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Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Economic stability: FPCCI emphasises critical need for renewed focus
LAHORE: President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, emphasized the critical need for renewed focus on economic stability during Pakistan's 78th Independence Day celebrations. Speaking at a ceremony organized by the FPCCI in Lahore on Thursday, Sheikh declared that true freedom is achievable only through national prosperity. 'We pledge today to make sound decisions that will drive Pakistan toward sustainable economic growth,' he stated, underscoring the business community's vital role in shaping the country's future. The event featured a flag-hoisting ceremony and tree planting, symbolizing national pride and commitment to progress. Distinguished attendees included FPCCI Regional Chairman Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry, Patron-in-Chief UBG SM Tanveer, Brigadier Nadir Mir (r), and Vice Presidents Zaki Ijaz and Tariq Mahmood Jadoon. President Sheikh extended congratulations to the nation, highlighting the special significance of this year's celebrations following the historic success of Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos. He paid tribute to Pakistan's armed forces, expressing the business community's profound gratitude for their sacrifices and valour. Sheikh further noted that Pakistan's effective diplomacy under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had successfully countered India's false narratives while enhancing Pakistan's global image internationally. He specifically credited Field Marshal Munir's leadership for the decisive victory against national adversaries. Addressing future development, Sheikh stressed the importance of youth empowerment, pointing out that 65% of Pakistan's population is under 30 years old – a demographic he described as a tremendous opportunity. He called for increased investment in youth and women to harness their potential for building a stronger Pakistan. 'Pakistan is our identity, and our hearts beat with it,' Sheikh affirmed, reinforcing the collective resolve to uphold national sovereignty. The ceremony concluded with participants unanimously reaffirming their commitment to a progressive and resilient Pakistan. In celebration of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Head Office of Sui Northern Gas in Lahore. The ceremony was graced by Managing Director Sui Northern Gas, Amer Tufail, as the chief guest. In his address, the Managing Director paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in securing Pakistan's independence. He also lauded the heroic sacrifices and victories of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Tufail urged employees to work with unity and dedication for the progress of the country and the company. Later, the Managing Director hoisted the national flag and planted a sapling to mark the occasion. Senior management and employees of the company also attended the ceremony in large numbers. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated Pakistan's Independence Day with a grand ceremony featuring a flag hoisting and cake cutting. The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, former President Muhammad Ali Mian, former Vice President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol and Executive Committee members jointly hoisted the national flag. A large number of members of the business community were also present at the occasion. Special prayers were offered for the security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan, while the atmosphere echoed with chants of 'Pakistan Zindabad' and 'Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad'. In his address, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said that Independence Day is not just a celebration, but a reminder of the sacrifices, unity and hard work of our forefathers who struggled for this homeland. He stressed that Pakistan's development requires collective efforts from all segments of society. LCCI Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman said that the true spirit of independence lies in fulfilling national responsibilities and taking concrete measures to strengthen the economy. Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry remarked that the business community is playing a vital role in fortifying Pakistan's industrial and trade structure. Former President Muhammad Ali Mian stressed the need for unity and harmony to send a strong message to the world that Pakistan is a stable and peaceful country. Former Vice President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol underscored the importance of business-friendly policies and industrial growth for economic progress. They said that Independence Day is an opportunity to renew the pledge to put Pakistan on the path of growth and prosperity. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a special Independence Day cake, where participants exchanged greetings and waved the national flag, expressed love and commitment to the homeland. President Mian Abuzar Shad added that true independence is economic prosperity, which can be achieved through national unity, sound government policies, and the promotion of investment. NESPAK also celebrated the 78th Independence Day by arranging a simple but impressive ceremony at NESPAK House, Lahore here on August 14, 2025. The ceremony was started with recitation from the Holy Quran and prayers were made for the national unity and progress of the country. On this occasion, Zargham Eshaq Khan, Managing Director NESPAK, hoisted the national flag amid Independence Day drill performed by NESPAK security guards and national anthem was played. Speaking on the occasion, MD NESPAK expressed one's love for the country and its importance. In the end, MD NESPAK cut a cake along with senior officials to mark the celebration. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
E-Abiana worsens farmers' plight
The computerised billing system under the new e-Abiana (water tax) system launched by provincial government to collect water tax from farmers has become a source of frustration for them due to multiple flaws. Farmers are also troubled by a 200% increase in the abiana (water tax) and a reduced payment deadline. Thousands of farmers across the district were not provided their computerised bills in time under the e-Abiana system. Even where bills were delivered, discrepancies were found in names, ownership details, and other entries. Due to the shortage of canal water and low wheat prices, many farmers were unable to pay the tax on time, which has impacted overall revenue collection. The abiana bills were issued on April 1, 2025, with April 15 set as the payment deadline. Though payment can be made through nearby banks, mobile phones, or apps, the bills were not delivered on time, resulting in non-payment by farmers. Unlike WAPDA or Sui Northern Gas, no system was devised to deliver e-Abiana bills to millions of farmers at their doorstep within two weeks of issuance. Department of Irrigation issues the water tax, while the Revenue Department is responsible for its delivery and collection. Coordination and staffing issues between the two departments have led to unresolved errors. It is worth mentioning that during the tenure of former Punjab CM Usman Buzdar, a century-old system was abolished and the Revenue Department's role in abiana collection was limited. The government had launched the e-Abiana project to collect water tax from farmers using canal water in a manner similar to utility billing systems like WAPDA, Sui Gas, and PTCL. However, due to the Punjab Revenue Establishment's lack of attention, flaws in the newly launched e-Abiana system remain unaddressed, rendering it ineffective. According to Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, Chairman of the Kisan Bachao Tehreek, and Syed Mahmood-ul-Haq Bukhari, Chairman of All Pakistan Kisan Foundation, crop prices especially wheat farmers have crushed the backbone of farmers. On top of that, canals are dry. Previously, canals were operated weekly, but now they are shut down, depriving farmers of water, which is leading to barren land and economic devastation for farmers. They criticised the Punjab Irrigation Department's 200 percent increase in abiana during such times, calling it a cruel move that will further worsen farmers' plight. They also said that due to skyrocketing costs of fertilizer, diesel, electricity, and seeds, farmers are already under immense strain. In these conditions, the 200% hike in agricultural water tax amounts to state-level oppression. Sources revealed that after the water tax collection system was linked online last year, revenue collection has been declining rather than improving. Irrigation Department sources claim the Revenue Department is not cooperating in identifying payers. Meanwhile, Revenue officials blame the Irrigation Department for technical flaws in billing and updates in the e-Abiana system, which they say are the responsibility of the Irrigation Department. This blame game has severely impacted tax collection. Due to finger-pointing between departments and incorrect records, the e-Abiana billing system seems to be failing in the district. With collections worth millions delayed, not only has achieving the annual target become impossible, but it also poses a threat to the provincial treasury. According to farming circles, despite computerisation of revenue records, the data was compiled under a "dunk-dapo" (haphazard) policy, resulting in incorrect names, parentage, and land ownership details, halting collections completely. A farmer Abid Hussainsaid that when they approach revenue officers or patwaris for record correction, they are told the data has been sent back to the Irrigation Department, causing further delays. Irrigation officials said revenue authorities don't cooperate and create obstacles over minor issues.
