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Thursday, 8 November, 2012
Pakistan, Qatar agree on cooperation in energy, trade DOHA
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APP
AKISTAN and Qatar Wednesday agreed to collaborate in energy and trade sectors and discussed ways to resolve formalities for import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabar Al Thani met here at the Emiri Diwan -the office of Qatar’s Prime Minister, and discussed ways to further promote trade and investment ties, to add substance to their bilateral relations. Both leaders discussed diverse issues including joint development of hydropower sector, identification of sources of financing, exploration of investment opportunities in energy sector and rehabilitation of existing hydropower plants. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar later told APP that the meeting was significant as the leadership of two countries reiterated to enhance cooperation particularly in development projects and investment in energy sector. She said the talks focused on import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from
Qatar to Pakistan and said the project was a natural win-win potential for both the countries. She said President Zardari expressed satisfaction that the Qatar Gas had signed a Pact with two Pakistan-based gas companies. The Pact has been signed between the Qatar Gas with two Pakistani gas companies - Sui Southern Gas Company Limited and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, for the supply of LNG upto 3.5 mtpa (million tons per annum). The Foreign Minister said President Zardari apprised Qatar’s Emir about Pakistan’s most generous incentive regime through the petroleum exploration and production policy 2012. Khar said the two sides stressed enhancing airline linkages between the two countries by increasing frequency of flights of Pakistan International Airlines and the Qatar Airways, between Islamabad and Doha. Pakistan also offered opening of branches of Qatari banks. Dr Asim Hussain, Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources told APP that the meeting focused on early finalization of formalities on LNG import. He said the two sides were keen to sort out the details at the earliest. He called upon the Qatari petro-
leum and gas companies to take advantage of the new policy and invest in Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration and production sector. On the finalization of transnational formalities to LNG import at the earliest, he said Pakistan was interested in importing 77 million tonnes per annum of LNG. The imported LNG will be initially provided to the power houses in Pakistan to generate 2,500 megawatt electricity. President Zardari urged Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim to absorb Pakistani skilled and semi-skilled labour in Qatar
and added that already 90,000 Pakistani expatriates were efficiently contributing to Qatar’s economy. He mentioned that more Pakistanis could effectively fulfil part of Qatar’s demand of two million workforce for its infrastructure projects for FIFA 2022 World Cup to be held in Doha. He also stressed the need for diversifying the trade potential between the two countries. He expressed satisfaction over the remittances from Qatar that had increased to US$ 354 mln in 2010 as compared to US$ 339.51 mln in 2009. The President mentioned that a high
fee of Qatari visa was a deterrent to export of manpower from Pakistan and hoped it would be reviewed. He proposed the visit of a ministerial-level delegation from Qatar to Pakistan to discuss modalities of export of manpower for Qatar’s future needs. The meeting was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Advisor on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain, Members of National Assembly Munir Orakzai and Amer Ali Khan Magsi and Ambassador Sarfraz Ahmad Khanzada.
FTO directs NBP quick off the blocks FBR to revisit drug Establishes brisk resolution strategy to cope with ATM flaws agency’s IT returns ISLAMABAD APP
ISLAMABAD APP
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to revisit its assessment of Income Tax returns of Zeenat Drug Agency Narowal as its audit was not conducted as per law. “Invoke revisionary jurisdiction under Section 122A of the Ordinance to revisit the assessment made under Section 122(4) of the Ordinance, as per law; and submit compliance report within 30 days.” The FTO directed the FBR. According to FTO findings, the audit of a return not formally selected by the competent authority is contrary to law and tantamount to maladministration under Section 2(3) of the FTO Ordinance. The protracted delay in finalization of audit was also tantamount to maladministration, it added. According to details, Muhammad Umer Farooq, Proprietor Zeenat Drug Agency Katchery Road Narowal had made complaint against illegal assessment under section 122(4) of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 (the Ordinance) in FTO on 10 August 2012. The Complainant’s income tax Return for Tax Year 2007 was selected for audit by the Commissioner IR, Audit Division, RTO, Sialkot, vide letter No.1223 dated 27.06.2008. The Complainant revised the Return for Tax Year 2007 twice, however,
the assessing officer continued with the original audit proceedings, as if no revision of Return had taken place. The audit was concluded on 28.06.2012, after a lapse of 4 odd years and the complainant’s total Income for Tax Year 2007 was determined at Rs3,657,737 as against declared Rs272,513 and an additional tax liability of Rs914,434 was raised. The Complainant assailed the treatment accorded by the department as harsh, illegal, oppressive and whimsical and took strong exception to the conduct of audit with reference to the original Return, ignoring the revised returns. He said that when the revised Returns were admitted by the department and taken on record, for the audit proceedings to continue legally a fresh audit selection order was required to be made after each revision. The complainant has also pointed out that stay against arbitrary selection of his return was granted by the LHC but the department continued the audit proceedings after expiry of six months on the ground that this being a revenue matter stay could continue only for a six-month period. The complainant further drew the attention to the fact that the department having accepted declared turnover and gross profit as per the second revised return was not justified to make arbitrary additions in the manner done by the assessing officer.
The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Islamabad region has established brisk resolution strategy to cope with the Auto Teller Machines (ATMs) faults and problems, bring the ATM-related complaints to nominal level, a senior official of the Bank told APP. “We have 24x7 check up of their ATMs through our Regional Data Centre’s surveillance and the errors are immediately taken up by the respective quarters for their ready solutions’, Tariq Zafar Iqbal Regional Head of the NBP, said here Wednesday. He said that NBP’s regional management in Islamabad always responds to the customers’ calls and there have been witnesses of on the spot rectifications and problem resolutions in this regard. “It is imperative that we must appreciate their service and dedication which has made it possible for the metropolitans to meet their demands in cash around the clock”, he remarked. Mr. Iqbal further said that the National Bank of Pakistan is the flag-bearer of service in the financial sector of the country. The scope of its service, he said was not limited to only domestic operations but it is also globally appreciated and acknowledged as one of the Re-
gion’s best banks as accredited through high ratings by the international financial rating agencies as well as by virtue of having won many international accolade and awards over the years. “Might it be the pension payments to the senior citizens or the government revenue collections and salary disbursements to the public sector, the NBP is committed to deliver the service with a passion for the Nation’s service, being the Nation’s Bank”. He explained that the NBP started its ATM service in Islamabad in June 1996 when it inaugurated its first ATM in Super Market Branch, F-6, Islamabad. Over the years, the number of NBP’s ATM has increased to 21 in the metropolis. “These ATMs are spread over the length and breadth of the Federal Capital, including Melody, Super Market, Aabpara, G-9, Pak. Secretariat, i.e. B
Block, D Block, S-Block and K-Block, G10, Airport, A.I.O.U, Foreign Office, F-8 Markaz, Industrial Area, Marriott Hotel, Nilore, P.M. Secretariat and Aiwan-eSadder”,Iqbal remarked. He said that the NBP caters to around 150,000 accounts in Islamabad alone and the number of ATM transactions carried through NBP’s ATM surmount to nearly 90,000 in a month which is a huge number by all means, as evidenced by the data collected by the scribe. Tariq Zafar Iqbal added that the NBP has turned its entire network of branches to online operations across Pakistan. “It provides an opportunity to its clients to collect their cash at one touch of a button from any one link ATM. By virtue of NBP’s one link facility, the ATM card holders of all the Bank’s operating in Pakistan can use NBP’s ATM facility”, he remarked. “It is certainly established that the volume and scale of ATM operations being handled by NBP Islamabad is really magnanimous as compared to all other commercial banks in the country”, he added. The Regional Head of NBP added that there have been occasional complaints of hard-ware problems, dispenser issues, audit & consumer rolls errors and communication link breakdowns.
Government to release Rs100m for industrial uplift KARACHI: The development work in Koarngi industrial area is due to start very soon as the initial Rs100 million funds for the purpose would soon be released by the KMC, said Town Administrator Korangi A Sami Khan. This he stated while executing CPLC-Neighborhood Care project initiated by the industrialists of Sector 23 led by CEO Maple Pharma Shafiuddin Feroz. Khan said that the construction of Road 5000 would start very soon followed by carpeting of Road 2000. He said the town administration was awaiting funds from the Annual Development Plan following which several projects relating to infrastructural development would be taken up. Khan appreciated the initiative of Sector 23’s industries to establish CPLC-NC project for their security. Chairman KATI Zubair Chhaya said as the Governor Sindh was very keen to establish the projects in industrial areas, KATI was supporting and assisting its members to contribute in such projects so that the ever-increasing crime in KIA could be curbed. He said though KATI members were contributing towards CPLC-NC and various civic works in their areas but the KMC and town administration’s support was mandatory. The administrator said the industrialists were ready to pay the KMC’s infrastructure development tax provided the KMC take up development works and complete the ongoing projects. CEP Maple Pharma Shafiuddin Feroz said the industries were suffering due to crime incidents in the area where the infrastructure was extremely poor. He said industries in KIA were exporting goods worth hundreds of millions of dollars yet they were deprived of basic civic facilities. He urged the government to take up development works in KIA. STAFF REPORT
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Dear Uncle Sam, Trade not aid Yours repetitively, KCCI KARACHI
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STAFF REPORT
arachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Muhammad Haroon Agar Wednesday said Pakistan does not need aid but trade and access to the US markets. Exchanging views with the delegation of USAID in Pakistan headed by Alan L. Davis, Director Economic Growth, USAID Islamabad, Agar said besides granting economic aid and assistances, the US may consider increasing investment in Pakistan as it was largest trading and investment partner of Pakistan. He apprised that Pakistan had lost precious lives of its citizens and faced losses of billions of dollars in war against terrorism. USA should reciprocate its cooperation through shifting its support from conventional aid to market access, investment, technology transfer, education and training, scientific research, power generation and infrastructural development. He appreciated the USAID assistance in various programmes of economic growth, agriculture, energy, education and health. He was of the view that besides funding in dams projects, USAID may consider funding in projects of Thar Coal and other alternate energy solution. Similar coal is being used in various power plants around the world and one in U.K. Yorkshire, he told. USA allowed civil nuclear energy to UAE and India. Similar treatment be accorded to Pakistan to overcome energy crisis, he conversed. He also suggested that in Economic Growth and Agriculture, USAID can make programmes to educate farmers and rural population to add value to agricultural and dairy products. USAID can make Micro-Financing programmes to eliminate poverty and promote Micro-Entrepreneurs. Similar programmes can be developed for SMEs. He also proposed funding of US Special Economic Zone on the pattern of Japan Special Economic Zone planned in
Karachi. He was of the view that USAID can invest in revenue generating projects of National Interest on BOT– Build, Operate and Transfer basis in Metro railway in Karachi, Mass transit, Low Cost Housing, Town Planning, education, medical, mining, constructing new small dams and other projects. To promote SMEs he also suggested for institutional capacity building of SMEDA and support to SME Bank. He assured USAID team in Pakistan Karachi Chamber’s best support and cooperation. Alan L. Davis, Director Economic Growth, USAID Islamabad recognized the vibrant role of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry for promotion of commercial and industrial activities and sought support of KCCI in various USAID programmes in Pakistan. He informed that owing to importance of economic development, USAID’s economic growth program seeks to secure a self-sustaining future for Pakistan by nurturing competitive enterprises, efficient market environments, effective government policies, and business opportunities for women. He said that USAID works with governmental and other partners to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural sector, so it can meet domestic food needs while generating export revenues. These initiatives are spurring broad-based economic growth and improving the earning power of people throughout the country. Geoffrey Minott, Deputy for Economic Growth & Agriculture USAID Islamabad informed that USAID Pakistan Trade Project active since 2009 supports the Government of Pakistan and private sector stakeholders.
Business 02 FFC connects first 50MW wind farm to national grid KARACHI STAFF REPORT
FFC Energy Limited (FFCEL) has developed the country’s first 50 megawatt wind power project at Jhimpir, District Thatta, in Sindh. Established with an investment of US$134 million, the grid interconnection facilities for this project were energized on 30th October, 2012, whereby the wind farm is now connected with the National Grid. This major milestone was achieved by the coordinated efforts of CPPA/NTDC, HESCO & FFCEL. The project is thus ready to play a revolutionary role in strengthening Pakistan’s wind-power sector. Brig (R) Tariq Izaz, Project Director, said, “All 33 individual WTGs and ultimately the commissioning of the whole wind farm is planned to commence from 7th November, 2012 and FFCEL expects to begin commercial operations by mid December, 2012. However, FFCEL will endeavor for early completion of WTG commissioning activities, ahead of above schedule, by deploying more resources, wherever possible.” Since its inception in 2009, this project has shown rapid progress. Erection of all 33 Wind Turbine Generators was successfully completed by July 2012. By Mid August 2012, all civil, mechanical and electrical works related to grid interconnection facility, HV switchyard, MV substation and MV collection system were completed.
Major Gainers COMPANY UniLever Pak Unilever Food Colgate Palmolive Siemens Pakistan Island TextileXD
OPEN 9600.50 3690.00 1268.00 745.00 443.10
HIGH 9799.00 3775.00 1300.00 769.00 465.25
LOW 9774.99 3775.00 1250.00 769.00 445.00
CLOSE CHANGE 9774.99 174.49 3775.00 85.00 1300.00 32.00 769.00 24.00 465.25 22.15
TURNOVER 40 40 4,000 50 400
4699.99 3572.01 1380.00 162.05 102.80
4332.01 3572.00 1335.70 161.18 102.80
4699.99 3572.00 1380.00 161.18 108.11
139.99 -188.00 -26.00 -8.48 0.00
40 40 100 4,000 100
53.57 80.43 10.61 6.81 15.97
52.11 77.51 9.70 6.56 15.40
52.68 80.43 10.17 6.60 15.92
-0.52 3.83 0.19 -0.08 0.30
12,306,000 10,803,500 10,168,000 8,294,500 7,162,000
Major Losers Nestle Pakistan Ltd. Rafhan Maize Prod. Bata (Pak) XD Pak Gum & Chemical ZIL Limited XD
4560.00 3760.00 1406.00 169.66 108.11
Volume Leaders D.G.K.CementXD Engro Foods Ltd. Maple Leaf Cement Fauji Cement Bank Al-Falah
53.20 76.60 9.98 6.68 15.62
Interbank Rates US Dollar UK Pound Japanese Yen Euro
95.9451 153.6369 1.1942 123.1935
Dollar East US Dollar Euro Great Britain Pound Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Hong Kong Dollar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal Australian Dollar
BUY
SELL
95.90 120.84 151.37 1.1819 94.62 12.14 25.85 25.25 98.18
96.40 123.19 154.28 1.2045 96.95 12.40 26.32 25.68 101.52
Dollar down, markets up in Asia after Obama win HONG KONG: The dollar slipped in Asian trade Wednesday, while share markets rose after President Barack Obama was re-elected in a knife-edge US presidential election. As a hard-fought campaign came down to the wire Obama was declared winner after picking up crucial swing states, wiping away uncertainty that had pervaded markets for the past few days. But in afternoon foreign exchange trade the greenback slipped against the euro and yen as dealers bet that under Obama the Federal Reserve would continue with the loose monetary policy that has seen it flood markets with billions of dollars. The European single currency bought $1.2861 in Tokyo, well up from $1.2788 earlier Wednesday and $1.2814 in New York late Tuesday. The greenback was also at 80.05 yen compared with 80.34 yen in New York. The greenback was also broadly lower against other Asia-Pacific currencies, including the Australian, Taiwan and Singapore dollars, and the Indian rupee. AGENCIES
CORPORATE CORNER TAG Heuer’s latest brand ambassador: Cameron Diaz
KARACHI: Internationally-renowned actress Cameron Diaz takes on an exciting new role : that of TAG Heuer ambassador and muse for the new LINK LADY collection. This new range is dedicated to beautiful and rebellious women around the world. The new look and feel of TAG Heuer’s latest ladies’ collection reflects Ms. Diaz’ personal style: “I want a watch that is more than just a timepiece, it should be like my favorite piece of jewelry,” says Diaz. “The new Link Lady is modern yet timeless, sexy and elegant and I’m equally comfortable wearing it on the red carpet or in my day-to-day life.” The glossy new jeweled Link Lady is seductively curvy and sophisticated, yet faithful to the iconic Link design and TAG Heuer savoir-faire. PRESS RElEASE
HBL declared ‘Strongest Bank in Pakistan’ KARACHI: Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Pakistan’s largest commercial bank, was declared the “Strongest Bank in Pakistan” by The Asian Banker magazine. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Osaka, Japan. The award was judged against a stringent criteria including Scale of Operations, Balance Sheet Growth, Risk Management, Profitability, Asset Quality and Liquidity. Mr. Jamil Iqbal, Head-Global Compliance and Mr. Faiq Sadiq, Head-Payment Services represented HBL on the occasion. “We are privileged to have received this honour and are
grateful to our customers for their confidence and trust in us.”, said Mr. Jamil Iqbal. PRESS RElEASE
representing Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) and Abbottabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI). PRESS RElEASE
Etihad Airways presents Fashion Week’s ‘Most Inspiring Happilac explores Afghanistan Designer’ award
KARACHI: Etihad Airways has teamed up with Fashion Pakistan to present “Pakistan’s Most Inspiring Designer” award to Zaheer Abbas. Zaheer wowed fashion aficionados at the recent Fashion Pakistan Week, held in Karachi. Zaheer, who was also named as the “Best Emerging Talent in Fashion” at the prestigious Lux Style Awards, was chosen in an online poll posted on the Etihad Airways’ Facebook page and the votes received from the members of the Fashion Pakistan Council. One lucky Etihad Airways Facebook fan, Kamran Hashim, also won 15,000 Etihad Guest Miles by taking part in the poll. Zaheer is best known for his love for light fabrics such as chiffon, airy silhouettes and attention to detail. PRESS RElEASE
KABUL: Happilac paints further explores the Afghanistan’s market through participation and promotion at “Made in Pakistan Exhibition, according to a statement on Thursday. Happilac Paints partook the success of the expo“Made in Pakistan Exhibition” held from 18-21 Oct 2012 at Intercontinental Kabul. The expo offered attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to network and connect with others industries in Pakistan. Different traders & construction companies showed their keen interest in Happilac Products, which were displayed exclusively on a stall. Commerce minister, President Chamber of Commerce and Ambassador of Pakistan also visited the Happilac stall. PRESS RElEASE
US government appreciates BISP
Women’s involvement must for sustainable development: CDA ISLAMABAD: Member Planning and Design CDA Syed Mustafain Kazmi on Wednesday said that burden of this poverty on women must be reduced to ensure their empowerment which will trigger the national development.Country can only progress if women are not neglected for which their empowerment is of paramount importance, he said.He was speaking to women entrepreneurs
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Donors along with the US Government through USAID has continuously supported Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) due to its transparency and advanced systems employed in its operations. There is a need to extend the social protection net and operations of BISP in the coming future. This was said by Mr. Richard A. Albright, US Coordinator
for Economic and Development Assistance and Craig P. Kim, US Special Assistant for Economic and Development Assistance during their meeting with Federal Minister and Chairperson BISP Madame Farzana Raja here in BISP Secretariat. Mr. Richard A. Albright further said that by virtue of nationwide poverty census, BISP has collected comprehensive data of millions of families in Pakistan. This data should be shared with provincial governments, NGO and INGOs so that various social sector projects could be launched in the country. US Embassy delegation appreciated Waseela-e-Taleem (Right to Education) Programme launched by BISP, terming it a vital Programme in education sector of the country. The delegation ensured Madame Farzana Raja of continuous US support in various projects being introduced. PRESS RElEASE
Ufone holds ‘Friends of Environment’ competition
ISLAMABAD: Country’s fast expanding cellular network Ufone arranged “Ufone-Friends of the Environment” competition to engage and instill healthy environmental practices amongst the Children of SOS villages. Children who took part in the competition were aged between 7 and 14. The activity was planned with an objective to educate the children and by association educate the future generations. During the last few decades planet earth has witnessed major environmental changes and experts attribute several reasons for this change including fastpaced industrialization and large scale cutting of trees. A total of 10 SOS villages were involved in this project. A panel which consisted of top management at Ufone judged the artwork submitted by each village. This way not any individual child alone was a winner but the whole village reaped the benefit. PRESS RElEASE
Thursday, 8 November, 2012