Pakistan’s federal tax authority suspends 211 se…

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate provision of financial assistance to families affected by recent monsoon rains and floods across Pakistan, while directing authorities to speed up relief and rehabilitation efforts. Chairing a meeting in Lahore on Saturday to review the ongoing response, the prime minister instructed that compensation be provided to families who lost loved ones and to owners of houses that were completely or partially damaged by the severe weather. Shehbaz also called for the swift restoration of electricity transmission networks and roads in affected areas. Federal ministers and senior officials were directed to personally visit impacted regions, assess the damage and oversee rehabilitation work. The prime minister further ordered authorities to accelerate the delivery of food and other essential relief supplies to areas that remain difficult to access. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and provincial disaster management authorities were told to maintain full preparedness as more rain and flooding are forecast. Officials briefed the meeting that around 615 tonnes of relief supplies had already been dispatched to monsoon-hit areas, with additional consignments being arranged. Authorities also reported that flood-affected residents had been moved to safer locations across all affected areas. Restoration efforts are underway in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while disaster management teams remain on standby for any further emergencies. The meeting was also informed that early warning systems in the northern areas are operational and have helped authorities evacuate residents to safer locations ahead of potential flooding.

  Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has strongly criticized Pakistan’s judicial and economic systems, stating that a justice system that fails to deliver justice even after forty years cannot be considered a true system of justice but rather a system of oppression. He made these remarks while addressing a public ceremony in Karachi, where he spoke about the country’s pressing legal and economic challenges. During his speech, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman expressed concern over the prolonged delays in the judicial process. He argued that when people have to wait decades for justice, the very purpose of the legal system is defeated. According to him, justice delayed for such an extended period effectively becomes justice denied, leaving citizens frustrated and deprived of their fundamental rights. He emphasized that a judicial system should provide timely and fair decisions so that public confidence in the rule of law remains intact. The scholar also urged those in positions of authority to focus on resolving Pakistan’s domestic problems instead of concentrating solely on international issues. He remarked that while government leaders often discuss and engage with global affairs, the country’s internal challenges require immediate attention. He specifically called upon policymakers and those holding power to prioritize the welfare of the people by addressing the nation’s economic difficulties. One of the major issues highlighted by Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman was the problem of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He appealed to the government to find a practical and sustainable solution to the IPP issue, which has been widely debated due to its impact on electricity prices and the country’s financial stability. According to him, resolving this matter would help reduce the economic burden on both the government and ordinary citizens. Speaking about the national economy, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman painted a concerning picture of Pakistan’s financial condition. He stated that after distributing the constitutionally allocated shares to the provinces and making payments on interest obligations, the federal government is left with very limited financial resources. This situation, he suggested, reflects the severity of the country’s fiscal challenges and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive economic reforms. He stressed that policymakers should adopt measures that promote financial stability, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and improve revenue generation without placing excessive burdens on the public. The event also featured an address by Maulana Bashir Farooqi, who criticized the government’s approach toward eliminating the interest-based financial system. He argued that the authorities are not demonstrating sufficient seriousness in transitioning toward an Islamic banking framework. According to him, meaningful reforms require not only policy changes but also practical steps to prepare financial institutions for such a transformation. Maulana Bashir Farooqi announced that his organization is willing to provide training for approximately 100,000 employees working in conventional banks. He explained that this initiative aims to equip banking professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate within an interest-free Islamic banking system if the government decides to pursue such reforms. He maintained that the availability of trained professionals would facilitate a smoother transition and strengthen the implementation of Islamic financial principles in the country’s banking sector. The speeches delivered at the Karachi ceremony underscored concerns regarding Pakistan’s judicial efficiency, economic management, and financial policies. Both religious leaders called on the government to prioritize domestic reforms, strengthen public institutions, address long-standing economic challenges, and work toward a system that better serves the interests of the people.