Haroon Akhtar appointed PM’s adviser on industri…

  A subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior reprimanded a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) official during a meeting after the official failed to provide the records and details sought by the committee. During the meeting, Committee Chairman Saifullah Abro expressed strong displeasure over the FBR official’s failure to submit the required information. Questioning the official’s position, Abro asked, “Are you even above the prime minister?” He further warned the official not to attempt to avoid the committee’s questions by giving explanations about the board’s internal procedures.   Abro made it clear that the committee expected the FBR to provide the requested information instead of offering excuses or referring to internal matters. He stressed that parliamentary committees have the authority to seek information from government departments when investigating matters of public importance. The chairman particularly sought details regarding certificates issued by the FBR to cigarette manufacturing companies. He said the committee should be provided with complete information about the certificates issued by the tax authority and the companies that received them.   “Details of the certificates issued by the FBR to cigarette companies must be provided,” Abro said during the meeting. He indicated that the committee wanted to examine the record and determine the circumstances under which the certificates had been issued. The matter came under discussion as the committee reviewed information concerning cigarette companies and the relevant government records. The failure to provide the requested documentation prompted the committee leadership to take a tougher stance toward the concerned officials. During the meeting, the committee also issued directions to officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The committee instructed FIA authorities to initially issue notices to 108 companies as part of the proceedings. The notices are expected to seek information and clarification from the companies regarding matters under investigation by the committee. The move indicates that the committee intends to broaden its examination and obtain information directly from the companies concerned rather than relying solely on government departments. Abro also warned the officials against forcing the committee to escalate the matter to the highest level of government. Addressing the authorities, the committee convener said, “Do not force us to write to the prime minister.” His remarks reflected the committee’s frustration over what it considered a lack of cooperation from the relevant authorities. The chairman emphasized that government institutions should respond to parliamentary oversight mechanisms and provide the information requested by lawmakers. The committee’s proceedings highlight the role of parliamentary oversight in examining the functioning of government departments and ensuring transparency. By seeking details of certificates issued to cigarette companies and directing the FIA to issue notices to 108 companies, the subcommittee appears to be pursuing a broader inquiry into the matter. The committee is expected to review the information obtained from the FBR, FIA and the companies concerned in subsequent meetings. Further action could be considered after the requested records and responses are submitted. The strong remarks by Saifullah Abro also signal that the committee may escalate the issue if government departments continue to withhold or delay the provision of information. For now, the FIA has been directed to proceed with notices to the 108 companies, while the FBR is expected to provide details of the certificates issued to cigarette manufacturers.

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has intensified its campaign against cybercrime, arresting four suspects in coordinated operations carried out in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan. The arrests are linked to alleged cases of online harassment, blackmail and the misuse of social media platforms. According to the agency, legal proceedings have been initiated on the basis of digital evidence collected during the investigations. Authorities have also seized mobile phones and other electronic devices from the suspects, all of which have been sent for forensic examination to support the ongoing inquiries. In Lahore, officials arrested Haroon Qureshi, who is accused of repeatedly targeting women through various social media platforms by allegedly harassing, threatening and intimidating them. Investigators are examining the digital material recovered from his devices to determine the full extent of the alleged offences. In a separate operation in Faisalabad, NCCIA apprehended Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz. Preliminary investigations suggest the pair allegedly blackmailed a married couple using objectionable digital content and are accused of extorting money from them. During the raid, investigators recovered two mobile phones, WhatsApp accounts and alleged objectionable digital material related to several women. The seized evidence has been forwarded for forensic analysis to identify additional victims and any wider criminal network. Meanwhile, in Multan, authorities arrested Farhad Abbas on allegations of sharing a woman’s private photographs and videos on social media and using them to blackmail her. Investigators are reviewing the suspect’s digital records to identify possible accomplices and determine whether more victims may be involved. The NCCIA said forensic examination of the recovered digital evidence is continuing in all cases and investigations are being conducted in accordance with legal procedures. The agency also urged the public, particularly women, to report incidents of online harassment, blackmail, fake social media accounts or any other form of cybercrime without delay so that prompt legal action can be taken against those responsible.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has announced that the Joint Public Action Committee has responded positively to his proposal for establishing a Reconciliation Commission to help resolve the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He said the committee’s response included several recommendations that would be carefully reviewed as part of the consultation process. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Bilawal said he had received the committee’s formal reply regarding the proposed commission. According to him, the response reflects a willingness to consider an institutional mechanism that could help address the current situation through dialogue and consensus. Bilawal emphasized that his immediate priority is to help bring the ongoing crisis to an end, provide urgent relief to affected citizens, and restore normal life across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He described every loss of life as a national tragedy and stressed the importance of finding a peaceful and sustainable solution through constructive engagement. The PPP chairman welcomed the committee’s readiness to move forward with the proposed Reconciliation Commission, saying it represents a positive step toward resolving outstanding issues. He added that the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has also endorsed the proposal, which he intends to examine in detail before further consultations. Bilawal said the next phase of the process would involve discussions with the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Following these consultations, the AJK leadership is expected to seek initial feedback from the federal government and other relevant stakeholders to determine whether there is sufficient common ground to advance a mutually agreed framework. According to Bilawal, broad-based consultation among all stakeholders is essential to ensure that any solution enjoys public confidence and contributes to lasting stability. He expressed hope that the proposed commission could provide a structured platform for dialogue while addressing the concerns of all parties involved. The development comes at a time when efforts are underway to reduce tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and restore normal public life. Bilawal reiterated that meaningful dialogue, cooperation, and timely relief for affected communities remain central to his approach. He expressed optimism that continued engagement between the committee, the AJK government, and federal authorities could pave the way for a consensus-based resolution to the crisis.