Business

Govt decides to hike petroleum levy from Nov 16

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

Govt jacks up petroleum levy from Nov 16.
Decision was made in line with IMF instructions.
ECC decides to raise levy from to Rs50/lit on RON 95 and above.

The federal government has approved an increase in the petroleum development levy, Geo News reported. Sources said the government made this decision at the behest of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar presided over the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) at the Finance Division, on Friday.

Federal Minister of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA and former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghous Pasha, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Pasha, federal secretaries, the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue and other senior officers attended the meeting.

The FBR presented a summary of the increase in the rate of sales tax on HOBC. It was conveyed that the rates of sales tax on POL products were reduced to zero from February 1, 2022, which put pressure on FBR’s efforts to achieve its revenue targets. Consequently, the ECC has decided to raise the petroleum levy from Rs30 to Rs50 per litre on RON 95 and above with effect from November 16, 2022, which is a luxury item being consumed by wealthy consumers in their expensive vehicles.

The ECC also approved Technical Supplementary Grants of Rs5 billion for the conduct of the 7th population census.

The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) submitted a summary on High-Speed Diesel/ Gas oil premium and informed that due to the difference in premium on import of HSD for importing oil marketing companies (OMCs) and PSO, there is an unsustainable position for importing OMCs and smooth supply of HSD in the country.

In order to ensure sustained supply/import security, the ECC after detailed discussion allowed a premium on HSD subject to maximum capping at $15/BBL for importing OMCs other than PSO for the months of November and December 2022.

Under the agreement with the IMF, the government has to fetch a revenue of Rs850 billion during the current fiscal by jacking the Petroleum Levy up to Rs50 per litre on petrol and diesel.

Business

Islamic Sukuk Bonds: Government Is Expected To Begin Bond Auction Next Week

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

There is now more positive economic news for the people of Pakistan. The government is anticipated to begin the Sukuk Islamic Bond auction next week, after the central bank’s announcement of a large drop in the policy rate.

Business

SIFC Encourages Green Tourism: Reforming Visas to Increase Investment

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

Enhancing investment in the tourism sector, Green Tourism Pakistan’s initiative has received backing from the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

Visa-On-Arrival for 126 countries, Visa-Free Entry for Gulf Cooperation Council nations, and 24-hour expedited visa processing are some of the main features of the Green Tourism Visa Policy.

It is anticipated that these endeavors will draw in about 80 million dollars in foreign direct investment and 8.3 billion rupees in domestic investment.

Green Tourism Private Limited has introduced hunting resorts in Naltar, Hunza, and Skardu, along with four- and five-star city hotels, to improve the tourism experience.

In the first phase of the project, 17 of the 78 areas have seen the start of development activity.

Approved is a central authority for Green Tourism that will supervise the growth of Air Operations.

To promote Religious Tourism, extra precautions have been taken to guarantee the security of visitors from all religions, including Sikhs and Buddhists.

Furthermore, in order to improve the quality of the tourist experience, the green guide quality program has been introduced to supply top-notch tour guides.

There is now a deluxe bus excursion from Islamabad to Peshawar that promotes local culture.

Business

July 2024 export data from Pakistan shows a significant rise.

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

The Strategic Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been instrumental in improving Pakistani products’ access to international markets, as seen by the significant surge in exports from the country at the start of the 2024–25 fiscal year.

With a 7.26% rise over the same month the previous year, July 2024 exports to the US were $476.017 million. After increasing by 7.74% annually, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the second-largest export destination.

The third and fourth places were occupied by exports to the UK ($183.303 million) and China ($60.100 million). A substantial increase in exports to Afghanistan was recorded in July of this year, rising from $46.262 million to $88.065 million, largely due to successful anti-smuggling efforts.

With a combined export volume of $553.951 million, more important export destinations included Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

A bright future for the national economy is suggested by the growing confidence major international markets have in Pakistani exports. Through the efforts of SIFC and the government, this greater access to global markets has been made possible.

Pakistan’s economy is predicted to remain stable as a result of the export growth that SIFC has enabled.