SBP orders same-day settlement for Premium Prize Bond sales

Karachi: A warm reception was organized in honour of the newly appointed General Manager, IBC Garden, Mr. Asim Nizami, along witvh his team, including the Deputy General Managers (DGMs). The visit took place after Mr. Asim Nizami graciously accepted the invitation extended by Madam Humaira Motala to visit Ghouri Arcade and meet with the residents. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Madam Humaira Motala, Mr. Abdul Rauf Memon, Mr. Mohammad Attique, and Mr. Mohammad Ashfaq of Ghouri Arcade, who presented the General Manager with a bouquet and a commemorative souvenir as a token of respect and appreciation. A detailed discussion was held regarding the ongoing load shedding in Ghouri Arcade, despite the area comprising predominantly KE STAR consumers and the absence of illegal electricity connections (kundas), particularly in Ghouri Arcade of Chaman Street. The residents highlighted their concerns and requested immediate relief from the unjustified load shedding. Mr. Asim Nizami listened attentively to all the issues raised, responded satisfactorily to the concerns of the residents, and assured the community that the issues affecting Ghouri Arcade would be addressed on a priority basis. It was assured to Ghouri Arcade that they wud not bear the financial loss of the feeder as some of the delegates have of the area have agreed to. Dr. Mohammad Hanif Baig, Managing Director of Maisarah Hospital, also attended the reception. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with optimism that the longstanding issues would be resolved through mutual cooperation.

Islamabad: The Senate Sub Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control ordered an investigation into an alleged media campaign against committee members following a previous meeting on a customs seizure case. The committee also raised serious questions regarding the handling of seized goods, legal procedures and possible weaknesses in the customs monitoring system. The committee, convened by Senator Saifullah Abro, directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct an impartial inquiry into TV channels and media platforms accused of running targeted coverage against Senate members after the committee discussed the seizure of 11 loaded trucks on the motorway. The committee stated that after the previous meeting held on July 20, 2026, an official handout was issued and circulated on different media platforms which allegedly targeting the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and other members. Taking notice of the matter, the committee directed the Member FBR to personally examine the handout issued by the FBR media wing and identify the officials responsible for preparing and issuing the material. The FIA was instructed to complete a detailed inquiry and submit a report to the committee regarding the alleged campaign. During the meeting, the committee also raised serious questions about the seizure of 11 trucks and the legal process Customs authorities followed. Senators questioned whether Customs had proper jurisdiction over the motorway operation, stating that motorway operations primarily fall under other relevant authorities while Customs provides assistance when required. The committee expressed concern over different valuation figures linked to the seized trucks, pointing out a major difference involving Rs 22 crore. The owners of the transport company and steel company were directed to provide complete details regarding the matter. The committee also questioned the FIR’s registration in the case and asked why 11 truck drivers were produced before the court after a delay of six days. Members directed the inspector responsible for preparing the FIR to appear before the committee and explain the legal basis and details mentioned in the case. The Deputy Collector of Customs was also asked to explain why certain names mentioned during the site presence were not included in official reports. The Inspector General Motorway Police informed the committee that a Memorandum of Understanding exists between Motorway Police and Customs, allowing operational support for stopping suspicious vehicles. The committee also raised concerns over the system of issuing Consumption Certificates and questioned why manual certificates were still being issued despite official digital procedures. The Convener asked Customs officials whether physical inspections were conducted before issuing such certificates. Officials informed the committee that they did not always conduct physical verification visits and often relied on available information and administrative authority. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation and stressed the need for stronger verification mechanisms. Another major issue discussed was the handling of tax exempted imports. The committee examined details related to approximately Rs 1,120 billion worth of imports in tax exempted areas and stated that the information provided was incomplete. Officials were directed to provide a detailed breakdown of goods imported, their movement and their sale in local markets under the 2025 and 2026 quota registration system. The committee said that weaknesses in customs monitoring could create opportunities for smuggling, tax losses and misuse of exemptions. Members emphasized that customs posts, dry ports and revenue institutions must operate with greater transparency and accountability. The committee reaffirmed that it would continue investigating issues related to smuggling networks, anti narcotics controls, seized assets and possible revenue leakages.