Latest news with #MuhammadIshaqDar
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Digital sales tax stays with provinces, solar GST cut to 10%: Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said that the digital sales tax on services would remain within the jurisdiction of provinces, while the proposed 18% GST tax on solar panels had been reviewed and revised down to 10% following consultations. Speaking in the National Assembly, Senator Dar stated that after detailed discussions with coalition partners and relevant stakeholders, consensus had been reached on resolving several contentious budgetary issues. As part of the revisions, it was agreed that the imposition of digital sales tax on services falls under the constitutional domain of provincial governments. 'The concerns regarding digital taxation were valid. We held in-depth consultations with all stakeholders, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and it has been decided that the matter will be clearly addressed in the Finance Minister's budget winding-up speech,' he said. Mian Zahid concerned over proposed 18pc tax on solar panels Dar further clarified that the earlier proposal of imposing 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels had sparked considerable debate. Upon review, it was revealed that 54% of components used in solarization were already taxed under the existing regime, and the 18% tax applied only to the remaining 46%. However, after mutual consultations, we have now proposed reducing the solar GST from 18% to 10%, he announced. He emphasized that tax proposals are essential for revenue generation, and any relief in one area necessitates compensation elsewhere. He pointed out that when the cabinet found the initial proposal of a 6% salary increase for government employees insufficient and raised it to 10%, corresponding budgetary adjustments also had to be made. 'We must move forward collectively. Our approach is rooted in consensus and cooperation,' he said. enter link description here Highlighting another key issue, Dar said it was decided to maintain funding for a proposed university in Sindh under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) at Rs 4.7 billion through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He also acknowledged valid concerns raised by MNAs regarding the closure of the Public Works Department (PWD) and confirmed that the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) would now oversee all federal development projects across provinces. He said, while PIDCL was initially formed for Sindh, its mandate has now been expanded to oversee development projects across all provinces. Senator Dar concluded by reaffirming the government's willingness to address genuine concerns through mutual dialogue and constructive engagement. Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Syed Naveed Qamar thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for accommodating key PPP and Sindh government budget proposals. Speaking in the National Assembly, Qamar said the government accepted major demands raised by PPP lawmakers during the budget debate. He welcomed the reduction of proposed sales tax on solar equipment from 18% to 10%, aligning with the party's stance. He also acknowledged the government's decision to expand the mandate of the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) to all provinces, instead of limiting it to Sindh, effectively addressing another PPP concern.
Dubai Eye
4 days ago
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
Sheikh Abdullah discusses regional conflict with top diplomats
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held phone calls with numerous counterparts from around the globe, as the Israel-Iran conflict entered its fifth day on Tuesday. The phone calls were conducted with Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister; Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy; Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey; Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary; and Asaad Al-Shibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria. During these discussions, the top diplomats examined the implications of the current situation on the region's security and stability. The phone conversations also underscored the importance of supporting diplomatic solutions and dialogue in resolving crises in a way that contributes to maintaining regional and international peace and stability.
The National
11-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit UAE on Thursday
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit the UAE on Thursday to discuss strengthening ties between the countries. Mr Sharif will be in Abu Dhabi for a day-long visit, Pakistani officials said. The Pakistani leader will be accompanied by Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, plus other senior federal ministers. 'The visit reflects the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and the UAE,' a spokesman from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Mr Sharif is scheduled to meet UAE leaders to discuss issues of bilateral, regional and global interest, the ministry said. His visit will seek to bolster relations between the two countries, deepen economic ties and collaboration, added officials. Mr Sharif met President Sheikh Mohamed on his last visit to the UAE in February, and also attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai. During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Sharif reviewed efforts to bolster co-operation and strengthen economic and trade ties. Sheikh Mohamed earlier met Mr Sharif in the city of Rahim Yar Khan in January, during a visit to Pakistan. The UAE is home to about 1.7 million Pakistani citizens and relations between the two countries date back to the foundation of the Emirates in 1971.
Saba Yemen
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Pakistan Foreign Ministry: China affirms its support for Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity
Islamabad - Saba: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi affirmed that "Beijing, as a strategic partner and close friend, will continue to stand firmly with Pakistan in defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence." This came during a phone call with Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, in which Wang praised "Pakistan's responsible approach and restraint under the current circumstances, following last night's Indian aggression." Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan decides to brief UNSC
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday directed Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations to take immediate steps for convening the session of United Nations Security Council. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan has decided to formally brief the UN Security Council on the latest situation in the region. Pakistan will apprise the UN Security Council about the aggressive acts of India and its provocation and inflammatory statements. Diplomatic setback for India at UNSC as Pakistan, China block pro-India statement on Pahalgam attack Pakistan will especially highlight the illegal steps of India to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Pakistan will highlight the fact that India's aggressive actions are endangering the peace and security of South Asia and beyond the region. This important diplomatic measure of Pakistan is part of its efforts to put correct facts before the international community.
