On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his administration's commitment to continuing the battle against terrorism, stating that Pakistan's economic achievements have made its adversaries fearful.
"Our struggle to eradicate terrorism from our nation will persist," declared the prime minister during a high-level conference focused on law and order. "We will deliver such an overwhelming blow to these extremists that they will never consider causing harm to Pakistan again." He acknowledged the diligent work and firm measures taken by various organizations and provincial governments against terror, promising complete support from the central administration to strengthen each province’s capabilities accordingly.
He urged everyone to set aside their differences and collaborate to eradicate terrorism. He also commended the security force members and officers who confront terrorists and risk their lives in doing so.
Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered all agencies to step up their fight against smuggling and strengthen measures to clamp down on human trafficking rings, ensuring that those involved face legal consequences. He urged for an expedited conclusion of the Safe City initiatives in key urban areas and commended the collaborative work between national and local administrations aimed at fostering a strong anti-terrorist message.
At the briefing for the prime minister, officials reported that a National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Center has been set up under NACTA.
It was mentioned that the Safe City project became functional in ten cities across Punjab. Additionally, these initiatives are being rolled out in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Nawabshah. Approval has also been granted for Peshawar, with plans to expand this program further into Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat during subsequent phases.
Participants at the gathering were informed that the Gwadar Safe City initiative would be finished shortly, with plans to launch comparable programs across key urban centers situated alongside National Highways N-25 and N-40.
Digital monitoring outposts are being set up at multiple highway intersections and bridge locations to combat smuggling activities. Both federal and provincial authorities are working together to dismantle unauthorized structures surrounding key metropolitan areas. Additionally, operations targeting beggar syndicates have been initiated across the country, with efforts also focused on limiting these groups' international movements.
It was reported that a Forensic Science Agency has been set up in Islamabad, with plans to enhance the capabilities of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency.
The gathering included federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Attaullah Tarar, as well as Advisor to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Barrister Saif, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Interior Minister Shamsul Haq Lone, Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) Interior Minister Col (Retd) Waqar Noon, along with chief secretaries and inspector generals of police representing all provinces, GB, AJK, and Islamabad, not forgetting the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad.
Also, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called upon the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officers to work with unwavering commitment and full dedication to help Pakistan becoming a debt-free country.
At a ceremony held in Islamabad, he introduced a new Performance Management System for FBR officials during his speech.
"If we aim to distance ourselves from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), we need to strive to boost our income," stated the prime minister.
He mentioned that the FBR revenues saw a rise of 27%, an achievement that warranted recognition for the whole FBR team.
Nevertheless, he stated that this was an extended process requiring further efforts to address and eliminate the gaps within the system.
The Prime Minister praised the finance minister, the Secretary Finance, Chairman FBR, and the whole team for introducing this highly efficient performance management system.
He further declared his intention to implement this system across various governmental bodies with the aim of fostering a culture of both penalties and rewards, which would be geared towards enhancing these organizations' overall effectiveness.
While visiting the FBR, the prime minister received an overview of PRAL (Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited), digital invoicing systems, and the recently introduced Performance Management System.
He likewise stopped by the recently set up delivery unit at FBR and had conversations with the officials there.
The Prime Minister learned that a new data-centric approach for making decisions would be implemented at the FBR. This initiative involves gathering information from sources like NADRA, banks, and various industries concerning transactions and property acquisitions. To bring the FBR up to par with global benchmarks and broaden the taxpayer pool, the organization is moving forward with establishing an advanced and computerized framework.
Following the prime minister’s plan for reform and modernization at the FBR, efforts are underway to digitize every step of the process. Additionally, all prerequisites for implementing the new digital invoicing system have been finalized and it will be introduced shortly.
During the briefing, it was mentioned that the tax return forms for this fiscal year were made even simpler. The updated system has included over 35 extra companies within the tax framework.
In order to enhance the efficiency of FBR officials and establish a framework for responsibility and recognition, the prime minister introduced an entirely computerized and digitized platform designed to assess employee performance. This new system allows officers to earn financial bonuses and advancement opportunities contingent upon their demonstrated effectiveness.
The Prime Minister likewise stopped by the recently set up FBR delivery unit, where he interacted with the officials and examined the operations.
He commended the arrangement, stating that the personnel serving in the unit are an invaluable national resource. He voiced his optimism about their crucial part in revamping Pakistan’s taxation framework and increasing state earnings.
'PM praises Punjab government's $15 billion scheme for farmers'
On Friday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif commended Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for introducing a special package that includes setting up a Rs. 15 billion Wheat Support Fund aimed at assisting 550,000 wheat farmers directly.
In an official announcement, the prime minister stated that waiving off Abiana (water fees) and fixed taxes for wheat growers in Punjab provided much-needed assistance to these farmers.
Moreover, he mentioned that offering farmers complimentary wheat storage facilities for four months would aid in safeguarding the product from seasonal fluctuations and shield farmers from market pressures.
The Prime Minister guaranteed complete backing from the federal government for the Punjab administration in exporting wheat and related items.
"Pakistan’s progress is closely tied to the well-being of its farming community. According to the Pakistan Muslim League-N's platform, farmers should be adequately compensated for their efforts," stated Prime Minister Shehbaz, extending his congratulations to the Punjab Chief Minister and her team upon unveiling the new plan.
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