Latest news with #Butt
Evening Standard
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Evening Standard
London council defends decision to twin with occupied city in West Bank
Butt wrote to residents saying: 'First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the pain and trauma that continue to affect Jewish communities both here in Brent and around the world following the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on October 7.
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Teachers, researchers: 25pc tax rebate restored
ISLAMABAD: In a significant move providing much-needed relief to the academic community, the federal government has announced the restoration of a 25 percent tax rebate against tax payable by full-time teachers and researchers under the Finance Bill 2025-26. This crucial relief will be applied retrospectively, covering tax years, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Speaking to this correspondent, tax lawyer Waheed Shahzad Butt lauded the government's decision, attributing significant credit to the Office of the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) for their unwavering efforts. 'This is a monumental achievement for full-time teachers and researchers, particularly those falling under the salaried class who often find themselves without substantial influence,' stated Butt. 'The credit for this commendable move undoubtedly goes to the diligent and untiring efforts made by the Registrar of the FTO, Khalid Javed, on this critical issue.' The restoration of this tax rebate comes as a significant reprieve for educators and researchers who had faced a discontinuation of this benefit, leading to considerable financial burden and widespread concerns within the academic community. The FTO's consistent advocacy and persistence in highlighting the plight of these un-influential taxpayers are widely recognised as instrumental in bringing about this positive change. Butt emphasised that this decision not only provides tangible financial relief but also underscores the government's commitment to supporting the education and research sectors, which are vital for national development. The retrospective application of the rebate further solidifies its impact, addressing past grievances and ensuring a more equitable tax treatment for this dedicated segment of the workforce. The move is expected to be met with widespread appreciation from teachers, researchers, and educational institutions across the country, fostering a more conducive environment for academic pursuits and intellectual growth. The federal government budget document states,'25% rebate against tax payable by full time teachers and researchers will be restored retrospectively, ie, from TY 2023 to TY 2025.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tax arrears recovery period slashed
ISLAMABAD: To immediately recover disputed tax from taxpayers, the federal government has drastically reduced time period for the recovery of tax arrears when a high court rules in favor of the tax department. Through Finance Bill 92025-26), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced a significant amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. The amendment, specifically a new subsection added to Section 140 of the Ordinance, stipulates that tax payable under an assessment order will become immediately recoverable, or within the time specified in a notice issued by the income tax authority, irrespective of timelines in other provisions or court judgments. This accelerated recovery is triggered when a tax issue is decided by a High Court or the Supreme Court of Pakistan. A crucial proviso within this new subsection clarifies the immediate impact on appeals: 'Provided that where the High Court decides the appeal filed by the Commissioner in favor of the department under section 133, recovery shall be made after seven days from the date of the order of the High Court.' This means that if a Commissioner's appeal against a taxpayer is upheld by the High Court, the tax arrears will become recoverable within a mere seven days from the date of the High Court's order. FBR is expected to issue further guidelines on the implementation of this amended section, particularly concerning the issuance of recovery notices and the procedures for taxpayers to adhere to the compressed timeline. Tax professionals and businesses are advised to carefully review their litigation strategies and prepare for swifter recovery actions in light of this new legal provision. When contacted, tax lawyer Waheed Shahzad Butt stated that earlier new amendments introduced through the Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 have ignited controversy across legal and tax circles, as they grant sweeping powers to tax officers to recover taxes without issuing prior notice to taxpayers. Mr. Butt warned that such unchecked powers could erode public trust in the tax system and potentially lead to abuse. This will undermine the neutrality of the taxation system and promote tax robbery moves rather than genuine tax recovery. IHC has earlier ruled that a notice under Section 138, is mandatory before initiating any coercive tax recovery action under Section 140. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan hockey captain calls for relocation of 2025 Asia Cup from India
Listen to article Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt has called for the relocation of the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 from India, citing escalating political tensions between the two countries. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he emphasised the importance of the tournament, which acts as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. 'The Asia Cup is crucial for us as it's a World Cup qualifying event. Given the current political situation between Pakistan and India, we believe the venue should be reconsidered,' he said. He added that Pakistan's final decision regarding participation would be in line with instructions from the federal government. The 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, India, from 27 August to 7 September 2025, under the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). However, concerns over the event's credibility have emerged amid unconfirmed reports suggesting Indian authorities may be planning to exclude Pakistan from the tournament. The issue has intensified in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, which has reportedly resulted in visa denials for the Pakistani squad, putting their participation in jeopardy. Neither the Indian government nor the AHF has issued an official statement on the matter. Meanwhile, the Pakistan team is focusing on its preparations for the upcoming FIH Nations Cup. A strong showing could earn them promotion to the prestigious Pro League. 'Our focus will be sharp from the first match. The players are motivated, and we aim to deliver positive results,' Butt said.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
14 perish as massive storms pummel Punjab
As hail hammers down, a man scrambles to protect his car, mirroring scenes from the last tempest that left citizens in Islamabad counting heavy losses. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Nature unleashed its wrath on Saturday as a sudden onslaught of storms and fierce winds tore through several cities, leaving at least 14 dead and over 92 injured in Punjab alone. The violent weather threw daily life into chaos, grounding flights, snapping power lines and prompting rain emergencies across multiple urban centres. According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, the fatalities occurred in Rawalpindi (1), Jhelum (2), Sheikhupura (1), Nankana Sahib (1), Lahore (3), Layyah (1), Jhang (1) and Sialkot (1), mostly due to the collapse of dilapidated structures and falling debris. Multiple mud houses were also damaged in storm-hit areas, the PDMA confirmed. Rescue operations were ramped up across Punjab, with Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directing all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122, to remain on high alert. "Affected families will receive financial compensation under the Punjab government's policy," PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said, adding that all district emergency operation centres and the provincial control room have been activated for round-the-clock monitoring. Kathia urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, stay clear of power poles and hanging wires and ensure children do not venture near damaged buildings. "During lightning and storm activity, stay indoors and off rooftops," he advised. In case of emergencies, citizens were urged to contact PDMA via helpline 1129. Flight disruptions The storm severely impacted flight operations at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. Several flights were either delayed, diverted, or cancelled due to strong winds and low visibility. A Karachi-bound private airline flight was rerouted to Multan, while flights arriving from Skardu (PK-454) and Guangzhou (CZ-6037) were cancelled. Another incoming flight from Karachi (9P-84) returned to its point of origin mid-air. Flights departing for Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur experienced delays, while three domestic flights to Karachi were also held up. However, as weather conditions improved later in the day, air traffic resumed. Air traffic controllers cleared both domestic and international flights for landing and takeoff. LESCO alert In the wake of the severe storm, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) declared a red alert across its network. Field teams were dispatched to restore electricity in affected areas. "The storm caused significant stress on the grid," LESCO CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt said. Butt was present at the control room alongside GM Operations Ijaz Bhatti and senior engineers. Materials were dispatched from stores to aid repair work, and Butt vowed to remain in the control room until power was restored to the last affected consumer. Meanwhile, the Motorway Police reported intense storms and overcast skies across sections of M-4, M-5 and the National Highway. Light showers and strong winds were reported from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem and from Multan to Rahim Yar Khan. Similar conditions were seen from Lahore to Chichawatni and onward to Lodhran. Authorities urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances between vehicles and avoid speeding. A special public awareness campaign on safe driving during storms is currently being run by the Motorway Police in Central Region. K-P Similarly, the PDMA in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa issued an alert forecasting rain and thunderstorms in most districts, including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat and Waziristan. The inclement weather is expected to continue intermittently through Sunday (today). Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant, ensure the availability of machinery for debris clearance, and issue safety advisories in local languages. Farmers have been advised to factor in weather conditions while planning activities, and tourists have been urged to check updates before traveling. The PDMA helpline 1700 remains active for public assistance. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the storm marked a dramatic end to an extended heatwave. By late morning, dark clouds engulfed the skies and strong winds swept through the twin cities, followed by heavy rain and hailstorms. Temperatures dropped significantly, and power outages were reported in several areas. A rain emergency was declared in Rawalpindi to manage the aftermath.
