Shahzad rejects Tareen’s objections to sugar probe

Special Ass­istant to the Prime Min­ister on Interior and Accoun­tability Shahzad Akbar reiterated on Saturday that strict action would be taken against those involved in the sugar crisis and the manipulators behind the hike in its prices.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said that inquiry into the sugar scandal was being carried out impartially as per the law.

He said there were reports that sugar prices wou­ld be increased in Ramazan, adding that action had been taken against those who were invo­lved in artificial price hike through speculation.

“To check artificial price hike of sugar through speculation, ex-mill price of sugar has been fixed at Rs80 per kilogram in Punjab,” the SAPM said. “None of the governments in the past has done so.”

Responding to the allegations made by estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen, Mr Akbar said: “No one is being targeted as this investigation is not person-specific.”

He referred to the objections raised in front of media by Mr Tareen a day earlier over the allegations of fraudulently misappropriating shareholder’s money and committing money laundering through the sugar business by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Mr Akbar said that Mr Tareen’s reservations that he was being targeted in the inquiry were “incorrect and the inquiry is being carried out impartially”.

The special assistant started his media talk by giving a brief background of the history of sugar crises in the country, which dates back to Gen Ayub Khan’s era. He said that the federal cabinet had ordered an inquiry into the sugar crisis in May last year after FIA-led inquiry commission submitted its report.

Mr Akbar said that he was facing immense pressure during the process and all stakeholders, including the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association, had voiced concern against the ongoing inquiry.

“Accountability is not an easy task. You cannot make friends while doing it,” he remarked.

He said that actions were being taken against those involved in the sugar scam on the recommendations of the sugar commission report that was transparent and the government had not provided protection to anyone.

The special assistant said that three FIRs had been registered in the light of the findings of the report.

“The sugar mills have been manipulating the situation. Since ex-mill price is not determined by the authorities, the vacuum gives space to profit mafia and these are the people who neither own mills nor are sugarcane growers and not even authorised dealers, but they operate the network of price setting through verbal communications,” he said.

“FIA officials in Karachi and Lahore conducted operations against these manipulators and confiscated their laptops and mobile phone sets, and it was unearthed that there were 16 WhatsApp groups to set future sugar price,” he said.

“However the sugar mills too are not innocent and they are part of this chain and benefit from these price manipulations,” Mr Akbar added.

He said that the “additional benefits” were deposited in fake or benami bank accounts. Only in the Lahore zone of FIA, 10 FIRs had been registered against 40 major manipulators or brokers operating 464 personal bank accounts which showed Rs106 billion turnover during this season, he said. These accounts had been frozen and based on the ledgers of these accounts, 392 fake/benami personal bank accounts had been identified, showing a turnover of Rs666bn, he said. But these accounts have not yet been frozen and their data has been forwarded to the State Bank of Pakistan and the FBR for action under the “know your customer” (KYC) regime.

The special assistant also spoke about the new provincial law titled “Punjab Prevention of Speculation in Essential Commodities Ordinance 2021, which has been enforced recently.

He said that the law covered sugar, edible oil, ghee, wheat flour and rice, and price speculations of these items had been made a crime under it.

“Besides the whole supply chain of sugar has been streamlined through only two offices, that of the cane commissioner and the relevant deputy commissioner,” he added.

He highlighted that the sugar inquiry commission report was presented to the federal government in May 2020 and at that time three types of actions were taken -- penal action, administrative action and legislative reforms.

“The journey from May 2020 till now was not an easy task, he said. The Federal Board of Revenue was asked to launch a forensic audit of the sugar companies.

Mr Akbar said that revenue generation from the sugar industry had shown 100 per cent increase and the FBR had found out the embezzlement of taxes in sugar industry amounting Rs400bn in five years and taken action against sugar mills in Punjab and Sindh involved in it.

“The sugar commission report was challenged in the courts but the courts upheld the report and asked the government to take action,” Mr Akbar said, adding that the report had recommended investigations against nine major sugar mills.

He said that the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) had started to impose fines on sugar mills as the stay order on CCP orders had been vacated by the courts due to efforts made by the government.

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Schools closed in Sindh for two weeks: Ghani

The Sindh Education Department has decided to suspend physical classes till grade 8 of all schools in the province from April 6.

The classes will remain suspended for 15 days, said Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani in a tweet.

محکمہ تعلیم سندھ نے Covid کی صورتحال کے پیش نظر صوبے بھر کے تمام سرکاری و نجی اسکولوں میں آٹھویں جماعت تک میں 6 اپریل بروز منگل سے اگلے پندرہ روز کیلئے Physical کلاسز معطل کرنے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے تاہم بچوں کی تعلیم کو آن لائن، ہوم ورک اور دیگر ذرائع سے جاری رکھا جاسکتا ہے۔

— Senator Saeed Ghani (@SaeedGhani1) April 4, 2021

He said children's education will continue through online classes, homework and other means during this period.

Sources say a proposal was given to announce a closure of schools till class eight in a meeting of the steering committee of the Sindh Education Department, which was held under Ghani's chair.

During the meeting, two proposals regarding closure of schools in the province came up.

Last month, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho had suggested to the NCOC that schools should be only be closed if at least three people — students or teachers — test positive for coronavirus.

The health minister had also suggested it would be better to postpone the examinations for two weeks — and a single exam should be conducted with strict adherence to COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

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I cannot fight corruption alone: PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan said he cannot fight corruption alone, asking society to take part in a war against the menace.

The prime minister was answering questions from the public who were calling in with their queries. The premier was answering the questions, often seeking aid from his ministers and advisers, who were sitting in front of him.

Before he started taking calls from the public, the prime minister urged people to "help yourselves and help the nation" by observing coronavirus SOPs.

"I will advise everyone to wear this mask," he said, gripping one in his hand.

PM Imran Khan said it was the government's responsibility to protect people during the infection. He cautioned people to wear masks in closed rooms where there was no ventilation and in buses and other means of transport.

In response to the first caller, the prime minister said Pakistan was importing gas from other countries at exorbitant rates while the resources it was tapping in its own country, were on the decline.

He said countries progress due to higher education among the masses. "We also have to think about what sort of high education we have [to impart]," he said. "Buildings do not bring about quality education; it also depends on what type of degrees they are handing out to students," he said.

PM Imran said the government is bringing about "huge changes" in the HEC, adding that the previous chairman of the education commission was not selected by the incumbent government.

In response to the second caller who complained about inflation, PM Imran Khan said prices of vegetable and other food items were on the rise as the farmers who supplied them wanted their products to be sold at high prices in the market.

"The middlemen are making a lot of money from this," he said.

The prime minister said his government was working towards an ingenuous solution through which they are aiming to connect the primary producers of these items to the final consumers.

He said the masses will see the positive effects of the rupee strengthening against the US dollar, adding that the local currency's performance had already led to a decline in prices of diesel.

The premier spoke against "hoarders and mafias", saying they were responsible for the hoarding of necessary food items in the country.

"For the first time, we are going after mafias in Pakistan," he said. "The FIA completed its inquiry for the first time to bring to everyone's knowledge how a few people hoard basic food items so their prices skyrocket and they make profits out of it," he said.

Addressing the caller by name, PM Imran Khan said: "Ambreen, you need not be frightened [over inflation] because the government is working towards tackling this solution".

He revealed the government is working towards revolutionising the agriculture sector so Pakistan is self-sufficient in basic food items and other products.

The third caller raised a couple of questions, among them one related to the health system. PM Imran Khan said Pakistan was introducing the health card system due to which people will be able to get themselves treated via insurance at any hospital across the country.

"I assure you, this facility is not extended to people even in developed countries," he said.

The prime minister highlighted how the government was bringing about measures in the health sector, including exempting duty from hospital equipment from abroad.

Answering another caller's complaint on corruption, PM Imran Khan said "corruption was a cancer" which ends up feasting on a country's progress like termites feast on wood.

He said when prime ministers became corrupt and stole billions from the masses, it resulted in money going out from Pakistan into other countries.

PM Imran Khan cited a UN report, saying that a mammoth total of $1,000bn was sent to developed countries from poor states each year through corruption and money laundering.

"I am one of the few heads of state in the world who is calling upon the developed countries to return our money back to us," he said, adding that the rich countries were reluctant to do so as they were reaping the benefits of it.

He said Pakistan was fighting a war against corruption, adding that a handful of people in the country were being brought to book for their crimes in Pakistan.

"The entire nation will have to fight this war. Imran Khan alone cannot win it," he said, lamenting how the people used to shower rose petals at people who were released from prisons after being accused of being involved in corrupt practices.

The prime minister spoke out against shamelessness, saying it was giving rise to temptation in society.

"If you keep on increasing shamelessness in society, every person does not have the willpower [to control it]," he said.

The prime minister recounted his experience in London, when "sex, drugs and rock n roll" were just taking a hold in the country. He said society as a whole will fight this menace too, adding that such shamelessness was giving rise to rapes and other cases of sexual violence.

"Why did I bring Turkish drama series Ertugrul to Pakistan?" he asked, saying that it was entertainment that did not breach any moral boundaries unlike Bollywood and Hollywood movies.

Answering another caller's questions, PM Imran Khan said in Pakistan, his party had brought about a "democratic change" unlike the revolutions in France and Iran.

He said the PTI had defeated a two-party system in Pakistan and helped new people take up ministries. The prime minister said previously, the two parties who were at each other's throats, were now demanding he step down and were on one page.

"This is the change," he said, adding that now, a government was in place which did not tolerate corruption and was not willing to let the menace go unchecked.

Citing his government's achievements, PM Imran Khan said the rupee had strengthened for the first time in many years.

"It means we are doing something right," he said. "Have a bit of patience and this country will take off," he added.

The premier said his government was bringing a new agriculture policy which would ensure Pakistan made a lot of progress.

Sources confirmed the prime minister rejected advice from his aides and ministers, who suggested he answer questions from people in a recorded telecast. The prime minister, instead, insisted on answering the questions during a live transmission.

Earlier, a tweet from information minister Shibli Faraz confirmed the development.

"The prime minister will interact with people via telephone calls tomorrow ( Sunday April 4) live telecast from 11:30 am-1pm," he had tweeted on Saturday.

Previously, Senator Faisal Javed had announced that the prime minister will directly be responding to queries from people.

Anyone wishing to ask the prime minister a question may put in a call at 051-9224900.

The senator had said the premier's conversation with people would be broadcast live on television, radio and digital media.

The last time the prime minister took calls from people was during a telethon for Naya Pakistan Housing scheme on March 28.

Prior to that, in January, a similar announcement was made, encouraging people to put in their calls and speak to the prime minister directly about the issues that they wish for the government to address.

During his first speech after his victory to become the prime minister, PM Imran Khan had also promised he will be "answerable" before the people twice every month in a "Question Hour" in the National Assembly.

His interactions over the course of the last year with people via video messages on social media or televised addresses have largely focused on the coronavirus pandemic, urging people to realise the importance of exercising caution and wearing masks so Pakistan can successfully reduce the spread of the virus.

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First Roza will be on April 14, Fawad Chuadry

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry Saturday said the moon of Ramadan can be “clearly” sighted in major cities on the evening of April 13 and the first Roza will be on April 14.

Fawad Chauhdry said that the first Ramadan will be on April 14 in Pakistan. “May the Almighty bless everyone in this month,” he prayed.

Earlier, the science ministry said the moon will be clearly sighted in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on April 13 in Peshawar to sight the moon for the holy month of Ramadan, a statement from the body had said earlier this week.

Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad has summoned the session, the statement said, adding the meeting of zonal and district committees would take place at their respective headquarters.

This would be the first Ramadan moon sighting under the new chairman, Moulana Azad, who was appointed by the federal government in December last year, replacing Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman.

The new chairman in January said he would try his best to bring harmony in observing Ramazan and celebrating Eid in the country in the years to come.

"The entire nation will observe fasting on the same days and also celebrate Eid on one day," he had said.

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First Roza will be on April 14, Fawad Chuadry

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry Saturday said the moon of Ramadan can be “clearly” sighted in major cities on the evening of April 13 and the first Roza will be on April 14.

Fawad Chauhdry said that the first Ramadan will be on April 14 in Pakistan. “May the Almighty bless everyone in this month,” he prayed.

Earlier, the science ministry said the moon will be clearly sighted in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on April 13 in Peshawar to sight the moon for the holy month of Ramadan, a statement from the body had said earlier this week.

Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad has summoned the session, the statement said, adding the meeting of zonal and district committees would take place at their respective headquarters.

This would be the first Ramadan moon sighting under the new chairman, Moulana Azad, who was appointed by the federal government in December last year, replacing Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman.

The new chairman in January said he would try his best to bring harmony in observing Ramazan and celebrating Eid in the country in the years to come.

"The entire nation will observe fasting on the same days and also celebrate Eid on one day," he had said.

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Jahangir Tareen, son get interim bail in sugar scandal case

A banking court on Saturday granted interim bail to CEO JWD sugar mills, Jahangir Tareen, and his son Ali Tareen in sugar scam and money laundering charges.

Additional Session Judge Hamid Hussain while acting on the plea, granted interim bails to Jahangir Tareen and his son until April 10 against surety bonds of Rs0.5million each.

The court has served notice to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and sought its reply in the case.

Talking to newsmen outside the court, Jahangir Tareen rejected the allegations of the FIA and added they have a full money trail.

On Wednesday, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had filed two FIRs against Jahangir Tareen and two other family members in the sugar scandal and money laundering charges.

FIA Lahore registered cases against CEO of JWD Sugar Mills, Jahangir Tareen, his son Ali Tareen and his son-in-law in the sugar scam.

“The probe found that the company’s chief Rana Naseem acted as main aide and made over 600 million rupees transactions from JWD’s accounts”.

On Thursday, the banking court has also granted interim bail to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) JWD sugar mills, Rana Naseem Ahmed in sugar scam.

Rana Naseem Ahmed had moved banking court after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team probing sugar scam registered a case against Jahangir Tareen, his son Ali Tareen and him.

The JWD CFO had pleaded innocent before the court in his plea and added he has nothing to do with the hike in sugar price. Banking court judge Ameer Ahmed Khan, while granting interim bail to Rana Naseem, had ordered him to submit a surety bond of Rs0.5 million.

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Corona claims 84 more lives in Pakistan during the past 24 hours

Coronavirus has claimed 84 more lives in Pakistan during the past 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to 14,697, reported on Saturday.

The latest statistics of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) showed the COVID-19 has claimed 84 more lives and 4,723 fresh infections were reported during the period.

During the period of a day, the total count of active cases was recorded at 58,500 and the positivity rate stood at 9.41 per cent.

The health facilities across the country conducted 50,186 coronavirus detection tests.

Yesterday, NCOC had expressed satisfaction over the procurement process of coronavirus vaccines and its subsequent rollout process to federating units.

In the session headed by Chairman NCOC Asad Umar and co-chaired by Chief Coordinator Lt General Hamood Uz Zaman Khan, the forum asked the provinces to pursue vaccination targets vigorously.

The forum was informed that one million Sinopharm vaccines purchased by Pakistan have been received and distributed amongst all federating units.

The forum expressed concerns over the non-implementation of NCOC instructions on adherence to SOPs on wearing of masks, social distancing and commercial timings.

It was also decided that senior citizens over 65 years can walk into designated vaccination centres for administering doses through on-spot registration facility.

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