Punjab government approves 2 development schemes
LAHORE (Staff Reporter): The Punjab government on Friday approved 2 development schemes of different development sectors with an estimated cost of Rs. 3658.295 million These schemes were approved in the 2nd meeting of Provincial Development Working Party of current fiscal year 2014-15 presided over by the Punjab Planning and Development Board Chairman, Muhammad Irfan Elahi, says P&D spokesman. Secretary P&D Arif Anwar Baloch, Chief Economist P&D, Members of the Planning & Development Board, Provincial Secretaries concerned and other senior representatives of the relevant Provincial Departments also attended the meeting.
According to Spokesman P&D, the approved development schemes included: consultancy services of a corporate law firm for preparation vetting of concession agreement for establishment of vehicle inspection and certification system in Punjab on PPP Mode.(PC-II) at the cost of Rs. 0.925 million and provision of missing specialties for up-gradation of DHQ Hospitals (AIMH&GSBH Sialkot) to teaching hospitals at the cost of Rs. 3657.370 million.
Two arrested for involvement
in illegal activation of SIMs
LAHORE (Staff Reporter): FIA, Cyber Crime Circle on Friday arrested two citizens allegedly involved in illegal activation of SIMs and recovered good number of SIMs from their possession, said spokesman of FIA here. As per details FIA received secret information that one Tahir Abbas resident of Green Cap Housing Society near Gajjumatta Ferozpur Road Lahore was involved in illegal sale and purchase of active mobile SIMS. He himself also used to active mobile SIMS illegally by having unauthorised access upon NADRA record. After obtaining search warrants from the court, FIA CCC conducted a raid at his residence and thousands of active and non active SIMS were recovered.
During preliminary interrogation accused disclosed that one Sheikh Qasim was attached with him in this business. On his pointation, Sh Qasim was also arrested and large number of SIMS were also recovered from his custody. FIA spokesman said that accused were young guys and were doing job at different cellular companies. During preliminary investigation accused revealed that they used to get data from NADRA officials after paying Rs 300 per SIM to them. FIA has registered a case under Telegraph Act 1996 (PTRO). On Saturday accused would be produced in court to get their physical remand. FIA investigator said that more revelations were expected during remand. “We are feared that accused are involved in heinous crimes like terrorism, anti state activities or unethical activities” but it would be established only after investigation FIA investigator said.
Inflation keeps on rising
ISLAMABAD (APP): The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week ended on July 10, for the lowest income group up to Rs. 8,000, registered increase of 0.24 percent as compared to the previous week. The SPI for the week under review in the above mentioned group was recorded at 205.97 points against 205.48 points registered in the previous week, according to data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The weekly SPI has been computed with base 2007-2008=100, covering 17 urban centers and 53 essential items for all income groups and combined. The SPI for the combined group increased by 0.23 per cent as it went up from 214.74 points in the previous week to 215.24 points in the week under review.
As compared to the corresponding week of last year, the SPI for the combined group in the week under review witnessed increased of 6.95 percent.
As compared to the last week, the SPI for the income groups from Rs.8001-12,000, Rs.12,001-18,000, Rs.18001-35,000 and above Rs.35,000 increased by 0.24 percent, 0.24 percent, 0.23 percent and 0.23 percent respectively.
During the week under review average prices of 6 items registered decrease, while that of 20 items increase with the remaining 27 items’ prices unchanged. The items which registered decrease in their prices during the week under review included tomatoes, potatoes, moong pulse (washed), red chillies (powder), masoor pulse (washed) and mash pulse (washed). The items which recorded increase in their average prices included LPG, bananas, cigarettes, egg hen (farm), sugar, garlic, onions, chicken (farm), georgette, wheat, wheat flour (bag), shirting, beef, washing soap, gur, salt (powdered), mutton, mustard oil, gram pulse (washed) and kerosene oil. The items which registered no change in prices included rice basmati (broken), rice (irri-6), bread (plain), milk (fresh), curd, milk (powdered), cooking oil (tin), vegetable ghee (tin), vegetable ghee (loose), tea (packet), cooked beef, cooked dal, tea (prepared), long cloth, lawn, sandal (gents) chappal, sandal (ladies), electric charges, gas charges, firewood, energy savor, match box, petrol, diesel, telephone local call and bath soap.–APP
PTEA welcomes body for revival of sick textile units
FAISALABAD (Staff Reporter): Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has welcomed the constitution of a special banking committee for revival of sick textile units by the textile ministry. Revival of sick units in Faisalabad itself could help in fetching $1 billion in foreign exchange and in addition create thousands of new jobs. In a statement here on Friday, Sheikh Ilyas Mahmood, Chairman and Adil Tahir, vice chairman PTEA appreciated the special efforts of textile Minister Abbas Khan Afridi for revival of textile industry and increase in textile exports. This move initiated by the textile ministry to perk up the sick production units operating in the textile sector of the country.
This step would help to boost industrialisation and provide jobs to the labourers. Activation of idle capacities in the value-added textile sector is a major challenge which is projected to be collectively worth Rs 150 billion, they said. Special banking committee comprised of National Bank of Pakistan and Habib Bank Limited will take effective measures and provide necessary financial assistance to get these units back on track and operate at their installed capacity. We have the capacity and the market to double the country’s textile exports in three years, from the current $13 billion to $26 billion, if we get the working capital to run our plants and a fair deal in the allocation of gas and electricity, they argued. In order to boost up exports of the country, Government should speed up its efforts to revive the idle capacity of textile sector, they demanded.
KCCI welcomes Karachi development projects
karachi (Staff Reporter): KCCI President Abdullah Zaki has warmly welcomed various development projects involving billions of rupees and prompt sanctioning of funds for these projects by PM during his visit to Karachi. In a statement issued, Abdullah Zaki said that Rs15b transport project of Green Line Bus Service to be fully funded by Federal govt along with sanctioning of Rs6b for completion of Lyari Expressway would certainly help in resolving the pressing issue of severe traffic congestions everyday on almost all streets of Karachi whereas the approval of Rs12b for greater water supply project, K-4, would effectively deal with the water scarcities being faced by Karachiites”, he added.
President KCCI expressed satisfaction over Prime Minister’s announcement to initiate work on Malir Motorway project, M9, which is likely to cost Rs42 billion. He said that this important project will link Karachi Port and Port Qasim, which will be welcomed by businessmen and industrialists who are certainly going to benefit from this important project on its completion as it will facilitate smooth flow of goods between the two ports.
He also expressed satisfaction over PM’s announcement to commence development work on Karachi-Lahore Motorway in a few months as the federal government had already released Rs55 billion to the National Highway Authority for acquisition of land whereas early completion of Gadani Power Park and two power projects at Port Qasim would help in reducing the rising demand-supply gap.
Abdullah Zaki, however, underscored the need to announce exact commencement and completion dates of these development projects for Karachi city so that the representatives of business community could personally monitor the work in progress and ensure timely completion of these important projects.