Thursday, 31 October 2019
Times Aishwarya twinned with Aaradhya!
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful actresses in Bollywood. The star is celebrating her 46th birthday today and her fans can't keep calm. Several fan clubs on social media dedicated to the 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' actress have shared some unseen pictures of the diva and we are all hearts!from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Bday Special: Ileana's hotest bikini clicks!
Bollywood actress Ileana D'Cruz turns a year older today and we just couldn't keep calm as the diva has taken her social media game to the next level. Not only is she giving it back to the haters but at the same time also entertaining her fans with some drool-worthy bikini pictures.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Accord with traders: Govt to forego revenue potential of Rs70-100 bn
ISLAMABAD: With the compromise of traders on key documentation points just on eve of Azadi March, the government has literally agreed to forgo at least a revenue potential in the range of Rs70 to Rs100 billion from wholesale and retail sector.The wholesale/retail sector is contributing peanuts to national kitty on account of taxes despite possessing sizeable share in the range of 17 to 18 percent in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).It is yet to see how the IMF’s visiting review mission responds on this political compromise that would have far reaching negative impact on overall taxation system of the country.However, the FBR has come up with explanation on one important point of signed document whereby the top officials of tax machinery confided to The News that there would be no blanket exemption on size of shops up to 1,000 square feet from registration of sales tax at all. “We will come up with negative list for identifying a few sectors where this size of shops will not be used for registration of sales tax,” said the official.The FBR, he said, will only bring amendment to law where the limit of electricity bills increased from Rs0.6 million to Rs1.2 million for purpose of sales tax registration.The FBR’s analysis showed that the wholesale and retail sector contributed 18 percent into overall GDP but their contribution to Income Tax and GST stood at just Rs40 billion including Rs35 billion in shape of Income Tax and Rs5 billion as GST. Their revenue potential is estimated more than Rs500 billion but with low effective rate some economists estimated that the FBR agreed to forgo at least Rs70 to Rs100 billion by giving them message that the government would be lenient with them.On other hand, Pakistan’s leading economists have confirmed to The News on Thursday that the trader leaders tactfully exploited fluid political situation to get maximum benefits on account of documentation as well as foregoing revenue potential in the range of Rs70 billion to Rs100 billion on annual basis.However, the FBR high-ups do not agree to such estimates but they accept one point in their background discussions that the government had abandoned moves for ensuring sales tax registration at retail stage.One leading economist who had done his estimation told The News on Thursday on the condition of anonymity that the contribution of wholesale and retail trade stood at Rs7,000 billion into Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At import stage, its contribution stood at Rs1,500 billion so the remaining size at domestic stage hovered around Rs5,550 billion. There are 10 percent big retailers while 90 percent are small retailers. If average tax is taken at 5 percent, he estimated that the FBR had foregone with revenue potential in the range of Rs70 to Rs100 billion.Another economist said that the small traders contributed very little to the tax collection and this latest agreement might result in foregoing of Rs7 to 10 billion on per annum basis.One FBR official told this scribe in background discussion that the representatives of all industries were demanding of jacking up limit of electricity bill from Rs0.6 million to Rs1.2 million on the pretext that the electricity prices had gone up as the FBR had introduced this tier system almost five to six years back. With this increase in limit and in case of implementation on exemption from sales tax registration up to 1000 square feet it means that the FBR allowed more than one million retailers not to come into sales tax registration system.“This is the biggest compromise on documentation and revenue collection side,” said the official sources and added that the FBR also agreed to defer CNIC condition for next three months. The FBR made tall claims but surrendered with one move of traders when they threatened government to join Azadi march after which the government succumbed to the political pressure.The rate of turnover tax reduced from 1.5 to 0.5 percent up to Rs100 million for traders could be justified on the basis of this argument that there would be input cost incurred on it so the rate of 1.5 percent was on higher side.But if one goes by this argument, why certain input was not allowed to salaried class. For instance, the salaried person had to incur certain cost for reaching his office so there should be incentive on taxable limit up to that extent but there is no such incentives for voiceless salaried person but the retailers/traders use political clout to maximize benefits from last so many years.
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2JFyu8N
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2JFyu8N
Doctors, paramedics intensify strike in Punjab
LAHORE: The prolonged tug-of-war between provincial health authorities and doctors’ alliance has taken a huge toll on poor patients, who are virtually deprived of their basic right to healthcare in public sector hospitals in the province.The Grand Health Alliance’s strike in government hospitals entered 22nd day on Thursday, which multiplied the miseries of poor patients both physically and financially, yet it failed to move the authorities and doctors to reach some kind of settlement to restore sanity in hospitals in the province.The doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals have intensified their protest and boycotted duties in indoor wards on third consecutive day Thursday after continuing withdrawal of services from Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and Operation Theatres (OTs) and Central Laboratories for all elective procedures for 22nd day on the trot against enforcement of Punjab Medical Teaching Institutions (Reforms) Act 2019, which they believed, is a way to privatise public sector hospitals in the province. However, the protest was intensified after Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education (SHC&ME) initiated departmental action with terminations and disciplinary action under Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act 2006 against protesting members of Grand Health Alliance.However, the GHA Chairman Dr Salman Haseeb Chaudhry announced resuming working in South Punjab hospitals to provide healthcare services to the injured victims of tragic accident of train fire in Liaquatpur in Rahim Yar Khan on humanitarian grounds. “The doctors, nurses, paramedics have started working in Burn Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, and Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan to ensure provision of efficient and effective treatment to the burn victims of Tezgam Express,” he informed media on Thursday.Dr Salman Haseeb, however, condemned Punjab government and SHC&ME Department for failing to fulfill its earlier commitment of establishing burn units in teaching hospitals after tragic incident of oil tanker fire in Ahmadpur Sharqia, Bahawalpur, in 2017.“Had government taken its commitment of establishing burn units seriously, we could have provided state-of-the-art treatment to the burn patients in Thursday’s train fire tragedy and saved quite a few lives as well,” he added.Barring in South Punjab hospitals, the young consultants, young doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and allied health professionals practically boycotted healthcare services, except emergency services in public sector hospitals across the province. The GHA members staged a protest sit-in in front of office of Vice-Chancellor of King Edward Medical University (KEMU) as well as in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Jinnah Hospital to register their protest.Thousands of patients are being deprived of treatment of minor operations, consultation, diagnosis and treatment of their ailments and injuries on a daily basis, while the worst hit were those who had been travelling from remote districts to reach the mega teaching institutions only to be disappointed due to lack of availability of required treatment in hospitals.
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2WuFQB6
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2WuFQB6
Siraj asks Sheikh Rasheed to step down
KARACHI: Ameer of Jamaat-e -Islami Senator Sirajul Haq has demanded of the Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, to resign and order a detailed inquiry into the tragic train accident in Rahimyar Khan in which according to initial reports over 70 people perished and scores injured.The JI Amir was talking to media at the Idara-e-Nor-e-Haq on Thursday. Siraj said this is the ninth train accident during the tenure of the present government. He said the Railway Minist er Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed should step down and accept the responsibility of the horrifying accident.He said due to the wrong policies of the government, Islamabad has become ‘Containerabad’ and the issue of Kashmir has been undermined. The senator said the masses are still waiting for the government's concrete plan on Kashmir. He said it is unfortunate that till to date neither the government nor the establishment have taken the masses into confidence on Kashmir, which goes on to show they are least interested in doing something about the conflict. Siraj said supporting the Kashmiris is vital for the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan as after the occupied Kashmir, India will turn towards Pakistan.On the domestic economic conditions, Siraj said the ministers are living happily while the masses are spending days in misery.
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2C1KcGu
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2C1KcGu
Historic, political significance of October in Pakistan’s history
LAHORE: October holds a special historic and political significance in Pakistan’s 72-year history as sitting Prime Minister Imran Khan, his predecessors Nawaz Sharif and Mir Zafarullah Jamali, former president Pervez Musharraf and Maulana Fazlur Rehman etc would never surely forget the events that had prominently featured during this month.As far as Imran Khan is concerned, it was his very widely-attended October 30, 2011 rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore, which had helped his political entity “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf” rejuvenate and made him emerge as a frontline political leader. Imran has never looked back since, finally getting hold of the ‘throne’ after a long political struggle in 2018.Exactly eight years later, or very recently on October 30, 2019, Maulana Fazlur Rehman had arrived in Lahore, leading a massive rally of supporters attending his long march against Imran Khan’s government. The cleric also addressed a large public gathering at Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan before proceeding to Islamabad. The 66-year old Maulana too, may never have led a crowd as massive as this one throughout his political career. What a coincidence!The month of October also saw the first Pakistani premier Liaquat Ali Khan getting assassinated, the swearing in and deposition of numerous rulers, the imposition of the first-ever martial law, the dissolution of country’s first constitutional assembly and the holding of various ballot exercises.Had Pakistan’s former rulers, Gen Ziaul Haq, Benazir Bhutto, Malik Ghulam Muhammad, Kh Nazimuddin, Ayub Khan, Sir Feroz Khan Noon and Iskander Mirza been alive, they too would had fondly and unwillingly recalled their pleasant and unpleasant memories associated with this eventful month of October!Currently stealing all the limelight and attention by leading an anti-government march towards Islamabad, Maulana Fazlur Rehman had led Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), a political alliance consisting of conservative, Islamist, religious and far-right parties during the October 10, 2002 elections, which had seen Zafarullah Jamali emerging as country’s premier.The Maulana-led MMA had bagged 63 seats in this ballot exercise to stun may within and outside the country, and had gained global recognition at a juncture when all eyes were focused on Pakistan that was acting as an ally of the United States-led international powers in their fight against Osama bin Laden and his militant outfit Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 bombing of the twin towers in New York.The October 2002 elections, which were held under the watchful scrutiny of the military government of Gen Musharraf, had introduced multi-party democracy in the country by ending the two-party rule of the PPP and the PML-N.Ably supported by the then president Pervez Musharraf, the PML-Q had surfaced in the mainstream political spectrum of Pakistan by bagging 126 seats, followed by the PPP that could win 81 seats in the National Assembly. The PML-N had vanished into oblivion during these polls as its leader Nawaz Sharif was languishing in jail on the orders of Gen Musharraf.Just about three years earlier, on October 12, 1999, Musharraf had ousted Nawaz Sharif from power. It was also in October 2010 that Musharraf had launched his new political party, the All Pakistan Muslim League at a club in London. On October 16, 1951, Pakistan’s first premier Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated in Rawalpindi. And on October 17 of the same year, Malik Ghulam Muhammad had assumed the charge as country’s governor-general, with Kh Nazimuddin taking over as prime minister.All this had happened some four years after Indian troops had landed in Kashmir on October 27, 1947 as the Maharaja of this state had declared accession with India. On October 7, 1954, Foreign Minister Ch Zafarullah Khan became member of the International Court of Justice at The Hague.And on October 24, Governor General Ghulam Muhammad had dissolved country’s first constitutional assembly. On October 6, 1955, Ghulam Muhammad’s resignation was accepted and he was succeeded by Iskander Mirza. On October 1, 1956, an Electorate Bill was introduced in the National Assembly providing for joint electorate in East and West Pakistan.On October 7, 1958, President Iskander Mirza had declared martial law in Pakistan. He abrogated the constitution of 1956, describing it as “unworkable” and full of “dangerous compromises”. Gen Ayub Khan was appointed chief martial law administrator. Mirza had dismissed the government of Sir Feroz Khan Noon, and dissolved the National assembly and the provincial legislatures. Mirza also proceeded to outlaw all political parties and nominated Ayub Khan to become the new prime minister, charged with the task of administering the country. On October 24 of the same year, Gen Ayub was sworn in as prime minister by Iskander Mirza. Just three days later, on October 27, Ayub had forced Iskander Mirza to step down, becoming country’s president himself. On October 26, 1959, Ayub Khan introduced the concept of basic democracies and the very next day he became a field marshal. On October 22, 1964, Kh Nazimuddin had died in Dhaka. On October 28, 1972, President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had inaugurated the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant. On October 5, 1975, Pakistan and Bangladesh had agreed to establish diplomatic ties.On October 16, 1979, military ruler Gen Zia had put off polls indefinitely, political parties were dissolved and press censorship imposed. On October 6, 1988, eight political parties had formed the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), though they could not prevent Benazir Bhutto from winning the November 1988 polls and becoming premier.On October 24, 1990, general elections were held. While IJI bagged 106 seats, the Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDA), of which the PPP was the main component, could win only 45 National Assembly seats. Nawaz Sharif became the 12th prime minister of Pakistan on November 1, 1990, succeeding Benazir Bhutto. He also became head of the IJI. On October 6, 1993, yet another electoral exercise was held in the country. While the Benazir-led PPP had won 86 seats, the runners-up PML-N could secure 72 seats. On October 19 of the same year, Benazir Bhutto was elected prime minister for the second time.On October 8, 2005, a devastating earthquake (worst-ever in Pakistan’s history) had jolted Kashmir and NWFP, killing over 80,000 people. On October 18, 2007, Benazir had returned to Pakistan, after exile of about eight years. She was ‘greeted’ by a bomb attack in Karachi. The motorcade carrying BB was the target. The bombing had occurred two months before she was assassinated. This event, known as “Karsaz incident” had resulted in at least 180 deaths, while 500 people were injured. Most of the dead were the PPP workers.
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2N2ESZC
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2N2ESZC
KP CM orders removal of Nowshera Medical College BoG chairman
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan finally took notice of the alleged irregularities and illegal appointments in the Nowshera Medical College (NMC) and its teaching hospital, Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, and removed Gulrez Hakim Khan from his position as chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG).Sources at the Chief Minister's Secretariat told The News that Mahmood Khan signed the summary on Wednesday to remove Gulrez Hakim from his position. The summary was dispatched to the Health Secretariat for further action.The chief minister was convinced that issues in Nowshera Medical College were now damaging his reputation as people suspected he had intentionally kept silent on the happenings there," a government official privy to the developments told The News on condition of anonymity.The sources said that Dr Nausherwan Burki, the architect of health reforms of PTI government — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Medical and Teaching Institutions Reforms Act 2015 (MTI Act) — reportedly intervened to ask the chief minister to take action against Gulrez Hakim.
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2WxZlJe
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2WxZlJe
Opposition parties’ workers proceed to Islamabad for Azadi March
PESHAWAR: Several big processions under the banner of different opposition parties, mainly JUI-F and ANP Thursday left for Islamabad to join the Azadi March.The main procession from Peshawar started from the Ring Road where the main office of JUI-F is located. It was led by the provincial leaders of the JUI-F. The ANP procession had left for the federal capital before that of the JUI-F. The ANP activists started the journey from Peshawar in the form of a cavalcade having hundreds of vehicles. It joined the main procession in Charsadda comprising thousands of vehicles and led by Aimal Wali Khan. The central president of the party, Asfandyar Wali Khan, heading another big vehicular procession joined the marchers at the Rashakai Interchange in Nowshera district.The JUI-F convoys, on the other hand, were a bit late. The processions from southern districts of the province under the leadership of the senior party leader, Akram Khan Durrani, reached Peshawar in the afternoon and left for the Rashakai Interchange.
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2PHilUd
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2PHilUd
Capital students suffer as colleges suspend bus service without notice
Islamabad: Hundreds of students, especially those living in far-off areas, were troubled on Thursday morning for not getting college buses due to the unannounced suspension of the transport service. Practically, there was no class work in schools and colleges due to the absence of a large number of students. The Federal Directorate of Education, which oversees schools and colleges, on the one hand, decided to keep the educational institutions open on the day of the political sit-in in the city but ironically did not allow the buses to operate.
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2q9kkG5
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2q9kkG5
Peek Freans Introduces the Peek Freans Emerging Artist Prize
Karachi: Peek Freans is dedicated to spreading joy among their consumers and they do so not only through their products, but also through other alignments and initiatives. Their latest award launched in collaboration with Karachi Biennale Trust this year, aims to recognize young artists who have shown exceptional talent and potential. This year’s winner, Arsalan Nasir, was presented with a unique medallion at the inaugural ceremony of Karachi Biennale 2019 for his work.The Karachi Biennale is held every two years to provide a platform for emerging artists to show case their work. This year, the event showcased multiple artists from all over Pakistan as well as several other countries. The theme for this year was the devastating ‘development footprint’ on ecology.While speaking to the media, Arsalan talked about the dangers of rapid urbanization in our part of the world, particularly with regards to the environment.Speaking about the award, Dr Zeelaf Munir, Managing Director & CEO EBM, Keeping in line with EBM’s history of nourishing the environment and championing positive change, we are doing our part by encouraging youngsters to use their creativity to help raise awareness about the environment.”***
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/333ACyB
from The News International - National https://ift.tt/333ACyB