises 11th Open House
ISLAMABAD: The University of HITEC Taxila, Friday, organised 11th Open House where final year students of the mechanical engineering department showcased their creativity featuring highly innovative, creative and industry-relevant projects. Vice Chancellor Hi-Tech Dr Kamran, welcoming the guests, industry representatives and participants, said that the university has become Pakistan's first-ever international champion in the field of combat robotics by wining 'ENIM Robot 10 Combat Robotics Competition' organised in Tunisia. The students' projects highlighted topics such as energy efficiency, automation, design innovation and industrial problem solving. Featured projects included a solar-powered hybrid cooling system, automated vehicle, recovery ventilation, and a smart manufacturing module based on Industry 4.0. These projects not only demonstrated technical expertise but also highlighted the students' ability to understand problems and come up with creative solutions. On this occasion, Dr Fahad Butt, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said, 'We are proud of the hard work, innovation and research-based thinking of our students. The Open House not only provides a practical learning opportunity for our students but also exposes them to the real demands of the industry.' He said that the university believes that these young people are the engineers of the future who will play a key role in the country's journey of development, self-reliance, and industrial revolution. He extended heartfelt congratulations to our faculty members and students for their tireless work and successful projects. Speaking at the inauguration of the event, the chief guest, Dr Kamran said that the passion, skills and innovative thinking of the students of Hi-Tech University are proof that the future of Pakistan is in safe hands. These young engineers have the potential to introduce new dimensions in our industry, economy and technology sectors. At the end of the open house, the participants appreciated the university's arrangements and the students' presentations and expressed their determination to create more such opportunities in the future so that young talent can emerge. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ride-hailing sector calls for fair taxation
KARACHI: Ride-hailing sector has called for fair and progressive taxation framework in the coming fiscal budget. Amid the country's growing urban population, a lack of adequate public transport, rising fuel costs, traffic congestion, and parking challenges, ride-hailing services have seen substantial growth in recent years. Despite this progress, industry experts argue that the current uniform service tax is hindering further expansion. 'It's concerning that platforms charging drivers commissions as low as 10% are subjected to the same service tax rates as those taking up to 25%,' said Anton Ambrose, Head of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs for inDrive in the Asia-Pacific region. Ambrose proposed a tiered taxation model in the upcoming budget. 'Platforms that charge less than 11% commission should be completely exempt from service tax,' he recommended. 'Those with commission rates between 11% and 15% could be taxed at 5%, while platforms exceeding 15% commission should fall into the 15% or higher tax bracket.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Over 6,000 students benefit from PM's Laptop Scheme at SAU: VC
HYDERABAD: As part of the Prime Minister's Youth Laptop Scheme, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam distributed laptops among 11 high-performing students during a ceremony held on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal said that over 6,000 students have benefitted from the scheme at the university so far. He emphasized that merit-based opportunities for laptops and scholarships will continue to be extended to deserving students in the future. 'In today's technology-driven world, progress without computers and information technology is unimaginable. IT is playing a crucial role not only in economic development but also in national defense,' said Dr. Siyal. He encouraged students to harness the power of technology to create career opportunities from home and called upon the government to extend the laptop scheme to the college level while promoting IT education at all tiers. Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Aijaz Ali Khooharo noted that laptops previously delayed due to administrative hurdles have now been distributed strictly on academic merit. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
