Latest news with #Tarar
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Sajid Tarar? Republican Muslim leader & key figure behind Donald Trump meeting Pakistan army chief Asim Munir
Sajid Tarar Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman based in the Baltimore-Washington area, has emerged as a prominent figure in American political circles for his continued support of US President Donald Trump and his advocacy for improved India-Pakistan relations. He is also associated to Pakistan's Army Chief, "Field Marshal" Asim Munir , who is scheduled to attend a lunch with Trump on Wednesday, an event unfolding amid heightened tensions in Washington, following Trump's veiled threats to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dismantle the country's alleged nuclear weapons program in alignment with Israeli interests. Tarar is the founder of "American Muslims for Trump," a group he launched to rally support for the Republican leader among the Muslim community in the United States. A visible face at the last three Republican National Conventions, Tarar has remained closely associated with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. His influence within Trump's inner circle was evident when his son secured a position at the US state department during Trump's first term. Apart from his political engagements, Tarar is also the CEO of the nonprofit Center for Social Change in Baltimore, Maryland. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트, 지금 시작하세요 [자세히 보기] 임플란트 더 알아보기 Undo He has previously served on the finance committees of governors and held leadership roles in various investment groups and business organizations. Tarar has also drawn attention for allegedly facilitating a luncheon meeting between Trump and Asim Munir. In addition to his work with the Pakistani-American community, Tarar has also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and voiced support for peaceful and productive India-Pakistan ties, an unusual position in a polarised diaspora. Having moved to the US in the 1990s, Tarar became a US citizen and has been a key Republican voice among Muslim Americans.
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tarar terms budget ‘the best budget yet'
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that the federal budget will be 'the best budget yet,' reaffirming the government's commitment to economic relief and national stability under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Tarar said, 'Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has always prioritised providing relief to the people, and this budget will reflect that vision.' He lauded the opposition's role during the recent episode of Indian aggression, calling their stance 'responsible and united.' However, Tarar expressed disappointment over the opposition's recent press conference, stating, 'It was unfortunate to see such a lack of seriousness. They came unprepared and had no economic facts to present.' He added that instead of offering constructive criticism, the opposition was resorting to 'excuses and diversion tactics.' Criticising the opposition for not doing their homework on the upcoming budget, Tarar remarked, 'They should have prepared their position on the budget instead of relying on political gimmicks.' Referring to Pakistan's economic recovery, the minister emphasised, 'We have come back from the brink of default and are now moving toward economic stability.' He recalled that some opposition members had previously 'placed bets' on Pakistan defaulting, which he said reflected their negative mindset. Tarar concluded by urging the opposition to adopt a more responsible approach to economic matters, adding that the government remains focused on growth, stability, and public welfare. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Conflict with India: Tarar praises Pakistani media's role
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar on Wednesday said that Pakistan has responded to Indian aggression with responsibility and composure, exposing New Delhi's state-sponsored terrorism on multiple international forums with credible evidence, including video proof. Addressing a press conference, Tarar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly presented Pakistan's stance on the diplomatic front, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar led a dedicated team that worked tirelessly in this regard. He credited the Pakistani media, journalists, and anchorpersons for playing a key role in the 'battle of narratives' by presenting facts and demonstrating responsible journalism—unlike Indian media which, he said, resorted to lies and fake news. Tarar revealed that video evidence was shared with the media, showing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing support for the Mukti Bahini in 1971, along with clips of inflammatory speeches by Indian leaders and footage proving Indian involvement in terrorism in Balochistan. He emphasised that India is involved in terrorism not only in Pakistan but also in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia. 'India's state policy revolves around exporting terror,' Tarar alleged, citing the example of Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav who was caught operating in Balochistan. He added that Indian-sponsored terrorism has targeted even innocent children, referencing the recent Khuzdar incident, and accused Indian media of celebrating the Jaffer Express tragedy while glorifying terrorists. 'Pakistan's armed forces are fully committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism,' Tarar stated, reiterating that 'Fitna-e-Hindustan' (India's disruptive elements) will be rooted out of Balochistan at all costs. He also welcomed Pakistan's offer for transparent international investigations into the Pahalgam attack, showcasing Islamabad's commitment to justice. 'Like conventional wars, India's proxies will also be defeated,' Tarar concluded, affirming national unity and resilience. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pak-Italy ties progressing positively: Tarar
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has said that Pakistan-Italy relations are progressing positively, with bilateral trade exceeding $1 billion and over 3,500 Pakistani students currently studying in Italy – key indicators of growing cooperation between the two countries. Speaking at a ceremony held in Islamabad to celebrate Italy's National Day, Tarar said it was an honour to attend the event and extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Italy on behalf of Pakistan's government and its citizens. He emphasised the long-standing and historic diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Italy, founded on mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to global peace and development. 'Pakistan values its ties with Italy and looks forward to establishing a comprehensive and long-term partnership,' he stated. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tarar for avoiding conflict of interests
Listen to article Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar has advised the newly appointed members of appellate tribunals dealing with billions of rupees worth of tax matters to recuse themselves from hearing cases where the conflict of interests arises because of their past professional affiliations. The minister spoke to The Express Tribune after questions were posed about the conflict of interests in the case of some of the appellate tribunal members. "When the question of conflict of interests arises, the newly appointed members will choose the option of 'not before me'," Tarar said. Instead of appointing new members of the Inland Revenue appellate tribunal through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), the government in January this year constituted a three-member selection committee. Among the committee members were Justice (Retired) Mushir Alam, Major General (Retired) Naveed Ahmad, who is a member of the FPSC, and Asim Zulfiqar, a senior partner of AF Ferguson chartered accountancy firm. On the recommendation of the committee, the federal cabinet has so far appointed 15 members from March to May this year. The newly appointed members have been given salaries equal to judges but they are not independent like the judges, said Dr Ikramul Haq, a senior lawyer at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He also questioned the selection process, saying there were questions about some of the members' competency and conflict of interests. The members should either work under high courts or the Supreme Court instead of working under the executive branch, he suggested. To a question about bypassing the FPSC, the law minister said the selection process had been outsourced to management consulting firm AT Kearney "for ensuring independence" in the process. To another question how to ensure transparency and objectivity in deciding the cases if some of the tribunal members have worked with tax advisory firms, Tarar replied "we believe that these are mature people and will take care of the conflict of interests". The minister said that whenever such a situation arises, the members should exercise the "not before me" right to avoid hearing cases being pleaded by tax firms where they have worked in the past. The Ministry of Law has made these appointments under Section 130 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. The law states that a person shall be eligible to be appointed as a member of the Appellate Tribunal, if he is an advocate of a High Court for not less than 15 years and possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed by rules under this section; has for a period not less than 10 years practiced professionally as a chartered accountant and has for a period not less than 10 years practiced professionally as a cost and management accountant. An officer of the Inland Revenue in BS-21 or above; or an officer of the Inland Revenue in BS-20, having served in such a grade for three years or more, is also eligible for these appointments. The prime minister decided to appoint all these members from the private sector to address the issue of conflict of interests. There had also been incidents in the past where the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) used to influence the outcome of cases, although the members were working under the administrative control of the law ministry. About Rs4 trillion in revenues are stuck at various levels – most of which before the commissioners appeal of the FBR and the appellate tribunals. The FBR and the office of the Attorney General of Pakistan had assured the PM to at least recover about Rs400 billion before June. Similar assurances had also been given to the IMF. However, so far no major breakthrough has been achieved, except in the case of windfall tax. A recent IMF report stated that the Pakistani authorities were actively pursuing the resolution of outstanding cases. It said efforts were being made to recover Rs367 billion out of a total of Rs770 billion under dispute. These included cases pending before the Supreme Court involving Rs43 billion, high courts in Islamabad, Sindh and Lahore involving Rs217 billion and the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue Rs104 billion. The report disclosed that the IMF had been assured that the Supreme Court had completed its initial hearing, with a final decision expected by mid-April. A favourable ruling could effectively resolve related cases worth an estimated Rs120 billion, according to the report. The IMF's view was that resolving the cases would help clarify the legality of the disputed claims, thereby supporting future revenue by reducing uncertainty and discouraging future litigation. The appointments of the new members have already been challenged in courts for the lack of transparency. According to media reports, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued an interim order on the appointment of members in the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue, stating that all appointments would be subject to the final outcome of a writ petition. Earlier, the IHC issued notices to the Ministry of Law secretary, FPSC chairman and Attorney General of Pakistan following a constitutional petition challenging the appointment process of tribunal members. The petition challenges the unadvertised process of "head hunting" and the lack of transparency. It alleges that the appointment process did not follow the established rules and procedures.
