Latest news with #IslamabadCapitalTerritory
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
DRAP STRN deregistration case: FTO orders swift conclusion
ISLAMABAD: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has instructed the Large Taxpayers Office (LTO), Islamabad to promptly conclude proceedings in the matter of de-registration of Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN) application of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The complaint was filed under Section 10(1) of the FTO Ordinance, 2000, citing prolonged inaction by the tax authorities despite clear directions from the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) to reconsider the case afresh. The Complainant pointed out that no decision had been made on their statutory application for de-registration, while notices continued to be issued for tax compliance, resulting in procedural confusion and administrative hardship. FTO observed that the delay in implementing the Tribunal's order and inaction on the de-registration request fell within the definition of maladministration as per Section 2(3) of the FTO Ordinance. The matter is further complicated by a legislative amendment that potentially exempts regulatory and licensing bodies like DRAP from certain taxes under the Islamabad Capital Territory (Tax on Services) Ordinance, 2001. The LTO in its response claimed that remand proceedings were underway, and a hearing notice had already been issued. However, no final order had been passed. The complainant's authorized representative confirmed receipt of the notice but emphasized that the application for de-registration had still not been adjudicated. Taking serious note of the administrative delays, the FTO has directed the Chief Commissioner, LTO Islamabad to expedite the conclusion of de novo proceedings in line with the Tribunal's remand order and decide the complainant's pending application for de-registration in accordance with applicable laws. The LTO has been asked to submit a compliance report within 45 days. This direction by the FTO reflects a continued push for institutional responsibility and fair treatment of taxpayers by ensuring due process is not sacrificed at the altar of bureaucratic inertia. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Professional panhandlers thrive in capital
Amidst repeated action against beggars by Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, the city continues to witness a rise in the number of beggars at its streets, markets and traffic intersections. In most of areas of main city and housing societies in the suburbs, they are seen in abundance with scores among them are permanent and professional seeming like to be part of a nexus operating in the city. Some residents have pointed out that many of these permanent beggars are travelled to designated places daily in the morning and picked up in the evening by their masters after day long begging in these areas. Particularly busy areas like F-6, F-7, F-10 Markaz, capital's main traffic signals and housing societies along Islamabad Expressway including PWD, Police Foundation and Pakistan Town commercial areas have witnessed a surge in beggars including women and children, soliciting money from commuters and shoppers. Expressing concerns on prevailing situation, the residents have demanded strict enforcement of anti-begging laws, arguing that unchecked beggary not only tarnishes Islamabad's reputation but also resulting in petty crimes. They are also perturbed on re-emergence of beggars groups after a couple of days of action by ICT administration who occasionally launch operation against these beggars, nab them and put behind the bars. But, this practice could not prove to be a permanent solution to this menace as there are also reports that many rag pickers conduct recce in different areas during the day that leads to theft and robbery after sunset. Citizens in many localities have expressed frustration over frequent encounters with organized groups of beggars as well as the crimes like snatching or plundering valuables and breaking into houses, also threatening human lives. "Once regarded as one of the most orderly and serene cities in South Asia, Islamabad is now grappling with a persistent and increasingly visible challenge of beggary," remarked a businessman, Saleem Khan. "From traffic signals to bustling markets, the city's thoroughfares are teeming with individuals with many of them seeming like part of organized groups or an unseen nexus operating in the city," Saleem Khan said. "Some of them aggressively seek alms and when refused either they abuse you or scratch your vehicles and run away. " Since they are professional engaged in this notorious practice for years, they have numerous techniques to allure people. "Their techniques range from sympathetic women holding infants, children selling flowers, some knocking windows of your car and some elderly begging for medical treatment or marriage of their daughters," said Aiman Baig, a working woman. "Some among them are too sticky and arrogant and also pass derogatory remarks when refused alms. " She said, whether it is intersection at Aabpara, traffic-laden Jinnah Avenue or other areas in the city, you can find them everywhere. Amina Rafeeq, a local resident describes it as very uncomfortable and says, "even if you desire to help someone needy, you cannot ascertain who is genuinely deserving and who belongs to a nexus."
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pakistan enacts law to curb child marriages
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday (May 30, 2025) signed into law a bill fixing the minimum age for marriage at 18 years to curb child marriages despite opposition from right-wing clerics. The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, seeking to protect the rights of children and eventually eradicate marriages of children under the age of 18, was sent to the President's approval on May 27 after sailing through both houses of Parliament. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman shared on X a presidential notification related to the approval of the legislation. 'The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 is assented to, as passed by the Parliament,' the notification read. 'Pakistan has reached a milestone in the enactment of important legislation against child marriages,' she said. Mr. Zardari accented to the bill despite strong opposition from religious groups and even the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), a constitutional body tasked to offer counsel on legal issues, in a ruling said that classifying marriage under the age of 18 as rape did not conform with Islamic law. Ms. Rehman said that the approval of the bill was successful despite resistance from various sections, adding that President Zardari signed the bill despite pressure. 'The signing of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill is a symbol of a new era of reforms in Pakistan,' she said. She hailed the approval as a victory for the protection of the rights of women and children, adding, 'This law was possible after a long and difficult struggle.' 'This bill is not just a law, it is a commitment that our girls have the right to education, health and a prosperous life,' Ms. Rehman continued. She thanked PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, party leaders, other political parties and representatives of the opposition and the public for their support to the bill. Earlier, CII member Maulana Jalaludin, who belongs to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), said President Zardari should prevent anarchy in society by not signing the bill.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Capital gears up to prevent dengue outbreak
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has intensified efforts to curb the spread of dengue as early cases begin to appear in the city. While only four cases have been reported so far this season, authorities are focusing on swift, preventive action to avoid a potential outbreak. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, chaired a high-level meeting attended by health officials to review the dengue situation. The meeting included a comparative analysis of case reports from other cities, including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, to draw insights from their prevention strategies. Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing field operations led by Assistant Commissioners in areas where mosquito larvae were detected. These include inspections of homes, commercial properties, and open spacescommon breeding grounds during dengue season. DC Memon urged residents to fully cooperate with the administration's anti-dengue campaign and adhere strictly to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for prevention. These include covering water containers, cleaning rooftops and drains, and eliminating stagnant water around properties. He directed Assistant Commissioners to take strict action against individuals or institutions found violating dengue prevention guidelines, emphasizing that early enforcement is key to containing the disease. The administration has ramped up public awareness efforts, including door-to-door visits, public announcements, and targeted inspections in high-risk areas. Health workers and volunteers are actively educating the public on how to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites. Surveillance teams are monitoring vulnerable sectors, and fumigation and clean-up operations are being conducted based on larva detection reports. Weekly progress reviews will be held to assess the campaign's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Authorities are also coordinating with local health departments to ensure prompt management of reported cases. With dengue cases rising in other cities, Islamabad's strategy is focused on prevention through early detection, community involvement, and strict implementation of SOPs. Residents have been urged to report any signs of mosquito breeding to the relevant departments.
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Clean water drive rolled out in capital villages
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration has launched a clean drinking water initiative in rural parts of the capital, with the installation of three new solar-powered water filtration plants. The project aims to curb the spread of water-borne diseases in communities that previously lacked access to safe water. One of the filtration plants was inaugurated in Sangjhani by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (East), Islamabad, along with the Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pakistan. This plant is among three facilities set up under a collaborative effort by the DC Office, WHO, and the Government of Canada. The newly installed filtration system in Sangjhani will serve over 23,000 people, including local residents and Afghan refugees. Powered by solar energy, the plant ensures uninterrupted access to filtered water in areas with unstable electricity supply, while also promoting environmental sustainability and reducing operational costs. The filtration plants are designed to operate daily, allowing residents to collect clean water throughout the day. These facilities are a major step forward for remote communities that have long relied on contaminated sources, resulting in high rates of water-related illnesses. Officials at the inauguration highlighted the critical link between clean water and public health, emphasizing that improving water quality is essential for disease prevention, particularly among children who are most vulnerable to unsafe water. Residents welcomed the development, expressing hope that the new infrastructure would improve health outcomes and ease daily hardships. The DC Office affirmed its commitment to expanding such efforts across other underserved areas of Islamabad as part of a broader strategy to enhance rural infrastructure and living standards.
