Latest news with #PBF
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Industry awaits SRO on 18% cotton import tax
Listen to article The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to immediately issue a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) for imposing 18% general sales tax (GST) on imported cotton, as outlined in the Finance Bill 2025. In a statement, the PBF emphasised that despite clear announcement in the federal budget to tax the imported cotton, its implementation was pending due to the absence of the required SRO. "More than three weeks have passed since approval of the budget, yet the delay continues without any justifiable reason." According to the PBF, credible reports indicate that certain influential interest groups are obstructing the issuance of the SRO. "The government must ensure transparency and move forward in the interest of local cotton growers and the economy," said PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad. The forum cautioned that cotton imports had exceeded domestic production for the first time in Pakistan's history – a development that poses serious risks to sustainability of textile and agriculture sectors. "The FBR must act urgently, keeping in view the seriousness of the issue and release the SRO without further delay," it said. The forum disclosed that importers had already entered into agreements for 7.5 million bales of cotton from international markets. "After much effort, local cotton farmers finally achieved a level playing field through legislation. The time has come to translate that into action," Jawad said. To reclaim Pakistan's status as a leading cotton-producing nation, he underlined the need for federal and provincial governments to launch a nationwide cotton revival programme. He recommended that the import of raw material, especially those impacting domestic industries, should be entirely excluded from the Export Facilitation Scheme. The forum also expressed concern over the current state of cotton crops. According to the latest figures, Sindh's performance remains particularly troubling, with reported supply of only 152,650 bales so far this year, compared to 327,666 bales in the same period of last year – a decline of 53%. In contrast, Punjab has shown relatively better results, with supply of 145,101 bales, reflecting a 27% rise over last year. Notable growth has been observed in several districts, including Khanewal (28,825 bales), Vehari (33,950 bales), Dera Ghazi Khan (19,397 bales) and Rajanpur (9,200 bales) – all recording improved yields.
The Star
5 days ago
- Science
- The Star
‘It is vital to continue exploration'
Natural treasures: Pulau Banding, the location of the BTA. — Bernama GERIK: A total of 519 new species of flora, fauna and fungi have been discovered in the Pulau Banding area here recently, significantly enriching Malaysia's national biodiversity database. The findings were made during the Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) 2025 three-day expedition, which began last Friday. According to the Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF), the expedition involved 50 participants comprising local university students and researchers. The group explored a 4.7km area on the island to identify and document species found within the ecosystem, PBF said, Bernama reported. 'Throughout the expedition, participants engaged in systematic sampling and identification activities, focusing on biological realms such as Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, and Protista. These were carried out using a scientific approach grounded in field research. 'The collected data forms a biodiversity checklist or 'Species Checklist' for Pulau Banding. The information not only contributes to the national biodiversity database, but also plays a vital role in identifying and monitoring endangered species,' the foundation said in a statement. Which is home to species like the Paradise Flying Tree Snake. — Bernama The expedition was organised by PBF in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, the Tropical Rainforest Research Centre, the Emkay Foundation, and Belum Rainforest Resort. The programme also saw the involvement of the Belum Forest Friends (BFF), Exotic Animal Teaching Laboratory, Malaysian Forestry Research Institute, Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department, Perak State Forestry Department as well as several local universities such as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The programme made history when it was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for achieving the Most Biodiverse Species Identified in a Programme, with the certificate presented during the closing ceremony held yesterday. Meanwhile, Emkay Group executive chairman Datuk Fazwinna Mustapha Kamal, in her speech at the closing ceremony, said that only 10% of the biodiversity around Royal Belum has been studied to date. She said that many secrets and natural treasures remain undiscovered and it was therefore, important to continue exploration and conservation efforts to protect these invaluable resources. 'I was informed that over 400 species of flora and fauna have been identified during the BTA 2025, which demonstrates that the Banding Trail shares the same rich biodiversity of flora and fauna as Royal Belum, but in a more enclosed, enclave setting,' she said. PBF Board of Trustees chairman Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamed said that the foundation is planning to develop the BTA into a permanent interpretive trail to provide a platform not only for ongoing research but also as an inclusive, nature-based learning space for extracurricular education. 'I hope that more researchers and institutions will choose Pulau Banding as a long-term research site and training ground to nurture the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards,' he said.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
Banding Trail Adventure 2025 uncovers 519 biodiversity species
GERIK: A total of 519 species of biodiversity, including flora, fauna, and fungi, were documented during the Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) 2025 programme, significantly boosting Malaysia's national biodiversity records. Organised by the Banding Island Foundation (PBF) in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, the Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (TRaCe), and other partners, the three-day expedition involved 50 participants, comprising students and research experts. The team explored a 4.7-kilometre area on Banding Island, employing systematic sampling and identification methods. 'The collected data forms a biodiversity checklist for Pulau Banding, aiding in the monitoring of endangered species and promoting conservation awareness,' PBF stated. The programme set a national record, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for the 'Most Biodiverse Species Identified in a Programme.' EMKAY Group executive chairman Datuk Fazwinna Mustapha Kamal highlighted that only 10% of Royal Belum's biodiversity has been studied, stressing the need for further exploration. PBF chairman Datuk Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamed announced plans to develop BTA into a permanent interpretive trail for research and education. 'We hope more researchers will use Pulau Banding as a long-term study site,' he said. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Science
- Barnama
2025 Banding Trail Adventure Discovers Over 500 Biodiversity Species
GERIK, July 20 (Bernama) -- A total of 519 species of biodiversity, including flora, fauna and fungi, were discovered in the Banding Island area here through the Banding Trail Adventure (BTA) 2025 programme, significantly enriching Malaysia's national biodiversity database. According to the Banding Island Foundation (PBF), the three-day expedition, which began last Friday, involved 50 participants comprising local university students and research experts. The group explored a 4.7-kilometre area on the island to identify and document species found within the ecosystem. "Throughout the expedition, participants engaged in systematic sampling and identification activities, focusing on biological realms such as Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, and Protista. These were carried out using a scientific approach grounded in field research. "The collected data forms a biodiversity checklist or 'Species Checklist' for Pulau Banding. The information not only contributes to the national biodiversity database, but also plays a vital role in identifying and monitoring endangered species, while promoting awareness and environmental conservation efforts,' said the foundation in a statement today. BTA 2025 was organised by PBF in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, the Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (TRaCe), the EMKAY Foundation, and Belum Rainforest Resort. The programme also saw the involvement of the Belum Forest Friends (BFF), Exotic Animal Teaching Laboratory (EXOTEL), Malaysian Forestry Research Institute, Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department, Perak State Forestry Department, as well as several local universities such as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Teknologi MARA and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The programme made history when it was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for achieving the Most Biodiverse Species Identified in a Programme, with the certificate presented during the closing ceremony held today. Meanwhile, EMKAY Group executive chairman Datuk Fazwinna Mustapha Kamal, in her speech at the closing ceremony, said that only 10 per cent of the biodiversity around Royal Belum has been studied to date. She emphasised that many secrets and natural treasures remain undiscovered and underscored the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts to protect these invaluable resources.
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PBF writes letter to NA Speaker: Call to declare ongoing fiscal year as ‘Year of Economic Legislation'
KARACHI: In a significant move aimed at spurring private sector growth, the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has written a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, urging Parliament to declare the ongoing fiscal year as the 'Year of Economic Legislation.' President PBF, Khawaja Mehboob ur Rehman emphasized that sustainable private sector growth is only possible when Parliament stands firmly with the business community. He expressed hope that the Speaker would play an active role in positioning the legislative branch as a true economic partner. 'It is imperative that Parliament leads the way in crafting legislation that binds banks to offer fair and accessible credit to the SME and startup sectors,' said the PBF President. 'For too long, the banking industry has operated on its own terms — refusing to extend credit to small businesses while focusing almost exclusively on lending to the government, which is an easier route.' Highlighting the deep-rooted financial access issues, particularly in Balochistan, the PBF pointed out the shocking reality that many businesses in the province are effectively excluded from the credit system. The Forum also raised alarms over Sections 37AA and 37B of the Finance Bill, demanding immediate revision. 'Mehboob warned that those measures would cripple businesses, accelerate unemployment and damage investor confidence. The chamber strongly condemned the extraordinary powers granted to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials, unjust treatment of the business community and policy decisions made without business consultation. It demanded immediate withdrawal of those measures and a halt to economic victimisation of the business community.' 'If these clauses are not removed, the business community may be forced to shut down operations. These provisions have deeply shaken business confidence across Pakistan. We call upon the Speaker to form a special parliamentary committee to address these issues.' The letter further states that access to easy and fair credit is considered essential in all developed economies, but Pakistan continues to lag behind, with the government currently working on a 10-year industrial policy, the Forum warned that without enabling financial access for the private sector, the policy's objectives will remain unfulfilled. The PBF urged the National Assembly to act now, reiterating that sound parliamentary policy and legislation are the keys to national progress. The business community is looking for practical solutions, not confrontation, and hopes to avoid protest actions such as strikes. The forum further warned that if the government fails to do so, the business community will continue its protest against 37AA and 37B within the legal and democratic framework for a long time. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
