Latest news with #Rehan
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Vanaspati manufacturers threaten closure over tax
Listen to article The Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) has warned of an indefinite nationwide shutdown of ghee and cooking oil production if the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) does not withdraw controversial tax enforcement powers within 48 hours. At a press conference following the association's General Body meeting in Karachi, PVMA Chairman Sheikh Umer Rehan said the strike was unanimously approved by members. However, the strike is on hold for two days due to ongoing FPCCI-FBR talks facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in Islamabad. "We have delayed the strike by 48 hours, hoping that negotiations between FPCCI and FBR under SIFC supervision will bring results. If not, we will halt production across Pakistan," Rehan warned. According to a statement released on Wednesday, PVMA opposes new amendments in the Income Tax Ordinance in Budget 2025-26, particularly Sections 40B, 40C, 21S, and 8B. These allow FBR to monitor private businesses and grant power to arrest alleged defaulters without warrants under Section 37A. Rehan said these powers mirror the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), raising fears of arbitrary interference in commercial activities and would lead to harassment. "If NAB-like officers monitored the FBR chairman, could he work freely? Then how can we work under similar pressure?" he asked. PVMA highlighted its economic role, saying the sector is the second-largest taxpayer after petroleum. Rehan said the industry pays 35% tax on imports and 10% on sales but still faces raids and arbitrary rules. He also claimed that utility stores owe the industry over Rs6.5 billion, while billions in sales tax refunds remain unpaid. He added that the sector lacks capacity for immediate compliance with the newly introduced digital invoicing requirement. "Digitisation takes time and investment. We can't do it overnight," he said. The PVMA said it prefers dialogue but warned that if the government fails to act, it will proceed with a shutdown.
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PVMA threatens to shutdown ghee production if FBR powers not withdrawn
KARACHI: The Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) has warned of an indefinite shutdown of ghee production across the country if the government fails to withdraw certain powers granted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) within 48 hours. Speaking at a press conference following a general body meeting held at a local hotel on Wednesday, PVMA Chairman Sheikh Umar Rehan announced that the industry has postponed its planned strike for 48 hours due to ongoing talks with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). However, he made it clear that if the government does not address their demands by the deadline, ghee mills across the country will be shut down. 'All our members have unanimously given a mandate for an immediate strike. We are making a final attempt to resolve issues through dialogue. If that fails, we will be left with no choice but to act,' said Rehan. The general body meeting was attended by prominent industry leaders including Khalid Islam, Masood Pervaiz, Asjad Arif, and Rashid Jan Mohammad. Key Issues Raised by PVMA: Harassment by FBR Officials: The association alleges that FBR officers posted at ghee mills are harassing manufacturers and demanding historical business records beyond their legal mandate. Unjustified Tax Burden: PVMA claims the industry is already paying 45% in total taxes, including a 35% import duty and a 10% advance tax, which they deem excessive. Outstanding Dues: Utility Stores Corporation reportedly owes over Rs. 6.5 billion to ghee manufacturers. Digital Invoicing Concerns: The industry says it is not yet ready for mandatory digital invoicing, citing a lack of full digital infrastructure. PVMA is particularly opposed to FBR's enforcement powers under Sections 40B and 40C, and the requirement to monitor digital sales and transactions above Rs. 200,000 calling them excessive and unworkable under current circumstances. Rehan further questioned the FBR's accountability, asking, 'If a NAB officer were placed in the FBR Chairman's office, would he be able to work effectively?' Frustration Over Failed Dialogue: Vice Chairman Masood Pervaiz expressed disappointment over a recent meeting in Islamabad, where PVMA officials were scheduled to meet the FBR Chairman. According to Pervaiz, the Chairman delegated the meeting to a subordinate and left for another engagement, leaving their concerns unaddressed. Final Warning: The PVMA has issued a final ultimatum to the government: resolve the industry's grievances within 48 hours or face a complete nationwide halt in ghee production. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Youngest Bowler In World To Pick 10 Wickets Bags Hat-trick At 17
Last Updated: Farhan Ahmed, 17, took a hat-trick and five-wicket haul for Nottinghamshire in Vitality Blast, leading them to a win against Lancashire. Star England spinner Rehan Ahmed's brother, Farhan, on Friday, was the star performer in the ongoing Vitality Blast, as he bagged a hat-trick and eventually a five-wicket haul to take Nottinghamshire to a four-wicket win over Lancashire at home, in a brilliant performance at just 17 years old. The hat-trick was the first-ever in Nottinghamshire's T20 history, and Farhan finished with figures of 5-0-25-5. Last year, Farhan had made his first-class debut for the team at 16 years old to be the club's youngest FC cricketer. He finished with figures of 7/140 on his debut. The hat-trick and a maiden white-ball five-for for Farhan, who last season became the youngest cricketer in FC cricket in Britain to have 10 wickets in a game, helped bowl out Lancashire for a paltry 126. Opting to bat first, Phil Salt and skipper Keaton Jennings built a 38-run opening partnership before the latter was dismissed by Farhan. Lancashire soon found themselves at 53/5 in the eighth over before Matty Hurst and Chris Green added 63 runs for the sixth wicket. After the former was run out by Olly Stone in the 17th over, Lancashire couldn't build any more partnerships. In the chase, Nottinghamshire found themselves at 14/4 in the third over before Lyndon James and wicketkeeper Tom Moores added 81 runs for the fifth wicket. After James was dismissed by Luke Wells, Moores and Daniel Sams added 31 runs for the sixth wicket. Nottinghamshire eventually chased down the target in the 16th over. 'I've always said that he's a role model. We live together, and we eat together and everything. He's already a role model that I'll always look up to," Farhan had told ESPNCricinfo about his brother Rehan earlier this year. Two years after Rehan became the youngest man to play Test for England against Pakistan and then the youngest to take a five-for on debut, in the second innings at Karachi, Farhan emulated the former with his pair of red-ball records. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Balochistan will never be part of Pak': BNM leader after major attacks on Pak army; claims 'Operation Baam' is just the beginning
Qazi Dad Mohammad Rehan, information secretary of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) (Photo: ANI) Qazi Dad Mohammad Rehan, information secretary of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), on Sunday said that Balochistan 'will never be a part of Pakistan,' as he spoke on the launch of "Operation Baam" — a series of coordinated armed attacks targeting the Pakistan army. Rehan made this statement during an exclusive interview with the news agency ANI. The operation began on Tuesday night and was carried out across key districts, including Panjgur, Surab, Kech, and Kharan. The Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) has called it a strategic shift in their armed resistance, aimed at dismantling Pakistan's military presence in the region. 'Operation Baam, meaning 'Dawn,' marks a significant shift in our struggle. It shows that the Baloch people are prepared to take control of their destiny and resist Pakistani oppression through organised, effective action,' Rehan was quoted as saying to ANI. He said the operation was important both for fighting and politics, and showed that the Baloch people are ready to govern themselves. 'It proves that Balochistan has the strength and unity to govern itself if given independence. This challenges the narrative pushed by Pakistan and its allies that Balochistan would descend into chaos if freed,' Rehan said. Rehan said the BNM stands out for its rejection of Pakistan's parliamentary system. 'We are the first party to boycott the Pakistani parliament. We have made it clear, we do not want to live under Pakistani rule. Our fight is for complete independence, not for limited autonomy or token rights within Pakistan,' he said. Rehan traced the roots of the conflict back to 1948, when Balochistan was annexed by Pakistan. 'Our people resisted from day one. The tribal leadership was the initial force behind the rebellion. But the BLF represents a new era, a movement driven by the people, not just chiefs,' he explained. 'The common Baloch has found a voice and a weapon to fight back.' He said the resistance is now led by younger generations who are skilled in modern guerrilla tactics and technology. 'This is not just a traditional tribal fight anymore. It is a modern resistance movement with strategic goals,' Rehan added. Rehan also criticised Pakistan's economic initiatives, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying they exploit Baloch resources while offering nothing in return. 'Billions have been poured into our land, but the Baloch people remain poor, oppressed, and dispossessed of their resources,' he said. 'Balochistan belongs to the Balochs, not to Punjab or any other part of Pakistan.' Furthermore, Rehan appealed to the global community. 'The world must understand that Balochistan's struggle is just and inevitable. Operation Baam is just the beginning of our renewed push for freedom.' Operation 'Baam' In one of the most coordinated offensives in recent years, the BLF launched "Operation Baam" late Tuesday, targeting military and government sites across multiple districts in Balochistan. At least 17 attacks were reported in Panjgur, Surab, Kech, and Kharan, damaging communication networks, administrative buildings, and military checkpoints. The BLF claimed responsibility, calling the operation a new chapter in the Baloch national liberation struggle. Spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch said the attacks demonstrated the group's ability to carry out synchronised strikes across a wide area, from the Makran coast to the Koh-e-Suleman mountains. Security forces began search operations in the affected regions, while communication services remained down in parts of Kech and Panjgur. The BLF stated that the attacks were aimed at causing both human and material losses to the military.
Observer
12-07-2025
- Health
- Observer
A Life Dedicated to Healing, Heritage, and Natural Wisdom
I heard of her death. But nobody can say for sure what caused it. Someone who adored her said she died with a broken heart, after losing her own daughter. I've always thought of her as my second mother. In those brief moments—hellos and texts that took weeks to reply—I was happy to imagine her somewhere, living her best life. Dr. MaryAnn James [Roberta] was far from fragile. I met her at over 60, yet she had so much life in her, it was like talking to someone my age. She was a fascinating person, and for years she worked in Oman's wellness world, partnering with one of Oman's most respected families to bring beautiful wellness programmes to the country. The first time I met her, she took me to a stunning desert resort. She promised it had one of the most magical spas the country would ever know. During that visit, we discussed many things—how Oman's seasons are how nature heals us. How the punishing summer makes way for the green Khareef, which renews the soul, and how Khareef is followed by winter. She believed that healing—be it physical, mental, or spiritual—comes from understanding and harnessing the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Her approach was rooted in tradition yet presented with a modern awareness, emphasising natural therapies, herbal ingredients, and holistic wellness. She often referenced regional treasures such as frankincense, Oman's Rehan, and date fruits, highlighting her pride in local resources and her deep desire to promote indigenous knowledge. Her focus was on gentle, natural methods that not only healed but also inspired wonder about the traditions and ingredients of the region. She wanted her readers and clients to feel both informed and motivated to pursue healthier lifestyles—nurturing themselves with organic farming, face reflections, and natural therapies. She talked about science and myths, swapping between facts and legends with ease. Using stories from myths and legends, she brought them to life. She loved Oman. She had lived in Sweden and the UK, found peace in the Himalayas, but Oman—the desert—she loved it like an oryx staring into the endless land, still finding reasons to appreciate its quietness and calm. In the five years I knew her, she taught me more about Oman than my own friends. She teased me about the real location of Diana's Point and said fossils should be highlighted more in the Jabal Akhdar tourism plans. She genuinely believed that Oman was the best place in the world to heal because of its natural healing elements, like Rehan, frankincense, and date fruits, and she promoted their uses passionately. Dr Maryann She could switch topics easily, and her memories were as clear as if she were still young. She showed me Oman's biggest mushroom factory, told me about harvesting the best dates during the full moon. We spent nights in cold Jabal Akhdar talking about how to grow the wellness scene. One day, she picked me up in a golf cart and encouraged me to try playing—telling me I was a better shot than I thought. With her encouragement, I did something I would normally dismiss as boring. She built a wellness pyramid in Oman—such an old idea now, almost forgotten. But at its peak, she led some media inside a tunnel, into the heart of this pyramid. Inside, she told us to sit on a yoga mat, and under a faint light streaming from above, she showed us the magic of natural Botox—lifting and glowing with just her hands. It was intense and unforgettable; different from anything else. Her practice was about harmonising the body naturally, emphasising herbal remedies and harnessing the healing power of regional treasures like frankincense and Rehan, which she believed carried ancient secrets and profound benefits. She had a gift with words. Even in chaos, she was a calm force. I invited her to write as a lifestyle columnist for Oman Observer, where she shared her thoughts on the magic of Oman's humble herbs, holistic wellness, and secrets from a moonlit garden. Her writings reflected her deep care and dedication—her wish that everyone approached health with kindness, patience, and respect for nature's gifts. Now she's gone, keeping more secrets inside herself, only sharing what she chose. Her columns remain as her last gift—a window into her knowledge and kindness. I've always wondered about her. I like to think she's still alive somewhere—perhaps in the Himalayas, tending her herbs in a garden, as vibrant as ever. She was full of kindness and wisdom, showing us that the world has so much to give if only we listen, and if only we let it heal us naturally. I promised I would visit her someday. She promised she'd come to Oman soon. Neither happened. Many who loved her in Oman don't even know she has passed. So I am writing this tribute—because if anyone deserved to be remembered, it's her. I thought I knew her well, but I realise I didn't know everything. And if the world forgets Dr MaryAnn James Roberta, at least in my heart, she will stay alive. One day, I will find her quiet place in the Himalayas. I will look at those mountains she loved. I will visit the spots she recommended. But just as she lived a life filled with purpose and meaning, I hope mine will also be meaningful, extraordinary, and unforgettable.
