Tag: parliamentarians

  • Concerns rise over circulation of fake Rs5,000 banknotes

    Concerns rise over circulation of fake Rs5,000 banknotes

    In a recent meeting, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance convened to address the escalating circulation of counterfeit Rs5,000 banknotes, a matter that has raised serious apprehensions among officials, including those from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    Chaired by Senator Salim Mandviwala, the committee delved into the severity of the issue as it showcased a bundle of forged Rs5,000 notes.

    Senator Mandviwala, underscoring the gravity of the situation, asserted that even parliamentarians are susceptible to falling victim to this fraudulent activity.

    During the proceedings, Senator Mandviwala directed a challenge to SBP’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Inayat Hussain, urging him to identify the counterfeit notes.

    However, the attempt was met with a purported failure on the part of the Deputy Governor.

    Expressing the need for immediate and decisive action, the committee chairman called upon the central bank to take robust measures to combat the widespread dissemination of counterfeit currency.

    Mandviwala suggested that the infiltration of fake notes into circulation might be occurring through banks.

    A noteworthy proposal from Senator Mandviwala involved the exchange of counterfeit currency for genuine notes, an idea promptly dismissed by Deputy Governor Inayat Hussain.

    The latter cited concerns about potential misuse and abuse as the basis for the refusal.

    During the discussion, Hussain acknowledged the absence of a concrete system to prevent the printing of fake currency within the country.

    He further elaborated that while counterfeit dollars are a global issue, efforts are underway to enhance regulations to control the production and circulation of fake currency, specifically within Pakistan.

    According to ARY News, Mandviwala, highlighting the urgency of the situation, called for immediate relief measures. The committee, in unanimous agreement, advocated for the formulation of a comprehensive policy to combat the growing use of counterfeit currency, particularly within the banking system.

    The committee stressed the necessity of proactive measures to safeguard the financial integrity of the nation.

  • APCC likely to propose Rs900-1,000 billion macroeconomic framework for budget 2023-24

    APCC likely to propose Rs900-1,000 billion macroeconomic framework for budget 2023-24

    The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) is poised to recommend a substantial macroeconomic framework and the size of the federal development outlay amounting to approximately Rs900-1,000 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24. This recommendation comes ahead of the upcoming budget and is expected to shape the economic policies and priorities of the country for the next fiscal year.

    In an effort to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the government plans to allocate Rs90 billion for the controversial Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) specifically designed for parliamentarians. This proposed allocation is a significant increase from the revised estimates of Rs111 billion allocated in the outgoing financial year.

    Moreover, the government is currently working towards raising the allocation of the SDG Achievement Programme even further, aiming to reach Rs116 billion for the ongoing fiscal year. Notably, parliamentarians from Balochistan and Sindh provinces have primarily presented flood-related schemes under this program during the current fiscal year. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) are also contributing $3 billion in loans for flood-related initiatives, highlighting the need to establish mechanisms that prevent overlap and ensure optimal utilization of funds.

    A substantial portion of the development schemes in Sindh and Balochistan, ranging from 50 to 60 per cent, focused on flood-related projects during the outgoing financial year. However, concerns have been raised about one political party, a significant ally of the ruling coalition, demanding that funds on behalf of their parliamentarians be channeled through the party’s political leader for distribution among its members.

    According to The News, the APCC, scheduled to meet today in the Ministry of Planning, will consider approving the macroeconomic framework, which includes a targeted real GDP growth rate of 3.5 per cent and a Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rate of 21 per cent for the budget of 2023-24. These figures are based on a working paper prepared by the Ministry of Planning and reflect the government’s economic outlook and goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

    The Ministry of Finance has provided an indicative budget ceiling of Rs700 billion for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in the next budget. However, the Minister for Planning, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aspires to increase this amount to Rs800 billion. Additionally, a proposed allocation of Rs200 billion for the Viability Gap Fund (VGF) through public-private partnerships (PPP) would bring the total PSDP size to a proposed Rs1,000 billion at the federal level for the upcoming financial year.

    In an effort to address infrastructure needs, the share of the National Highway Authority (NHA) in the proposed PSDP is expected to decrease, ranging from Rs90 billion to Rs100 billion, due to the NHA’s inability to fully utilise the allocated funds in the ongoing financial year. The government is also considering allocations for flood mitigation and reconstruction efforts, as well as the inclusion of the Diamer Basha Dam project in the upcoming budget for 2023-24.

    As the APCC finalises its recommendations and the budgetary process unfolds, the government aims to strike a balance between addressing developmental needs, achieving SDGs, and ensuring efficient utilization of funds for the benefit of the nation.

  • Maulana Parliament Lodges showdown: What happened in Islamabad last night?

    Maulana Parliament Lodges showdown: What happened in Islamabad last night?

    On Thursday (March 10), a heavy contingent of the police raided the Parliament Lodges to expel members of the Ansarul Islam — a volunteer force of the Jamat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) — who were invited to provide security to Opposition lawmakers.

    At least four legislators and more than a dozen Ansarul Islam volunteers were arrested during the operation. As per reports, MNA Maulana Jamaluddin, Salahuddin Ayubi, and spokesperson Mufti Abdullah were also arrested.

    After the release of JUI-F workers and lawmakers, Maulana Fazlur Rehman directed party workers to open the highways they had earlier blocked in protest against the police operation. He had set a deadline of 9am for the government to release arrested parliamentarians and party workers.

    In an audio message shared on Twitter, Maulana Fazl said there was “no need” to block the roads now since all parliamentarians and workers have been released.

    Addressing a press conference after the police action, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed had said the Opposition was bringing “mobs” into parliament, adding that “no one is allowed to keep private militia”.

    The federal minister had said the government conducted “five-hour long talks with the Opposition” as Pakistan was not a “banana state”.

    “I have directed all chief secretaries and inspector generals to take those into custody who attempt to take the law into their hands.”

    Rasheed warned that no one should take the law into their hands, otherwise action would be taken

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter and said, “The Jamiat goons apologised by holding their ears and left. They are part of a specific mafia group that is working for their own interests.”

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill said that Maulana Fazl had been “making calls all night and asking for forgiveness and for his workers to be released so he could have some honour left”.

    Opposition Leader and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said that raiding the residence of members of parliament was dictatorship and fascism.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the attack on parliamentarians cannot be tolerated. “This police attack is proof that Imran Khan is panicking,” Bilawal said, “Imran Khan, enough is enough,” he warned.

    The incident happened just days after the Opposition filed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

  • ‘I get migraine’: Sheheryar Afridi reveals reason behind visit to France

    Chairperson of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir, Shehryar Khan Afridi, who is on a special visit to France, revealed why he was there.

    When asked by journalist Younas Khan whether he has had any interactions with parliamentarians or Tink Tank as he is touring France, Afridi said, “I get migraine. I was told about a doctor here. So for the first two-three days, I need to get treatment.”

    Reporter Younas Khan shared the clip on Twitter. “You are the chairman of the Kashmir Committee. Your job is to play a role in diplomacy on the Kashmir issues all over the world.”

    “You are in France. Which Think Tank did you meet here? Have you talked to any parliamentarian on Kashmir?” questioned Younas.

    “The culture is different here, you have to take appointments a month prior from parliamentarians and think tanks here. There is a proper channel here,” said Afridi.

    He added that he is reaching out to the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities during his stay in France and Italy. He also mentioned that he met stakeholders during his United States (US) visit. Afridi said that his next visit to Canada, Brussels, and Britain will include interactions with parliamentarians and Think Tanks.

  • ‘Cabinet entitles MPs to 25 business class air tickets,’ report claims

    ‘Cabinet entitles MPs to 25 business class air tickets,’ report claims

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has approved certain amendments to Section 10 of the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1974, to ensure privileges for the members of parliament, including 25 business class air tickets for themselves and their families.

    According to reports, the federal cabinet during a meeting on February 25 approved the amendments to ensure perks to 446 lawmakers, which would cost taxpayers Rs300 million.

    The lawmakers will be able to avail 25 business class air tickets from the respective constituency to Islamabad or vouchers worth over Rs0.8m that could also be used by their family members for travel. These amendments would be presented in parliament for approval later on.

    They said that these amendments were proposed by the Parliamentary Affairs Division through a summary to the federal cabinet following the demands of some parliamentarians.

    The cabinet considered the summary titled ‘The Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2020′ dated February 7, and approved the proposal given in the summary, the report said.

    Meanwhile, Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry has differed on the claims made by the media report.