Latest news with #NFC)Award
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz forms committee to review NFC award
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday the formation of a committee to review the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Addressing a jirga on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the prime minister said that the first meeting in this regard is scheduled for August. 'As mentioned by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in his address, I believe now is the time to review the 2010 NFC Award,' the prime minister said, adding that he was constituting a committee to take up the matter. Issues of Balochistan to be resolved amicably: PM Shehbaz He said the first clause of the NFC Award mentions the allocation of funds for the war on terror in KP – a move he described as the 'right decision' that played a key role in combating terrorism in the province. He added that, under this arrangement, KP has so far received Rs700 billion in federal transfers. More to follow.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM says issues facing Balochistan will be resolved
QUETTA: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Saturday said the issues faced by the people of Balochistan would be resolved amicably and funds would be made available for the development and progress of the largest province. Addressing a grand Jirga of Balochistan here, he said all provinces were like brothers and would equally share resources of the country. The federal government was spending Rs 70 billion on the solarisation project in Balochistan, he said, adding Rs 150 billion would be diverted for the building of highway N25 in Balochistan. These funds would be acquired from the amount which the government was collecting after the lowering down of prices of petroleum products in the international market. India has intensified 'terrorism campaign' inside Pakistan through proxies, says PM Shehbaz The prime minister said the government would allocate Rs 1000 billion for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) this year and 25 percent or Rs 250 billion from the fund would be for projects in Balochistan. He said federal funds were the right of people of Balochistan and every penny would be spent transparently on the progress and prosperity of the province. As chief minister of Punjab, he said, he has allocated ten percent quota for the students of Balochistan in different schemes of Punjab including laptop schemes and scholarships in the foreign and provincial educational institutions. In the past, Rs two billion were allocated for a heart hospital in Balochistan, he continued. He recalled that Punjab had agreed to give part of its funds from the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to Balochistan in view of its development needs as the province had a larger area. In today's value, the funds diverted to Balochistan amounted to Rs 160 billion, he explained. The NFC award was signed in Lahore in 2010 after three days of discussions among the national leadership including President Asif Ali Zardari, the then prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Nawaz Sharif, he added. He said in the tenure of Nawaz Sharif lot of development projects were undertaken in Balochistan and President Zardari initiated Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan. He said the elders of Balochistan decided to become part of Pakistan under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Talking about incidents of terrorism in Balochistan, he said terrorists were blood thirsty and were against the progress of Pakistan and were undertaking heinous acts at the behest of foreign elements. He said terrorists in Balochistan were foreign agents who had resorted to barbarity but they would not be tolerated by the government and armed forces of Pakistan. He assured that social and economic justice would be delivered to the people of Balochistan. Referring to the latest incidents in Sorab, he said the country could not make progress without peace. Talking about conflict with India, he said on the midnight of May 6 and 7 and May 10 India attacked Pakistan but with the grace of Allah, the armed forces of Pakistan bravely defeated the enemy, who will remember its failure forever. He thanked people of Pakistan for showing unity and standing with the Pakistan army shoulder to shoulder during the conflict. As prime minister he was witness to all the events of the short duration war, he said adding as a brave and sagacious leader Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir led Pakistan armed forces to a victory against India and made the nation proud and the success was akin to avenging the events of 1971. He said now the enemy was scared and the friendly countries were more confident after success of Pakistan. He recalled that Pakistan conducted six nuclear explosions in response to five detonations of India in 1998, adding Nawaz Sharif was leader of the nation on that momentous occasion, which fortified the defence of Pakistan. Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, Acting Governor Balochistan Governor Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and high ranking military and civil officials attended the event. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Saturday stressed that the threats faced by Pakistan were no longer confined to conventional warfare and highlighted the need for preparedness across multiple domains. He was addressing officers at the Command and Staff College here. Joined by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar, Balochistan Corps Commander Lt Gen Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan, and DG ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive vision for national resilience. 'Pakistan's threats are no longer limited to traditional warfare,' said PM Sharif. 'Our military, political, and economic institutions must be equally prepared to face hybrid challenges, from border security to economic sabotage.' He paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for their valour and professionalism, citing the response to the Pulwama incident as an example of national strength. 'While India targeted innocent civilians, our Air Force responded with precision, striking seven high-value targets,' he said, adding that the incident proved Pakistan's operational readiness on land and in the air. The Prime Minister strongly criticised India's propaganda and its attempt to weaponize events like the Pulwama attack. He emphasised that Pakistan responded firmly, diplomatically and militarily. 'India tried to make water a weapon, but we have drawn a red line. Pakistan will never allow its water rights to be violated,' he added. He praised the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar for their strategic foresight, asserting that Pakistan's armed forces and people stand united against any aggression. 'The recent tensions have only boosted the morale of our nation and forces,' he remarked. He noted that when he assumed office for 16-month tenure, the country was facing severe challenges, but none were insurmountable. 'Our focus remains on the economy, reforms, and counterterrorism,' he said. He pointed to significant achievements since the beginning of economic reforms in March 2024. 'Tax revenue has increased by 28% compared to last year. The introduction of a faceless assessment system at Karachi Port has improved transparency. Inflation has dropped from 38% to single digits. The Pakistani rupee is now stable,' he added. Shehbaz Sharif also emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy on corruption, crediting tough decisions and anti-smuggling measures for economic stabilization. 'We are introducing modern technologies, including crypto regulation and blockchain, to align Pakistan with the global financial landscape,' he announced. He reaffirmed Pakistan's strong ties with countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar, and the Gulf states. 'Our strategic friendships have endured every test. These nations stood by us in our most difficult times,' he said. The Prime Minister called for collective national effort and hard work to join the ranks of great nations. 'Success comes from perseverance. Together, we will transform Pakistan into a model for the world,' he declared. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-P government saves over Rs111 billion
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has successfully saved over Rs111 billion by maintaining fiscal discipline during the first three quarters of the ongoing fiscal year 202425. Figures released by the federal government reveal that K-P received Rs1,031.26 billion in total financial resources over the nine-month period. Of this amount, Rs824.86 billion came from the federal government under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. In addition, the province generated Rs46.20 billion through its own tax revenues and Rs40.17 billion from non-tax sources. The federal government also provided Rs120 billion in loans and grants, including Rs38.58 billion in loans, Rs54.99 billion in current grants, and Rs26.43 billion in development grants. During this period, the K-P government spent a total of Rs919.95 billion. Of this, Rs759.56 billion was allocated to current expenditures, while Rs13.75 billion was paid to the federal government for debt servicing (markup payments). Furthermore, the federal government spent Rs147 billion on development projects in K-P under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has taken serious notice of alleged irregularities in the recent screening test for school teacher recruitment conducted by the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA). He has directed the Chief Secretary to initiate a high-level inquiry into the matter. A formal letter from the Chief Minister's Secretariat expressed deep concern over reports of misconduct and a potential paper leak during the test held in Bannu on May 10. Initial findings revealed that several individuals were apprehended at a private guesthouse while the exam was still in progress. They were allegedly found in possession of test papers, bubble sheets, laptops, and scanning machinesraising serious questions about the integrity of the examination process. The Chief Minister termed the reported irregularities a grave violation of merit and transparency. He instructed that a senior officeror a committee of officersbe appointed to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible, and recommend strict disciplinary action. "ETEA is currently overseeing teacher recruitment examinations across the province. Any malpractice not only jeopardizes the future of candidates but also erodes public trust in the system," the letter stated. The Chief Minister further directed that the inquiry should not only address the immediate incident but also assess systemic vulnerabilities within ETEA's operations. Legal and administrative action has been urged against any individuals or institutions found guilty of misconduct or negligence. Additionally, the Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education has been instructed to review examination arrangements across all districts, ensure robust monitoring, and improve coordination between local administrations and ETEA staff. A comprehensive report on the incident has been demanded within 15 days.
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
SG PPP asks workers to shun internal rifts, strengthen party
PESHAWAR: Central Secretary General PPP Mohammad Hamayun Khan has asked the party workers to shun their internal rifts and join hands for the strengthening and re-organisation of the party to make the top popular party of the province. Addressing a well-participated function organised under the auspices of the People's Labour Bureau, a labour-wing of the party held here at Nishtar Hall in connections with World Labour Day, he said 'whenever PPP had come into power, it had steps for bringing improvement in the life of the labourers.' Besides, provincial president PPP KP Syed Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha, Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Romina Khalid, parliamentary leader of PPP in KP Assembly Ahmad Karim Kundi, president of People's Labour Bureau Shah Zulqarnain, labour leaders Razam Khan, Habibullah and Sirajuddin Burki and others also addressed the function. Mohammad Hamayun Khan recalled that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto during his government had introduced numerous labourer-friendly reforms, saying the establishment of the institutes like Workers' Welfare Board (WWB) and Employees Social Security Institute (ESSI) are ample proofs in this record. He further said that PPP in its rule during 2008-2013 had taken revolutionary step of increasing the salaries of the public sector employees by 170 percent, beside giving a consensual National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and landmark 18th Constitutional Amendment to guarantee provincial autonomy and granting rights over resources to federating units. He directed the party's office bearers at district, tehsil and ward level to go to masses and create awareness amongst them about these achievements and people-friendly policies of the party. In his address on the occasion, provincial president PPP KP Syed Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha lambasted the anti-people policies and corrupt practices of the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that from the last week of the current month, PPP is beginning a mass protest against the anti-people and corrupt government of KP. The protest will include a sit-in in front of KP Assembly and major highways to create awareness amongst the masses about the inept and corrupt government in the province. Various resolutions were also passed in the function demanding 100 percent increase in the salaries of the government employees, raising monthly minimum wage to Rs50,000. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CCI overturns canal project approval amid Sindh's strong opposition
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pictured with K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, and Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti at the Prime Minister's Office in Islamabad on April 28, 2025. Courtesy: PTV Listen to article The Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Monday rejected the federal government's proposal to construct new canals from the Indus River, overturning an earlier decision by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) made in February. 'No new canals will be constructed without mutual understanding and consensus among all provinces,' stated a release from the Prime Minister's Office following the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The high-level meeting, convened early at the request of the Sindh government, was attended by the chief ministers of all four provinces, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister Ameer Muqam, and other officials. The CCI agreed to withdraw provisional approval for the project, and announced the formation of a federal-provincial committee to propose long-term agricultural and water management solutions in line with the 1991 Water Accord and the 2018 Water Policy. 'The government is committed to resolving all water-related disputes amicably, ensuring that the concerns of any province are addressed through due diligence,' the statement added. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur welcomed the move, saying, 'It has been decided to resolve issues through mutual understanding.' He confirmed that some of K-P's demands, including the recognition of tobacco as a formal crop and the review of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, would be added to the next CCI agenda. The decision comes amid widespread protests across Sindh over the canals project. The plan to construct six canals at an estimated cost of Rs211.4 billion faced strong resistance from the Sindh government and nationalist groups, who warned that the move would deprive Sindh of its rightful share of water. Sit-ins and blockades at key highways, now lasting over 10 days, have disrupted the movement of goods between Sindh and Punjab, causing shortages of petrol and food supplies. Stranded transporters reported increasing damage to vehicles as the protests continued without resolution. Despite PM Shehbaz's assurances to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that no new canals would proceed without consensus, protests on the ground have intensified, highlighting deep-rooted distrust and regional tensions over water distribution.
