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Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz condemns terrorist attack in Balochistan, pays tribute to martyred ADC
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack in Suarab, Balochistan, which targeted a bank, innocent civilians, and administrative officials. In a statement issued by the PM Office, the prime minister paid rich tribute to Additional Deputy Commissioner Hidayatullah Baloch, who embraced martyrdom while defending his area against the terrorists. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for their strength and patience in this time of grief. 'The cowardly terrorists deliberately targeted unarmed civilians, including women and children,' the prime minister said, adding that the attack reflected the anti-people mindset of elements who oppose peace and development in Balochistan. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government's commitment to continue the war against terrorism until the complete elimination of such elements from the country. He lauded the bravery of the martyred ADC, calling his sacrifice a 'shining example of courage and valour.' 'The entire nation stands in solidarity with the family of Shaheed Hidayatullah Baloch,' the Prime Minister added. He said the armed forces of Pakistan were working round the clock to counter proxy networks involved in terrorism under Indian patronage. 'The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces in eradicating terrorism and its facilitators,' he remarked. The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the attack. Earlier, Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti also condemned the attack, praising the martyred ADC's bravery and the commitment to serve the country. He said despite being in the position of ADC Revenue, Buledi valiantly led his life while fighting against the 'Indian-sponsored terrorists', who he'd opened fired on innocent civilians in the market. As per reports, dozens of BLA terrorists launched a coordinated attack in Sorab and torched multiple government offices and a local police station, while setting up check points on the Quetta-Karachi highway, earlier in the day. Security forces are actively engaging the terrorists.
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt unveils major tariff reforms
Listen to article PM Shehbaz Sharif on Friday unveiled major tariff reforms, announcing that customs duty would be capped at a maximum of 15% and that additional customs and regulatory duties would be phased out in the next four to five years. The prime minister, who chaired a meeting on National Tariff Policy, took the step by approving a gradual but significant reduction in import tariffs. "The move is being considered a major milestone towards economic improvement that will enable export-led growth. This decision is expected not only to help control unemployment but also to keep inflation in check. Besides, it will also encourage international investment, help create new job opportunities," according to a PM Office press release. He directed that Additional Customs Duty (currently ranging from 2% to 7%) and Regulatory Duty (currently varying from 5% to 90%) be eliminated over the next four to five years. Similarly, the Customs Duty will be capped at a maximum of 15% as currently, for some items, the rate exceeds even 100%. The number of duty slabs has also been reduced to four to ease legal complexities related to imports and provide a level playing field to various industries. Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated that his government was committed to developing a strong economy, creating employment opportunities, and doing away with inflation. He said that after thorough consultations with national and international economic experts, a comprehensive plan for fundamental economic reforms had been formulated, and the decision to reduce customs duties was also part of those reforms. The prime minister's "historic decision" will open the economy to foreign investment and ensure that domestic industries have easy and affordable access to raw materials, intermediate goods, and capital equipment. Moreover, increased competitiveness will enable local industries to become more efficient and competitive, to assist in controlling inflation and stabilizing the national currency. The prime minister viewed that tariff reduction would help stabilize the current account deficit and contribute to higher revenue collection, and also formed an implementation committee on the subject. The meeting was attended by federal minister Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant to PM Haroon Akhtar, and senior officials of relevant departments.
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Marka-e-Haq: PM, COAS visit CMH to inquire after health of injured troops
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday visited Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi to inquire about the health of soldiers and civilians injured during Marka-e-Haq. The prime minister was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar, according to the statement released from Prime Minister (PM Office). During the visit, the prime minister lauded the unparalleled bravery, determination and sense of duty shown by the wounded soldiers during Marka-e-Haq. The way our armed forces and the entire nation fought this war is truly unprecedented, said PM Shehbaz during his visit. The nation is observing Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitute) across Pakistan today to mark the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq and to pay tribute to the armed forces and the resilient people of the country following the success of Operation Bunyan Marsoos. The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers in mosques throughout the country. Special supplications were offered for Pakistan's stability, prosperity, and unity. Prayers were also held for the freedom of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Following the Namaz-e-Shukr, Quran recitations were held for the success of the armed forces and the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the nation. A 31-gun salute was presented in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes echoed across all provincial capitals, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, as Pakistan marked Youm-e-Tashakur to celebrate the historic victory of Operation Bunyan Marsoos. Gun salutes, change of guard ceremonies, and floral wreaths laid at monuments to the fallen were part of the day-long events honouring the courage and sacrifices of Pakistan's defenders. Prime Minister, accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, visited the residence of Shaheed Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf. PM Shehbaz and COAS met with the family members of the martyr and offered prayers for the elevation of his rank in the hereafter. The Prime Minister praised the dedication and sense of duty demonstrated by Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf during Marka-e-Haq, sources added. President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz have also issued special messages to the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Tashakur declaring the success of Operation Bunyan Marsoos as a joint victory of Pakistan's armed forces and its proud, dignified people. President Asif Ali Zardari, in his official message, praised the courage and professionalism of the armed forces, stating "This victory is not only of our valiant military but of the entire nation that stood united like a solid wall. I thank Almighty Allah for granting us success in this critical hour."
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz caps customs duty at 15% in new tariff reform move
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday approved tariff reforms, capping customs duty at a maximum of 15% and initiating the gradual elimination of additional and regulatory duties over the next four to five years. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on the National Tariff Policy, chaired by the premier, and is being hailed by the government as a key milestone toward export-led growth. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said the reforms are aimed at reducing inflation, attracting international investment, and generating new employment opportunities. 'This move is being considered a major milestone toward economic improvement that will enable export-led growth. This decision is expected not only to help control unemployment but also to keep inflation in check. Besides, it will also encourage international investment, help create new job opportunities,' according to a PM Office press release. Currently, additional customs duty ranges from 2% to 7% and regulatory duty varies from 5% to as high as 90%. Both will be phased out gradually. In some cases, customs duty exceeds 100%, prompting the government to cap the upper limit at 15%. The number of tariff slabs will also be reduced to four in a bid to simplify import procedures and ease compliance for businesses. 'This is part of a broader economic reform agenda based on wide consultation with national and international experts,' Shehbaz said. 'The goal is to make Pakistani industry more competitive, control inflation, and improve the ease of doing business.' Officials believe the reforms will not only support domestic industries through cheaper imports of raw materials and machinery but will also help reduce the current account deficit and boost revenue collection by encouraging legal imports. An implementation committee has been formed to oversee the gradual rollout of the new tariff regime. The meeting was attended by federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Special Assistant to the PM Haroon Akhtar, along with senior officials from relevant departments.
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM, UN chief discuss next steps to build on May 10 ceasefire
In the aftermath of the recent conflict with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued diplomatic outreach and held discussions with world leaders on factors endangering peace in the region, reiterating that Pakistan desired peace in South Asia and, in that spirit, had agreed to the ceasefire understanding with India. According to a press release from the PM Office Media Wing, the prime minister held telephone conversations with the President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. During his telephonic interaction with the UN secretary-general, the prime minister emphasised that the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, was imperative for ensuring durable peace in South Asia. He urged the secretary-general to play his role in this regard. It was the third phone call between the two leaders in the past two weeks, the PM Office added. The prime minister expressed deep appreciation for the secretary-general's leadership and diplomatic efforts to defuse the tense situation in South Asia, which had been gravely endangered by India's unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Pakistan. He noted that the secretary-general's continued engagement and preventive diplomacy demonstrated his enduring commitment to upholding the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, as well as fostering peace in the region. The prime minister stated that Pakistan had agreed to the ceasefire understanding in the larger interest of regional peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan's firm resolve to promote peace in South Asia while defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. He denounced India's aggression, carried out under the false pretext of terrorism, calling it a dangerous precedent that warranted the international community's attention. He also expressed concern over the continued provocative and inflammatory statements by Indian leadership, describing them as a threat to the region's fragile peace. The UN secretary-general welcomed the ceasefire understanding and extended condolences over the loss of civilian lives. He reiterated his commitment to continued engagement with both sides to advance peace and stability in the region, noting that working for international peace was a core responsibility of his office and a global imperative. The United Nations has confirmed that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a telephone call from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying they discussed "possible next steps" to build-on Saturday's ceasefire between India and Pakistan that eased tensions between the two South Asian "The secretary-general welcomed the May 10 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan and commended both sides for taking steps to reduce tensions," his Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Aziz Haq, said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday. UAE president In his phone call with the UAE president, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to uphold the ceasefire understanding, along with its unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also asserted that Pakistan would not allow the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty to be challenged under any circumstances.
