govt

Govt further slashes LPG prices

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has reduced Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices by Rs3.87 to Rs234 per kilogram, effective immediately. This is a result of reduced production costs and the arrival of imported LPG shipments. Additionally, petrol and diesel prices are expected to decrease by Rs 5 and Rs 4 per liter, respectively, starting from June 1st.

Govt to present budget 2024-25 on June 10: sources

The Pakistan government will present the budget for the financial year 2024/25 on June 10, delayed from the original date of June 7 due to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Beijing from June 4 to June 8. Inflation may increase as the IMF has requested Pakistan to reduce sales tax exemptions.

K-Electric accused of overbilling govt institutions

Sindh Energy Minister accuses K-Electric of overbilling government departments, estimating over Rs 20 billion excess charges in 10 years. An audit revealed Rs 2 billion overbilling in the past year. Despite investment in smart meters, K-Electric failed to install them. Minister vows to protect citizens and form a committee to address overbilling issues.

US, Sindh govt launch $9mn initiative to combat tuberculosis

US and Sindh government launch $9mn initiative to combat tuberculosis. The Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TB-LON), funded by USAID, aims to provide expert guidance and resources for Pakistan to tackle TB effectively. The initiative will treat more TB cases in Sindh and reduce the impact of the disease. Collaboration between the US and Sindh government is emphasized.

Govt releases Rs4bn for Karachi Safe City project

The Sindh government has released Rs4 billion for the Karachi Safe City Project. The project, to be completed in two years, includes installation of 1300 CCTV cameras with FR and ANPR capabilities, and a Command-and-Control Building. It aims to enhance security with multiple camera tracking, database management, and integration with national databases.

KP govt moves SC for live telecast of NAB amendments case

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court, requesting live telecast of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Ordinance 1999 amendment case, highlighting the absence of live-streaming as discriminatory. This follows the top court's decision to permit video-link participation in the case, a move that wasn't broadcasted live on the Supreme Court's YouTube channel. The federal government has also filed a review plea in the same case, urging the nullification of the top court's decision.

Govt to introduce new ID cards, renewal facility at UC level

The government plans to introduce new ID cards and facilitate card renewal at Union Council (UC) level nationwide, as announced by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Efforts to enhance NADRA's people-friendly approach were discussed, including installing biometric machines at UC levels, addressing long queues, and increasing NADRA centers in major cities within seven days.

Govt to ‘increase’ tax on cash withdrawal in upcoming budget

The federal government plans to increase the advance tax on cash withdrawals for non-filers from 0.6% to 0.9% in the upcoming budget. This move could generate over Rs. 15 billion in annual revenue. Additionally, the government may raise the withholding tax on vehicles over 850cc and launch a crackdown on individuals not registered under the Tajir Dost Scheme. IMF has also requested electricity price hikes to tackle the power sector's circular debt.

IHC bars govt from blocking non-filers’ SIMs

IHC has prohibited the government from blocking SIMs for non-filers, in response to a telecom operator's petition challenging Clause 114-B of the Income Tax Ordinance. The court issued a notice to the federal government, with the next hearing scheduled for May 27, 2024. Blocking SIMs was proposed to increase tax revenue but faced operational obstacles.

Heatstroke kills 61 in Thailand so far this year: govt

Summary: Thailand's health ministry reported that heatstroke has killed 61 people so far in 2024, surpassing the total for the entire 2023. The northeast region has seen the highest number of deaths. The exceptionally hot weather is attributed to climate change and the El Nino phenomenon. Authorities have warned people to limit outdoor activities due to the prolonged heatwave. Storms have brought some relief but also potential flash flooding.