Day: May 5, 2024

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FBR to Block Non-Filer SIMs This Month Despite PTA’s Refusal

After the refusal of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to summon all mobile phone operators to ensure the blockage of SIMs of 506,671 non-filers by the deadline of May 15, 2024.

A top FBR official told ProPakistani that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) refusal has no legal authority. The SIMS would be blocked by the cellular companies. The FBR will call for an emergency meeting of all telecom operators, instructing them to block SIMs by the specified deadline or face legal consequences.

The telecom operators would be required to comply with the FBR’s instructions, and the PTA’s stance poses no legal issues for the FBR. The PTA’s rejection of the FBR enforcement drive would have no legal implications on the tax machinery, the sources added.

The FBR had issued an Income Tax General Order No. 01 of 2024 to enforce the filing of returns by the persons who are not appearing on the active taxpayers list but are liable to file the Incom
e tax return for tax year 2023 under the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

It is worth mentioning that PTA has opposed blocking SIM cards, claiming that it is not compatible with their system.

The telecom regulator added that legally, PTA is not obliged to block SIMs and the Income Tax Ordinance 2021 does not apply to PTA. Blocking a large number of SIMs will significantly harm digitalization as well as the telecom economy.

It could also jeopardize foreign investment in the telecom sector, PTA warns. Banking transactions, e-commerce, and mobile account users will face issues as well, stated PTA.

The non-filers of income tax returns can verify their names from the list of 506,671 individuals specified in the Income Tax General Order No 01 of 2024 available on the FBR’s website.

The mobile SIMs in respect of the mentioned individuals will remain blocked until restored by the FBR or the Commissioner of Inland Revenue having jurisdiction over the person.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (
PTA) and all telecom operators are required to ensure the compliance of this ITGO with immediate effect. The compliance report in this regard is to be furnished to the FBR on May 15, 2024, positively, the FBR added.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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Naila Kiani Acheieves History by Becoming First Pakistani Women to Conquer 11 8000m+ Peaks

In a historic feat, Pakistani mountaineer Naia Kiani has etched her name in the annals of climbing glory. Kiani, with unwavering determination, reached the summit of Mount Makalu, adding a significant milestone to her illustrious journey.

Her triumph on Mount Makalu not only marks a personal achievement but also sets a new benchmark in mountaineering records.

Remarkably, Kiani now stands as Pakistan’s pioneering female mountaineer to conquer an impressive 11 peaks towering above 8,000 meters.

In an awe-inspiring display of skill and resilience, Kiani reached the summit of Mount Makalu at 8:50 AM, according to Pakistani time, joining the ranks of elite climbers.

This remarkable achievement places Kiani among the select few who have scaled 11 of the world’s highest peaks, a testament to her unparalleled dedication and passion for mountaineering.

Kiani has solidified her position as one of the most talented climbers of our time. Her impressive feats also include scaling legendary Mount Everest, the challen
ging K2, the commanding Lhotse, the perilous Annapurna, and the elusive G1 and G2 among many others.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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PSL 10: Pakistan Super League Set to Take on IPL in New Proposed Schedule

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shaken up the cricketing calendar by announcing a shift in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) schedule. Traditionally held in February-March, PSL 10 will now take place from 7th April to 20th May 2025, which coincides with the Indian Premier League (IPL).

This alteration stems from the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted in Pakistan during the previous timeframe.

This rescheduling sets the stage for an intriguing clash, as PSL will now be held at the same time as the Indian Premier League (IPL). This is the first time that another franchise league will be held alongside the IPL, which is the biggest league in the world.

The PSL 2025’s matches are slated to unfold across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, with venues such as Peshawar and Quetta being held back for yet another season.

Beyond mere date adjustments, the PCB is trying to inject fresh vigor into PSL 2025. They’re exploring innovative ideas aimed at intensifying competition and expanding the
fan base, with ideas such as power surge, as seen in the BBL, and impact player, as seen in the IPL being discussed. However, no such idea has been confirmed yet.

Additionally, the PCB is also contemplating hosting the playoffs at a neutral venue, which has raised some question marks in the cricketing fraternity.

Is it a good decision to host PSL alongside IPL? What do you think?

Source: Pro Pakistani

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Epic Comeback as Pakistan Defeat Malaysia in Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024

Pakistan orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in their Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024 opener against reigning champions Malaysia.

Despite trailing 3-1 at a juncture, Pakistan rallied back to clinch a thrilling 5-4 victory. The match reached its climax with a nail-biting finale, culminating in Pakistan’s decisive goal via a last-minute penalty stroke.

After taking an early lead, Pakistan conceded three goals which put Malaysia in the driving seat. Pakistan’s spirited fightback led them to equalize in the dying embers of the game and with just a minute to spare, the Men in Green turned around the game with a sensational comeback.

Sufyan Khan emerged as the hero of the match, delivering a stellar performance with a stunning hattrick.

Additionally, contributions from Abu Mahmood and Zikriya Hayat, who scored one goal each, further bolstered Pakistan’s spirited comeback.

This sensational victory not only marks a significant triumph for Pakistan but also serves as a testament to their resilience and determ
ination on the hockey field. With this momentum-boosting win under their belt, Pakistan aims to carry forward their winning momentum as they progress further in the tournament.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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Here’s the Official Schedule for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the schedule for the upcoming ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Bangladesh this October. The tournament is slated to commence on 3 October with England taking on South Africa.

Group A features Australia, along with tough competition from India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and a team yet to secure qualification.

In Group B, South Africa and England will face off against West Indies, Bangladesh (the host nation), and another yet-to-qualify team.

The highly-anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India will be held on 6 October in Sylhet.

Each participating team will engage in four group stage matches. Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for October 17th and 18th, with the championship match set to electrify Dhaka on October 20th.

The tournament spans 19 days, hosting a total of 23 matches across Dhaka and Sylhet. Contingency plans include reserve
days for the crucial semi-final and final fixtures, ensuring a seamless competition experience.

Here is the complete schedule:

Group Fixture Date Venue

B England vs South Africa 3 Oct Dhaka

B Bangladesh vs Qualifier 2 3 Oct Dhaka

A Australia vs Qualifier 1 4 Oct Sylhet

A India vs New Zealand 4 Oct Sylhet

B South Africa vs West Indies 5 Oct Dhaka

B Bangladesh vs England 5 Oct Dhaka

A New Zealand vs Qualifier 1 6 Oct Sylhet

A Pakistan vs India 6 Oct Sylhet

B West Indies vs Qualifier 2 7 Oct Dhaka

A Pakistan vs Australia 8 Oct Sylhet

B Bangladesh vs West Indies 9 Oct Dhaka

A India vs Qualifier 1 9 Oct Sylhet

B South Africa vs Qualifier 2 10 Oct Dhaka

A Australia vs New Zealand 11 Oct Sylhet

A Pakistan vs Qualifier 1 11 Oct Sylhet

B England vs West Indies 12 Oct Dhaka

B Bangladesh vs South Africa 12 Oct Dhaka

A Pakistan vs New Zealand 13 Oct Sylhet

A India vs Australia 13 Oct Sylhet

B England vs Qualifier 2 14 Oct Dhaka

– 1st Semi-Final 17 Oct Sylhet

– 2nd Semi-Final 18 Oct Dhaka

– Final
20 Oct Dhaka

Source: Pro Pakistani

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SIFC focusing on development of Yak farming in country

Special Investment Facilitation Council, besides other steps to boost country’s economy, has been focusing on development of Yak farming in the country which plays pivotal role in Livestock.

Yak is an animal, which belongs to bovine specie and exists the Himalayan mountain including Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan and also in Nepal, Tajikistan and Mongolia. These cattle can survive in extremely cold regions.

Currently, eighteen thousand Yak are available in Pakistan, which could be used not only for attaining self-sufficiency, but also the export potential can be increased by improving its protection and breeding.

High quality meat, milk and other ingredients could be provided to the market due to proper protection of Yak farming. It will also not only benefit the local people, but also improve Pakistan’s economy through increasing its exports

Source: Radio Pakistan

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IT labs being set up at 16 federal govt degree colleges in ICT

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has been establishing state of the art IT Laboratories in sixteen Federal Government Degree Colleges, situated in different areas of Islamabad.

The step has been taken on the directions of the Prime Minister and in line with the agenda of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to impart latest skills to youth and increase employment opportunities for them,

Under the project, the students will be offered six-month courses in Block chain, data science, AI and game development courses in these newly established technology Laboratories in these institutions.

In first phase, around 1000 students will be offered courses which are in demand in the market and offer high employment opportunities.

These courses have been designed by NAVTTC and will be implemented in collaboration with renowned universities like NUST, National Skills University, COMSATS and NUML.

There has been an overwhelming response from students of Islamabad, Rawalpindi
and nearby areas for admission and more than 3600 students have applied for these courses.

These courses will start during second week of this month.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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Punjab CM desires to benefit from Korean technology for industrial development

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed the desire to benefit from Korean technology for industrial development in the province.

Talking to Ambassador of Korea Park Kijun in Lahore today, she said Punjab has huge also investment potential in agriculture and mining sectors.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to promote Korean cooperation in agriculture sector to increase productivity.

Source: Radio Pakistan

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