The Punjab cabinet has sanctioned a modification to Section 24 of the Motor car Ordinance Act 1965 to streamline car registration procedures, permitting motor vehicle owners to register their vehicles in any district within the province.

Previously, under Section 24, vehicle owners were required to register their automobiles in their domicile district. The change grants Punjab people the liberty to register their vehicles in any district of their preference.

A representative for the Excise and Taxation Department emphasized that registration numbers are being issued under a standardized series throughout Punjab.

The spokesperson stressed that there are no limits on car movement across provinces, hence facilitating mobility for people of Punjab.

Recently, the Punjab government sanctioned a substantial alteration in its car registration policy, intended to mitigate tax evasion and enhance security. Under the new policy, citizens of Punjab were prohibited from registering their vehicles in other provinces or in Islamabad.

The Punjab cabinet confirmed the decision, which was endorsed by the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department. Excise officials have consistently voiced apprehensions regarding the prevalent habit among Punjab residents of registering their vehicles outside the province, frequently in adjacent areas or the federal capital, to evade local taxation.

Authorities are poised to execute an ambitious investment promotion strategy through a collaborative initiative between the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) and the Pakistan Administrative Staff College, aiming for substantial enhancements in industrial investment and economic development.

The Special Investment Facilitation Center (SIFC) will be instrumental in this transformative drive by establishing “Business Facilitation Centers” aimed at optimizing investment processes and attracting both domestic and foreign capital.

Principal features of the comprehensive plan encompass:

1. Forming collaborative working groups to augment domestic and international investment prospects
2. Formulating a comprehensive strategy to eradicate obstacles to industrial development
3. Formulating a novel model to tackle issues in the execution of industrial projects
4. Striving to enhance Pakistan’s international business rating by 50 points
   Targeting $20 billion in foreign industrial investments within the next five years.

The approach prioritizes digital transformation to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the investment process. SIFC’s strategy emphasizes fostering a favorable atmosphere for investors by streamlining bureaucratic processes and offering strategic assistance.

National administration officers are conducting ongoing study to identify and mitigate potential investment barriers, while a specialized research group is formulating a comprehensive strategy to solve current hurdles in industrial growth.

A final squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy has been decided by the national selection committee for Pakistan.

The team will play in the forthcoming Tri-Nation Series on behalf of Pakistan as well. Pakistan’s Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand is scheduled on February 19 in Karachi. The final announcement is anticipated within a few days after the squad list was submitted to Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB, for approval.

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Maqeem, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are players on the final squad. Additionally, Tayyab Tahir, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Hasnain might be added.

Saim Ayub is anticipated to be replaced by Khushdil Shah, an in-form batter who made an impression in the Bangladesh Premier League, according to reports.

There is little chance that Shan Masood will make the Champions Trophy team, but Imam-ul-Haq has a good chance.