Business
The IMF mission has arrived in Pakistan for discussions regarding the budget.
The group from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has arrived at the Ministry of Finance to initiate budget negotiations with Pakistan.
The discussions commenced with an introduction session, initiating consultations for the formulation of the forthcoming government budget.
Sources indicate that a number of significant meetings have been arranged between the IMF team and the Ministry of Finance, as well as separate discussions with officials from the State Bank of Pakistan.
The IMF has sanctioned a $1.2 billion loan tranche for Pakistan.
Throughout the negotiations, both parties will evaluate essential budget objectives, tax revenue forecasts, and comprehensive fiscal reforms. The evaluation will also encompass advancements in energy sector reforms and privatization initiatives.
Sources indicated that preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year are anticipated to be finalized within the next week. The budget will be developed according to the current economic conditions, and its objectives will be established in collaboration with the IMF prior to submission for parliamentary approval, as IMF confirmation of these objectives is a critical prerequisite.
The IMF mission is anticipated to stay in Pakistan until May 20 for more negotiations.
Business
Pakistan Stock Market crosses 180,000 mark
Pakistan Stock Market began the third day of the business week by getting back the 180,000-point threshold, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index adding almost 1,000 points.
The stock market opened on a strong note with the KSE-100 Index gaining over 1,000 points to hit 180,863 points.
The development came a day after the benchmark index ended lower. The KSE-100 Index ended the previous trading session with a fall of 1,463 points to close at 179,846 points.
Business
Taxpayers to be fined Rs25,000 for submitting returns after September 30
A Rs25,000 penalty has been proposed for traders who file their income tax returns after September 30 under the proposed easy tax scheme for traders.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will introduce the easy tax scheme for traders and a new income tax return form for the current fiscal year on August 14.
Sources said a special facility has been proposed for traders who submit their income tax returns on time by September 30. Traders who file their returns within the deadline would be exempted from the registration fee for the easy tax scheme.
According to sources, a Rs25,000 registration fee and a Rs25,000 penalty have been proposed for traders who file their returns after September 30. Traders who submit their returns on time would also be provided with a registration plate worth Rs25,000.
Under the proposed scheme, separate income tax return forms are also proposed for business individuals and individual taxpayers.
Sources said the new form for income tax returns for the current fiscal year will be launched on August 14, with the aim of making the process of filing tax returns easier for traders.
It is pertinent to note that the details regarding the proposed penalties and incentives have been described as proposals from sources, while the final rules will take effect after the relevant government notification is issued.
Business
Pakistan reduces fuel price by Rs1.70, increases diesel price by Rs1.39
Pakistan has announced new gasoline rates, in which petrol price has decreased by Rs 1.70 per litre while high speed diesel (HSD) price has increased by Rs 1.39 per litre.
The Petroleum Division said in a news release Tuesday that the new revised rates will come into effect from August 12, 2026. The amendments were introduced by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) under the revamped petroleum price structure of the federal government.
The price of motor spirit, widely known as petrol, has been decreased from Rs327.62 to Rs325.92 a litre, a reduction of Rs1.70.
In contrast, the high-speed diesel price has been hiked by Rs1.39 to Rs382.25 a litre from Rs380.86.
OGRA has amended the ex-depot prices of petroleum products in line with the revised pricing structure given by the federal government, the Petroleum Division said.
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