Latest news with #Tarar
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Conflict with India: Tarar praises Pakistani media's role
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar on Wednesday said that Pakistan has responded to Indian aggression with responsibility and composure, exposing New Delhi's state-sponsored terrorism on multiple international forums with credible evidence, including video proof. Addressing a press conference, Tarar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly presented Pakistan's stance on the diplomatic front, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar led a dedicated team that worked tirelessly in this regard. He credited the Pakistani media, journalists, and anchorpersons for playing a key role in the 'battle of narratives' by presenting facts and demonstrating responsible journalism—unlike Indian media which, he said, resorted to lies and fake news. Tarar revealed that video evidence was shared with the media, showing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing support for the Mukti Bahini in 1971, along with clips of inflammatory speeches by Indian leaders and footage proving Indian involvement in terrorism in Balochistan. He emphasised that India is involved in terrorism not only in Pakistan but also in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia. 'India's state policy revolves around exporting terror,' Tarar alleged, citing the example of Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav who was caught operating in Balochistan. He added that Indian-sponsored terrorism has targeted even innocent children, referencing the recent Khuzdar incident, and accused Indian media of celebrating the Jaffer Express tragedy while glorifying terrorists. 'Pakistan's armed forces are fully committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism,' Tarar stated, reiterating that 'Fitna-e-Hindustan' (India's disruptive elements) will be rooted out of Balochistan at all costs. He also welcomed Pakistan's offer for transparent international investigations into the Pahalgam attack, showcasing Islamabad's commitment to justice. 'Like conventional wars, India's proxies will also be defeated,' Tarar concluded, affirming national unity and resilience. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pak-Italy ties progressing positively: Tarar
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has said that Pakistan-Italy relations are progressing positively, with bilateral trade exceeding $1 billion and over 3,500 Pakistani students currently studying in Italy – key indicators of growing cooperation between the two countries. Speaking at a ceremony held in Islamabad to celebrate Italy's National Day, Tarar said it was an honour to attend the event and extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Italy on behalf of Pakistan's government and its citizens. He emphasised the long-standing and historic diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Italy, founded on mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to global peace and development. 'Pakistan values its ties with Italy and looks forward to establishing a comprehensive and long-term partnership,' he stated. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tarar for avoiding conflict of interests
Listen to article Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar has advised the newly appointed members of appellate tribunals dealing with billions of rupees worth of tax matters to recuse themselves from hearing cases where the conflict of interests arises because of their past professional affiliations. The minister spoke to The Express Tribune after questions were posed about the conflict of interests in the case of some of the appellate tribunal members. "When the question of conflict of interests arises, the newly appointed members will choose the option of 'not before me'," Tarar said. Instead of appointing new members of the Inland Revenue appellate tribunal through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), the government in January this year constituted a three-member selection committee. Among the committee members were Justice (Retired) Mushir Alam, Major General (Retired) Naveed Ahmad, who is a member of the FPSC, and Asim Zulfiqar, a senior partner of AF Ferguson chartered accountancy firm. On the recommendation of the committee, the federal cabinet has so far appointed 15 members from March to May this year. The newly appointed members have been given salaries equal to judges but they are not independent like the judges, said Dr Ikramul Haq, a senior lawyer at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He also questioned the selection process, saying there were questions about some of the members' competency and conflict of interests. The members should either work under high courts or the Supreme Court instead of working under the executive branch, he suggested. To a question about bypassing the FPSC, the law minister said the selection process had been outsourced to management consulting firm AT Kearney "for ensuring independence" in the process. To another question how to ensure transparency and objectivity in deciding the cases if some of the tribunal members have worked with tax advisory firms, Tarar replied "we believe that these are mature people and will take care of the conflict of interests". The minister said that whenever such a situation arises, the members should exercise the "not before me" right to avoid hearing cases being pleaded by tax firms where they have worked in the past. The Ministry of Law has made these appointments under Section 130 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. The law states that a person shall be eligible to be appointed as a member of the Appellate Tribunal, if he is an advocate of a High Court for not less than 15 years and possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed by rules under this section; has for a period not less than 10 years practiced professionally as a chartered accountant and has for a period not less than 10 years practiced professionally as a cost and management accountant. An officer of the Inland Revenue in BS-21 or above; or an officer of the Inland Revenue in BS-20, having served in such a grade for three years or more, is also eligible for these appointments. The prime minister decided to appoint all these members from the private sector to address the issue of conflict of interests. There had also been incidents in the past where the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) used to influence the outcome of cases, although the members were working under the administrative control of the law ministry. About Rs4 trillion in revenues are stuck at various levels – most of which before the commissioners appeal of the FBR and the appellate tribunals. The FBR and the office of the Attorney General of Pakistan had assured the PM to at least recover about Rs400 billion before June. Similar assurances had also been given to the IMF. However, so far no major breakthrough has been achieved, except in the case of windfall tax. A recent IMF report stated that the Pakistani authorities were actively pursuing the resolution of outstanding cases. It said efforts were being made to recover Rs367 billion out of a total of Rs770 billion under dispute. These included cases pending before the Supreme Court involving Rs43 billion, high courts in Islamabad, Sindh and Lahore involving Rs217 billion and the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue Rs104 billion. The report disclosed that the IMF had been assured that the Supreme Court had completed its initial hearing, with a final decision expected by mid-April. A favourable ruling could effectively resolve related cases worth an estimated Rs120 billion, according to the report. The IMF's view was that resolving the cases would help clarify the legality of the disputed claims, thereby supporting future revenue by reducing uncertainty and discouraging future litigation. The appointments of the new members have already been challenged in courts for the lack of transparency. According to media reports, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued an interim order on the appointment of members in the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, stating that all appointments would be subject to the final outcome of a writ petition. Earlier, the IHC issued notices to the Ministry of Law secretary, FPSC chairman and Attorney General of Pakistan following a constitutional petition challenging the appointment process of tribunal members. The petition challenges the unadvertised process of "head hunting" and the lack of transparency. It alleges that the appointment process did not follow the established rules and procedures.
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
World acknowledges Pakistan's victory in conflict with India: Tarar
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar speaking to the media in Lachin, Azerbaijan on May 28, 2025. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN Listen to article Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said that Pakistan's position on the global stage has been significantly elevated following its handling of the conflict with India in Marka-e-Haq. Speaking to reporters in Lachin, Azerbaijan on Wednesday, Tarar asserted that Pakistan's narrative had been validated internationally, attributing the diplomatic success to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. 'The world completely acknowledged Pakistan's stance as true,' Tarar said. 'Credit goes to PM and DPM, who have significantly enhanced Pakistan's diplomatic outreach.' Tarar also took aim at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him 'a defeated and failed politician' who is 'in deep panic, churning out nothing but lies to save his sinking politics.' The information minister noted Pakistan is participating in trilateral talks with Turkiye and Azerbaijan, underlining the significance of strategic partnerships between the three nations. 'This dialogue signifies that all three nations and their leaderships are on the same page,' he said. In a meeting held a day earlier, Premier Sharif and Azerbaijani President Aliyev agreed to exchange delegations to boost trade and investment ties. 'The President of Azerbaijan expressed keen interest to elevate bilateral relations to new heights,' Tarar said. The minister also highlighted the symbolic timing of the visit, with Pakistan celebrating Youm-e-Takbeer and Azerbaijan marking its Republic Day. He expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by the Azerbaijani people. 'We thank the people of Azerbaijan for celebrating Pakistan's victory,' he said. 'The prime minister, during his meeting with President Aliyev, personally conveyed deep gratitude for Azerbaijan's support during difficult times.'
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA condemns deadly attack on school bus in Khuzdar
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday strongly condemned a deadly attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, in which children from the Army Public School were targeted by terrorists. Speaking in National Assembly, the lawmakers across party lines blamed India for sponsoring the assault through proxy groups and called it a deliberate act of terrorism. The terrorist attack, which took place on Wednesday morning, led to a somber session in Parliament, with Members of Parliament from all sides of the political divide expressed grief and outrage. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar informed the House that the incident was a result of India's failure to confront Pakistan militarily. 'Innocent schoolchildren were targeted in Khuzdar. This is a day of national mourning,' Tarar said. 'After suffering defeat on the battlefield, the enemy is now resorting to cowardly proxy warfare.' He added that an investigation was under way and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. He described the attackers as Indian-backed proxies and reaffirmed government's resolve to eliminate such threats. 'The enemy lacks the courage to face our armed forces openly,' he stated, highlighting that the military, under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, had demonstrated strategic dominance. Tarar also maintained that Pakistan had destroyed Indian airbases and French-made Rafale jets during recent military engagements and dismissed groups like 'Fitnat-ul-Khwarij' as 'insignificant.' The ex-prime minister Raja Parvaiz Ashraf echoed these sentiments, condemning the attack as a heinous act of terror and blaming India. He emphasised that the attack violated international norms, particularly the prohibition of targeting civilians. Ashraf revealed that one of the victims, a 17-year-old girl who died in the attack, belonged to his constituency in Gujar Khan and two of her siblings were also injured. 'Pakistan has lost over 80,000 civilians to terrorism. Instead of acknowledging this, India accuses us while it sponsors terrorism in our country,' he said. 'The international community must take notice of India's state-sponsored terrorism, which now threatens global peace.' Aasia Ishaque of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act and said that targeting children was particularly shameful. 'The smallest coffins are the heaviest,' she remarked. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat stressed that protecting children was the government's foremost responsibility and praised the armed forces for their recent performance in clashes with India. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said the Khuzdar attack was part of a broader campaign of subversion backed by India. 'Our forces handed India a crushing defeat in conventional warfare,' he stated. 'Now, they are resorting to covert acts like these to spread instability.' Chaudhary also pointed out that Indian officials and analysts had made public threats to retaliate from Balochistan, which he called 'well-documented.' He confirmed that several security personnel had been martyred in the attack and others critically injured. 'We salute the bravery of our martyrs,' he said. The minister praised the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu for their strategic vision and operational successes, calling recent military operations a landmark in modern warfare. Science and Technology Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi added that Pakistan's international image had improved after recent military confrontations, and the global community now viewed Pakistan as capable of defending its sovereignty. 'Terrorism that targets children can never be tolerated. Such attackers must face the full force of the law,' he said. Other lawmakers also denounced the attack, calling it further evidence of India's alleged role in destabilising the region. They urged the international community to respond to what they called a growing threat to regional and global peace. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
