Govt decreases petrol by Re1, raises diesel by Rs3…

  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.

  A man climbed an electricity pole in Peshawar in an alleged attempt to steal power cables, according to the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). The unusual incident took place in the Shahibagh Sub-Division area, where electricity supply had already been suspended because maintenance work was underway. According to PESCO officials, the man climbed onto the pole while power was switched off in the area. The incident reportedly occurred during a period when electricity lines were not operational due to repair and maintenance work being carried out by the power distribution company. PESCO said that the man appeared to have taken advantage of the temporary suspension of electricity supply. He reportedly climbed the pole with the intention of removing electrical wires. The incident was noticed by people in the area, who alerted the relevant authorities. Officials reached the location and took action to prevent the situation from becoming more serious. The man was eventually brought down safely from the electricity pole. The incident occurred in the Shahibagh Sub-Division, an area served by PESCO as part of its electricity distribution network in Peshawar. Authorities said that the power supply had been deliberately shut down because repair work was being conducted on the network. The temporary power outage may have created an opportunity for the suspect to attempt the alleged theft. Electricity cables and other equipment belonging to power distribution companies are frequently targeted by thieves because the materials can be sold as scrap or for their metal value. However, climbing an electricity pole can be extremely dangerous even when the power supply has been switched off. Electrical systems can contain residual risks, and unexpected restoration of electricity can also create a serious threat to anyone working on or near power lines. PESCO officials did not immediately provide further details about whether the man had successfully removed any cables before being stopped. It was also not immediately clear whether a formal case had been registered against him or what legal action would be taken. The incident highlights the challenges faced by electricity distribution companies in protecting their infrastructure from theft and illegal interference. Power cables, transformers and other equipment are essential for maintaining electricity supplies, and their theft can cause additional outages and financial losses. Authorities regularly warn members of the public against approaching electricity poles, wires and other electrical equipment without proper training or authorisation. Such actions can result in serious injuries or even death. Residents in the area reportedly alerted officials after noticing the man on the pole. His safe removal prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. PESCO has been carrying out maintenance and repair activities in different parts of its service area to improve the reliability of electricity supplies. Planned outages are sometimes necessary to allow technical teams to safely work on power lines and related infrastructure. Officials have advised consumers to cooperate with maintenance schedules and report suspicious activity involving electricity infrastructure to the relevant authorities. The Peshawar incident serves as a reminder that electricity infrastructure remains vulnerable to theft, particularly during planned outages. It also demonstrates the dangers associated with attempting to interfere with electrical equipment. While the man was successfully brought down from the pole, authorities are expected to investigate the incident further and determine whether he intended to steal cables and whether any electricity infrastructure was damaged during the attempt.