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PM says Rs800 bn recovered through enforcement alone, without new taxes, as business-backed reforms reshape economy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday said the government, in consultation with the business community, had introduced long-pending structural reforms over the past two and a half years, describing the process as a result of sustained teamwork between the government and the private sector.

The prime minister was addressing a meeting with leading industrialists, businessmen and entrepreneurs, which he attended along with the Deputy Prime Minister. He welcomed the members of the business fraternity to the meeting.

Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif said that Rs800 billion had been recovered in a year through enforcement measures alone, without imposing any new taxes. He said cases pending in courts for the past ten years had been pursued and followed up, particularly those relating to indirect sales tax paid by consumers, adding that such improvement in enforcement had not been witnessed before in the country’s history.

The prime minister recalled that prior to the budget, multiple rounds of consultations had been held with the business community on various economic issues, in which the Finance and Commerce ministers, along with their secretaries, had also met with the stakeholders before his own interaction with them.

He said that the recommendations put forward by the business community during earlier meetings, including during difficult periods, had helped the government bring about structural changes with their support. He termed it a long journey achieved through collective effort.

He said it was for this reason that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for the first time, extended relevant allowance, and that the IMF Managing Director, during his interaction with the prime minister, had agreed to offer a tax waiver.

The prime minister said all these measures were undertaken with consultation from the business community, describing it as a long journey accomplished through teamwork, and said the government would continue to proceed on this path with the guidance and assistance of the business community.

He said that any economic growth achieved must be export-led, stating that growth without an export orientation would be meaningless. He said it was for this reason that special tax relief had been extended to exporters in the budget.

The prime minister said the purpose of the meeting was to seek the opinion of the business community, as the country was in the first quarter of the fiscal year, on the challenges facing export enhancement and possible solutions to address them.

Speaking on the occasion, the business leaders appreciated the government’s engagement with the business community, expressing confidence that continued coordination would help boost investment and exports.

Arif Habib, renowned businessmen, said the government had incorporated several proposals of the business community in the federal budget and expressed hope for increased investment and export growth during the current year.

Amir Ibrahim, notable industrialist said the meeting focused particularly on enhancing exports, including from traditional sectors and emerging areas such as telecommunications, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI).

He said the business leaders called for greater focus on AI infrastructure, including data centres and AI factories, to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy.

Umar Saeed, another businessman welcomed regular consultations between the government and industry, saying such interaction would help resolve business-related issues and improve the country’s exports and economy.

Shehzad Saleem, business leader said the prime minister keenly listened to all discussion and took note of everything where certain good suggestions were made by the business leaders. He said the prime minister also directed to resolve concerns of the businessmen and urged to ensure regular meetings.

Javaid Balwani, an industrialist also appreciated the establishment of FBR offices in Karachi and Lahore, describing the initiative as helpful in facilitating the business community. He said these interactions should continue as it would help improve the national economy and exports

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.