Business
FBR chief’s accountability sought in cigarette theft case
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Monday called for accountability for the theft of 2,828 cartons of confiscated cigarettes from Federal Board of Revenue godowns in Swabi and Mardan, and summoned the FBR chairman for an explanation and clarification.
Saifullah Abro chaired the meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control to examine the theft case. The committee expressed strong displeasure at the FBR chairman’s absence and emphasised that his presence at the next meeting is mandatory to ensure the timely conclusion of this matter of significant public importance.
The committee was informed that the confiscated consignment was seized in 2024 and that three officials — a chowkidar, a Naib Qasid, and a driver — were dismissed on the recommendations of an internal inquiry committee.
However, serious concerns were raised regarding anomalies in the inquiry report. The convener questioned the rationale for dismissing lower-grade officials, given that reports from the police and FIA indicated that the godowns’ seals, ceilings, and locks were found intact. He further questioned whether such officials could have executed the theft with such precision.
The committee also expressed concern that the exact date of the theft remains unknown. It was observed that responsibility appeared to be limited to lower-tier staff while officers in higher grades remained unaccountable.
Members showed dissatisfaction over the submission of incomplete working papers. The FIA investigation team informed the Committee that, despite repeated requests, CCTV footage, stock registers, and the internal inquiry report had not been provided. The committee expressed serious concern about the failure to provide critical case records to the FIA.
The committee also questioned the decision to shift the confiscated consignment from a CCTV-monitored godown to another facility lacking surveillance cameras.
The convenor directed FBR to provide complete documentation, including the authority responsible for ordering the transfer and the proceedings of the internal inquiry committee.
While the committee was apprised that FBR has strengthened its security mechanisms and devised comprehensive SOPs, members highlighted recent theft incidents and sought detailed records of similar cases from 2012 onwards.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2026
Business
PTCL Group posts loss of Rs9.7bn in 2025
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) Group on Tuesday announced its consolidated annual financial results for the year ended Dec 31, 2025 maintaining the loss streak.
The group made a net loss of Rs9.7 billion for 2025.
The mobile segment of the group, Ufone posted a revenue growth of 14pc year-on-year, its operating profit reached Rs17.6bn that is 283pc against 2024, yet the company still remains in net loss, which reduced significantly by 89pc.
The group loss was primarily driven by accelerated expected credit loss (ECL) provisioning at Ubank following revisions to the Prudential Regulations.
Ubank has strengthened its balance sheet by adopting IFRS 9, resulting in increased impairment allowances for ECL following updated regulatory requirements.
The group’s consolidated revenue increased by 12pc year-on-year, driven by strong performance in fixed broadband, enterprise, wholesale and mobile services. The consolidated operating profit grew 216pc year-on-year, underscoring strong operational performance.
Revenue grew by 12pc, led by 50pc growth in Flash Fibre and 16pc growth in business solutions compared to the last financial year.
The carrier and wholesale business has maintained momentum with 28pc growth.
PTCL’s operating profit reached Rs18.2bn, up 49pc YoY and posted a net profit of Rs1.4bn despite one-off booking of additional pension liability amounting to Rs6.9bn pursuant to the decision of the Supreme Court.
Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026
Business
Religious Affairs, IT Ministries sign MoUs to Digitalise Hajj management system
Business
NA panel seeks answers over delay in work on Quetta Expo Centre
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee has expressed concern over the delay in the establishment of the Expo Centre in Quetta and the implementation of the Export Accelerator for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The concerns were raised during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, chaired by Jawed Hanif Khan.
At the outset, the committee also raised concerns over cost escalation, prolonged delays, changes in project location, lack of provincial coordination, and accountability gaps.
The ministry of commerce sought additional funding of Rs3 billion for the project, while Planning Division advised that allocations be managed within existing resources or via project-specific approvals.
On the Export Accelerator, the committee members stressed the need for clear outcomes, financial commitment, and inter-ministerial coordination to ensure effective implementation.
Meanwhile, the committee endorsed the allocation of Rs15bn subsidy from the Export Development Fund (EDF) to support rice exporters, noting its strategic importance amid regional market shifts and India’s export restrictions.
The commerce ministry confirmed daily monitoring and committed to submitting a detailed follow-up report within 90 days.
The committee reviewed NICL’s performance and board composition, recognising strong results over the past three years and real estate holdings valued at Rs25bn, including six units in Dubai worth Rs4.6bn.
Members discussed investment limits, SOPs, portfolio diversification, and risk coverage, while PRCL’s mandate and investment philosophy were reviewed in the context of its upcoming privatisation.
Pakistan’s gem and jewellery sector was also discussed, with members noting $450bn in estimated reserves, exports of Swat emeralds and challenges such as illegal gold exports and lack of hallmarking.
Proposals for a regulatory body, export promotion centres, and adoption of regional and international best practices were presented to ensure self-sustainability and separate management of gems and jewellery.
The commerce ministry was directed to evaluate these proposals against existing policies and submit recommendations.
The committee also showed concerns regarding value addition requirements and SRO 760 affecting gold and gemstone exports were highlighted. Members emphasised better coordination between the commerce ministry and the State Bank to resolve remittance and regulatory issues.
Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026
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