Latest news with #Ishtiaq
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Revamping mode of ADRC appointments: FBR seeks input from stakeholders
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is seeking input from different stakeholders to revamp the mode and manner of appointing Members of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. Director General (Law) of FBR Dr Ishtiaq told Business Recorder; 'We are seeking input from different stakeholders and after consultation will prepare the report. Hopefully it will make the ADRC more transparent and credible.' A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, on 3rd July while hearing the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd's petition had directed the FBR to submit report on ADRC on 24-07-25. FBR refuses to share info about ADRCs cases Dr Ishtiaq had told the Court that the FBR is open to any constructive suggestions regarding ADRC proceedings, as mandated under the law. CJP Yahya, therefore, allowed the FBR to consult with the stakeholders. Advocate Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmad Khokhar, constitutional and tax law expert, said the need for an effective and structured Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system, particularly in tax matters, has become critical. He maintained that the conventional litigation model has not only overwhelmed the judiciary but has also severely impaired the state's ability to realise tax revenues in a timely manner. Thousands of tax cases involving hundreds of billions of rupees are languishing before appellate tribunals, High Courts, and the Supreme Court, creating uncertainty for businesses, discouraging investment, and delaying revenue recovery. A credible ADR system is now essential for easing this burden, restoring taxpayer confidence, and ensuring fiscal efficiency. He observed that despite having enabling statutory provisions for ADR under Section 134A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001; Section 47A of the Sales Tax Act, 1990; Section 38 of the Federal Excise Act, 2005; and Section 195C of the Customs Act, 1969, Pakistan has yet to operationalize ADR in a meaningful way. The reasons for this failure are well-known: lack of transparency in constituting ADR Committees, inclusion of serving tax officers on panels, absence of qualified and neutral arbitrators, lack of digital infrastructure, and the non-binding nature of ADR outcomes—especially in factual disputes. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Time of India
Missing 3-year-old girl found dead in UP's Bhagautipur pond; family alleges foul play, police probe on
VARANASI: The body of a three-year-old girl was found floating in a pond in Bhagautipur village under Kapsethi police station limits late on Tuesday night. The child, identified as Pari, had been missing since Monday. Her family had filed a police complaint suspecting abduction. Police now fear she may have been murdered and her body dumped in the pond. An investigation is underway. Pari, daughter of Ishtiaq from the Barsathi police station area in Jaunpur district, had come with her mother to Bhagautipur, her maternal grandparents' village, to celebrate Bakrid. Her parents returned, while she stayed back at her grandfather Slam Ali's house. On Monday afternoon, she went out to play nearby and did not return. You Can Also Check: Varanasi AQI | Weather in Varanasi | Bank Holidays in Varanasi | Public Holidays in Varanasi The family searched for her but, after failing to find her, informed the police. A missing and suspected abduction case was registered and a search operation was launched with the help of villagers. Late on Tuesday night, her body was discovered floating in a nearby pond. The incident triggered panic in the village, drawing a large crowd. Kapsethi police reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Få tilbud fra flere meglere – sammenlign før du velger Få tilbud Undo A forensic team and dog squad were called in. Police carried out a detailed inspection of the site. Station Officer Arvind Saroj said a case was registered as soon as the incident was reported. Now that the body has been found, the case appears suspicious. The dog squad traced the child's movement near the pond. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem. Police are investigating the case from all possible angles.
Express Tribune
05-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
'Most breast cancer drugs are ineffective in Pakistan'
A study has revealed that imported chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, particularly breast cancer in Pakistan, have been found ineffective in most cases. This claim is based on scientific research conducted at the Jamilur Rahman Centre for Genomic Research at the University of Karachi. According to the research, Pakistan's genetic makeup, particularly in relation to breast cancer, is significantly different from that of Western countries, where these drugs are manufactured and tested before the use. According to Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, Associate Professor at IBCCS in University of Karachi and leader of the research team on cancer genomics, breast cancer therapies have various options, but all the drugs used in Pakistan are manufactured in Western countries. Clinical trials for these drugs are also conducted in these Western countries, without considering the genetic differences between populations. He explained that the genetic differences between Pakistani and Western populations are significant, and this difference has been clearly identified in their research study. The research recommends the need for undertaking more studies and development of cancer treatments tailored to Pakistan's population. The study's findings also suggest that the use of imported chemotherapy drugs in Pakistan may not be effective in treating cancer, particularly breast cancer, due to genetic differences. "We tested a well-known chemotherapy drug on both Pakistani and European origin cell lines, and the results were extremely low on Pakistani breast cancer cell lines," Dr Ishtiaq said while citing the research, adding that researchers also mentioned that Pakistan has a high cancer rate, particularly breast cancer. If a large-scale study is conducted, we'll know our genetic needs and can validate which drugs are useful. Researcher Samra Khan stated that Pakistan ranks seventh in breast cancer cases in South Asia, and fifth in mortality rates. In Pakistan, breast cancer is mostly reported in women aged between 30 to 45 years. Treatment guidelines and data are being used from European countries, while the types of breast cancer, BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, are extremely different in Pakistan and Europe. Other researchers, Dr. M. Shakil, Warda Qureshi, and Humera Salim, observed that patients who are responding to chemotherapy are experiencing a recurrence of the disease earlier than expected.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Gordon Ramsay impressed by Maryam Ishtiaq's tandoori chicken, hails Pakistani culinary roots
Listen to article Pakistani-origin chef Maryam Ishtiaq, from Dallas, received high praise from world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay for her expertly prepared tandoori chicken during the fourth season of Next Level Chef. Ishtiaq posted a video on her Instagram account showing her interaction with Ramsay on the show, which quickly went viral. In the video, she explains to Ramsay that she is preparing tandoori chicken and proudly mentions her Pakistani background. Ramsay, while tasting the dish, responded enthusiastically: "Pakistan, beautiful. And some of the best food in Pakistan." As the clip continued, another judge also praised Ishtiaq's homemade yogurt for its freshness, while Ramsay showered the tandoori chicken with compliments. "The chicken is delicious. That Pakistani foundation you grew up with is evident here and it's strong. Well done," he said, highlighting the influence of her heritage on the dish. A visibly emotional Ishtiaq thanked Ramsay and expressed her pride in representing Pakistan. "I've always wanted to represent Pakistan," she said, wiping away tears. On her Instagram, Ishtiaq revealed that her journey to Next Level Chef began years ago when she first applied but later forgot about it, only to receive an unexpected call inviting her for further discussions. Ishtiaq's appearance on the show has garnered attention not only for her culinary skills but also for her representation of Pakistani food on an international stage, a milestone she clearly cherishes.
